Packing box

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a packaging box formed of corrugated cardboard, which includes: a box body for accommodating articles; an inner cover that closes an opening at a side of the box body; and an outer cover that is folded at a folding portion to overlap with an outer surface of the inner cover facing outward. The rear surface of the outer cover includes a bonding portion bonded to the outer surface of the inner cover, and a first slit that is cut out from the rear surface and does not reach the front surface. The first slit is arranged to surround the bonding portion together with the folding portion. The rear surface includes a second slit that is cut out from the rear surface and does not reach the front surface. The second slit is cut to extend from the outer edge toward the first slit between the outer edge of the outer cover and the first slit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packing box for packing articles. Here, the packing box refers to a box in which articles are placed to ensure that the articles are not damaged from being placed in the box to being unpacked and used. Background Art

[0002] As an article that is desired to be placed in a packaging box to ensure that it is not damaged, for example, is a box used by an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer (such as a laser beam printer and an LED printer), a fax machine, a word processor, etc. The box is an article that can be removably installed in an image forming apparatus. As a box, there are boxes in which a photosensitive member as an image bearing member and a processing device (such as a developing device acting on the photosensitive member) are integrally placed, boxes in which only a developing device is placed, boxes in which only a developer is contained, etc. By the way, the main component of the image forming apparatus is equivalent to the part that remains after the box is removed from the image forming apparatus.

[0003] For example, an electrophotographic image forming device such as a printer using an electrophotographic process outputs an image by forming an image on a sheet of recording medium via the following steps. That is, first, it uniformly charges a photosensitive member (electrophotographic member) as an image bearing member. Then, it forms an electrostatic latent image by selectively exposing individual points of the charged photosensitive member. Then, it transfers the image formed by the developer on the photosensitive member (hereinafter may be referred to as the developer image) to the sheet of recording medium. Then, it fixes the developer image on the sheet by heating and pressurizing the sheet and the developer image on the sheet. This is how the electrophotographic image forming device records an image on a sheet of recording medium.

[0004] The image forming apparatus as described above often requires maintenance. For example, it needs to be supplied with developer, and its various processing devices need to be maintained. As one of the devices that make it easier for the operator of the image forming apparatus to supply developer to the image forming apparatus or to maintain the various processing devices of the image forming apparatus, there is a box system as described below. For example, a combination of a photosensitive component and a processing device (such as a charging device, a developing device, and a cleaning device) for processing the photosensitive component, or one or more parts thereof, are integrally placed in a box to form a processing box, and the processing box can be removably installed in the main component of the image forming apparatus. There are also developer boxes made by placing only the developing device in the box, and developer boxes (toner bottles) made by filling a developer container in the form of a box.

[0005] The cartridge system as described above enables the user to supply developer to the image forming device and / or maintain the image forming device by replacing one or more cartridges. Therefore, the cartridge system can significantly improve the operability of the image forming device. Therefore, the cartridge system has been widely used in the field of image forming devices, making it a common practice for the user to remove the cartridge from the main assembly of the image forming device and replace it with a brand new cartridge.

[0006] Here, the cartridge is usually packed in a packing box as an item to be shipped from a factory to ensure that the cartridge is not damaged. In order for a user to install a brand new cartridge in the main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the user has to unpack the packing box containing the new cartridge, take the cartridge out of the packing box, and then install the cartridge in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

[0007] As described above, it is desirable to package the box in a packaging box to ensure that the box is not damaged. However, there is a problem that the packaging box containing the box may be opened by mistake, thereby reducing the quality of the box. There is also a problem that the packaging box from which the box is taken out is reused to sell the fake box as a genuine product. Here, the fake box refers to a box manufactured by manufacturer A, but impersonated as the brand of manufacturer B to be sold as a box manufactured by manufacturer B.

[0008] As a countermeasure for the erroneous opening of a packaging box, a packaging box is proposed, which is constructed so that once it is opened, the trace of the opening will remain on the box. The following structural arrangement for the packaging box is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4332946. That is, a hole is punched on the outermost flap of the packaging box to show the part of the flap to be broken from the flap, and a small amount of adhesive is placed between the part of the flap and the inner flap of the packaging box to adhere the outermost flap to the inner flap. Therefore, when an attempt is made to unseal the outermost flap, the part of the outermost flap surrounded by the perforated line breaks from the outermost flap and remains adhered to the inner flap. That is, the trace of the opening of the packaging box remains on the box.

[0009] However, in the case of the structural arrangement disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4332946, when the outermost flap is closed again and bonded to the inner flap again with adhesive, the portion of the outermost flap broken off from the outermost flap will almost perfectly fit into the gap left in the outermost flap when the portion was broken off from the outermost flap, so that the traces of opening the packaging box may be easily and almost hidden.

[0010] Incidentally, the present invention is described herein with reference to a case where the article to be packaged is a cartridge such as a process cartridge used in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic process. However, other consumables for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus other than the process cartridge may be the article to be packaged. For example, a waste toner container, a belt such as an intermediate transfer belt, a cartridge for an inkjet image forming apparatus, etc. may be listed. In addition, the article to be packaged is not limited to consumables for an image forming apparatus. For example, any commodity may be included, including food, medicine, quasi-drug, etc. Summary of the invention

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a packaging box formed of corrugated cardboard for packaging items to be packaged is provided, the packaging box comprising: a box body, the box body being capable of accommodating the items to be packaged and being provided with an opening at its side portion; an inner cover portion, the inner cover portion being configured to close at least a portion of the opening; and an outer cover portion, the outer cover portion being folded at a folding portion to overlap with at least a portion of an outer surface of the inner cover portion facing outward, wherein when the surface of the outer cover portion opposite to the inner cover portion is a rear surface and the surface opposite to the rear surface is a front surface, the rear surface is provided with: a bonding portion bonded to the outer surface of the inner cover portion, a first slit cut out from the rear surface and not reaching the front surface, the first slit being configured to surround the bonding portion together with the folding portion, and a second slit cut out from the rear surface and not reaching the front surface, the second slit being cut to extend from the outer edge toward the first slit between the outer edge of the outer cover portion and the first slit

[0012] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus.

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the box.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-section of a piece of corrugated cardboard.

[0016] Figure 4 is a plan view of the box before it is assembled.

[0017] Figure 5 Here is a perspective view of the completed box.

[0018] Figure 6is a perspective view of the box; it is used to describe the correct way to open the box.

[0019] Figure 7 Part (a) and part (b) of the drawings are side views of the packaging box; they are used to describe the correct part of the packaging box from which the box is to be unsealed when the box is correctly unsealed.

[0020] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a partially completed box.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a plan view of the right rear outer side flap of the packaging box.

[0022] Fig.10 : is a plan view of the right rear outer side flap of the packaging box; this plan view is used to illustrate another example of the perforation line.

[0023] Fig.11 is a schematic perspective view of a partially unsealed packaging box; it is used to describe the unsealing operation of the packaging box.

[0024] Fig.12 is a schematic perspective view of a partially unsealed packaging box; it is used to describe the unsealing operation of the packaging box.

[0025] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a packaging box; it is used to describe another example of the positioning of the secondary depth controlled slits.

[0026] Fig.14 Part (a), part (b), and part (c) of FIG. 1 are schematic perspective views of a partially unsealed packaging box; they are used to describe another example of the unsealing operation of the packaging box.

[0027] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a packaging box; it is used to describe another example of the positioning of the secondary depth controlled slits.

[0028] Fig.16 Part (a), part (b), and part (c) of FIG. 1 are schematic perspective views of a packing box; they are used to describe another example of the unsealing operation of the packing box.

[0029] Fig.17 It is a plan view of the right rear outer side flap of the packaging box.

[0030] Fig.18 is a perspective view of another example of a completed packaging box.

[0031] Fig.19 is a schematic perspective view of another example of a completed packaging box; it is used to describe the unpacking operation of the packaging box.

[0032] Fig. 20Parts (a) and (b) are schematic cross-sectional views of other examples of corrugated cardboard.

[0033] Fig.21 Part (a) and part (b) of FIG. 1 are schematic perspective views of a portion of a packaging box; they are used to describe other examples of the unsealing operation of unsealing the packaging box from a correct area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, a packing box according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] [Example 1]

[0036] Next, a first embodiment of the present invention relating to a packing box is described. In this embodiment, an article to be packed in the packing box is a box that can be removably mounted in a main component of an image forming device. First, an image forming device and a box as an article to be packed in the packing box are described. Then, a depth-controlled slit provided on the packing box is described. Finally, the packing box of this embodiment is described.

[0037] 1. Image forming device

[0038] Figure 1 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 100 in which a cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, or PK) as an article to be packed in a packing box in the present embodiment can be removably mounted. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge P (PY, PM, PC or PK).

[0039] The image forming apparatus 100 is a full-color laser beam printer using an electrophotographic process. It adopts a cartridge system. It is constructed so that four cartridges (processing cartridges) P (PY, PM, PC, and PK) for forming yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) images, respectively, can be removably mounted in its main assembly 110 (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus main assembly 110). Incidentally, in the case where the functions and structures of the elements in each cartridge are the same as those of the corresponding parts in the other cartridges, they can be described without mentioning the suffixes related to the colors of the images formed by each cartridge. Incidentally, the apparatus main assembly 110 is the part that remains after the cartridge P is removed from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0040] The removable cartridge P is installed into the apparatus main assembly 110 so that the image forming apparatus 100 can form a full-color image on a recording medium (recording material, transfer medium, sheet) S. As the recording medium S, recording paper, label paper, OHP film, cloth, etc. can be listed. The image forming apparatus 100 is configured so that the first, second, third and fourth cartridges PY, PM, PC and PK are sequentially positioned in parallel along a substantially horizontal direction in the apparatus main assembly 110. The apparatus main assembly 110 has: a laser scanner 103 as an optical device; a combination of a primary transfer roller 106, an intermediate transfer belt 107 and a secondary transfer roller 108 as a transfer device; a fixing device 109 as a fixing unit; a conveying portion 111 as a device for conveying the recording medium 3; and the like.

[0041] The box P includes a drum unit 114 and a developing device (developing unit) 104 connected to each other. Each box P is the same as other boxes P in the electronic photographic processing system, but the difference is that the color of the toner used for development is different from that of other boxes. The drum unit 114 has a photosensitive drum 101 (101Y, 101M, 101C or 101K) as a rotatable image bearing member in the form of a drum. In addition, it has a processing device for processing the photosensitive drum 101. More specifically, it has: a charging roller 102 (102Y, 102M, 102C or 102K) as a charging device; and a cleaning blade 105 (105Y, 105M, 105C or 105K) as a cleaning device. The drum unit 114 is constructed so that the photosensitive drum 101, the charging roller 102, the cleaning blade 105, etc. are supported by a cleaning device frame 151. As for the developing device 104, it also has a processing device for processing the photosensitive drum 101. More specifically, it has a developing roller (developer carrying member) 141. The developing device 104 is configured so that the developing roller 141 and the like are supported by a developing device frame 142. The first, second, third and fourth cartridges PY, PM, PC and PK contain yellow, magenta, cyan and black toners in their developing device frames 142, respectively.

[0042] The photosensitive drum 101 is Figure 1 The photosensitive drum 101 is rotated and driven in the counterclockwise direction. As the photosensitive drum 101 rotates, it is uniformly charged to a preset polarity (negative in this embodiment) and potential level by the charging roller 102. During the charging of the photosensitive drum 101 by the charging roller 102, a charging voltage of a preset value is applied to the charging roller 102 by a voltage applying device provided on the main assembly 110 of the device. After the photosensitive drum 101 is charged, its peripheral surface is scanned (exposed) by a laser beam projected by a laser scanner 103, and modulated with image information corresponding to each box P. Therefore, an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) is formed according to the information of the image corresponding to each box P.

[0043] The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 101 is developed (into a visible image) by the developing device 104 (by toner supplied by the developing device 104 ).

[0044] The main assembly 110 of the apparatus is provided with an intermediate transfer belt 107 as an intermediate transfer member, which is an endless belt. The intermediate transfer belt 107 is arranged in a manner opposite to the four cartridges P. It is supported and stretched by two or more supporting rollers and is moved along the Figure 1 The primary transfer rollers 106Y, 106M, 106C and 106K are positioned opposite to the photosensitive drums 101Y, 101M, 101C and 101K, respectively, on the inner side of the loop (belt loop) formed by the intermediate transfer belt 107. The primary transfer roller 106 is kept pressed toward the photosensitive drum 101, and the intermediate transfer belt 107 exists between itself and the photosensitive drum 101, forming a primary transfer portion (primary transfer nip), that is, a contact area between the photosensitive drum 101 and the intermediate transfer belt 107.

[0045] The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 101 is transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 107 in the primary transfer section. During the primary transfer, a primary transfer voltage having a polarity (positive in this embodiment) opposite to the normal polarity of the toner (polarity during development) is applied to the primary transfer roller 106. For example, in the case of forming a full-color image, the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 101Y, 101M, 101C, and 101K, respectively, are sequentially transferred (primary transfer) in a layered manner on the intermediate transfer belt 107.

[0046] At the same time, in synchronization with the formation of the toner image, the recording medium S is fed one by one into the main assembly 110 of the device by the recording medium feeding section 111. The secondary transfer roller 108 is arranged on the outside of the loop formed by the intermediate transfer belt 107 in a manner opposite to one of the belt support rollers. The secondary transfer roller 108 is kept pressed toward the belt support roller, and the intermediate transfer belt 107 exists between itself and the belt support roller, forming a secondary transfer section (secondary transfer nip), that is, a contact area between the intermediate transfer belt 107 and the secondary transfer roller 108. When the recording medium S is fed into the main assembly 110 of the device, it is conveyed to the secondary transfer section and then conveyed through the secondary transfer section. The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 107 is transferred (secondary transfer) onto the recording medium S in the secondary transfer section. During the secondary transfer, a secondary transfer voltage having a polarity (positive in this embodiment) opposite to the normal toner charging polarity (polarity during development) is applied to the secondary transfer roller 108 .

[0047] After the toner image is transferred onto the recording medium S, the recording medium S is conveyed to the fixing device 109, which fixes (melts and solidifies) the unfixed toner image on the recording medium S onto the recording medium S by heating and pressing the recording medium S. Thus, an image is completed on the recording medium S. Thereafter, the recording medium S is conveyed by a pair of discharge rollers 112 or the like, whereby the recording medium S is discharged (output) to the conveying section 113.

[0048] The toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 101 after the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 107 is removed from the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 101 by the cleaning blade 105, and is recovered into the cleaning device frame 151. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is cleaned by the cleaning blade 105. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 101 can be uniformly charged again by the charging roller 102 for forming the next image. The toner (secondary transfer toner) remaining on the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 107 after the toner image is transferred onto the recording medium S is removed and recovered by the intermediate transfer member cleaning device (not shown).

[0049] 2. Depth-controlled slit

[0050] Next, refer to Figure 3 , describing the "controlled depth slits" provided on the packaging box. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a double-faced corrugated cardboard 200 at a plane substantially perpendicular to the surface of the cardboard 200. In this embodiment, the packaging box is formed of the double-faced corrugated cardboard 200 as a corrugated cardboard (corrugated cardboard).

[0051] In the following description of the embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the corrugated cardboard corresponding to the outside of the completed packaging box will be referred to as the front surface F (hereinafter referred to as the "outside"). In addition, the surface of a piece of corrugated cardboard corresponding to the inside of the completed packaging box will be referred to as the back surface R. In addition, the portion of a piece of corrugated cardboard between the front surface F and the back surface R of the corrugated cardboard will be referred to as the middle layer I. Figure 3 In the case of the double-faced corrugated cardboard 200 shown, its front surface F corresponds to the outer wall 201a of the corrugated cardboard. In addition, in the case of the double-faced corrugated cardboard, the rear surface R of the corrugated cardboard corresponds to the inner surface of the inner wall 201b. In addition, the middle layer I of the corrugated cardboard includes: a portion of the double-faced corrugated cardboard located inside the front surface F; a core 202 (corrugated cardboard) of the double-faced corrugated cardboard located between the inner surface of the outer wall 201a and the inner surface of the inner wall 201b; and an outer portion of the inner wall 201b located outside the rear surface R of the corrugated cardboard.

[0052] A "controlled depth slit" refers to a slit (incision) that cuts from the rear surface R side of the corrugated cardboard to the middle of the corrugated cardboard. It refers to a slit that does not completely penetrate the corrugated cardboard from the rear surface R to the front surface F. Just like the controlled depth slits H1, H2 and H3, the "controlled depth slit" has nothing to do with whether it extends into the core 202 of the middle layer I of the corrugated cardboard. In addition, the "controlled depth slit" has nothing to do with its depth. However, it usually penetrates the inner wall 201b. In such a case, the unsealing operation to be described later is likely to cause separation of the middle layer I of the corrugated cardboard (including breaking of the core 202), making it easier for the packaging box 1 to leave obvious signs of the unsealing of the packaging box 1.

[0053] Here, the application of the present invention is not limited to Figure 3 That is, the present invention is also applicable to multi-layer (double-layer) corrugated paperboard, such as Fig. 20 (a) shows a double-layer paperboard 200a, Fig. 20 (b) shows a multi-layer corrugated cardboard 200b (three-layer corrugated cardboard) or the like. That is, the present invention is also applicable to a multi-layer corrugated cardboard made by laminating two or more double-faced corrugated cardboards. In the case of a multi-layer corrugated cardboard, its front surface F is the outer surface of the outermost side wall 201a.

[0054] In addition, in the case of a multi-layer corrugated paperboard, its rear surface R is the inner surface of the innermost liner 201b. In addition, its middle layer I includes the entirety between its front surface F and rear surface R, that is, the outer wall and inner wall, the core, etc. between its front surface F and rear surface R. In addition, in the case of a corrugated paperboard with three or more layers, the definition of "depth-controlled slit" still applies. That is, such a slit cuts into the multi-layer corrugated paperboard from the rear surface R side of the paperboard, but does not reach the front surface F of the paperboard. This definition of "depth-controlled" has nothing to do with whether the "slit" reaches the core (202a, 202b, and 202c) in each middle layer I of the paperboard and the other walls (201c and 201d) except (201a, 201b) in the outermost and innermost walls, or the depth of the slit. However, typically, the "controlled-depth slit" penetrates the innermost wall 201b, or penetrates a plurality of walls other than the wall 201a or the outermost wall, namely the walls (201b, 201c and 201d). In this case, the middle layer I of the multi-layer paperboard is likely to be broken and damaged by the unsealing operation of the packaging box, which will be described below. That is, it is likely that the packaging box will leave obvious signs that the box has been unsealed.

[0055] Incidentally, the “slit” is different from the aforementioned “controlled-depth slit” in that the slit passes through from the rear surface R to the front surface F of the corrugated cardboard (or from the front surface F to the rear surface R), and is sometimes referred to as a “through slit”.

[0056] 3. The structure of the packaging box

[0057] Next, refer to Figure 4 , the overall structure of the packaging box 1 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 1 is a plan view of the packing box 1 in this embodiment as seen from the inside of the box before the packing box 1 is folded into a box. When the above-mentioned box P is required as an article to be transported, it is placed in the packing box 1 in this embodiment.

[0058] The packaging box 1 has a top panel 10, a rear panel 20, a bottom panel 30, a front panel 40, and a connecting panel 50. The top panel 10 and the rear panel 20 are connected to each other along a fold line (hinge portion, folding portion) 61. The rear panel 20 and the bottom panel 30 are connected to each other along a fold line 63. The bottom panel 30 and the front panel 40 are connected to each other along a fold line 65. The front panel 40 and the connecting panel 50 are connected to each other along a fold line 67.

[0059] In addition, the top panel 10 is connected to the right inner flap 11R and the left inner flap 11L along fold lines 62R and 62L, respectively. The rear panel 20 is connected to the right outer flap 21R and the left outer flap 21L along fold lines 64R and 64L, respectively. The bottom panel 30 is connected to the right inner flap 31R and the left inner flap 31L along fold lines 66R and 66L, respectively. In addition, the front panel 40 is connected to the right inner flap 41R and the left inner flap 41L along fold lines 68R and 68L, respectively.

[0060] Before the front body of the packaging box 1 is folded into the packaging box 1, the front body is flat, as shown in FIG4. The front body is folded into the packaging box 1 by the following steps. First, the front body is bent vertically along the fold lines 61, 63, 65 and 67 to obtain the top plate 10, the back plate 20, the bottom plate 30, the front plate 40 and the connecting plate 50, which form a cylindrical member with a roughly rectangular cross-section. That is, the top plate 10, the back plate 20, the bottom plate 30, the front plate 40 and the connecting plate 50 become the walls of the box 1a. When the front body is bent along the above-mentioned fold lines, the left and right openings 1b ( 1a ) of the box 1a are closed by the folding plates arranged on the top plate 10, the back plate 20, the bottom plate 30 and the front plate 40 of the box 1a. Figure 4 ). A box P as an article to be packaged is placed in the inner space of the box 1a. When making the packaging box 1, an adhesive such as a "hot melt" adhesive is used to fix the above-mentioned flaps to the corresponding plates. However, the "hot melt" adhesive is not necessarily the only adhesive used to produce the packaging box 1. That is, any adhesive can be used. For example, a double-sided tape can be used.

[0061] Next, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , describing the method for converting the precursor into the packaging box 1 in this embodiment.

[0062] Figure 5 1 is a perspective view of the completed packaging box 1 in this embodiment as seen from the right rear outer side flap 21R side.

[0063] First, the Figure 4 The front body in the state shown is bent inwardly approximately vertically along the fold lines 61, 63, 65 and 67. Then, the top plate 10 and the connecting plate 50 overlapping each other are bonded to each other by using a "hot melt" adhesive. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the front body is folded so that the top plate 10 and the connecting plate 50 overlap each other in such a manner that the connecting plate 50 is placed on the inner side of the top plate 10. Next, the front body is bent inwardly approximately vertically along the fold lines 62R, 66R, 62L and 66L. Then, it is bent inwardly approximately vertically along the fold lines 68R and 68L. Thereafter, it is bent inwardly approximately vertically along the fold lines 64R and 64L. Then, the right rear outer flap 21R overlapping the front inner flap 41R is bonded to the right front inner flap 41R by using a hot melt adhesive 2, and the left rear outer flap 21L overlapping the left front inner flap 41L is bonded to the left front inner flap 41L by using a hot melt adhesive 2. Figure 5 The packing box 1 is shown after the right rear outer flap 21R is closed and bonded to the right front inner flap 41R. That is, it shows the completed packing box 1. The right front inner flap 41R serves as an inner cover portion that covers at least a portion of the opening 1b provided on the box 1a in which articles can be placed. The right rear outer flap 21R serves as an outer cover portion that is made by folding the front body along the fold line 64R. The right rear outer flap 21R and the like are described in more detail below with respect to their structure.

[0064] Incidentally, the packing box 1 of this embodiment is only an example of a packing box according to the present invention. That is, this embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, the application of the present invention is not limited to a packing box whose tubular portion has four walls. That is, the present invention is also applicable to a packing box whose tubular portion has three walls or more than five walls to accommodate items to be packaged.

[0065] 4. Normal method for opening the packaging box

[0066] If the packaging box containing the box is abnormally unsealed, the quality of the box may be reduced, and the unsealed box packaging box may be reused to sell fake boxes as original boxes. Therefore, in order to prevent these problems, the box P in this embodiment is constructed so that once the packaging box 1 of the box P is normally unsealed or abnormally unsealed, the packaging box 1 will leave a trace that the packaging box 1 has been unsealed. One of the traces indicating that the packaging box 1 has been abnormally unsealed is that the packaging box has been unsealed from a portion of the packaging box other than the portion designated as the normal unsealing point in order to remove the box P from the packaging box.

[0067] First, a normal unsealing method of the packaging box 1 will be described. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the packaging box 1 after its top plate 10 has been lifted to unseal the packaging box 1 . Figure 7 (a) is a side view of the packaging box 1 as seen from the direction indicated by arrow mark A. Figure 7 (b) is Figure 6 The side view of the packaging box 1 is shown after the top panel 10 has been opened.

[0068] In this embodiment, the packaging box 1 is constructed so that the top plate 10 is a normal part from which the packaging box 1 is to be unsealed. That is, in this embodiment, the packaging box 1 is constructed so that the box P as the packaged article can be taken out from the packaging box 1 by pivotally peeling the top plate 10 from the box 1a and pivotally peeling the connecting plate 50 adhered to the top plate 10 to expose the opening. Figure 7 (a), in this embodiment, the top plate 10 is provided with a pair of pull tabs 11, which the operator has to pinch when attempting to normally open the packaging box 1. In this embodiment, these pull tabs 11 are positioned and shaped so that one of their edges extends from an edge 10E of the top plate 10, and the edge 10E extends along (in this embodiment, approximately parallel to) the fold line 61, while the other edge extends along an arc toward the fold line 61. Similarly, in this embodiment, the pull tab 11 is located next to the fracture pattern 12 to be described below. In addition, the outer surface of the top plate 10 may be provided with a guide display portion 15, which displays the position where the packaging box 1 starts to be unsealed by using appropriate means such as printing. The guide display portion 15 may be, for example Figure 7 (a) is in the form of a pattern (arrow mark, etc.) indicating the unsealing direction as shown, or a written instruction for unsealing the packaging box 1. As described above, in this embodiment, the packaging box 1 is provided with the pull tab 11, the guide display portion 15, etc., so that the operator can easily understand that the top plate 10 is the portion of the packaging box 1 from which the unsealing of the packaging box 1 is started. By the way, as long as the guide (unsealing) instructions can be placed in other areas of the packaging box 1 except the top plate 10, the operator can understand that the top plate 10 is the normal portion of the packaging box 1 from which the packaging box 1 is unsealed.

[0069] In addition, refer to Figure 7 (a), the top plate 10 is provided with a fracture pattern 12 whose outline is formed by a perforation line. The fracture pattern 12 has two ends, more specifically, a starting point 12a and an end point 12b on the outer edge 10E of the top plate 10. It extends from the starting point 12a to the end point 12b. It is roughly rectangular and has two sides extending in a direction perpendicular to the above-mentioned outer edge 10E (roughly perpendicular in this embodiment), and one side extending in a direction parallel to the above-mentioned outer edge 10E (roughly parallel in this embodiment). Here, "perforation line" refers to a line including a plurality of through slits or depth-controlled slits positioned sequentially and alternately and a constant interval. The "perforation line" only needs to enable the fracture pattern 12 to be disconnected from the rest of the top plate 10 and remain bonded to the connecting plate 50 when the packaging box 1 is normally unsealed (which will be described in detail below). The starting point 12a and the end point 12b can be a part of any one of the through slits or depth-controlled slits of the perforation line.

[0070] The portion of the top panel 10 surrounded by the broken perforated line 12 and the above-mentioned outer edge 10E is bonded to the outer surface of the connecting plate 50 by means of a hot melt adhesive through its inner surface, so that the top panel 10 is permanently bonded to the connecting plate 50. In this embodiment, the packaging box 1 is provided with a tamper-proof seal 13, which is pasted to the outside of the top panel 10 and positioned in a manner spanning the broken perforated line 12 (the side of the broken perforated line parallel to the outer edge 10E). As the tamper-proof seal 13, such a seal is used, which is irreparably damaged when the broken portion of the top panel 10 is disconnected from the main part of the top panel 10 by a usual unsealing operation. As the tamper-proof seal 13, any known seal that can be applied can be used. For example, such a seal can be used, which is difficult to peel off from the top panel 10, but when it is subjected to such a force perpendicular to its bonding surface, it may be relatively easy to tear open. In addition, a seal may be used that is easily torn apart when subjected to an external force, and / or when subjected to an external force, the outer surface of the seal separates from its adhesive surface, and the separation makes it impossible to repair the seal as designed. Here, the tamper-evident seal 13 is described as a typical tear-off seal.

[0071] If the operator wants to Figure 5 and 7 To open the package box 1 from a designated portion of the package box 1 from the state shown in (a), the operator pinches one of the pull tabs 11 or pinches the portion of the top plate 10 near the outer edge 10E and the perforated line 12, and applies force in the direction of pulling the top plate 10 away from the connecting plate 50. When the operator pulls the above portion of the top plate 10, the top plate 10 is pulled away from the connecting plate 50. Figure 6 and Figure 7(b) is opened so that the broken piece 14 is separated from the main part of the top plate 10 along the perforation line 12 and remains bonded to the connecting plate 50.

[0072] Furthermore, when the broken piece 14 is caused to be broken from the main portion of the top plate 10 along the perforated line 12, the tamper-proof seal 13 which remains adhered to the top plate 10 in a manner spanning the perforated line 12 is torn into two pieces 13a and 13b which remain respectively on the broken piece 14 and the top plate 10. Thereafter, the operator can complete the unsealing of the packaging box 1 so as to take out the box P from the packaging box 1 through the exposed opening of the packaging box 1.

[0073] As described above, in the case where the packaging box 1 in this embodiment is unsealed from a designated portion of the top plate 10, the broken piece 14 is disconnected from the rest of the top plate 10 and remains adhered to the connecting plate 50, and the tamper-proof seal 13 is also torn off. The tamper-proof seal 13 is a seal that is difficult to repair once torn off. In addition, when attempting to peel off the pieces 13a and / or 13b of the tamper-proof seal 13 from the top plate 10, traces of the attempt are left. For example, the outermost layer of the top plate 10 (i.e., the surface layer F of the corrugated cardboard) is separated from the rest. In addition, the tamper-proof seal 13 can be not only a seal that is torn off when the packaging box 1 is unsealed, but also a seal in which the pattern on the surface portion of the seal is destroyed due to the separation of the surface portion of the seal from its adhesive surface when the packaging box 1 is unsealed. That is, the packaging box 1 in this embodiment is a packaging box that will leave traces of unsealing even if the normal unsealing method of the packaging box 1 is used. By the way, in Figure 7 (b), the line followed by tearing the tamper-evident seal 13 is straight. However, this embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, the packaging box 1 can be configured so that when the packaging box 1 is unsealed, the tamper-evident seal 13 is torn into two pieces 13a and 13b, and the two pieces have a pair of serrated edges that complement each other and correspond one to one, so as to make the packaging box 1 more difficult to repair.

[0074] Here, the structural arrangement for leaving the packing box 1 with traces of the normal operation for unsealing the packing box 1 does not need to be limited to the contents in the above-mentioned embodiment. Fig.21 It is a schematic diagram for illustrating other structural arrangements that leave traces on the packaging box 1 during normal operation of unsealing the packaging box 1. For example, a known tamper-proof seal 16 is constructed so that when it is peeled off, as shown in FIG. 21( a), "opened" or similar words appear at the position where the seal was originally located (remaining at the position where the seal was originally located, and not peeled off with the seal). In addition, the present invention is also applicable to a packaging box 1 having a tearing tape 18, which separates the first portion 10a of the top panel 10 bonded to the connecting panel 50 by the adhesive 2 from the second portion 10b of the top panel 10, as shown in FIG. Fig.21(b) is shown. The tearing tape 18 can be made by making a pair of perforated lines 17 (positioned alternately by slits and intervals) parallel to the outer edge 10E of the top plate 10. In such a case, the tearing tape 18 can be removed by pulling it upward from one longitudinal end of the tape, and then the second part 10b is erected, and the first part 10a is erected together with the connecting plate 50, thereby opening the packaging box 1.

[0075] 5. Structure of the right rear outer folding plate

[0076] Next, the structural arrangement for causing the packing box 1 to leave "abnormal unsealing marks" (hereinafter may be referred to as "unsealing marks") of the packing box 1 is described. As described above, the structure of the packing box 1 in this embodiment is such that when the packing box 1 is normally unsealed from the top plate 10 (the second cover portion, which is the normal side of the packing box 1 to be unsealed), the unsealing of the packing box 1 will leave marks of the normal unsealing operation. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that, for example, when someone attempts to unseal the packing box 1 in an abnormal manner in order to reuse the packing box 1, the person may attempt to unseal it at the right rear outer flap 21R (the first outer cover) instead of the normal area. In this embodiment, the right rear outer flap 2R is constructed so that if the packing box 1 is abnormally unsealed, the packing box 1 will eventually leave marks of its abnormal unsealing.

[0077] Figure 8 1 is a perspective view of the packing box 1 in this embodiment as seen from the right rear outer side flap 21R side before the right rear outer side flap 21R is closed. Fig. 9 2 is a plan view of the right rear outer side flap 21R of the packing box 1 in this embodiment when viewed from the inside thereof. Here, reference numeral 22 represents the entire edge of the right rear outer side flap 21R; 22a represents the end side (end edge) parallel to the fold line 64R (approximately parallel in this embodiment); and 22b represents each of the two sections of the edge 22, which are crossed (approximately perpendicular in this embodiment).

[0078] The right rear outer flap 21R is provided with a main depth-controlled slit Hm as a first slit, and sub-depth-controlled slits Hs (Hs1, Hs2, Hs3, Hs4, Hs5, Hs6, and Hs7) as a second slit. When the packaging box 1 is unsealed in a manner to be described later, these main depth-controlled slits Hm and sub-depth-controlled slits Hs cause separation of the middle layer I of the corrugated cardboard.

[0079] In this embodiment, the main depth controlled slit Hm is approximately located on the inner side of the outer edge 22, and the shape of the area surrounded by the main depth controlled slit Hm is approximately the same as that of the right rear outer folding plate 21R. That is, in this embodiment, the main depth controlled slit Hm has a first main depth controlled slit Hm1 (first section) that has a preset gap with the edge 22a and is approximately parallel to the fold line 64R. In addition, the main depth controlled slit Hm has a pair of second main depth controlled slits Hm2 (second section) that have a preset gap with a pair of lateral edges 22b and intersect the fold line 64R (approximately perpendicular in this embodiment). It is ideal that, for example, the gap between the above-mentioned first depth controlled slit Hm1 and the edge 22a and the preset gap between the pair of second main depth controlled slits Hm2 and the lateral edge 22b are not less than 0.5 cm and not more than 3 cm. If these gaps are too small, the packaging box 1 may be difficult to process and difficult to separate as will be described later. On the other hand, if these distances are too large, the gap between the edge 22 and the bonding section 2 described later becomes too large, so that the controlled depth slit may cause the right rear outer flap 21R to bend sharply when an operator handles the packaging box 1, for example.

[0080] The longitudinal end of the first controlled-depth slit Hm1 is adjacent to one of the longitudinal ends of the corresponding second main depth controlled slit Hm2. In this embodiment, the longitudinal end of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 is in contact with one of the longitudinal ends of the corresponding second main depth controlled slit Hm2. From the perspective of making it easier to separate the middle layer I of the corrugated cardboard in the unsealing operation to be described later, it is desirable that the former is in contact with the latter. However, there may be a gap between at least one of the longitudinal ends of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 and the corresponding longitudinal end of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2. Referring to Fig. 9 ( Fig. 9 The reference numeral Hma represents the starting point of the main depth controlled slit Hm, that is, the end of the main depth controlled slit Hm adjacent to the fold line 64R of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2. Fig. 9 The reference numeral Hmb represents the end point of the main depth controlled slit Hm, that is, the end of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 adjacent to the fold line 64R of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2. In this embodiment, the start point Hma and the end point Hmb of the main depth controlled slit Hm are in contact with the fold line 64R. It is easier to open the flap sheet 3 ( Fig.11 However, there may be a gap between at least one of the start point Hma and the end point Hmb of the main depth controlled slit Hm and the fold line 64R.

[0081] In this embodiment, the top plate 10 is provided with an adhesive application area (adhesive portion) 2a, the adhesive application area is in the area surrounded by the main depth controlled slit Hm and the fold line 64R, and the adhesive 2 as a hot melt adhesive in this embodiment is applied to the adhesive application area. That is, in this embodiment, the main depth controlled slit Hm extends from the starting point Hma on the fold line 64R, surrounds the adhesive 2, and ends at the end point Hmb on the fold line 64R (which is different from the starting point Hma). As described above, in this embodiment, the main depth controlled slit Hm has two end portions Hma and Hmb in contact with the fold line 64R, and surrounds the adhesive application area 2a with its main depth controlled slit Hm and the fold line 64R.

[0082] In addition, the sub-depth controlled slits Hs (Hs1, Hs2, Hs3, Hs4, Hs5, Hs6, and Hs7) extend from the adjacent portion (proximity portion) of the outer edge 22 to the adjacent portion (proximity portion) of the main depth controlled slit Hm. In this embodiment, the top plate 10 is provided with two sub-depth controlled slits Hs1 and Hs2 as the sub-depth controlled slits Hs, which extend from the adjacent portion (located at the adjacent portion) of one of the lateral edges 22b to the adjacent portion (located at the adjacent portion) of the main depth controlled slit Hm. Fig. 9 The top plate 10 is provided with three secondary depth controlled slits Hs3, Hs4, Hs5 as secondary depth controlled slits Hs, which extend from the adjacent portion of the edge 22a to the adjacent portion of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1. In addition, in this embodiment, the top plate 10 is provided with two secondary depth controlled slits Hs6 and Hs7 as secondary depth controlled slits Hs, which extend from the adjacent portion of the other side edge 22b (located at the adjacent portion of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2). Fig. 9 The bottom of the corrugated cardboard is formed on the side of the lateral edge 22b and the adjacent portion of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 extending to the side of the lateral edge 22b. In this embodiment, the end of each secondary depth controlled slit Hs on the side of the outer edge 22 and the end of the main depth controlled slit are in contact with the outer edge 22 and the main depth controlled slit Hm, respectively. From the perspective that the unsealing operation to be described later is more likely to cause separation of the middle layer I of the corrugated cardboard, etc., it is expected that the former and the latter are in contact with each other. However, there may be a gap between at least one of the end of each secondary depth controlled slit Hs on the side of the outer edge 22 and the end of the main depth controlled slit Hm and the outer edge 22 or the main depth controlled slit Hm.

[0083] In this embodiment, the secondary depth controlled slits Hs2 and Hs3 are in contact with the adjacent portions (contact points in this embodiment) of the ends of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 and the second main depth controlled slit Hm2. Similarly, in this embodiment, the secondary depth controlled slits Hs5 and Hs6 are in contact with the adjacent portions (contact points in this embodiment) of the ends of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 and the ends of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2. In addition, in this embodiment, the secondary depth controlled slit Hs4 is located at the approximate center of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 in the length direction (the direction in which it extends) of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 (in the direction parallel to the fold line 64R, it is located at the approximate center of the right rear outer folding plate 21R). In addition, in this embodiment, the secondary depth controlled slits Hs1 and Hs7 are located at the approximate center of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 in the longitudinal direction (the direction in which it extends) of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 (in the direction approximately perpendicular to the fold line 64R, at the approximate center of the right rear outer folding plate 21R).

[0084] Incidentally, the configuration of the main depth controlled slit Hm and the configuration of the sub-depth controlled slit Hs are examples. That is, this embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, the main depth controlled slit Hm (at least one of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 and the second main depth controlled slit Hm2) may be in the form of a discontinuous main depth controlled slit HmF, which includes three depth controlled slits and two gaps G between two adjacent slits, such as Fig.10 That is, the main depth-controlled slit Hm may include two or more slits arranged at intervals. Similarly, at least one of the plurality of sub-depth-controlled slits Hs may be in the form of a discontinuous sub-depth-controlled slit HsF, which includes two slits and a gap G between the two slits, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 The main depth controlled slit Hm and the secondary depth controlled slit Hs only need to be configured so that when the packaging box 1 is unsealed as described later, the right rear outer side flap 21R is damaged in a manner that leaves the packaging box 1 with an unsealed mark, typically by causing the flap piece 3 ( Fig.11 etc.) are separated from the main section of the packaging box 1. Fig.10 The discontinuous main depth controlled slit HmF and the discontinuous sub-depth controlled slit HsF shown in the figure are examples of discontinuous main depth controlled slits and discontinuous sub-depth controlled slits. They are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. That is, this embodiment is not intended to limit the number and length of the gaps G of the present invention. At least one of the discontinuous main depth controlled slits HmF and the discontinuous sub-depth controlled slits HsF may be in the form of a perforated line.

[0085] As described above, there may be a gap between one end of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 and the corresponding end of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2, between the starting point Hma or the end point Hmb of the main depth controlled slit Hm and the fold line 64R, and / or between one end of the secondary depth controlled slit Hs and the outer edge 22 or the main depth controlled slit Hm. It can be said that the above-mentioned gap is 0 mm, that is, the above-mentioned slits are in contact with each other. However, even if a gap of, for example, less than 5 mm (typically more than 1 mm) is set unintentionally or intentionally for manufacturing-related reasons, there is no problem from the perspective of leaving unsealing marks as will be described later. That is, the "contact area" includes the case where the gap is 0, meaning that the parts are in contact with each other, and also includes the case where two parts face each other and there is a gap between them. In addition, when the main depth controlled slits Hm are provided with gaps as described above, from the perspective of leaving unsealing marks as will be described later, it is desirable that the total length of the gaps G is less than 1 / 3 of the total length of the main depth controlled slits Hm (first main depth controlled slits Hm1 and second main depth controlled slits Hm2).

[0086] Similarly, in the case where the above-mentioned gap G is provided for each sub-depth controlled slit Hs, from the perspective of leaving unsealing marks as will be described later, it is desirable that the total length of the gap G is 1 / 3 or less of the total length of each sub-depth controlled slit Hs. However, it is desirable that the length of each gap G is, for example, not greater than 5 mm (typically not less than 1 mm), similar to the above-mentioned gap.

[0087] Here, the area 2a to which the adhesive 2 is applied only needs to be within the area surrounded by the combination of the main depth controlled slit Hm and the fold line 64R. In the case where the area 2a is positioned as described above, as long as the operator attempts to open the right rear outer flap 21R by grasping the right rear outer flap 21R via the area adjacent to the edge 22a or the area adjacent to the lateral edge 22b, it is ensured that the unsealing trace of the packaging box 1 will be clearly left. However, it is assumed here that when the operator wants to unseal the packaging box 1 in this embodiment, the operator grasps the right rear outer flap 21R via the area adjacent to the edge 22a. In such a case, it is expected that the adhesive application area 2a is closer to the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 (the main depth controlled slit adjacent to the edge 22a and parallel to the fold line 64R) than the fold line 64R in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fold line 64R of the right rear outer flap 21R. For example, the adhesive application area 2a may be positioned adjacent to the first main depth controlled slit Hm1, and a gap of not less than 0.5 cm and not more than 3 cm may be set between the adhesive application area 2a and the first main depth controlled slit Hm1. For example, the adhesive application area 2a may be positioned adjacent to the first main depth controlled slit Hm1, and a gap of not less than approximately 0.5 mm and not more than 3 cm may be set from the first main depth controlled slit Hm1. In the case where the adhesive application area 2a is positioned as described above, if the operator attempts to open the right rear outer flap 21R by grasping the area adjacent to the edge 22a, separation or the like to be described later may be caused. That is, the unsealing trace of the packaging box 1 will be clearly left. In addition, it is desirable that the adhesive application area 2a is long enough in the length direction of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 to ensure that the right rear outer flap 21R remains adhered to the right front inner flap 41R. For example, in a direction parallel to the length direction of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1, it is desirable that the length of the adhesive application area 2a is 70-100% of the length of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1. However, it is not necessary for the adhesive application area 2a to be continuous and have the above-mentioned length range. For example, it can be discontinuous as long as its full length falls within the above-mentioned range and the right rear outer folding plate 21R can be kept bonded to the right front inner folding plate 41R. By the way, considering the situation in which the operator attempts to open the right rear outer folding plate 21R by grabbing the area adjacent to the edge 22b, at least one of the second main depth controlled slits Hm2 can be provided with an adhesive application area in a manner similar to that of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1, as a substitute or in addition to the adhesive application area 2a.

[0088] Incidentally, in this embodiment, the right rear outer folding plate 21R is provided with structural elements (main depth controlled slit Hm, secondary depth controlled slit Hs, etc.) for leaving the packing box 1 with the traces of unsealing the packing box 1. However, this embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention by the construction of the packing box 1. For example, assuming that the operator will unseal the packing box 1 from other parts other than the normal part of the packing box 1 (for example, from the left rear outer folding plate 21L), the left rear outer folding plate 21L may be provided with structural elements for leaving the packing box 1 with the traces of unsealing the packing box 1. In addition, both the right rear outer folding plate 21R and the left rear outer folding plate 21L may be provided with structural elements for leaving the packing box 1 with the traces of unsealing the packing box 1.

[0089] 6. Opening operation of the right rear outer folding plate

[0090] Next, the unsealing operation of the right rear outer side flap 21R of the packing box 1 in this embodiment will be described. Fig.11 1 is a perspective view of the packaging box 1 in this embodiment, which has an unsealing mark of the right rear outer side flap 21R produced by the unsealing operation. Fig.11 In addition, please refer to Fig. 9 .

[0091] If the operator wants to open the right rear outer flap 21R, the operator grasps the area of ​​the right rear outer flap 21R adjacent to the outer edge 22 and not bonded to the right front inner flap 41R with the adhesive 2 (typically, the area adjacent to the edge 22a). Then, the operator applies a force to the right rear outer flap 21R (the area adjacent to the outer edge 22) in a direction to move the right rear outer flap 21R away from the right front inner flap 41R. This unsealing operation causes the surface layer F and the intermediate layer I of the portion of the right rear outer flap 21R where the depth controlled slits (the main depth controlled slit Hm, the secondary depth controlled slit Hs) are provided to be subjected to the applied force. As will be described in detail later, the direction of the applied force depends on the position where the operator grasps the right rear outer flap 21R. Therefore, separation of the middle layer I between the surface layer F and the rear layer R of the corrugated cardboard making the right rear outer flap 21R (typically, breaking of the core 202 of the middle layer I) occurs from the area with the depth-controlled slit, or separation occurs from the cardboard (outer wall 201a) etc. making the surface layer F of the corrugated cardboard. Here, both types of separation may be simply referred to as "separation". As will be described in detail later, the ease with which the right rear outer flap 21R is separated from the position where the depth-controlled slits (primary and secondary depth-controlled slits Hs) are located depends on the position where the operator grasps the right rear outer flap 21R. As the operator continues the unsealing operation, the above-mentioned peeling and separation continue, and typically, the flap sheet 3 is separated from the right rear outer flap 21R, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown. Therefore, even in the case where the right rear outer flap 21R is irreparably damaged due to the above-mentioned separation, even if the flap piece 3 is typically not separated or not completely separated, the packaging box 1 will leave a clear mark of the unsealing of the packaging box 1. As described above, in the case where the flap is damaged due to separation, usually in the case where the flap piece is separated from the flap, how the unsealing mark of the packaging box 1 appears is affected by the unsealing position of the packaging box 1 (the operator starts to unseal the packaging box 1 from the unsealing position) and how the force applied by the operator is transmitted to the packaging box 1. Therefore, there is no definite way to determine the mode in which the flap piece 3 will separate from the right rear outer flap 21R. In addition, it is difficult to hide the unsealing mark of the right rear outer flap (which is usually the damage to the core 202 of the middle layer I of the corrugated cardboard), and it is difficult to repair the packaging box 1 to its state before it was unsealed by gluing the flap piece 3 back to the original position or similar methods. Therefore, it is difficult to hide the unsealing mark of the packaging box 1.

[0092] Next, the operation of unsealing the right rear outer side flap 21R will be described in more detail. Fig.112 is a schematic perspective view of a packing box 1 which is unsealed by an operator grasping an area 22a of the right rear outer side flap 21R, the area being located on the upper side of the approximate center of the right rear outer side flap 21R in the vertical direction (e.g., an area closer to the center than the top end). It schematically shows the packing box 1 in a state in which the unsealing trace of the right rear outer side flap 21R is clearly shown. In this case, the operator grasps the area 22a (which is not bonded to the right front inner side flap 41R with the adhesive 2 and is located on the upper side of the right rear outer side flap 21R in the vertical direction). Fig.11 The right rear outer side flap 21R is opened by peeling the right rear outer side flap 21R from the right front inner side flap 41R. The right rear outer side flap 21R is provided with a secondary controlled depth slit Hs4, which is Fig.11 The right rear outer flap 21R is located approximately in the middle of the right rear outer flap 21R in the vertical direction and between the first main controlled-depth slit Hm1 and the sub-depth controlled slit Hs4. Therefore, if the operator starts to open the right rear outer flap 21R by grasping the above-mentioned portion of the right rear outer flap 21R, the right rear outer flap 21R is likely to start to separate from the sub-depth controlled slit Hs4. Fig.11 By the way, a typical case is described here. However, even if the secondary depth-controlled slit Hs is positioned as in this embodiment, there is a possibility that the right rear outer flap 21R is not separated into the right rear outer flap 21R due to factors such as the position where the operator grasps the right rear outer flap 21R, the position of the right rear outer flap 21R, and how the force applied by the operator is transmitted. Fig.11 The top and bottom conditions shown ( Fig.16 (a)). As the operator continues to peel off the right rear outer folded plate 21R near the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 by grasping the area 22a located on the upper side of Figure 11, the force applied by the operator is transmitted to the surface layer F and the middle layer I of the portion of the right rear outer folded plate 21R provided with the first main depth controlled slit Hm1. In addition, the portion of the right rear outer folded plate 21R shown on the upper side of Figure 11 is provided with a secondary depth controlled slit Hs2 connected to the first main depth controlled slit Hm1. The force applied by the operator acts on the surface layer F and the middle layer I of the corrugated cardboard provided with the secondary depth controlled slit Hs2. Therefore, the force applied from the right rear outer folded plate 21R located on the upper side of Figure 11 is transmitted to the surface layer F and the middle layer I of the corrugated cardboard. Fig.11The above separation of the right rear outer flap 21R occurs starting from the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 and the sub-depth controlled slit Hs2 on the upper side of the approximate center of the right rear outer flap 21R in the vertical direction. As the operator continues the operation of opening the right rear outer flap 21R while causing the separation, typically, the portion of the right rear outer flap 21R held by the operator is separated from the remaining portion 4 of the right rear outer flap 21R as the flap piece 3. More specifically, the flap piece 3 is separated from the remaining portion 4 near the fold line 64R, or is peeled off from the remaining portion 4 on the front side of the fold line 64R, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 Therefore, the unsealing mark of the packaging box 1 remains clearly in the form of the separation of the flap piece 3 (typical case). Even if the flap piece 3 is not completely separated, the right rear outer flap 21R will be irreparably damaged due to the separation.

[0093] Here, if the operator continues the unsealing operation and wants to take out the cartridge P from the packaging box 1, the operator must open the Fig.11 The portion of the right rear outer flap 2R shown at the bottom of the , the remaining portion 4 is peeled off from the right front inner flap 41R, and the right front inner flap 41R is opened.

[0094] In this embodiment, the right rear outer side flap 21R is provided with a main depth controlled slit Hm and a sub depth controlled slit Hs, which are arranged in a manner as follows: Fig.11 The area of ​​the right rear outer folding plate 21R that the operator grasps is located approximately symmetrically with respect to the approximate center of the right rear outer folding plate 21R in the vertical direction. Fig.11 In the case of a portion of the bottom area 22a of the substantially center of the right rear outer flap 21R in the vertical direction (for example, an area closer to the center than the bottom end), the remaining unsealing trace of the packaging box 1 is changed to be similar to Fig.11 In addition, even if the area of ​​the right rear outer flap 21R grasped by the operator is approximately Fig.11 In the case of the central part of the area 2a in the vertical direction in the packaging box 1, it is also possible that when the operator tries to pull up the right rear outer side flap 21R against the strength of the adhesive 2, the right rear outer side flap 21R separates into the top and bottom. Therefore, the unsealing trace of the packaging box 1 is likely to be Fig.11 Similar to that shown.

[0095] Next, Fig.12 is a perspective view of a packaging box 1 in a state in which an operator attempts to Fig.12In this case, the operator starts opening the right rear outer flap 21R by peeling the right rear outer flap 21R from the right front inner flap 41R by grasping the area of ​​the flap piece 3 that is adjacent to the lateral edge 21b (for example, the area closer to the edge 22a than the center in the left-right direction) and is not bonded to the right front inner flap 41R with the adhesive 2. The right rear outer flap 21R has a secondary controlled-depth slit Hs1 located at Fig.12 The right rear outer flap 21R is located approximately in the middle of the right rear outer flap 21R in the left-right direction, between the upper side lateral edge 22b and the second main controlled-depth slit Hm2. Therefore, when the operator starts the unsealing operation by grasping the above-mentioned area, the right rear outer flap 21R is likely to be torn into left and right pieces starting from the secondary controlled-depth slit Hs1. Then, as the operator continues to peel off the left and right pieces, the right rear outer flap 21R is torn into left and right pieces. Fig.12 The force applied by the operator acts on the surface layer F and the middle layer I of the portion of the corrugated cardboard where the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 of the right rear outer folded plate 21R is provided, from the area of ​​the right rear outer folded plate 21R on the upper side close to the lateral edge 22b to the adjacent portion of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2. Fig.12 The portion of the right rear outer folded plate 21R shown in the left side of the figure is provided with a secondary controlled depth slit Hs3 continuous with the second main controlled depth slit Hm2. The above force applied by the operator also acts on the surface layer F and the middle layer I of the portion of the corrugated cardboard provided with the second main controlled depth slit Hm2 of the right rear outer folded plate 21R. Fig.12 The above-mentioned separation of the right rear outer flap 21R occurs starting from the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 and the secondary depth controlled slit Hs3 on the left side of the approximate center of the right rear outer flap 21R in the left-right direction. As the operator continues the unsealing operation of the right rear outer flap 21R while causing the separation, typically, the portion of the right rear outer flap 21R still grasped by the operator is separated from the remaining portion 4 of the right rear outer flap 21R as a folding plate piece 3. More specifically, the folding plate piece 3 is separated from the main portion (the remaining portion 4) of the right rear outer flap 21R near the fold line 64R, or is peeled off from the remaining portion 4 on the front side of the fold line 64. That is, the typical situation is that the folding plate piece 3 is separated. Even in the case where the folding plate piece 3 is not completely separated, the right rear outer flap 21R is irreparably damaged due to the above-mentioned separation. That is, the unsealing trace of the packaging box 1 is clearly left.

[0096] In this embodiment, the right rear outer side flap 21R is provided with a combination of a pair of main depth controlled slits Hm and sub depth controlled slits Hs, which are arranged in a manner as follows: Fig.12The right rear outer folding plate 21R is symmetrically positioned with respect to the approximate center of the right rear outer folding plate 21R in the vertical direction. Figure 2 The unsealing marks of the packaging box 1 left when the area close to the edge 22b (for example, the area closer to the edge 22a than the center in the left-right direction) is shown on the lower side of Fig.12 21R, except that it is in the opposite position in the vertical direction. Fig.12 In the case where the upper side (or lower side) of the packaging box 1 is located and approximately centered in the left-right direction of the lateral edge 22b, when the operator attempts to pull up the right rear outer flap 21R against the strength of the adhesive 2, the right rear outer flap 21R is likely to separate into the left and right flaps starting from the secondary controlled-depth slit Hs1 (or Hs7). Therefore, the resulting unsealing trace of the packaging box 1 is likely to be different from that of the packaging box 1. Fig.12 Similar to that shown.

[0097] Incidentally, a necessary condition is that at least one of the secondary controlled-depth slits Hs provided on the right rear outer folded plate 21R extends from the adjacent portion (usually the contact point) of the outer edge 22 to the adjacent portion (usually the contact point) of the main controlled-depth slit Hm. By providing such secondary controlled-depth slits Hs on the right rear outer folded plate 21R, the secondary controlled-depth slits Hs work in conjunction with the main controlled-depth slits Hm, and thus the packaging box 1 is more likely to leave traces of the unsealing of the packaging box 1.

[0098] However, it is sometimes desirable that the right rear outer side flap 21R be provided with at least one secondary controlled depth slit Hs positioned so that it will be connected to the primary controlled depth slit Hm and extend all the way to the outer edge 22 in a direction parallel to the length direction of the primary controlled depth slit Hm.

[0099] For example, assuming that the operator unseals the right rear outer flap 21R by grasping the area of ​​the right rear outer flap 21R adjacent to the portion 22a of the front edge 22, it is desirable that the right rear outer flap 21R is provided with at least one of the sub-depth controlled slits Hs2 and Hs6 connected to the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 (it is more desirable to provide both). By providing the right rear outer flap 21R with at least one of the sub-depth controlled slits Hs2 and Hs6, it is more likely that the above-mentioned separation will occur starting from the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 and the sub-depth controlled slits Hs2 and Hs6 extending from the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 to the outer edge 22 of the right rear outer flap 21R. Furthermore, considering that the operator may unseal the right rear outer flap 21R by grasping the area of ​​the right rear outer flap 21R adjacent to the lateral edge 22b, it is desirable that the right rear outer flap 21R is provided with at least one of the secondary depth controlled slits Hs3 and Hs5 connected to the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 (it is more desirable to provide both). By providing the right rear outer flap 21R with at least one of the secondary depth controlled slits Hs3 and Hs5, it is more likely that the above-mentioned separation will occur starting from the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 and the secondary depth controlled slits Hs3 and Hs5 extending from the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 to the outer edge 22 of the right rear outer flap 21R.

[0100] In addition, it is sometimes desirable that the right rear outer flap 21R is provided with the secondary controlled-depth slit Hs4, which is located closer to the center than the end of the main controlled-depth slit Hm adjacent to the outer edge 22 in the direction parallel to the length direction of the main controlled-depth slit Hm and between the outer edge 22 and the main controlled-depth slit Hm, but it depends on the length of the portion r214 adjacent to the outer edge 22 that the operator can grasp. For example, considering that the operator may try to unseal the right rear outer flap 21R by grasping the portion of the right rear outer flap 21R adjacent to the portion 22a of the outer edge 22, it can be said that it is desirable that the right rear outer flap 21R is provided with the secondary controlled-depth slit Hs4 in the case where the portion 22a of the outer edge 22 is relatively long. By providing the right rear outer flap 21R with the secondary controlled-depth slit Hs4, it is possible to prevent such a problem that the magnitude of the force required for the above separation by tearing the right rear outer flap 21R along the first main controlled-depth slit Hm1 at a certain point of the first main controlled-depth slit Hm1 in the length direction of the first main controlled-depth slit Hm1 becomes greater than the magnitude of the force required to peel the right rear outer flap 21R from the right front inner flap 41R to overcome the strength of the adhesive 2. By providing the right rear outer flap 21R with the secondary controlled-depth slit Hs4, it is ensured that the packaging box 1 leaves the unsealing trace of the packaging box 1, that is, the trace of separation.

[0101] Incidentally, in addition to the secondary depth controlled slit Hs4 located approximately in the middle of the right rear outer folding plate 21R in the length direction of the right rear outer folding plate 21R, the right rear outer folding plate 21R may be provided with an additional secondary depth controlled slit Hs, or two or more additional secondary depth controlled slits Hs, which are slits located in one end or both ends respectively.

[0102] For example, the right rear outer side flap 21R may be provided with three or more secondary depth controlled slits Hs (five including two at the longitudinal ends, one at each longitudinal end) extending from a portion (front edge) 22a of the outer edge 22 to the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 in a manner that divides the right rear outer side flap 21R into four sections (typically four equal sections) in a direction parallel to the length direction of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1. In addition, the position of the secondary depth controlled slit Hs does not need to be substantially at the center of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 in the length direction of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1. For example, the right rear outer side flap 21R may be provided with two secondary depth controlled slits (four including two at the longitudinal ends) extending from a section 22a of the edge 22 to the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 in a manner that divides the right rear outer side flap 21R into three sections (typically three equal sections).

[0103] Furthermore, the operator can unseal the right rear outer flap 21R by grasping the area of ​​the right rear outer flap 21R adjacent to the lateral edge 22b. Therefore, in the case where the lateral edge 22b is relatively long or the like, it can be said that it is desirable that the right rear outer flap 21R is provided with at least one of the secondary depth controlled slits Hs1 and Hs7. With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent the magnitude of the force required for the above-mentioned separation by tearing the portion of the right rear outer flap 21R at a certain point of the second primary depth controlled slit Hm2 in the length direction from becoming greater than the magnitude of the force required to peel the right rear outer flap 21R from the right front inner flap 41R. Therefore, it is easier to leave the above-mentioned unsealing trace of the packaging box 1 on the packaging box 1. Incidentally, in addition to the secondary depth controlled slit Hs1 (or Hs7) located approximately at the center of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 in the length direction, the right rear outer side flap 21R may be provided with one or more additional secondary depth controlled slits Hs at one or both ends in the direction parallel to the length direction of the secondary depth controlled slit Hs2. The right rear outer side flap 21R may be provided with one or more secondary depth controlled slits Hs. For example, the right rear outer side flap 21R may be provided with three (four including one at the end) secondary depth controlled slits Hs extending from the lateral edge 22b to the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 in such a manner that they divide the right rear outer side flap 21R into four sections (typically four equal sections) in the direction parallel to the second main depth controlled slit Hm2. Incidentally, the secondary depth controlled slit Hs1 (or Hs7) is not necessarily located substantially at the center of the right rear outer side flap 21R in the length direction of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2. For example, the right rear outer side flap 21R may be provided with two secondary depth controlled slits (three including one at the end) extending from the lateral edge 22b to the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 in such a manner that they divide the right rear outer side flap 21R into three sections (typically three equal sections) in the length direction of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2.

[0104] Specifically, the secondary depth controlled slit Hs is arranged as follows: Fig. 9 As positioned in the embodiment shown, this makes it easier to ensure that the packaging box 1 leaves clear signs of unsealing the packaging box 1, regardless of whether the operator grabs the area of ​​the right rear outer flap 21R adjacent to the front edge 22a of the edge 22 or grabs the area adjacent to the lateral edge 22b to try to unseal the right rear outer flap 21R.

[0105] 7. Other ways to position the secondary depth controlled slit

[0106] Next, several examples of positioning of the secondary depth controlled slits Hs are described. Figure 8 Same as shown.

[0107] Fig.13 is a perspective view of the packing box 1 seen from the right rear outer side flap 21R side before the right rear outer side flap 21R is closed, and the packing box is provided with only one secondary controlled depth slit Hs, more specifically, with Fig.13 The sub-depth controlled slit Hs2 is connected to the top of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1. Fig.14 (a) indicates that the operator grasps Fig.13 In the case of region D, Fig.14 (b) and Fig.14 (c) indicates that the operator grasps Fig.13 The case of region E in the right rear outer folded plate 21R. Region D is the region opposite to the front edge 22a of the right rear outer folded plate 21R, or the lateral edge 22b on the side opposite to the position where the secondary controlled depth slit Hs2 is provided. In addition, region E is the lateral edge 22b opposite to the position where the secondary controlled depth slit Hs2 is provided.

[0108] Reference Fig.14 (a), when the operator attempts to unseal the right rear outer fold plate 21R from a portion of the area D adjacent to the edge 22a, the force applied by the operator acts on the middle layer I along the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 and the secondary depth controlled slit Hs2, resulting in the above-mentioned separation. On the edge 22b side where the secondary depth controlled slit Hs2 is not provided, the separation is performed along the second main depth controlled slit Hm2. On the other hand, when the operator attempts to unseal the right rear outer fold plate 21R from a portion of the area D adjacent to the edge 22b, the force applied by the operator acts on the middle layer I along the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 and the portion of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 where the secondary depth controlled slit Hs2 is not provided, resulting in separation. In addition, the separation is performed along the first main depth controlled slit Hm1. Therefore, the right rear outer fold plate 21R is separated into the fold plate piece 3 and the remaining part 4; it is irreparably damaged, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 (a) shown.

[0109] In addition, refer to Fig.14 (b) When the operator performs the unsealing operation from the region E, the force applied by the operator acts on the intermediate layer I along the portion of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 provided with the secondary depth controlled slit Hs2, and separation begins. In addition, separation is performed along the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 and the portion of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 not provided with the secondary depth controlled slit Hs2.

[0110] Therefore, the right rear outer side flap 21R is separated into the flap piece 3 and the remaining portion 4; it is irreparably damaged. By the way, in the case where the operator starts the unsealing operation from the area E which is relatively close to the fold line 64, it sometimes happens that not only the flap piece 3 is broken along the secondary controlled depth slit Hs2, but also separation starts from the portion of the second main controlled depth slit Hm2 where the secondary controlled depth slit Hs2 is provided, such as Fig.14 As shown in (c). Therefore, the right rear outer flap 21R is separated into the flap piece 3 and the remaining part 4; the right rear outer flap 21R is irreparably damaged, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 (c) as shown.

[0111] Incidentally, the present invention is described herein with reference to a typical structural arrangement for the right rear outer flap 21R. However, depending on the area of ​​the right rear outer flap 21R grasped by the operator and / or the manner in which the force applied by the operator acts, it sometimes happens that the right rear outer flap 21R is separated even if the unsealing operation is started from the area D, such as Fig.14 (b) as shown.

[0112] Fig.15 2 is a perspective view of the packing box 1 as seen from the right rear outer flap 21R side before the right rear outer flap 21R is closed, and the packing box is provided with only the secondary controlled depth slit Hs3 as the secondary controlled depth slit H2, which is the same as the secondary controlled depth slit Hs3 in FIG. Fig.15 The second main depth controlled slit Hm2 in the top is connected. Fig.16 is with Fig.15 1 is a schematic perspective view of the same packaging box, except that the right rear outer flap 21R of the packaging box 1 has been opened by the operator, and the packaging box 1 has left the unsealing mark of the right rear outer flap 21R. More specifically, Fig.16 (a) and Fig.16 (b) shows the portion of the right rear outer flap 21R that the operator grasps. Fig.15 In the case of region F, Fig.16 (c) shows the portion of the right rear outer flap 21R that the operator grasps. Fig.15 Region F is a region of the right rear outer folded plate 21R adjacent to the front edge 22a, or a region of the right rear outer folded plate 21R adjacent to the lateral edge 22b located on the side of the right rear outer folded plate 21R opposite to the position of the secondary controlled-depth slit Hs3.

[0113] Reference Fig.16 (a), if the operator starts the unsealing operation from the portion of the region F adjacent to the edge 22a, the force applied by the operator acts on the intermediate layer I along the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 and starts separation. Fig.16 (a) is performed along the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 at the top and bottom of the area F adjacent to the edge 22b. In addition, if the operator starts the unsealing operation from the portion of the area F adjacent to the edge 22b, the force applied by the operator acts on the middle layer I along the portion of the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 where the secondary depth controlled slit Hs3 is not provided and the portion of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 where the secondary depth controlled slit Hs3 is not provided, and separation begins. In addition, separation is performed along the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 and the second main depth controlled slit Hm2 where the secondary depth controlled slit Hs3 is provided. Therefore, the right rear outer fold plate 21R is separated into the fold plate piece 3 and the remaining portion 4; the right rear outer fold plate 21R is irreparably damaged, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 Incidentally, when the operator starts the unsealing operation from the area of ​​the right rear outer flap 21R which is closer to the secondary controlled-depth slit Hs3 of the area F, sometimes the flap piece 3 is not only broken along the secondary controlled-depth slit Hs3, but also separated from the first primary controlled-depth slit Hm1, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown in (b). Therefore, the right rear outer side flap 21R is separated into the flap piece 3 and the remaining part 4; it is irreparably damaged.

[0114] In addition, refer to Fig.16 (c) If the operator starts the unsealing operation from the region G, not only the flap piece 3 is broken along the secondary controlled depth slit Hs3, but also the force applied by the operator acts on the middle layer I along the second primary controlled depth slit Hm2 provided with the secondary controlled depth slit Hs3, and separation begins. As a result, the right rear outer flap 21R is separated into the flap piece 3 and the remaining portion 4; it is irreparably damaged, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 (c) as shown.

[0115] Incidentally, the present invention is described herein with reference to a typical structural arrangement for the right rear outer flap 21R. However, depending on the area of ​​r214 gripped by the operator and / or the manner and position of the force applied by the operator, even if the unsealing operation is started from the area G, the right rear outer flap 21R may sometimes be separated, such as Fig.16 (a) shown.

[0116] As described above, the right rear outer flap 21R is provided with at least one secondary controlled-depth slit Hs extending from the adjacent portion of the edge 22 to the adjacent portion of the main controlled-depth slit Hm. Therefore, the secondary controlled-depth slit Hs together with the main controlled-depth slit Hm causes the above-mentioned separation and / or tearing. Therefore, it is easier to make the packaging box 1 clearly leave the unsealing mark of the packaging box 1. However, in the case where the secondary controlled-depth slit Hs is as Fig. 9In the case of the positioning shown, it is easier to leave clear signs of the packaging box 1 being opened, no matter where the operator grabs it.

[0117] As described above, in this embodiment, the packaging box 1 formed by corrugated cardboard is provided with: an inner cover portion 41R (right front inner folding plate), which is positioned in a manner to cover at least a portion of the opening 1b on one side of the box 1a of the packaging box 1 that can store items P; and an outer cover portion 21R (right rear outer folding plate), which is folded onto at least a portion of the outward-facing surface of the inner cover portion 41R. The outer cover part 21R has: an adhesive application area 2a, to which the adhesive 2 is applied for irremovably bonding the outer cover part 21R superimposed on the inner cover part 41R to the inner cover part 41R; a first depth controlled slit Hm, which is cut from the rear surface R of the outer cover part 21R facing the inner cover part 41R when the outer cover part 21R is superimposed on the inner cover part 41R, but does not reach the surface F of the outer cover part 21R (i.e., the surface of the outer cover part 21R opposite to the rear surface R), and which surrounds the adhesive application area 2a; a fold line 64R; a secondary depth controlled slit Hs, which is cut from the rear surface R but does not reach the surface F, is located between the outer edge 22 of the outer cover part 21R and the first depth controlled slit Hm, and extends from the outer edge side toward the first depth controlled slit side. In this embodiment, one of the side walls (first side) of the box 1a that is different from the normal side (second side) of the unsealed packaging box 1 is provided with the inner cover portion 41R and the outer cover portion 21R. In addition, in this embodiment, the packaging box 1 is provided with a sealing member 13 that is pasted on the normal area of ​​the packaging box 1 when it is unsealed, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the top plate 10 (second outer cover portion) is unsealed, the packaging box 1 will leave an unsealed mark. More specifically, the top plate 10 is configured so that it is sealed with a seal 13 after it is closed relative to the box 1a of the packaging box 1. That is, the packaging box 1 is configured so that the top plate 10 cannot be unsealed without peeling off the seal 13.

[0118] In particular, in this embodiment, the first controlled-depth slit Hm has: a first section Hml (first main controlled-depth slit Hml), and two second sections Hm2 (second main controlled-depth slits) extending from the corresponding fold line toward one of the longitudinal ends of the first section Hm1 in a direction intersecting the fold line 64R. In addition, in this embodiment, the packaging box 1 has secondary controlled-depth slits Hs2 and Hs6, which are located between at least one of the longitudinal ends of the first section Hm1 and the outer edge 22, and extend in the length direction of the first section Hm1.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the packaging box 1 has a secondary controlled-depth slit Hs4, which is positioned closer to the center of the first section Hml of the main controlled-depth slit Hm than the end in the length direction of the first section, and extends in a direction intersecting the fold line 64R. Moreover, in this embodiment, the packaging box 1 has secondary controlled-depth slits Hs3 and Hs5, which are located between one end of the first section of the second section Hm2 of the first controlled-depth slit Hm and the outer edge 22, and extend from the first controlled-depth slit Hm in the length direction of the second section Hm2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the packaging box 1 has secondary controlled-depth slits Hs1 and Hs7, which are positioned closer to the center of the second main controlled-depth slit Hm2 than the longitudinal end of the second section Hm2 of the first controlled-depth slit Hm, and extend in a direction parallel to the fold line 64R.

[0120] As described above, according to this embodiment, the flap is destroyed by the unsealing operation. Typically, the sheet of the top plate 10 is separated from the packaging box 1. Therefore, the packaging box 1 can be made to leave a clear unsealing mark of the packaging box 1. That is, according to this embodiment, the packaging box 1 can be made to leave a unsealing mark of the packaging box 1; the unsealing mark of the packaging box 1 can be made difficult to hide.

[0121] [Example 2]

[0122] Next, other embodiments of the present invention are described. Elements of the packaging box 1 that are identical or equivalent in structure or function to their counterparts in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as the counterparts and will not be described in detail.

[0123] Fig.17 1 is a plan view of the right rear outer flap 21R of the packaging box 1 in this embodiment, viewed from the inner side of the right rear outer flap 21R. Fig.18 1 is a perspective view of the completed packing box 1 in this embodiment, viewed from the right rear outer side flap 21R side of the packing box 1 .

[0124] The packaging box 1 in this embodiment not only has Figure 4-9The same structure as shown in FIG. 1 is provided, and the right rear outer folding plate 21R of the packaging box 1 is provided with a through slit Ct. In this embodiment, the right rear outer folding plate 21R is provided with a first through slit Ct1 as one of the through slits Ct, which extends across the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 in a direction intersecting (approximately perpendicular to) the folding line 64R. In addition, in this embodiment, the right rear outer folding plate 21R is provided with a second through slit Ct2 as another through slit Ct, which contacts the end of the first through slit Ct1 on the folding line 64r side and extends parallel to (approximately parallel to) the folding line 64R. That is, the second through slit Ct2 extends in a direction intersecting (approximately perpendicular to) the first through slit Ct1.

[0125] In this embodiment, the end of the first through slit Ct1 located on the fold line 64R contacts the second through slit Ct2. Fig.13 From the perspective of separation of the first through slit Ct1 and the second through slit Ct2 (such as the fold line 64R), it is expected that this end of the through slit Ct1 is in contact with the second through slit Ct2. However, there may be a gap of, for example, not more than 5 mm (typically not less than 1 mm) between the end of the first through slit Ct1 on the side of the fold line 64R and the second through slit Ct2, which is similar to the gap associated with the depth-controlled slit in the first embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the end of the first through slit Ct1 on the side of the front edge 22a is in the adjacent portion of the front edge 22a, and there is a preset amount of spacing. The preset amount of spacing is, for example, not less than 0.5 cm and not more than 3 cm. The end of the first through slit Ct1 on the side of the front edge 22a may be in contact with the front edge 22a. However, from the perspective of preventing the right rear outer fold plate 21R from accidentally starting to loosen and / or unseal during transportation of the packaging box 1, etc., it is ideal to provide the above-mentioned preset amount of gap.

[0126] In addition, in this embodiment, the first through slit Ct1 is located at the approximate center of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 in the length direction of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 (the approximate center of the right rear outer folded plate 21R in the direction parallel to the fold line 64R). Therefore, in this embodiment, the first through slit Ct1 is overlapped with a portion of the secondary depth controlled slit Hs4, which is between the front edge 22a and the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 and is located at the approximate center of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 in the length direction of the first main depth controlled slit Hm1. In other words, in this embodiment, the secondary depth controlled slit Hs4 extends from the front edge 22a to the first through slit Ct1. In addition, in this embodiment, the adhesive application area 2a is located between the second through slit Ct2 and the first main depth controlled slit Hm1, and extends across the first through slit Ct1.

[0127] In the case where the through slit Ct is formed, it is desirable that the through slit Ct is formed on the main controlled-depth slit Hm, on the sub-depth controlled slit Hs, or in the area surrounded by the main controlled-depth slit Hm and the fold line 64R. This arrangement makes it more likely that the unsealing operation will cause the flap piece 3 to separate from the right rear outer flap 21R.

[0128] Incidentally, the through slit Ct in this embodiment is an example of a through slit. That is, this embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of the configuration of the through slit of the present invention. For example, the through slit Ct (at least one of the first through slit Ct1 and the second through slit Ct2) may be in the form of a perforated line, similar to the depth-controlled slit in the first embodiment described above; it may include a slit-free section. Similar to the case of the depth-controlled slit in the first embodiment described above, the number and length of the slit-free section are optional. The through slit Ct may be in the form of a normal perforated line.

[0129] Incidentally, in this embodiment, the right rear outer flap 21R is provided with structural elements (main depth controlled slit Hm, secondary depth controlled slit Hs, through slit Ct, etc.) for leaving the packing box 1 with the unsealed traces of the packing box 1. However, as in the first embodiment, the left rear outer flap 21L may be provided with structural elements. In addition, both the right rear outer flap 21R and the left rear outer flap 21L may be provided with structural elements for leaving the packing box 1 with the unsealed traces of the packing box 1.

[0130] Next, the unsealing operation of the right rear outer side flap 21R in this embodiment will be further described. Fig.191 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging box 1 in this embodiment, which has an unsealing mark of the packaging box 1 left when the operator grasps the upper side of the right rear outer flap 21R (for example, the area closer to the center than the upper end) based on the approximate center of the right rear outer flap 21R. In this case, the operator starts to unseal the right rear outer flap 21R in a manner of peeling the right rear outer flap 21R from the right front inner flap 41R by grasping the area of ​​the right rear outer flap 21R that is adjacent to the front edge 22a of the outer edge 22 and is not bonded to the right front inner flap 41R with the adhesive 2, and Fig.19 The right rear outer folding plate 21R is provided with a secondary depth controlled slit Hs4, which is located at the upper side of the approximate center of the right rear outer folding plate 21R in the vertical direction. Fig.12 The right rear outer side flap 21R is substantially located at the center of the right rear outer side flap 21R in the vertical direction and between the region 22a of the outer edge 22 and the first main depth controlled slit Hm1. In addition, in this embodiment, the right rear outer side flap 21R is provided with a first through slit Ct1, which is located Fig.19 The right rear outer folded plate 21R is substantially located at the center of the vertical direction of the right rear outer folded plate 21R, connected to the secondary controlled depth slit Hs4, and extends across the first main controlled depth slit Hm1. Therefore, compared with the case of the first embodiment, if the operator starts the unsealing operation by grasping the above-mentioned area, the right rear outer folded plate 21R is more likely to be broken into the top sheet and the bottom sheet starting from the secondary controlled depth slit Hs4 and the first through slit Ct2. In addition, as the operator peels upward the top sheet located at Fig.19 The force applied by the operator acts on the surface layer F and the middle layer I of the corrugated cardboard of the portion of the right rear outer folded plate 21R adjacent to the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 in the adjacent portion of the region 22a of the outer edge 22 in the first main depth controlled slit Hm1. Fig.12 The portion of the right rear outer folded plate 21R on the upper side is provided with a secondary controlled-depth slit Hs2 extending from the first main controlled-depth slit Hm1. The force applied by the operator also acts on the surface layer F and the middle layer I of the corrugated cardboard of the portion of the right rear outer folded plate 21R provided with the secondary controlled-depth slit Hs2. Fig.19Separation begins to occur at the first main depth controlled slit Hm1 and the secondary depth controlled slit Hs2 on the upper side of the approximate center in the vertical direction of the package. Then, as the operator continues the operation of unsealing the right rear outer flap 21R while the separation occurs, a portion of the separation line reaches the second through slit Ct2. When the separation reaches there, the portion of the right rear outer flap 21R held by the operator is likely to be separated from the remaining portion 4 of the right rear outer flap 21R that remains adhered to the right front inner flap 41R while being guided by the second through slit Ct2. Therefore, even if the flap piece 3 is not completely separated from the remaining portion 4, the right rear outer flap 21R will be irreparably damaged due to the above-mentioned separation. Typically, the flap piece 3 is completely separated from the remaining portion 4. Therefore, the packaging box 1 will leave clear marks of the unsealing of the packaging box 1.

[0131] As described above, in this embodiment, the right rear outer flap 21R has the through slit Ct which is on the first slit Hm (main depth controlled slit Hm), on the second slit (sub depth controlled slit Hs), or in the area surrounded by the first slit Hm and the fold line 64R, and extends from the rear surface of the outer cover portion 21R to the outer surface of the outer cover portion 21R. In particular, in this embodiment, the outer cover portion 21R has: the first through slit Ct1 which extends across the first section Hm1 (first main depth controlled slit) of the first depth controlled slit Hm in the direction crossing the fold line 64R; and the second through slit Ct2 which contacts the end of the first through slit Ct1 on the fold line 64R side and extends in a direction parallel to the fold line 64R.

[0132] Here, according to the structural arrangement of the packaging box 1 in this embodiment, the unsealing operation of the right rear outer flap 21R is guided by the first through slit Ct1 and the second through slit Ct2. Therefore, the line 3a along which the flap 3 is randomly separated from the remaining part 4 in response to the operation performed by the operator is relatively short, so that the shape of the line 3a is likely to remain stable. That is, Fig.11 Compared with the structural arrangement of the packaging box 1 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the structural arrangement of the packaging box 1 in this embodiment makes the right rear outer side flap 21R more easily damaged. However, the structural arrangement of the packaging box 1 in this embodiment makes it easier to keep the shape of the line 3a stable. In contrast, in the case of the structural arrangement of the packaging box 1 in the first embodiment, the line 3a (along which the flap 3 is randomly separated from the remaining part 4 in response to the operation performed by the operator after being guided by the secondary depth-controlled slit Hs4) is relatively long and has an unpredictable shape.

[0133] That is, compared with the case of the packaging box 1 in this embodiment, Fig.11In the case of the structural arrangement of the packaging box 1 in the first embodiment shown, the right rear outer side flap 21R is less likely to be torn, but is more likely to be uniform in shape. The structural arrangement in the first embodiment and the structural arrangement in this embodiment can be selectively used as needed. However, it stands to reason that the structural arrangement in the first embodiment is more likely to leave the packaging box 1 with unsealing marks than the structural arrangement in this embodiment, which makes the packaging box 1 difficult to repair.

[0134] Incidentally, the influence of the position where the operator grasps the right rear outer flap 21R, and the positioning and configuration of the sub-depth controlled slit Hs on the unsealing trace of the packaging box 1 are similar to those described in the first embodiment, and thus will not be described here.

[0135] [Other Notes]

[0136] The present invention has been described above in detail with reference to several embodiments of the present invention. However, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0137] In the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention, the articles to be placed in the packaging box are boxes used by an image forming device using an electronic photographic process. However, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in terms of the articles to be placed in the packaging box. That is, the present invention is also applicable to packaging boxes for other consumables (waste toner containers, belts such as intermediate transfer belts, ink cartridges, etc.) other than the processing boxes. For example, the present invention is applicable to packaging boxes for food, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, etc. In other words, the present invention is applicable to packaging boxes for any commodity. The size of the packaging box and the number of walls of the packaging box are optional. All that is required is to set this according to the articles to be packaged.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the outer flap is substantially rectangular. However, it may be substantially polygonal, circular, oval, elliptical, etc. In addition, where the outer flap is one of these shapes, typically, the controlled depth main slit may be formed to be substantially similar in shape to the outer edge of the outer flap and formed in a manner surrounding the adhesive application point. The controlled depth main slit may be formed as a straight line, a curve, or a combination of a straight line and a curve.

[0139] In addition, for example, in the case where the area of ​​the packing box corresponding to at least one of the right rear outer side flap and the left rear outer side flap is designated as the normal area of ​​the packing box for unsealing the box, the packing box can be constructed so that the area of ​​the packing box corresponding to the top plate in the above embodiment will leave a trace of abnormal unsealing of the packing box according to the present invention. In such a case, the connecting plate constitutes an outer cover, and when the top plate is bent along the fold line, the outer cover is superimposed on at least a part of the surface of the inner cover part facing the outside of the packing box.

[0140] Furthermore, the structural arrangement for leaving a mark of unsealing a packaging box according to the present invention can be used as a structural arrangement for leaving a mark of unsealing a packaging box from a normal (designated) area of ​​the box. Fig.21 In the case of the structural arrangement of the unsealing tape 18 shown in (b), the starting point Hma of the main depth controlled slit Hm and the end point Hmb of the main depth controlled slit Hm may be positioned adjacent to one of the perforated lines remaining as the edge of the first section 10a of the top panel 10, or the main depth controlled slit Hm may be formed in a manner intersecting the perforated lines 17 so that the respective starting point and end points Hma and Hmb of the main depth controlled slit Hm are located adjacent to the fold line 61 between the top panel 10 and the rear panel 20. This structural arrangement may leave traces of the packaging box being unsealed from the area of ​​the packaging box other than the unsealing tape 18.

[0141] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A packaging box formed of corrugated paperboard for packaging articles to be packaged, the packaging box comprising: a box body capable of accommodating the items to be packaged and provided with an opening at a side portion of the box body; an inner cover portion, the inner cover portion being configured to close at least a portion of the opening; and an outer cover portion, the outer cover portion being folded at the folding portion to overlap at least a portion of an outer surface of the inner cover portion facing outward, wherein when a surface of the outer cover portion opposite to the inner cover portion is a rear surface and a surface opposite to the rear surface is a front surface, the rear surface is provided with: a bonding portion bonded to the outer surface of the inner cover portion, a first slit cut out from the rear surface and not reaching the front surface, the first slit being arranged to surround the bonding portion together with the folded portion, and a second slit cut out from the rear surface and not reaching the front surface, the second slit being cut to extend from the outer edge toward the first slit between the outer edge of the outer cover portion and the first slit, the second slit reaching the outer edge, wherein the first slit includes a first portion extending in a direction along the folded portion and a second portion extending in a direction crossing the folded portion, and wherein the bonding portion is surrounded by the folded portion, the first portion, and the second portion. 2 . The packaging box according to claim 1 , wherein one end portion of the first portion and one end portion of the second portion are connected.

3. The packing box according to claim 1, wherein the second slit extends from one end portion of the first portion or a portion adjacent to the one end portion to the outer edge or a portion adjacent to the outer edge in an extending direction of the first portion.

4. A packing box according to claim 1, wherein the second slit extends from the first part or an adjacent part of the first part toward the outer edge in a direction intersecting the folded part at a position closer to the center of the first part than the end of the first part relative to the extension direction of the first part. 5 . The packing box according to claim 1 , wherein the second slit extends from an end portion of the second portion on a side closer to the first portion toward the outer edge in an extending direction of the second portion.

6. The packaging box according to claim 1, wherein the outer cover portion includes a through slit extending from the rear surface to the front surface, and The through slit is disposed on the first slit, on the second slit, or in a region surrounded by the first slit and the folded portion.

7. The packaging box according to claim 1, wherein the outer cover portion includes a through slit extending from the rear surface to the front surface, and The through slit includes a first through slit extending in a direction intersecting the folded portion and the first portion, and a second through slit extending in a direction along the folded portion so as to contact or approach an end portion of the first through slit on the folded portion side. 8 . The packing box according to claim 1 , wherein the first slit is formed of a plurality of slits arranged at intervals in an extending direction of the first slit.

9. The packing box according to claim 1, wherein when the side portion and the outer cover portion are respectively a first side portion and a first outer cover portion, a second outer cover portion sealed by a sealer in a state where the box body is closed is provided at a second side portion different from the first side portion.

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