Packing material and handling method thereof, and exterior box for transportation

Abstract

To provide a packing material and a handling method thereof, as well as an exterior box for transportation, which can restrict use when mold shrinkage or warping in carrier tape occurs, and can also identify at which stage the mold shrinkage or warping in carrier tape occurred.SOLUTION: In a packing material 1, a carrier tape 4 for storing electronic components is wound onto a reel 2, and the free end of the wound carrier tape 4 is fixed with a securing tape 5. On the securing tape 5, a prohibition pattern 10 for the carrier tape 4 is formed using a thermochromic ink composition that completely changes to the prohibited color red in a high-temperature range of 60°C or higher. By visualizing the state of the carrier tape 4 of the packaging material 1 with the prohibition pattern 10, it is possible to visually grasp and determine whether the packaging material 1 can be used. Therefore, there is no need to stop the insertion work of electronic components, and the electronic components in the storage pockets can be smoothly taken out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to packaging materials used for storing, storing, transporting, and shipping parts, a method for handling the same, and an outer box for transportation. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when electronic components consisting of ICs are individually stored, transported, shipped, etc., packaging materials with carrier tape have been widely used to efficiently handle small electronic components that are difficult to handle, to store as many electronic components as possible, or to prevent damage to the electronic components (see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

[0003] Although not shown, this type of packaging material includes a reel having a drum sandwiched between a number of discs, and a carrier tape for storing electronic components wound around the reel drum, with the free end (terminal end) of the carrier tape wound around the reel fixed with a fastening tape. The carrier tape has a number of storage pockets for storing electronic components arranged longitudinally along the center of a long resin sheet, and a number of feed holes punched longitudinally along the sides of the resin sheet.

[0004] To manufacture such packaging materials, first, a long resin sheet for the carrier tape is molded, the resin sheet is heated to form an array of storage pockets in the longitudinal direction of the center of the resin sheet, a plurality of feed holes are punched in the longitudinal direction of the sides of the resin sheet, and the resin sheet is cut to a predetermined length to form the carrier tape. Once the carrier tape is obtained in this way, the carrier tape is wound onto an empty reel, and then the end of the wound carrier tape is fixed with fastening tape to manufacture the packaging material.

[0005] The manufactured packaging materials are packed into outer boxes in specified quantities (for example, 10 rolls), stored by the carrier tape manufacturer, and then shipped to the component manufacturer. The shipped packaging materials are stored and managed by the component manufacturer, but if multiple electronic components are to be inserted into the carrier tape, the fastening tape is peeled off and the tape is set into the taping machine, and the insertion process begins.

[0006] Then, the carrier tape of the packaging material is unwound from upstream of the taping machine into the work area, electronic components are inserted sequentially into multiple storage pockets, a transparent cover tape for the electronic components unwound from a supply reel is pressed against the surface of the carrier tape by a high-temperature heater block to heat seal it, and then the carrier tape is taken up onto an empty take-up reel located downstream of the taping machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-103603 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-092899 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-034342 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Conventional packaging materials are constructed as described above, but if temperature and other conditions are not properly controlled during storage or transportation, heat will be applied to the carrier tape, causing it to return to its original shape and deform the storage pocket, or the carrier tape will warp, resulting in problems such as line resistance and difficulty in removing the product.

[0009] To explain these problems in more detail, if the carrier tape is subjected to high heat and serious molding rebound occurs, it becomes impossible to insert electronic components into the storage pockets, forcing the insertion operation to be halted. On the other hand, if the carrier tape is only slightly molded, electronic components can be inserted into the storage pockets, but the storage pockets have shrunk, making it impossible to suck and remove the electronic components from the storage pockets smoothly, which hinders the removal operation.

[0010] Furthermore, if the carrier tape is subjected to high heat and has significant warpage, the line resistance increases, causing problems such as transport errors and line stoppages.In contrast, if the carrier tape has only slight warpage, electronic components can be inserted into the storage pockets, but line resistance occurs when removing the electronic components from the storage pockets, resulting in pickup errors and the generation of foreign matter due to edge contact, which can lead to complaints from the end user.

[0011] These problems are not discovered until the component manufacturers have introduced the electronic components, and even if the cause is investigated, it is not possible to determine at what stage (when the carrier tape manufacturer takes up the components or stores them, during transportation, or when the component manufacturer stores them) the re-molding or warping of the carrier tape occurred.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a packaging material, a handling method thereof, and an outer box for transportation, which can restrict use when molding reversion or warping of the carrier tape occurs, and which can identify the stage at which molding reversion or warping of the carrier tape occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a method for winding a carrier tape for protecting small items around a reel, and fixing the wound carrier tape with a fastening tape, The fastening tape is characterized in that a carrier tape prohibition pattern is formed on the fastening tape using an ink composition whose color changes at a predetermined temperature.

[0014] In addition, a warning pattern for use on the carrier tape can be formed on the fastening tape using an ink composition that changes color at a predetermined temperature, and the predetermined temperature can be lower than the temperature at which the color of the prohibited use pattern changes. The prohibited use pattern can also be formed using a thermochromic ink composition that changes color to a prohibited color at high temperatures of 60°C or higher.

[0015] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention is characterized in that the packaging material is handled in accordance with the change in color of the prohibition pattern on the packaging material as described in claim 1 or 2.

[0016] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a packaging material according to claim 1 or 2 that is housed in an outer box, The packaging material is characterized in that a usage warning pattern for packaging materials is formed on the exposed surface of the exterior box using an ink composition that changes color at a predetermined temperature.

[0017] In addition, a prohibited use pattern for packaging materials can be formed on the exposed surface of the outer box using an ink composition that changes color at a predetermined temperature, and the predetermined temperature can be higher than the temperature at which the color of the warning use pattern changes. In addition, the warning pattern can be formed using a thermochromic ink composition whose color changes at temperatures above 40°C, and the prohibited pattern can be formed using a thermochromic ink composition whose color changes to a prohibited color at high temperatures above 60°C.

[0018] Here, the term "small item" in the claims includes at least finished products such as small electrical components, small electronic components, small semiconductor components, small mechanical components, small precision components, small connectors, switches, relays, etc. The cautionary and prohibited use patterns may be formed by printing, imprinting, painting, etc. on letters, figures, symbols, colors, or combinations thereof.

[0019] The ink composition preferably comprises an electron-donating organic color-forming compound for selecting a color, an electron-accepting compound that develops color upon receiving electrons from the electron-donating organic color-forming compound, and a reaction medium that controls the color-forming reaction between the electron-donating organic color-forming compound and the electron-accepting compound. The ink composition preferably is a thermochromic color-memory composition that initiates a change to a color-forming state at a color-forming initiation temperature and reaches a fully colored state within a full color-forming temperature range above the color-forming initiation temperature, with the full color-forming temperature range being 40°C or higher. Furthermore, the numerical values ​​indicating the temperatures may include measurement errors and other different values, provided that the effects of the present invention are not affected. Forbidden colors can be set to red, orange, black, etc., in accordance with JIS Z9101 or JIS Z9103.

[0020] The up / down, front / rear, left / right directions of the packaging material and outer shipping box according to the present invention are directions based on the drawings and can be changed as needed. Furthermore, although the subject matter of the present invention is a packaging material and an outer shipping box, if the configuration for other uses is the same as the configuration of the present invention and can be converted into a packaging material or an outer shipping box, and the effects of the present invention are achieved, the configuration for other uses falls within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0021] According to the present invention, when a packaging material is manufactured, the prohibition pattern on the fastening tape is observed, and if the prohibition pattern does not discolor as a result of the observation, it can be determined that the packaging material is a non-defective product because heat that would have an adverse effect on the carrier tape of the packaging material has not acted on it. On the other hand, if the prohibition pattern is discolored, it is highly likely that high heat has acted on the carrier tape of the packaging material, causing it to revert or warp, so the packaging material can be determined to be a defective product and can be discontinued or inspected.

[0022] Furthermore, when inserting a small item into the carrier tape of a packaging material, the prohibition pattern on the fastening tape of the packaging material is observed, and if the prohibition pattern has not discolored as a result of the observation, heat that would have a detrimental effect on the carrier tape of the packaging material has not acted, so the packaging material can be determined to be a good product and the small item can be inserted in. On the other hand, if the prohibition pattern has discolored, it is highly likely that high heat that would have a detrimental effect on the carrier tape of the packaging material has acted, causing remolding or warping of the carrier tape, so the packaging material can be determined to be defective and handling can be discontinued, etc. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to restrict the use of packaging materials when re-molding or warping of the carrier tape occurs, and it is also possible to easily identify at what stage, from the manufacturing of the packaging material to the insertion of small items, the re-molding or warping of the carrier tape occurred.

[0024] According to the invention described in claim 2, if the prohibited use pattern has changed color to a prohibited color, it is highly likely that the carrier tape of the packaging material has been subjected to high heat of 60°C or higher, causing it to revert to its original shape or warp, and therefore the packaging material can be deemed defective and can be discontinued or inspected.

[0025] According to the invention of claim 3, if the prohibition pattern on the fastening tape has not discolored, the packaging material can be considered a non-defective product and can be used. On the other hand, if the prohibition pattern has discolored, it is highly likely that the carrier tape of the packaging material has been subjected to high heat, causing it to revert or warp, so the packaging material can be considered a defective product and can be discontinued or inspected.

[0026] According to the invention of claim 4, by observing the usage caution pattern on the outer box, if the usage caution pattern on the outer box has not discolored, it is possible to identify the packed packaging material as a non-defective product, since heat that adversely affects the carrier tape of the packaging material has not acted on it. On the other hand, if the usage caution pattern on the outer box has discolored, it is possible that heat that adversely affects the carrier tape of the packaging material has acted on it, causing remolding or warping of the carrier tape, so it is possible to identify the packed packaging material as a defective product and subject it to inspection.

[0027] According to the invention of claim 5, by observing the prohibition pattern on the outer box, if the prohibition pattern on the outer box has not discolored, it is possible to identify the packed packaging material as a non-defective product, since high heat has not acted on the carrier tape of the packaging material. On the other hand, if the prohibition pattern on the outer box has discolored, it is highly likely that high heat has acted on the carrier tape of the packaging material, causing re-molding or warping of the carrier tape, so it is possible to regard the packed packaging material as a defective product and discontinue use.

[0028] According to the invention of claim 6, if the usage caution pattern on the outer box is discolored, it is possible that the carrier tape of the packaging material has been exposed to heat of 40°C or higher, causing it to revert or warp, so the packed packaging material can be identified as a defective product and subject to inspection. Also, if the usage prohibition pattern is discolored, it is possible that the carrier tape of the packaging material has been exposed to heat of 60°C or higher, causing it to revert or warp, so the packaging material can be deemed a defective product and its use can be discontinued. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a pattern for prohibiting use at room temperature in an embodiment of the packaging material and the handling method thereof according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a pattern prohibiting use at temperatures above 60° C. in an embodiment of the packaging material and the handling method thereof according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view schematically showing an outer box at 40° C. in an embodiment of the outer box for transportation according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view schematically showing an outer box at 30° C. in an embodiment of the outer box for transportation according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view schematically showing an outer box at 60° C. in an embodiment of the outer box for transportation according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view schematically showing an outer box at 70° C. in an embodiment of the outer box for transportation according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, packaging material 1 in this embodiment is a material in which carrier tape 4 for protecting electronic components is wound around reel 2, and this wound carrier tape 4 is fixed with fastening tape 5, and then stored in an outer box 20. By forming a prohibition pattern 10 for carrier tape 4 on fastening tape 5 using an ink composition that changes color at a predetermined temperature, this contributes to the achievement of Goal 9 of the SDGs adopted at the United Nations Summit.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the reel 2 is configured, for example, by sandwiching a cylindrical drum between a pair of opposing left and right disks 3, and a carrier tape 4 is wound in multiple layers around the outer surface of this drum.

[0032] 1 and 2, the carrier tape 4 is a long, strip-shaped resin sheet having a plurality of storage pockets arranged continuously at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction at the center of the sheet, each of which is formed as a shallow rectangular depression, and a plurality of feed holes punched at predetermined intervals along one or both longitudinal sides of the resin sheet. The resin sheet is formed into a long, strip-shaped sheet having a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm by extrusion molding or the like using a molding material containing a predetermined resin.

[0033] The resin of the resin sheet is not particularly limited and may be polyethylene resin, polystyrene resin, polycarbonate resin, ABS resin, MBS resin, etc., but it is preferable that the resin be mainly composed of a hydrocarbon-based resin from the viewpoint of preventing curling or warping of the carrier tape 4. Examples of such hydrocarbon-based resins include transparent polystyrene resin, which is highly versatile, conductive polystyrene resin, which can prevent static electricity troubles, and polyethylene resin.

[0034] The resin sheet may be made of one type of resin, but may be made of multiple types of resin as needed. For example, when it is desired to make the resin sheet multifunctional, it may be formed into a laminated structure in which the first layer is made of a thin polyethylene resin, the second layer is made of a thick polystyrene resin, and the third layer is made of a thin polyethylene resin.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the fastening tape 5 is made of, for example, an adhesive tape having an adhesive layer laminated on a base tape, and functions to adhesively fix the free end of the carrier tape 4 wound in multiple layers, thereby preventing the carrier tape 4 from loosening, etc.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the prohibited use pattern 10 is printed in a flat circular shape in yellow or colorless on the surface of the fastening tape 5 using, for example, a temperature-sensitive color-changing ink composition, and the color does not change when the surrounding environment is at room temperature (e.g., 23°C) or medium temperature (e.g., around 40°C), but when the surrounding environment is at a high temperature of 60°C or higher, 65°C or higher, or 70°C, the color changes completely from yellow or colorless to red, a prohibited color in accordance with JIS standards, thereby functioning to prohibit the use of the packaging material 1.

[0037] The thermochromic ink composition is not particularly limited, but may contain, for example, an electron-donating organic color-forming compound that selects a color, an electron-accepting compound that is a color developer that develops color upon receiving electrons from the electron-donating organic color-forming compound, and a reaction medium that controls the color reaction between the electron-donating organic color-forming compound and the electron-accepting compound.The thermochromic ink composition exhibits hysteresis characteristics in which the composition begins to change to a colored state at a color-development initiation temperature (for example, around 55°C), reaches a fully colored state in a temperature range above the color-development initiation temperature (60°C or higher), and begins to change to a decolorized state at a decolorization initiation temperature (for example, around 55°C), reaching a fully decolorized state in a temperature range below the decolorization initiation temperature (for example, around 50°C).The composition changes color with a hysteresis width (ΔH) of 8°C to 100°C on the color density-temperature curve, and has a fully colored temperature of 60°C or higher and a fully decolorized temperature range of 40°C to 50°C.

[0038] Examples of the electron-donating color-forming organic compound of the ink composition include phthalide compounds, fluoran compounds, styrinoquinoline compounds, etc. Specific examples include 3,3-bis(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide, 3-(4-diethylamino-2-ethoxyphenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide, and 3,3-bis(1-n-butyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide.

[0039] Examples of electron-accepting compounds for the ink composition include compounds having an active proton, such as compounds having a phenolic hydroxyl group, pseudo-acidic compounds, and compounds having an electron vacancy. Specific examples include compounds having a phenolic hydroxyl group and their derivatives, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, acidic phosphoric acids and their derivatives, and azole compounds and their derivatives. More specific examples include phenol, o-cresol, m-cresol, p-cresol, 3,5-di(α-methylbenzyl)salicylic acid, and 4-(2-p-methoxyphenyloxyethoxy)salicylic acid.

[0040] The reaction medium of the ink composition may be, for example, an ester compound, more specifically, an ester compound having a specific structure, etc. This ester compound having a specific structure is a compound represented by the following formula (1).

[0041] [ka] (1) [wherein R1 represents a group represented by the following formula (2) or a cycloalkyl group, and R2 represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 13 carbon atoms]

[0042] [ka] (2) [wherein X represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms]

[0043] The ester compound represented by formula (1) is prepared by an esterification reaction between benzyl alcohol, an alcohol selected from alkylbenzyl alcohols having a linear or branched alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or cycloalkylmethanols, and a carboxylic acid having 2 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0044] Specific examples of alkylbenzyl alcohols having a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms include 2-methylbenzyl alcohol, 3-methylbenzyl alcohol, 4-methylbenzyl alcohol, 2-ethylbenzyl alcohol, 3-ethylbenzyl alcohol, 4-ethylbenzyl alcohol, 2-n-propylbenzyl alcohol, 3-n-propylbenzyl alcohol, 4-n-propylbenzyl alcohol, 2-isopropylbenzyl alcohol, 3-isopropylbenzyl alcohol, and 4-isopropylbenzyl alcohol.

[0045] In alkylbenzyl alcohols having a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, the substitution position of the alkyl group is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of availability and cost, alkylbenzyl alcohols in which the alkyl group is substituted at the 4-position (para-position) are preferred.

[0046] Specific examples of the cycloalkylmethanol include cyclopropanemethanol, cyclobutanemethanol, cyclopentanemethanol, cyclohexanemethanol, cycloheptanemethanol, and cyclooctanemethanol.

[0047] Specific examples of carboxylic acids having 2 to 14 carbon atoms include acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, pivalic acid, hydroangelic acid, isovaleric acid, caproic acid, enanthic acid, caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, undecylic acid, lauric acid, tridecylic acid, and myristic acid.

[0048] Among the ester compounds represented by formula (1), specific examples of ester compounds obtained by an esterification reaction between benzyl alcohol and a carboxylic acid having 2 to 14 carbon atoms include benzyl acetate, benzyl butyrate, benzyl caproate, benzyl caprylate, benzyl caprate, benzyl laurate, and benzyl myristate.

[0049] Specific examples of ester compounds obtained by esterification of alkylbenzyl alcohols having a linear or branched alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms with carboxylic acids having 2 to 14 carbon atoms include 2-methylbenzyl acetate, 3-methylbenzyl acetate, 4-methylbenzyl acetate, 2-ethylbenzyl acetate, 3-ethylbenzyl acetate, 4-ethylbenzyl acetate, 2-n-propylbenzyl acetate, 3-n-propylbenzyl acetate, 4-n-propylbenzyl acetate, 2-methylbenzyl butyrate, 3-methylbenzyl butyrate, 4-methylbenzyl butyrate, and 2-ethylbenzyl butyrate. benzyl butyrate, 3-ethylbenzyl butyrate, 4-ethylbenzyl butyrate, 2-n-propylbenzyl butyrate, 3-n-propylbenzyl butyrate, 4-n-propylbenzyl butyrate, 2-methylbenzyl caproate, 3-methylbenzyl caproate, 4-methylbenzyl caproate, 2-ethylbenzyl caproate, 3-ethylbenzyl caproate, 4-ethylbenzyl caproate, 2-n-propylbenzyl caproate, 3-n-propylbenzyl caproate, 4-n-propylbenzyl caproate, 2-methylbenzyl caprylate, 3-methylbenzyl caprylate Benzyl, 4-methylbenzyl caprylate, 2-ethylbenzyl caprylate, 3-ethylbenzyl caprylate, 4-ethylbenzyl caprylate, 2-n-propylbenzyl caprylate, 3-n-propylbenzyl caprylate, 4-n-propylbenzyl caprylate, 2-methylbenzyl caprate, 3-methylbenzyl caprate, 4-methylbenzyl caprate, 2-ethylbenzyl caprate, 3-ethylbenzyl caprate, 4-ethylbenzyl caprate, 2-n-propylbenzyl caprate, 3-n-propyl caprate Benzyl, 4-n-propylbenzyl caprate, 2-methylbenzyl laurate, 3-methylbenzyl laurate, 4-methylbenzyl laurate, 2-ethylbenzyl laurate, 3-ethylbenzyl laurate, 4-ethylbenzyl laurate, 2-n-propylbenzyl laurate, 3-n-propylbenzyl laurate, 4-n-propylbenzyl laurate, 2-methylbenzyl myristate, 3-methylbenzyl myristate, 4-methylbenzyl myristate, 2-ethylbenzyl myristate, 3-ethylbenzyl myristate,Examples include 4-ethylbenzyl myristate, 2-n-propylbenzyl myristate, 3-n-propylbenzyl myristate, and 4-n-propylbenzyl myristate.

[0050] Specific examples of ester compounds obtained by esterification of cycloalkylmethanol with a carboxylic acid having 2 to 14 carbon atoms include cyclopropylmethyl acetate, cyclobutylmethyl acetate, cyclopentylmethyl acetate, cyclohexylmethyl acetate, cycloheptylmethyl acetate, cyclooctylmethyl acetate, cyclopropylmethyl butyrate, cyclobutylmethyl butyrate, cyclopentylmethyl butyrate, cyclohexylmethyl butyrate, cycloheptylmethyl butyrate, cyclooctylmethyl butyrate, cyclopropylmethyl caproate, cyclobutylmethyl caproate, cyclopentylmethyl caproate, cyclohexylmethyl caproate, cycloheptylmethyl caproate, cyclooctylmethyl caproate, cyclopropylmethyl caprylate, cyclobutylmethyl caprylate ... methyl caprylate, cyclohexylmethyl caprylate, cycloheptylmethyl caprylate, cyclooctylmethyl caprylate, cyclopropylmethyl caprate, cyclobutylmethyl caprate, cyclopentylmethyl caprate, cyclohexylmethyl caprate, cycloheptylmethyl caprate, cyclooctylmethyl caprate, cyclopropylmethyl laurate, cyclobutylmethyl laurate, cyclopentylmethyl laurate, cyclohexylmethyl laurate, cycloheptylmethyl laurate, cyclooctylmethyl laurate, cyclopropylmethyl myristate, cyclobutylmethyl myristate, cyclopentylmethyl myristate, cyclohexylmethyl myristate, cycloheptylmethyl myristate, cyclooctylmethyl myristate, and the like.

[0051] With regard to R1, X is preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, or a cyclohexyl group, since this facilitates the production of a compound with a larger hysteresis width (ΔH). With regard to R2, X is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 3 to 11 carbon atoms, more preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 5 to 9 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 7 carbon atoms, since this facilitates the production of a compound with a higher discoloration temperature.

[0052] In formula (1), it is preferable that R1 is a group represented by formula (2) or a cycloalkyl group, and R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 3 to 11 carbon atoms, because this makes it easier to obtain a compound with a higher discoloration temperature and a larger hysteresis width (ΔH). In the above structure, it is preferable that R1 is a group in which X is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, or a cyclohexyl group. Furthermore, it is more preferable that R1 is a group represented by formula (2) or a cycloalkyl group, and R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 5 to 9 carbon atoms, and it is preferable that R1 is a group in which X is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, or a cyclohexyl group.

[0053] Furthermore, in formula (1), more preferred is an ester compound in which R1 is a group represented by formula (2) or a cycloalkyl group, and R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 7 carbon atoms, and which is represented by the following formula (3).

[0054] [ka] (3) [wherein R1 represents a group represented by the following formula (4) or a cycloalkyl group]

[0055] [ka] (4) [wherein X represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms]

[0056] Specific examples of the ester compound represented by formula (3) include benzyl caprylate, 2-methylbenzyl caprylate, 3-methylbenzyl caprylate, 4-methylbenzyl caprylate, 2-ethylbenzyl caprylate, 3-ethylbenzyl caprylate, 4-ethylbenzyl caprylate, 2-n-propylbenzyl caprylate, 3-n-propylbenzyl caprylate, 4-n-propylbenzyl caprylate, 2-isopropylbenzyl caprylate, 3-isopropylbenzyl caprylate, 4-isopropylbenzyl caprylate, cyclopropylmethyl caprylate, cyclobutylmethyl caprylate, cyclopentylmethyl caprylate, cyclohexylmethyl caprylate, cycloheptylmethyl caprylate, and cyclooctylmethyl caprylate.

[0057] In formula (3), R1 is preferably a group in which X is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, or a cyclohexyl group, and specific examples include benzyl caprylate, 2-methylbenzyl caprylate, 3-methylbenzyl caprylate, 4-methylbenzyl caprylate, and cyclohexylmethyl caprylate.

[0058] The thermochromic color-memory composition exhibits a reversible color change (coloring and decoloring) and exhibits a wide hysteresis width (ΔH) in the color density-temperature curve during this reversible color change. Furthermore, by containing an ester compound with a specific structure, the color change temperature is in a high-temperature range, and the composition can alternately memorize and retain both colors below and above the color change temperature. By heating or cooling as needed, the composition can effectively exhibit the property of reversibly reproducing and memorizing either color. Therefore, a thermochromic color-memory composition with excellent applicability for temperature-changing applications can be provided.

[0059] The reaction medium component may be a combination of two or more ester compounds represented by formula (1) or formula (3). The reaction medium component may further contain conventionally known reaction medium components such as esters other than those represented by formula (1) or formula (3), alcohols, carboxylic acids, ketones, and amides. When compounds other than those represented by formulas (1) and (3) are contained, their content is preferably from 1% by mass to 30% by mass, more preferably from 2% by mass to 25% by mass, and even more preferably from 3% by mass to 20% by mass, based on the total amount of the reaction medium components.

[0060] The temperature-sensitive color-changing ink composition contains 0.1 to 100 parts by mass, preferably 0.1 to 50 parts by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 20 parts by mass of an electron-accepting compound, and 1 to 800 parts by mass, preferably 5 to 200 parts by mass, and more preferably 5 to 10 parts by mass of a reaction medium, per 1 part by mass of an electron-donating organic color-forming compound, although this will vary depending on the color density, color-changing temperature, color-changing form, and type of each component.

[0061] The prohibited use pattern 10 changes color completely in a temperature range of 60°C or higher, but the temperature is set to 60°C or higher because there is a risk that the color will not change if it is set to 30°C or higher (see Figure 1). Also, the reason the color changes completely in a high temperature range of 60°C or higher is because, based on past experience, the carrier tape 4 will revert to its original shape, causing deformation of the storage pocket or warping of the carrier tape 4. The color change to red is because it is the ideal color to call attention.

[0062] The prohibition pattern 10 is printed with another irreversible thermochromic ink composition as needed. This irreversible thermochromic ink composition is prepared, for example, from a first thermochromic ink composition that is transparent or colorless at temperatures below a predetermined temperature (55°C) and a second thermochromic ink composition that is a chromatic color such as bright red at temperatures above a predetermined temperature (60°C), and is an ink composition that does not return to its original color once it has changed to a chromatic color.

[0063] Examples of such temperature-sensitive color-changing ink compositions include Metamocolor (registered trademark) (product name, manufactured by Pilot Ink Co., Ltd.), Thermopaint (R) (product name, manufactured by Nihon Yu Giken Kogyo Co., Ltd.), and Thermal Color (product name, manufactured by Recording Materials Research Institute Co., Ltd.).

[0064] 3 to 6, the outer box 20 is made of a general A-type cardboard box, and when a plurality of (10 rolls in this embodiment) packing materials 1 are stored inside, a plurality of flaps 21 at the top of the opening are closed and fixed with adhesive tape, etc. On the exposed surface of the peripheral wall of this outer box 20, for example, on the upper surface of the front wall, a caution pattern 11 and a prohibited use pattern 10A are formed in two rows, one above the other.

[0065] The usage caution pattern 11 is printed with the word "Caution" using, for example, a thermochromic ink composition, and does not change color when the surrounding environment is below 40°C, for example, 30°C, but when the surrounding environment is at a medium or high temperature of 40°C or above, the color changes completely from colorless to the warning color yellow or the prohibited color red in accordance with JIS standards, causing the word "Caution" to appear and function as a warning when using the packaging material 1.

[0066] The temperature-sensitive color-changing ink composition is substantially the same as the ink composition for the prohibited use pattern 10, and contains, for example, an electron-donating organic color-forming compound that selects a color, an electron-accepting compound that is a color developer that develops color upon receiving electrons from the electron-donating organic color-forming compound, and a reaction medium that controls the color reaction between the electron-donating organic color-forming compound and the electron-accepting compound.The temperature-sensitive color-changing color-memory composition is prepared to exhibit hysteresis characteristics in which the composition begins to change to a colored state at a color-development initiation temperature (for example, around 35°C), reaches a fully colored state in a temperature range above the color-development initiation temperature (40°C or higher), begins to change to a decolorized state at a color-decolorization initiation temperature (for example, around 35°C), and reaches a fully decolorized state in a temperature range below the color-decolorization initiation temperature (for example, around 30°C).

[0067] The temperature is set to 40°C or higher because there is a risk that the color will not change if it is set to room temperature or 30°C (see Figure 4). Furthermore, the color is changed at temperatures of 40°C or higher because, based on past experience, the carrier tape 4 may revert to its original shape, causing deformation of the storage pockets or warping of the carrier tape 4. The color change temperature can be changed by changing the amount of reaction medium added to the ink composition, etc.

[0068] In contrast, the no-use pattern 10A is printed in the letters "NG" using, for example, a temperature-sensitive color-changing ink composition, and the color does not change when the surrounding environment is at room temperature or medium temperature below 60°C, but when the surrounding environment is at high temperatures of 60°C or higher, 65°C or higher, or 70°C or higher, the color changes completely from colorless to red, a prohibited color in accordance with JIS standards, causing the letters "NG" to appear and become visible, thereby urging people to refrain from using the packaging material 1. The ink composition for the no-use pattern 10A is the same as the ink composition for the no-use pattern 10 printed on the fastening tape 5.

[0069] The temperature is set to 60°C or higher because there is a risk that the color will not change if it is set to 30°C or higher. The reason for changing the color at temperatures above 60°C is based on past experience and other factors, as this may cause the carrier tape 4 to revert to its original shape, deforming the storage pocket or causing warping of the carrier tape 4. The color change to red is based on the fact that this is the optimal color for attracting attention.

[0070] In the above configuration, when manufacturing the packaging material 1, first, a long resin sheet for the carrier tape 4 is formed, and this resin sheet is heated to form an arrangement of multiple storage pockets at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the center thereof, and then multiple feed holes are punched at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the side of the resin sheet, and this resin sheet is cut to a predetermined length to form the carrier tape 4. Once the carrier tape 4 is obtained in this manner, it is wound in multiple layers around an empty reel 2, and then the end of the wound multiple layers of the carrier tape 4 is adhesively fixed with fastening tape 5 bearing the prohibition pattern 10, thereby manufacturing the packaging material 1.

[0071] Once packaging material 1 is manufactured in this manner, it is left to stand for a predetermined time, and then the prohibition pattern 10 on fastening tape 5 is observed. If the observation reveals that prohibition pattern 10 is yellow or colorless, it means that high heat of 60°C or higher has not acted on carrier tape 4 of packaging material 1, and packaging material 1 can be deemed a non-defective product, and can be packed as is into outer box 20 on which caution pattern 11 and prohibition pattern 10A are printed. On the other hand, if prohibition pattern 10 has turned red (see FIG. 2), it is highly likely that high heat of 60°C or higher has acted on carrier tape 4 of packaging material 1, causing remolding or warping of carrier tape 4, and therefore packaging material 1 can be deemed a defective product and subjected to reinspection.

[0072] Next, when the stored outer box 20 is to be shipped to a parts manufacturer, the caution mark 11 and the prohibited use mark 10A are observed on the outer box 20. If the observation reveals that the caution mark 11 on the outer box 20 is not visible (see FIG. 4), this means that heat of 40°C or higher has not acted on the carrier tape 4 of the packaging material 1, and therefore the packed packaging material 1 can be considered a non-defective product, and the outer box 20 can be shipped as is.

[0073] On the other hand, if the usage caution pattern 11 on the outer box 20 is visible (see Figure 3), it is possible that heat of at least 40°C or more has acted on the carrier tape 4 of the packaging material 1, causing deformation or warping of the carrier tape 4, so the outer box 20 should be removed from the list of items to be shipped, and the packed packaging material 1 should be deemed to be a defective product and subject to reinspection. Also, if the usage prohibition pattern 10A on the outer box 20 is also visible (see Figures 5 and 6), it is highly possible that heat of 60°C or more has acted on the carrier tape 4 of the packaging material 1, causing deformation or warping of the carrier tape 4, so the outer box 20 should be removed from the list of items to be shipped, and the packed packaging material 1 should be deemed to be a defective product and subject to reinspection.

[0074] The outer box 20 shipped to the parts manufacturer is stored and managed by the parts manufacturer, and during this storage and management, the manufacturer observes the usage caution pattern 11 and the usage prohibition pattern 10A on the outer box 20. If the observation reveals that the usage caution pattern 11 on the outer box 20 is not visible, this means that heat of 40°C or higher has not acted on the carrier tape 4 of the packaging material 1, and the packed packaging material 1 can be considered a non-defective product, and the outer box 20 can be stored and managed as is.

[0075] On the other hand, if the usage caution pattern 11 on the outer box 20 is visible, it is possible that heat of at least 40°C or more has acted on the carrier tape 4 of the packaging material 1, causing remolding or warping of the carrier tape 4, so the outer box 20 should be removed from storage and management, and the packed packaging material 1 should be regarded as a defective product and subject to inspection. Also, if the usage prohibition pattern 10A on the outer box 20 is also visible, it is highly possible that heat of 60°C or more has acted on the carrier tape 4 of the packaging material 1, causing remolding or warping of the carrier tape 4, so the packaging material 1 in the outer box 20 should be regarded as a defective product and excluded from use.

[0076] When removing the packaging material 1 from the outer box 20 and inserting multiple electronic components into the carrier tape 4, the fastening tape 5 of the packaging material 1 is peeled off, and the prohibition mark 10 on the fastening tape 5 is observed during this peeling. If the observation reveals that the prohibition mark 10 is yellow or colorless, this means that the carrier tape 4 of the packaging material 1 has not been subjected to high heat of 60°C or higher, and the packaging material 1 can be considered a non-defective product. The fastening tape 5 can then be peeled off, the packaging material can be set in a taping machine, and the insertion of electronic components can begin.

[0077] On the other hand, if the prohibition pattern 10 has turned red, it is highly likely that the carrier tape 4 of the packaging material 1 has been subjected to high heat of 60°C or more, causing re-molding or warping of the carrier tape 4, so the packaging material 1 should be deemed defective and should be discontinued or inspected. Alternatively, the fastening tape 5 can be peeled off and the product set in the taping machine, and the insertion of electronic components can be carefully started.

[0078] According to the above, the use prohibition pattern 10 on the fastening tape 5 and the use caution pattern 11 and use prohibition pattern 10A on the outer box 20 visualize the state of the carrier tape 4 of the packaging material 1, allowing for visual understanding and determining whether the packaging material 1 is usable. This eliminates the need to stop the insertion of electronic components, allowing for smooth removal of electronic components from the storage pockets by suction. This also prevents increased line resistance from causing transport errors and prevents line resistance from occurring during the removal of electronic components from the storage pockets. Furthermore, it is easy to determine whether molding reversion or warping of the carrier tape 4 occurred during winding, storage, or transportation by the carrier tape 4 manufacturer, or during storage by the component manufacturer.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the packaging material 1 is shipped housed in an outer box 20, but this is not limited thereto, and each item may be packaged in a plastic bag and shipped. Furthermore, the temperature-sensitive color-changing ink composition of the above embodiment may utilize the techniques of JP 2022-13866 A, JP 2005-1369 A, JP 2006-137886 A, JP 2006-188660 A, JP 2008-280523 A, and JP 2017-170664 A. Furthermore, the fastening tape 5 may be adhesively fixed to a portion of the wound carrier tape 4 other than the end portion to prevent the carrier tape 4 from loosening.

[0080] In addition, although the outer box 20 is a cardboard box in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this and may be changed to, for example, a dedicated shipping box made of resin. Furthermore, although the warning mark 11 is printed with the word "Caution" in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this and may be changed to, for example, "Warning" or "!". Furthermore, although the prohibition mark 10A is printed with the word "NG," it is not limited to this and may be changed to, for example, "Do not use" or "X." Furthermore, all of the technologies described in this specification are subject to patent rights acquisition through amendments or divisional applications, etc. [Example]

[0081] Examples of packaging materials and outer transport boxes according to the present invention will be described below together with comparative examples. Example 1 To manufacture the packaging material, first, a long resin sheet for the carrier tape was molded, and this resin sheet was heated to form an array of multiple storage pockets at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the center of the resin sheet, and then multiple feed holes were punched at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the side of the resin sheet, and this resin sheet was cut to a predetermined length to obtain a carrier tape with a width of 8 mm. Once the carrier tape was obtained in this way, the carrier tape was wound into a multi-layer spiral on an empty reel, and then the end of the spirally wound carrier tape was adhesively fixed with fastening tape bearing a prohibition pattern, thereby manufacturing the packaging material.

[0082] The prohibited use pattern was printed in a flat circular yellow on the surface of the fastening tape using a thermochromic ink composition that completely changes color from yellow to red when the surrounding environment was at a high temperature of 60°C.

[0083] Next, once the packaging materials were manufactured, they were packed directly into cardboard boxes on which a usage warning pattern and a usage prohibition pattern had been stamped. The usage warning pattern on the cardboard boxes was stamped with the word "Caution" using a thermochromic ink composition. The thermochromic ink composition used was of a type that changes color completely from colorless to red when the surrounding environment is as high as 40°C, making the word "Caution" stand out. The usage prohibition pattern on the cardboard boxes was stamped with the word "NG" using a thermochromic ink composition. The thermochromic ink composition used was of a type that changes color completely from colorless to red when the surrounding environment is as high as 60°C, making the word "NG" stand out.

[0084] Next, the cardboard box was placed in an environmental tester and set to a temperature environment of 40°C, and the packaging materials, the prohibition marks on the fastening tape, and the caution marks and prohibition marks on the cardboard box were observed. When the packaging materials were inspected, no deformation or warping of the carrier tape was found. Furthermore, no changes were found in the prohibition markings on the fastening tape and the cardboard box. In contrast, the warning markings on the cardboard box were clearly visible, with the word "Caution" embossed.

[0085] Example 2 Basically, this was the same as in Example 1, but the temperature environment of the environmental tester was changed to 60°C, and the packaging materials, the prohibited use patterns on the fastening tape, and the caution and prohibited use patterns on the cardboard boxes were observed. When the packaging materials were inspected, both molding reversal and warping of the carrier tape were confirmed. The prohibited use markings on the fastening tape had also changed color from yellow to red. Furthermore, the cardboard box had the "Caution" markings on the caution markings and the "NG" markings on the prohibited use markings.

[0086] Example 3 Basically the same as in Example 1, but the temperature environment of the environmental tester was changed to 70°C, and the packaging materials, the prohibited use patterns on the fastening tape, and the caution and prohibited use patterns on the cardboard boxes were observed. When the packaging materials were inspected, both molding reversion and warping of the carrier tape were found. The prohibited use markings on the fastening tape had also changed color from yellow to red. Furthermore, the "Caution" markings on the cardboard boxes had become visible, along with the "NG" markings on the prohibited use markings.

[0087] Comparative Example The experiment was basically the same as in Example 1, but the temperature environment of the environmental tester was changed to 30°C, below 40°C, and the packaging materials, the prohibited use patterns on the fastening tape, and the warning and prohibited use patterns on the cardboard boxes were observed. An inspection of the packaging materials revealed no signs of re-forming or warping of the carrier tape. Furthermore, no changes were found to the prohibited use markings on the fastening tape or the warning and prohibited use marks on the cardboard boxes. [Industrial Applicability]

[0088] The packaging material, the method for handling the same, and the outer transport box according to the present invention are used in the fields of manufacturing and using packaging materials, and the fields of using outer transport boxes, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Packaging materials 2 reels 4 Carrier tape 5 Fastening tape 10 Prohibited Patterns 10A Prohibited use pattern 11 Caution Pattern 20 outer box

Claims

1. A packaging material in which a carrier tape for protecting small items is wound around a reel and the wound carrier tape is fixed with a fastening tape, A packaging material characterized in that a use prohibition pattern for a carrier tape is formed on a fastening tape using an ink composition whose color changes at a predetermined temperature.

2. 2. The packaging material according to claim 1, wherein the prohibited use pattern is formed using a thermochromic ink composition whose color changes to a prohibited color at high temperatures of 60° C. or higher.

3. 3. A method for handling packaging materials, comprising handling the packaging materials in accordance with a change in color of the prohibition mark on the packaging materials according to claim 1 or 2.

4. 3. An outer box for transportation in which the packaging material according to claim 1 or 2 is stored, characterized in that a usage warning pattern for the packaging material is formed on the exposed surface of the outer box using an ink composition whose color changes at a predetermined temperature.

5. 5. The outer box for transportation according to claim 4, wherein a prohibited use pattern for packaging materials is formed on the exposed surface of the outer box using an ink composition whose color changes at a predetermined temperature, and the predetermined temperature is set higher than the temperature at which the color of the warning use pattern changes.

6. 6. The outer box for transportation according to claim 5, wherein the warning pattern is formed using a thermochromic ink composition whose color changes at temperatures above 40°C, and the prohibited use pattern is formed using a thermochromic ink composition whose color changes to a prohibited color at high temperatures above 60°C.

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