Packing case, manufacturing method for the same

Abstract

To simplify a production of an at least partially reusable packing case.SOLUTION: A packing case 1 includes a case part 2 and a heat-shrinkable film 3. The case part 2 is integral with a bottom part 21 and multiple wall parts 22 that are continuous with the bottom part 21 via the bottom part 21 and a bent part 23 and extend upright from the bottom part 21. In a shrunk state, the film 3 clamps an article X to be packed together with the wall parts 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a packing case for packing a unit number of articles. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technology for packaging an item using a packing case that includes a case that partially covers the periphery of the item and a film that covers the case and the item together. In particular, Patent Document 1 describes a packing case that can be partially reused, thereby reducing the total cost from production to disposal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-91364 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to pack an item using the packing case described in Patent Document 1, the side panels of the case body must be erected and assembled via hinges. Therefore, when using the technology described in Patent Document 1, the case body must be assembled each time an item is packed, which in turn leads to complication of the packing work, or to the complexity and cost increase of the packing case itself. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A packing case according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a case portion integral with a bottom portion and a plurality of wall portions that are continuous with the bottom portion via bends located at the ends of the bottom portion and that extend upright from the bottom portion, and a film that is heat-shrinkable and that, in a shrunk state, clamps an item to be packed together with at least a plurality of the wall portions.

[0006] A method for manufacturing a packing case according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of preparing a sheet having a loading section and a plurality of folded pieces that are continuous with the loading section via a fold located at an end of the loading section, covering the sheet with a heat-shrinkable film, and folding the plurality of folded pieces relative to the loading section at the fold by heating the film covering the sheet, causing the film to heat-shrink and tighten against the sheet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] To more simply realize a packing case at least part of which is reusable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a packing case according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a packing case according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic plan view of a sheet according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a packing case according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a packing case according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Embodiment 1] <Packing case> An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a packing case 1 according to this embodiment. In the schematic perspective views of the packing case 1 in this disclosure, including Fig. 1, a plurality of bottles X are also illustrated as articles to be packed in the packing case 1. However, the packing case 1 in this disclosure is not limited to bottles X, and can be used to package a variety of articles such as food, beverages, daily necessities, industrial products, and building materials, and may be used to package a variety of articles, particularly food and beverage cans or bottles.

[0010] The packing case 1 is a case for packing articles such as bottles X in units of, for example, a plurality of units. The packing case 1 includes a case portion 2 and a film 3.

[0011] The case 2 has a bottom 21, a plurality of wall portions 22, and a bent portion 23. The bottom 21 is capable of carrying items such as a bottle X, which will be described later. The bottom 21 may have, for example, a rectangular shape. The wall portions 22 are continuous with the bottom 21 at an end of the bottom 21 and stand upright from the bottom 21. The bent portion 23 is located at the end of the bottom 21 and connects the bottom 21 and the wall portions 22. Therefore, in the case 2, the bottom 21 and the wall portions 22 are integral. In this embodiment, the wall portions 22 are formed across each side of the bottom 21. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the wall portions 22 may be formed on only a portion of each side of the bottom 21.

[0012] The bottom 21, the multiple walls 22, and the bent portions 23 of the case 2 are integral. In other words, each wall 22 is continuous with the bottom 21 via a bent portion 23 located at an end of the bottom 21. In addition, the multiple walls 22 are not joined to the bottom 21 by a member other than the members constituting the bottom 21, the walls 22, and the bent portions 23, such as a hinge, stapler, or adhesive. In particular, the case 2 is formed by bending at the bent portions 23 between the bottom 21 and each of the walls 22. Therefore, the bent portions 23 may have low rigidity relative to the bottom 21 and each wall 22.

[0013] The bottom 21 and wall 22 of the case 2 may have a thickness of, for example, about 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. The bent portion 23 may have a thickness equal to or smaller than the thickness of the bottom 21 and wall 22, for example, about 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The material of the case 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can be bent at the bent portion 23, but may be made of a fibrous material such as paperboard, wood, wood chips, or cardboard.

[0014] Here, when the case 2 includes a material such as paperboard or corrugated cardboard, the strength of which may decrease due to water absorption, a water-impermeable film may be formed on the surface of the case 2. The water-impermeable film may be formed by laminating or coating the case 2 with an extremely thin film made of an olefin-based, acrylic-based, vinyl acetate-based, or acetate fiber-based resin.

[0015] The film 3 has heat shrinkability, and in a shrunk state, for example, covers at least a portion of the periphery of the case 2 together with at least a portion of the periphery of the bottle X, thereby clamping the bottle X against the case 2 and packaging the bottle X in the case 2. In particular, in a shrunk state, the film 3 clamps the bottle X together with at least the multiple wall portions 22. As a result, the multiple wall portions 22 are not directly joined by the other members described above, but are clamped against the bottle X by the film 3. As a result of the above, the relative positions of the multiple wall portions 22 are defined by the film 3 and the bottle X. The film 3 may be formed, for example, by heat-sealing portions of two heat-shrinkable films. In this case, the film 3 may have a window opening 31 in part as an opening.

[0016] The material of the film 3 is not particularly limited as long as the film shrinks when heated. For example, resins such as polyethylene or polypropylene can be used as the material of the film 3. Alternatively, the film 3 may be made of the non-water-permeable membrane described above. The film 3 can be produced by forming a film using a known film-forming method and then stretching it to impart heat shrinkability, but is not particularly limited as long as the film shrinks when heated. However, in order to more efficiently package items such as the bottle X in the packing case 1, the film 3 may be made of an extremely thin resin. The film 3 may be joined to the case portion 2; for example, the film 3 may be joined to the underside of the bottom portion 21 via an adhesive or may be attached by heat sealing.

[0017] <Manufacturing method of packing case> A method for manufacturing the packing case 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart of the method for manufacturing the packing case 1 according to this embodiment.

[0018] In the method for manufacturing the packing case 1, first, a sheet that will be the material for the case portion 2 is prepared (step S1). The sheet will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the sheet 4 according to this embodiment.

[0019] The sheet 4 has a flat plate shape and includes a loading portion 41, a plurality of folding pieces 42, and a fold 43. The loading portion 41 and each folding piece 42 may have substantially the same shape as the bottom portion 21 and each wall portion 22 described above, respectively. The fold 43 is formed in the sheet 4 and is a portion that is less rigid than portions other than the fold 43 and is easier to fold. The fold 43 may be, for example, a portion that is thinner than portions other than the fold 43. The fold 43 is located at the end of the loading portion 41, and the loading portion 41 and each folding piece 42 are connected via the fold 43. Therefore, each portion of the sheet 4 is integrated.

[0020] Therefore, the sheet 4 has a loading section 41 and a plurality of folded pieces 42 that are continuous with the loading section 41 via folds 43 located at the ends of the loading section 41. The sheet 4 may be prepared by cutting off the four corners of a rectangular plate-like member to form the plurality of folded pieces 42, and then squeezing the area between the loading section 41 and the folded pieces 42 to form the folds 43.

[0021] 2, after the sheet 4 is prepared, bottles X as articles are loaded onto the loading section 41 (step S2). Step S2 may be realized by loading a unit number of bottles X onto the loading section 41 using a manipulator or the like.

[0022] Next, as described below, in conjunction with the formation of the case 2 from the sheet 4, the bottle X is packaged in the case 2 using a film 3 that wraps the case 2 and the bottle X. Packaging of the case 2 and the bottle X with the film 3 is achieved by a conventionally known packaging method, including sleeve packaging (for example, the method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 56-12533). For example, in this embodiment, following step S2, the sheet 4 and the bottle X on the sheet 4 are placed on the film 3 (step S3). Step S3 may be achieved by, for example, placing the sheet 4 and the bottle X in a heat-shrinkable section, such as a shrink tunnel, in which the film 3 is placed.

[0023] Next, the sheet 4 and the bottle X are covered with the film 3 (step S4). Step S4 may be achieved by, for example, operating the heat shrink unit described above to place the film 3 around at least a portion of the periphery of the sheet 4 and at least a portion of the periphery of the bottle X. Therefore, the bottle X is placed on the loading section 41 before the sheet 4 and the bottle X are covered with the film 3. Note that steps S3 and S4 may be performed together by placing the sheet 4 and the bottle X inside the tubular film 3.

[0024] Next, the film 3 covering the sheet 4 and the bottle X is heated to heat-shrink the film 3 (step S5). Step S5 may be achieved by operating the heat-shrinking unit to heat the inside of the heat-shrinking unit. For example, step S5 may be achieved by heat-shrinking the cylindrical film 3 in a heat-shrinking unit such as a shrink tunnel, thereby clamping the sheet 4 and bottle X inside.

[0025] In step S5, the film 3 covering the sheet 4 and the bottle X thermally shrinks, clamping the bottle X against the sheet 4. Furthermore, the film 3 generates stress on the sheet 4 as it thermally shrinks, causing the multiple folding pieces 42 to fold at the creases 43 toward the loading section 41. Particularly in this embodiment, the film 3 folds the multiple folding pieces 42 toward the bottle X side relative to the loading section 41.

[0026] As a result, in step S5, the loading section 41 becomes the bottom section 21, and the plurality of folded pieces 42 become the plurality of wall sections 22 that are continuous with the bottom section 21 via the folds 43 and stand upright from the bottom section 21. At the same time, in step S5, the folds 43 become the bent sections 23. Therefore, in step S5, the case section 2 having the bottom section 21 and the plurality of wall sections 22 is formed from the sheet 4.

[0027] In step S5, the bottle X is fastened to the sheet 4 by the film 3, and therefore in step S5, in addition to forming the case portion 2, the bottle X is fastened to the case portion 2 by the film 3, and the bottle X is packaged in the case portion 2. In this way, the packaging case 1 according to this embodiment is manufactured.

[0028] <Summary> The positions of the multiple wall portions 22 of the case portion 2 according to this embodiment are held relative to one another by a film 3 for packaging an article such as a bottle X in the case portion 2. Therefore, the case portion 2 does not require additional members for joining the multiple wall portions 22 to hold the positions of the multiple wall portions 22, and realizes the multiple wall portions 22 standing upright from the bottom portion 21.

[0029] Removal of an article such as a bottle X from the packing case 1 is achieved by removing the film 3 from the case portion 2 by breaking the film 3 or the like, and then removing the article from the case portion 2. Here, the case portion 2 from which the film 3 has been removed becomes the sheet 4 again, and by carrying out the above-described method for manufacturing the packing case 1 using the sheet 4, the packing case 1 can be manufactured again without discarding the sheet 4.

[0030] Therefore, the packing case 1 according to this embodiment includes a case portion 2 that is reusable and does not require the preparation of additional members for joining the multiple wall portions 22. Therefore, the packing case 1 has a simpler configuration and can pack items while reducing waste.

[0031] In this embodiment, the packing case 1 is manufactured by covering the sheet 4 with a film 3 for packing articles and then heat-shrinking the film 3. Therefore, the packing case 1 according to this embodiment can be manufactured through a simpler process, without the need to separately form the case portion 2 and pack articles into the case portion 2. Therefore, the packing case 1 achieves reduced manufacturing costs and shorter takt time in the manufacturing process.

[0032] [Embodiment 2] <Case with reduced wall area> Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. For the sake of convenience, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the previous embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0033] 4 is a schematic perspective view of the packing case 1 according to this embodiment. The packing case 1 according to this embodiment differs in configuration from the packing case 1 according to the previous embodiment only in that some of the wall portions 22 are absent. However, in this embodiment, the packing case 1 also has multiple wall portions 22 that are continuous at the end of the bottom portion 21 via bent portions 23. Therefore, in this embodiment, the multiple wall portions 22 are not directly joined by the other members described above, but are fastened to the bottle X by the film 3, and as a result, their positions relative to each other are defined by the film 3 and the bottle X. For example, the multiple wall portions 22 according to this embodiment may be positioned opposite each other on the bottom 21 with the bottle X interposed therebetween.

[0034] For the same reasons as those described above, the packing case 1 according to this embodiment has a simpler configuration and can pack items while reducing waste. In particular, the packing case 1 according to this embodiment can further simplify the configuration of the case portion 2 compared to the packing case 1 according to the previous embodiment.

[0035] Furthermore, the packing case 1 according to this embodiment can be manufactured by the same method as the method for manufacturing the packing case 1 according to the previous embodiment, except that the sheet 4 is made from a sheet that omits some of the folding pieces 42 and creases 43. Therefore, for the same reasons as those described above, the packing case 1 according to this embodiment achieves reduced manufacturing costs and shorter takt time in the manufacturing process.

[0036] [Embodiment 3] <Film that covers only the case> Further embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a packing case 1 according to this embodiment. The packing case 1 according to this embodiment differs from the packing case 1 according to embodiment 1 only in that the film 3 covers only at least a portion of the periphery of the case portion 2. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the multiple wall portions 22 are not directly joined by the other members described above, but are fastened to the bottle X by the film 3, and as a result, their positions relative to each other are defined by the film 3 and the bottle X.

[0037] In other words, in this embodiment, the bottle X is not covered with the film 3, but is packaged by being housed in the case portion 2.

[0038] For the same reasons as those described above, the packing case 1 according to this embodiment has a simpler configuration and can pack items while reducing waste. The packing case 1 according to this embodiment can also reduce the area of ​​the film 3 required, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the packing case 1 according to this embodiment allows items such as bottles X to be removed from the case portion 2 without removing the film 3 from the case portion 2. Therefore, the packing case 1 according to this embodiment can be used as a container for displaying items in stores, etc.

[0039] Furthermore, the packing case 1 according to this embodiment can be manufactured by the same method as the method for manufacturing the packing case 1 according to embodiment 1, except that the case portion 2 is formed by thermally shrinking the film 3 so that the film 3 covers only the periphery of the sheet 4. Therefore, for the same reasons as those described above, the packing case 1 according to this embodiment achieves reduced manufacturing costs and shorter takt time in the manufacturing process.

[0040] For example, the packing case 1 according to this embodiment may include not only a film 3 that covers only the case portion 2, but also another film 3 that is positioned outside the film 3 and covers both the case portion 2 and the bottle X. In this case, the packing case 1 according to this embodiment may be manufactured by forming the case portion 2 by thermal shrinkage of the film 3 in the manufacturing method of the packing case 1 described above, and then further covering the case portion 2 and the bottle X with the film 3.

[0041] As a result, the packing case 1 according to this embodiment can fasten the bottle X to the case portion 2 with the outer film 3. Furthermore, in this case, by breaking the outer film 3 and removing it from the case portion 2, the packing case 1 makes it possible to remove an article such as the bottle X from the case portion 2 while maintaining the shape of the case portion 2. Therefore, the above-described packing case 1 can efficiently pack the bottle X and can also be used more easily as a container for displaying articles in stores, etc.

[0042] Furthermore, in the packing case 1 according to this embodiment, like the case portion 2 of the packing case 1 according to the previous embodiment, some of the folding pieces 42 may be omitted. This allows the packing case 1 according to this embodiment to further simplify the configuration of the case portion 2.

[0043] The packing case 1 according to each embodiment allows at least a portion, including the case portion 2, to be reused with a simpler configuration. Therefore, by using the packing case 1 according to each embodiment to pack an item, it is possible to more easily reduce the portion of the packing case 1 that is discarded after the item is unpacked. Reducing waste is useful for ensuring sustainable production and consumption patterns. Therefore, the packing case 1 according to each embodiment also contributes to achieving, for example, Goal 12 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocated by the United Nations, "Responsible Consumption and Production."

[0044] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1 packing case 2 Case part 3 Film 4 seats 21 Bottom 22 Wall 23 Bending section 41 Loading section 42 Bending piece 43 crease X Bottle (item)

Claims

1. a case portion integrally including a bottom portion and a plurality of wall portions extending from the bottom portion and continuing through bent portions at the ends of the bottom portion; a film having heat shrinkability and, in a shrunk state, fastening an article to be packed together with at least a plurality of the wall portions.

2. The bottom portion is capable of carrying the item, The packing case according to claim 1 , wherein the film covers at least a portion of the periphery of the case portion and at least a portion of the periphery of the article placed on the bottom portion, and fastens the article to the case portion.

3. preparing a sheet having a loading portion and a plurality of folded pieces that are continuous with the loading portion via folds located at the end of the loading portion; covering the sheet with a heat-shrinkable film; a folding step of heating the film covering the sheet to cause the film to thermally shrink and tighten to the sheet, thereby folding the plurality of folding pieces toward the loading section at the fold.

4. 4. The method for manufacturing a packing case according to claim 3, wherein the folding process forms the loading portion into a bottom portion, and the plurality of folded pieces into a plurality of wall portions that are continuous with the bottom portion via the folds and stand upright from the bottom portion, thereby forming a case portion from the sheet that has the bottom portion and the plurality of wall portions.

5. prior to the film coating, loading an article onto the loading section; The method for manufacturing a packing case according to claim 4, further comprising the step of heating the film to form the case portion and at the same time, fastening the article to the case portion with the film to package the article.

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