Packing box

Abstract

The bulkiness of the packaging box is reduced to ensure ease of dismantling. [Solution] The packaging box 1 comprises a vertical wall portion 2 having an end wall portion 2E and a pair of side wall portions 2S, a top flap 3 having a pair of first top flaps 31 and a pair of second top flaps 32, and a bottom flap 4 having a pair of first flaps 4A and a pair of second flaps 4B. A pair of first flaps 4A are connected to a pair of first bottom flaps 41 and a pair of first partition portions 51, and a pair of second flaps 4B are connected to a pair of second bottom flaps 42 and a pair of second partition portions 52. The pair of second top flaps 32 have a locking mechanism 8 that holds them in a folded state when a locking piece 81 is locked to a locking portion 82, thereby holding them in a position facing each other and stacked on top of each other. The second partition portions 52 have central notches 5N in which interference regions located to the left and right of the locking mechanism 8 are cut out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging box that is disassembled from an assembled state having a rectangular parallelepiped internal space to a folded state.

Background Art

[0002] Packaging boxes such as cardboard boxes are used in an assembled state having a rectangular parallelepiped internal space, and contents are accommodated in the internal space. After use, this packaging box is disassembled into a folded state in which it is folded so as to crush the internal space. As one of the packaging boxes disassembled as described above, there is known a packaging box in which a standing wall portion provided around the internal space, a top flap covering the upper part of the internal space, and a bottom flap covering the lower part of the internal space are integrally provided. For example, in the bottom flap, a packaging box has been proposed in which a partition portion that partitions the internal space is continuously provided from the leading edge of the portion covering the lower part of the internal space (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As a form in which the above-described packaging box is disassembled after use, a form in which the top flap and the bottom flap extend without being bent with respect to the standing wall portion and are folded can be considered. The packaging box folded in this way is bulky because not only the top flap but also the bottom flap extends from the standing wall portion, and there is a need to fold back the bottom flap, which may not sufficiently ensure the disassembly workability. For example, when a disassembly worker of the packaging box puts a hand in from one side and folds back the bottom flap to the other side, the hand of the disassembly worker may not reach easily to fold back the bottom flap, which may make the disassembly work difficult. Therefore, there is room for improvement in reducing the bulkiness of the packaging boxes and ensuring ease of dismantling.

[0005] This invention was conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to reduce the bulkiness of the packaging box and ensure ease of dismantling. However, beyond this objective, other objectives of this invention include achieving effects and benefits that cannot be obtained with conventional technology, derived from the various configurations shown in the "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention" section below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The packaging box disclosed herein has the following configurations (1) to (4). (1) A packaging box that is disassembled from an assembled state having a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped internal space to a folded state in which the internal space is not formed, It has a pair of end wall portions facing each other front and rear across the internal space, and a pair of side wall portions facing each other left and right across the internal space, and a vertical wall portion erected around the internal space, A top flap having a pair of first top flaps extending from the upper edge of the end wall portion and a pair of second top flaps extending from the upper edge of the side wall portion, covering the upper part of the internal space, The bottom flap comprises a pair of first flaps, each having a pair of first bottom flaps extending from the lower edge of the end wall portion and a pair of first partition portions extending from the leading edge of the first bottom flaps, and a pair of second flaps, each having a pair of second bottom flaps extending from the lower edge of the side wall portion and a pair of second partition portions extending from the leading edge of the second bottom flaps, wherein the first bottom flaps and the second bottom flaps cover the lower part of the internal space and the first partition portions and the second partition portions divide the internal space, The pair of second top flaps each have a locking mechanism in which a locking piece is provided on one of them, the locking piece being able to be folded down at a portion of its leading edge, and a locking portion is provided on the other, the locking piece being locked to the locking portion when folded, thereby maintaining the state in which one and the other are superimposed in a position facing each other. The second partition extends without being folded back from the leading edge of the second bottom flap, which is folded back at the lower edge of the side wall, and has a central notch in which interference regions located to the left and right of the locking mechanism are cut out when the pair of second top flaps are superimposed in a position facing each other. A packaging box characterized by the following features.

[0007] (2) The pair of first top flaps have a top notch cut out from the leading edge at the center in the left-right direction. The packaging box described in (1), characterized by the features described above. (3) The pair of first flaps have a bottom auxiliary crease provided in at least a portion of the center in the left-right direction. The packaging box according to (1) or (2), characterized in that it is a packaging box according to (1) or (2). (4) The aforementioned bottom auxiliary crease is provided only on the first bottom flap. The packaging box described in (3), characterized by the features of the packaging box described in (3). [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this method, it is possible to reduce the bulkiness of the packaging box and ensure ease of dismantling. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the packaging box in its assembled state according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the packaging box in an unfolded state according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]This is an explanatory diagram of the assembly procedure of the packaging box according to the embodiment, where (a) shows the first assembly procedure, (b) shows the second assembly procedure, (c) shows the third assembly procedure, and (d) shows the fourth assembly procedure. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram of the disassembly procedure for the packaging box according to the embodiment, where (a) shows the first disassembly procedure, (b) shows the second disassembly procedure, and (c) shows the third disassembly procedure. [Figure 5] This is a magnified perspective view showing the main parts of the folded packaging box according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes a packaging box as an embodiment. The packaging box of this embodiment is unfolded before use, assembled during use, and folded after use. When using the packaging box, it is assembled from the unfolded state to the assembled state. When disposing of the used packaging box, it is disassembled from the assembled state to the folded state. An unfolded packaging box is the state in which a packaging box is stored or transported before it is assembled. For example, it takes the form of a flat surface consisting of a single piece of material (a so-called blank sheet), and can also be described as the unfolded state of an assembled packaging box.

[0011] In its assembled state, the packaging box, which is flat in its unfolded state, takes on a three-dimensional form with a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped internal space when assembled. A folded packaging box is a package box that has been folded from its assembled state, and is in a folded, flat form, such as when disposing of or discarding an assembled packaging box. Although the unfolded and folded states of the packaging box according to this embodiment are similar in that they are both planar in shape, they differ in that in the unfolded state the materials of the packaging box are unfolded without overlapping, whereas in the folded state the materials of the packaging box are overlapped and folded.

[0012] In the following embodiments, the directions used in the description are defined as follows. The horizontal direction is further divided into the front-back direction (in the figure, the front is indicated by "F" and the back is indicated by "B") and the left-right direction (in the figure, the left is indicated by "L" and the right is indicated by "R") for detailed description. Also, among the vertical directions, the direction of the gravitational force is defined as downward (indicated by "D" in the figure), and the opposite direction of downward is defined as upward (indicated by "U" in the figure).

[0013] Also, in the assembled packaging box, the side facing the internal space is defined as the "inner side", and the opposite side of the inner side is defined as the "outer side". In this embodiment, a packaging box placed in a posture along the horizontal direction will be described. In the packaging box of this embodiment, at least some of the constituent elements may be provided symmetrically left and right or front and back, and all or at least some of the constituent elements may be provided asymmetrically left and right or front and back.

[0014] [I. One Embodiment] In the following one embodiment, the structure of the packaging box will be described in item [1], and the actions and effects by the packaging box will be described in item [2]. [1. Structure] In this item [1], regarding the packaging box whose internal space is partitioned, the basic structure will be described in sub-item [1-1], and the main part structure focused on in this embodiment will be described in sub-item [1-2].

[0015] [1-1. Basic Structure] As shown in FIG. 1, in the assembled packaging box 1, there are provided a standing wall portion 2 erected around the internal space 9, a top flap 3 covering the upper part of the internal space 9, and a bottom flap 4 covering the lower part of the internal space 9. Here, the exemplified packaging box 1 is a cardboard box assembled from a cardboard blank sheet.

[0016] ==Standing Wall Portion== The standing wall portion 2 is provided with two types of wall portions 2E and 2S shown below. These wall portions 2E and 2S constitute a rectangular tube-shaped standing wall portion 2 that surrounds the front, back, left, and right (perimeter) of the internal space 9 in the assembled packaging box 1. • End wall section 2E: A pair of walls facing each other front and back via the internal space 9 • Side wall section 2S: A pair of walls facing each other on the left and right sides via the internal space 9.

[0017] Of the pair of end wall sections 2E, one is the front wall section 2F located in front of the interior space 9, and the other is the rear wall section 2B located behind the interior space 9. Of the pair of side wall sections 2S, one is the left wall section 2L located to the left of the internal space 9, and the other is the right wall section 2R located to the right of the internal space 9. These wall sections 2F, 2B, 2L, and 2R have the same vertical dimension L1 in their assembled state.

[0018] In this embodiment, the packaging box 1 exemplified has a side wall 2S with a front-to-back dimension that is larger than the left-to-right dimension of the end wall 2E. In the packaging box 1 exemplified in Figure 1, the adhesive tab 2G extending from the left wall 2L is attached to the inside of the rear wall 2B. In addition, each of the end wall sections 2E, as illustrated in Figure 1, has a hand hole 2H drilled into it.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, in the unfolded packaging box 1, the wall sections 2E and 2S are arranged in the first direction (indicated as "D1" in Figure 2). Specifically, the vertical wall sections 2 are arranged in the order of left wall section 2L, front wall section 2F, right wall section 2R, and rear wall section 2B, from the left side (one side) to the right side (the other side) in Figure 2. In the unfolded packaging box 1, an adhesive tab 2G extends from the left wall section 2L to one side in the first direction. In Figure 2, thick lines indicate outlines or cutting lines, and thin lines indicate grid lines.

[0020] Furthermore, in the unfolded packaging box 1, a top flap 3 extends from the vertical wall portion 2 to one side in a second direction (indicated as "D2" in Figure 2) perpendicular to the first direction, and a bottom flap 4 extends from the other side in the second direction. The "second direction" referred to here corresponds to the vertical direction in the assembled packaging box 1. Specifically, "one side of the second direction" corresponds to "up" in the assembled packaging box 1, and "the other side of the second direction" corresponds to "down" in the assembled packaging box 1. Therefore, with respect to the vertical wall portion 2, the "vertical dimension L1 in the vertical direction in the assembled state" can be reinterpreted as "vertical dimension L1 in the second direction in the unfolded state."

[0021] In this embodiment, the packaging box 1 has flutes (also called "ridges") along the second direction when unfolded. This orientation of the flutes gives the packaging box 1 a physical property where it is more easily folded along the fold lines (so-called "creases") along the second direction than along the fold lines (so-called "scores") along the first direction perpendicular to the direction of flute extension.

[0022] ==Flap== The top flap 3 and the bottom flap 4 are flap-shaped parts that extend from the vertical wall 2 in a manner that allows them to swing freely. The entire top flap 3 covers the internal space 9 from above in the assembled packaging box 1 when folded down relative to the vertical wall 2. On the other hand, in the packaging box 1 of this embodiment, a portion of the bottom flap 4 covers the internal space 9 from below in the assembled packaging box 1 when folded down relative to the vertical wall 2.

[0023] <Top flap> The top flap 3 is provided with two types of top flaps 31 and 32 as shown below. • First top flap 31: A pair of flaps extending from the end wall 2E • Second top flap 32: A pair of flaps extending from the side wall 2S

[0024] The first top flap 31 extends from the upper edge of the end wall portion 2E in the assembled packaging box 1, and extends from one side edge in the second direction of the end wall portion 2E to one side in the second direction in the unfolded packaging box 1. Of the pair of first top flaps 31, one is the front top flap 3F extending from the front wall portion 2F, and the other is the rear top flap 3B extending from the rear wall portion 2B.

[0025] Furthermore, the second top flap 32 extends from the upper edge of the side wall portion 2S in the assembled packaging box 1, and extends from one side edge in the second direction of the side wall portion 2S to one side in the second direction in the unfolded packaging box 1. Of the pair of second top flaps 32, one is the left top flap 3L extending from the left wall portion 2L, and the other is the right top flap 3R extending from the right wall portion 2R.

[0026] When the interior space 9 (see Figure 1) is covered from above by the top flap 3, the front top flap 3F is folded backward relative to the front wall 2F, and the rear top flap 3B is folded forward relative to the rear wall 2B. At this time, the left top flap 3L is folded to the right relative to the left wall 2L, and the right top flap 3R is folded to the left relative to the right wall 2B.

[0027] These top flaps 3F, 3B, 3L, and 3R have equal top dimensions L2 in the second direction when unfolded. In the assembled packaging box 1, when the top flaps 3 are folded down to cover the upper part of the internal space 9, the top dimensions L2 of each first top flap 31 extending in the front-to-back direction are equal to the top dimensions L2 of each second top flap 32 extending in the left-to-right direction.

[0028] <Bottom flap> A portion of the bottom flap 4 is provided with two types of flaps 41 and 42, as shown below. These bottom flaps 41 and 42 cover the internal space 9 from below. • First bottom flap 41: A pair of flaps extending from the end wall portion 2E • Second bottom flap 42: A pair of flaps extending from the side wall portion 2S

[0029] The first bottom flap 41 extends from the lower edge (base edge) of the end wall portion 2E in the assembled packaging box 1, and extends from the other edge of the end wall portion 2E in the second direction to the other side in the second direction in the unfolded packaging box 1. Of the pair of first bottom flaps 41, one is a front bottom flap 4F extending from the front wall portion 2F, and the other is a rear bottom flap 4U extending from the rear wall portion 2B.

[0030] Furthermore, the second bottom flap 42 extends from the lower edge (base edge) of the side wall portion 2S in the assembled packaging box 1, and extends from the other side edge in the second direction of the side wall portion 2S to the other side in the second direction in the unfolded packaging box 1. Of the pair of second bottom flaps 42, one is the left bottom flap 4L extending from the left wall portion 2L, and the other is the right bottom flap 4R extending from the right wall portion 2R.

[0031] When the internal space 9 is covered from below by the bottom flaps 41 and 42, the front bottom flap 4F is folded backward relative to the front wall 2F, and the rear bottom flap 4U is folded forward relative to the rear wall 2B. At this time, the left bottom flap 4L is folded to the right relative to the left wall 2L, and the right bottom flap 4R is folded to the left relative to the right wall 2B.

[0032] These bottom flaps 4F, 4U, 4L, and 4R have the same bottom dimension L3 in the second direction when unfolded. In the assembled packaging box 1, when a portion of the bottom flap 4 is folded down to cover the lower part of the internal space 9, the bottom dimension L3 extending in the front-rear direction of each first bottom flap 41 is equal to the bottom dimension L3 extending in the left-right direction of each second bottom flap 42.

[0033] Furthermore, the base dimension L3 is set to be equal to the top dimension L2 mentioned above, and the equation "Top dimension L2 = Base dimension L3" holds true. In this example, the top dimension L2 and bottom dimension L3 are set to be smaller than the vertical dimension L1, and the inequality "vertical dimension L1 > top dimension L2 = bottom dimension L3" holds true.

[0034] The bottom flap 4 described above is provided not only with the bottom flaps 41 and 42 that cover the lower part of the internal space 9, but also with two types of partitions 51 and 52 as shown below. The internal space 9 is partitioned by these partitions 51 and 52. • First partition 51: A partition extending from the leading edge of the first bottom flap 41. • Second partition section 52: A partition section extending from the leading edge of the second bottom flap 42. In this context, "tip edge" refers to the edge of the bottom flaps 41 and 42 that is opposite to the wall sections 2E and 2S in the assembled state. Furthermore, the "base edge" of the partition sections 51 and 52 refers to the edge adjacent to the bottom flaps 41 and 42 in the partition sections 51 and 52 (in other words, the edge on the bottom flap 41 and 42 side).

[0035] The first partition 51 is folded upward from the leading edge of the first bottom flap 41 in the assembled packaging box 1, and extends from the other end edge in the second direction of the first bottom flap 41 to the other side in the second direction in the unfolded packaging box 1. Of the pair of first partitions 51 in the assembled packaging box 1, one is a front partition 5F extending from the rear end edge (leading edge) of the front bottom flap 4F, and the other is a rear partition 5B extending from the front end edge (leading edge) of the rear bottom flap 4U.

[0036] The second partition 52 is folded upward from the leading edge of the second bottom flap 42 in the assembled packaging box 1, and extends from the other end edge in the second direction of the second bottom flap 42 to the other side in the second direction in the unfolded packaging box 1. Of the pair of second partitions 52 in the assembled packaging box 1, one is the left partition 5L extending from the right end edge (leading edge) of the left bottom flap 4L, and the other is the right partition 5R extending from the left end edge (leading edge) of the right bottom flap 4R.

[0037] These partitions 5F, 5B, 5L, and 5R have equal internal dimensions L4 in the second direction when unfolded. In the assembled packaging box 1, when folded in the internal space 9, the internal dimensions L4 of the first partition 51 extending in the vertical direction and the internal dimensions L4 of the second partition 52 extending in the vertical direction are set to be equal. Note that the intermediate dimension L4 in this example is set to be slightly smaller than the vertical dimension L1. However, the vertical dimension L1 and the intermediate dimension L4 may be set to be equal.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the first partition 51 is a part that divides the internal space 9 front to back (so to speak, in the vertical direction), and can also be called a vertical partition. The second partition 52 is a part that divides the internal space 9 left to right (so to speak, in the horizontal direction), and can also be called a horizontal partition. In the assembled packaging box 1, the partitions 51 and 52 are folded upward from the leading edges of the bottom flaps 41 and 42, and the internal space 9 is divided into a grid pattern by the partitions 51 and 52 in a plan view.

[0039] In the example packaging box 1 shown here, the internal space 9 is divided into three sections front to back by the first partition 51, and the internal space 9 is divided into two sections left to right by the second partition 52. Specifically, in the assembled packaging box 1, the internal space 9 is divided into three sections, front and back, by a first partition section 51, which consists of a front partition section 5F and a rear partition section 5B that are spaced apart front and back. At the same time, the internal space 9 is divided into two sections, left and right, by a second partition section 52, which consists of a left partition section 5L and a right partition section 5R that are superimposed on each other.

[0040] The partitions 51 and 52 described above divide the internal space 9 into three sections front to back and two sections left to right, illustrating a configuration in which the internal space 9 is divided into six (=3 x 2) small spaces 91 to 96 as listed below. • Front left space 91: To the left of the second partition 52 First small space in front of the front partition section 5F • Center left space 92: To the left of the second partition 52 A second small space located behind the front partition 5F and in front of the rear partition 5B. • Rear left space 93: To the left of the second partition 52 The third small space behind the rear partition 5B • Front right space 94: To the right of the second partition 52 The fourth small space in front of the front partition section 5F • Center-right space 95: To the right of the second partition 52 A fifth small space that is rearward relative to the front partition 5F and in front of the rear partition 5B. • Rear right space 96: to the right of the second partition 52 The sixth small space behind the rear partition 5B

[0041] Combining the bottom flaps 41, 42 and partitions 51, 52 described above, as shown in Figure 2, the first bottom flap 41 and the first partition 51 are integrally connected, and the second bottom flap 42 and the second partition 52 are integrally connected. Hereinafter, the section in which the first bottom flap 41 and the first partition section 51 are connected will be referred to as the "first flap 4A," and the section in which the second bottom flap 42 and the second partition section 52 are connected will be referred to as the "second flap 4B."

[0042] When considering the region in the second direction, the first flap 4A is divided into the first bottom flap 41 and the first partition 51 as described above. When considering the region in the first direction, this first flap 4A is divided into the following two flaps 6L and 6R. • First left flap 6L: The part that forms the left half of the first flap 4A when assembled. (The portion that forms one half of the first flap 4A in the first direction when deployed) • First right flap 6R: The right half of the first flap 4A when assembled. (The part that forms the other half of the first flap 4A in the first direction when deployed)

[0043] The first left flap 6L partitions off the left spaces 91, 92, 93 (see Figure 1) relative to the second partition 52. The first right flap 6R partitions off the right spaces 94, 95, 96 (see Figure 1) relative to the second partition 52. As shown in Figure 2, the first left flap 6L and the first right flap 6R are each provided with a cut line 70 that is cut from the other side of the second direction toward one side of the second direction when unfolded, and a first folding line 71 that extends in the first direction from one end of the cut line 70 in the second direction (the upper end in Figure 2).

[0044] If we focus on the region in the second direction, the second flap 4B is divided into the second bottom flap 42 and the second partition 52 as described above. If we focus on the region in the first direction and divide this second flap 4B into three parts, it is divided into the following three flaps 6F, 6B, and 6M. • Second front flap 6F: The front part of the second flap 4B in the assembled state. • Second rear flap 6B: The rear part of the second flap 4B in the assembled state. • Second middle flap 6M: The area between the second anterior flap 6F and the second posterior flap 6B

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the second front flap 6F is the part that separates the front left space 91 and the front right space 94 in the assembled state. The second rear flap 6B is the part that separates the rear left space 93 and the rear right space 96 in the assembled state. The second middle flap 6M is the part that separates the middle left space 92 and the middle right space 95 in the assembled state. As shown in Figure 2, the second front flap 6F and the second rear flap 6B are each provided with a second folding line 72 that extends in the first direction at the intermediate portion in the second direction.

[0046] Furthermore, the bottom flap 4 is provided with a locking / detaching structure 7 for maintaining the posture of the partitions 51 and 52. This locking / detaching structure 7 is provided with a locking groove 7X on either one of the partitions 51 or 52 and a locking piece 7Y on the other of the partitions 51 or 52, which are detachably locked and detachable. Here, we illustrate a locking / detaching structure 7 in which a locking groove 7X is cut into the tip of the first partition 51 and a locking piece 7Y is provided projecting in the first direction from the tip of the second rear flap 6B.

[0047] Each of the first flaps 4A has a slit 5S (see Figure 2) that extends along the second direction and through which the second flap 4B is inserted in the assembled packaging box 1, extending from the first bottom flap 41 to the first partition 51. Furthermore, each of the second flaps 4B is provided with an insertion groove 5G into which the first partition 51 is inserted in the assembled packaging box 1. The insertion groove 5G is a groove cut from the second end (the lower end in Figure 2) of the second partition 52, and is provided in two locations (the same number of locations as the first partition 51). In this example, the insertion groove 5G includes a front insertion groove 51G located on the front side in the assembled state and a rear insertion groove 52G located on the rear side in the assembled state, spaced apart from each other. The front insertion groove 51G is cut between the second front flap 6F and the second middle flap 6M. The rear insertion groove 52G is cut between the second middle flap 6M and the second rear flap 6B.

[0048] In addition, the second flap 4B has a tapered edge in the second direction, as shown in Figure 2, in order to improve workability such as assembling and folding the packaging box 1. The tapered shape means that when unfolded, the side edge in the second direction becomes smaller in the second direction towards the leading edge of the second bottom flap 42 (the lower edge in Figure 2). In other words, the second flap 4B is constricted towards the leading edge of the second bottom flap.

[0049] This tapered shape includes a first tapered shape T1 in which the distance between the edges in the first direction of the second bottom flap 42 decreases as it approaches the leading edge of the second bottom flap 42, and a second tapered shape T2 in which the distance between the edges in the first direction of the second partition portion 52 of the second flap 4B decreases as it approaches the leading edge of the second bottom flap 42 (the base edge of the second partition portion 52).

[0050] ==Assembly Instructions== Next, we will explain the procedure for assembling the packaging box 1, which has the basic configuration described above, from its unfolded state to its assembled state. First, the unfolded packaging box 1 is prepared, and as shown in Figure 3(a) viewed from below, the procedure X10 is performed to fold down the first flap 4A against the end wall portion 2E.

[0051] Then, as shown in Figure 3(b) viewed from below, procedure X12 is performed in which the second flap 4B is folded down while being inserted into the slit 5S of the first flap 4A (see Figure 3(a)) relative to the side wall portion 2S. As a result of this procedure X12, the bottom flaps 41 and 42 are folded down below the internal space 9 (see Figure 1), and the partition portions 51 and 52 are inserted into the internal space 9. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(c) viewed from above, the procedure X20 is performed to insert the second partition portion 52 into the insertion groove 5G of the first partition portion 51.

[0052] In steps X12 and X20, the second flap 4B is inserted into the slit 5S of the first flap 4A while the second partition 52 is inserted into the insertion groove 5G. Therefore, steps X12 and X20 are performed in parallel and almost simultaneously. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 1, a procedure X22 is performed in which the locking and unlocking structure 7 holds the position of the partitions 51 and 52. In this procedure X22, the locking piece 7Y of the second rear flap 6B is locked into the locking groove 7X of the first partition 51.

[0053] When steps X22 have been completed, the top of the internal space 9 is open (an opening is formed), and the top flaps 31 and 32 of the assembled packaging box 1 are open. In this state, contents can be stored in the internal space 9. Furthermore, if contents that are prone to rolling, such as watermelons or melons, are placed in the small spaces 91-96, the flaps 6F, 6B, 6L, and 6R are folded along the folding lines 71 and 72 to prevent the contents from rolling.

[0054] Then, as shown in Figure 3(d) viewed from above, procedure X30 is performed to seal the packaging box 1 by folding down the top flap 3 with respect to the end wall portion 2E and the side wall portion 2S. In the example shown in Figure 3(d), the right sky flap 3R, rear sky flap 3B, left sky flap 3L, and front sky flap 3F are folded down in that order, and the upper part of the interior space 9 is covered by the sky flaps 3 arranged in a so-called windmill configuration.

[0055] ==Folding Instructions (Disassembly Instructions)== Next, we will explain the procedure for disassembling the assembled packaging box 1 into a folded state. First, the top flap 3 shown in Figure 3(d) is folded back, and the procedure Y10 is performed to open the packaging box 1 as shown in Figure 3(c). Then, as shown in Figure 4(a), procedure Y20 is performed to pull up and remove the first partition 51 that has been inserted into the insertion groove 5G. In this procedure Y20, not only is the first partition 51 pulled up, but the first bottom flap 41 is also pulled up, and the entire first flap 4A is superimposed on the inside of the end wall 2E and the first top flap 31.

[0056] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 4(b), procedure Y30 is performed to raise the second flap 4B. Simultaneously with or after step Y30, step Y32 is performed, in which the end wall portion 2E, the first top flap 31, and the left-right center of the first flap 4A are folded outwards.

[0057] As a result of steps Y30 and Y32 described above, the packaging box 1 is folded into a planar shape with the vertical walls 2 and top flaps 3 overlapping, as shown in Figure 4(c), and is disassembled into the folded packaging box 1. In the folded state, only the top flap 3 extends from the vertical wall portion 2, and the bottom flap 4 is folded inward towards the vertical wall portion 2 and the top flap 3. Furthermore, in the folded state, the second bottom flap 42 is folded at the lower edge of the side wall portion 2S, and the second partition portion 52 extends from the leading edge of the second bottom flap 42 without being folded back, and the second partition portion 52 is positioned between the pair of second top flaps 32.

[0058] [1-2.Main part configuration] In a packaging box 1 equipped only with the basic configuration described above, as shown in Figure 4(c), when folded into a planar shape, the packaging box 1 is biased to unfold due to the repulsive force of the folded packaging box 1 as described in procedure Y32, making it difficult to maintain the folded state of the packaging box 1. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the packaging box 1 of this embodiment is provided with a locking mechanism 8 that maintains the folded state.

[0059] Furthermore, in the packaging box 1, which has only the basic configuration described above, as shown in Figure 4(b), in the procedure Y32 described above, parts that are not folded in the assembled state are folded down, which may lead to a decrease in the ease of folding (the ease of disassembling the packaging box). Therefore, the packaging box 1 of this embodiment is provided with a top notch 3N and a bottom auxiliary crease 9S, as shown in Figure 2, to improve the ease of folding in step Y32. The top notch 3N is positioned on the extension of the fold line that is folded in step Y32. The bottom auxiliary crease 9S is positioned on the fold line that is folded in step Y32. Functionally, these top notch 3N and bottom auxiliary crease 9S can also be called easy-fold sections.

[0060] ==Locking Mechanism== As shown in Figure 5, the locking mechanism 8 is provided on the second top flaps 32 that face each other when folded. The locking mechanism 8 is provided with a locking piece 81 on either of the pair of second top flaps 32, the tip edge of which can be freely folded down, and a locking part 82 on the other of the pair of second top flaps 32, which engages with the locking piece 81. The "tip edge" on which the locking piece 81 is provided refers to the edge of the second top flap 32 that is opposite to the side wall portion 2S.

[0061] According to the locking mechanism 8 described above, when folded, the locking piece 81 is locked to the locking part 82, thereby maintaining a state in which the pair of second top flaps 32 (one and the other) are superimposed in a position facing each other. In this embodiment, a locking mechanism 8 is illustrated in which a locking piece 81 is provided on the leading edge of the left top flap 3L and a locking portion 82 is provided on the leading edge of the right top flap 3R. In the locking mechanism 8 illustrated in Figure 5, a convex-shaped locking piece 81 is provided so as to be swingable, and the locking portion 82 is formed by a T-shaped notch.

[0062] By the way, in the folded state, the second partition 52 is positioned between the left top flap 3L and the right top flap 3R. More specifically, in the folded state, the second partition 52 is positioned to the right of the left top flap 3L, which is provided with the locking piece 81, and to the left of the right top flap 3R, which is provided with the locking piece 82. Therefore, when the folding state, if the second partition 52 is interposed between the left top flap 3L, which is provided with the locking piece 81, and the right top flap 3R, which is provided with the locking portion 82, the locking piece 81 interferes with the second partition 52, making it structurally impossible to lock the locking piece 81 to the locking portion 82.

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, the second partition 52 is provided with a central cutout 5N in which interference regions (shown as halftone dots in Figure 2) located to the left and right of the locking mechanism 8 are cut out when the partition is folded. In the folded state, this central notch 5N is the portion where the area to the right of the lock piece 81 is cut out, and the area to the left of the locking portion 82 is also cut out.

[0064] In other words, the central notch 5N is a portion of the folded packaging box 1 where the folded lock piece 81 of the second partition 52 may be located, and the portion corresponding to the location of the lock mechanism 8 is cut out. For example, a locking mechanism 8 is positioned in the center in the front-to-back direction of the second top flap 32, and a cutout portion 5N is provided in the center in the front-to-back direction and at the tip of the second partition portion 52 (the center in the front-to-back direction at the tip of the second middle flap 6M).

[0065] ==Top notch (easily breakable part)== As shown in Figure 2, the top notch 3N is the portion cut out from the leading edge at the center in the first direction of the first top flap 31 in the unfolded packaging box 1. In other words, the top notch 3N is the portion cut out from the leading edge at the center in the left-right direction of the first top flap 31 in the assembled packaging box 1, as shown in Figure 1. The "tip edge" on which the top notch 3N is provided refers to the edge of the first top flap 31 that is opposite to the end wall portion 2E.

[0066] Compared to the first top flap 31 with a top notch 3N cut out, in a packaging box where the first top flap does not have a top notch cut out, the fold line that is folded down in the above procedure Y32 is longer (the folded area is larger), so the force required to fold down in procedure Y32 tends to be greater. Conversely, the first top flap 31 with the top notch 3N cut out has a shorter fold line (smaller folded area) in the above-described procedure Y32 compared to the first top flap without the top notch cut out, and therefore tends to require less force to fold in procedure Y32. Therefore, it is preferable that the depth dimension of the cutout in the top notch 3N (the dimension in the front-to-back direction in the assembled state, and the dimension in the second direction in the unfolded state) be set according to the degree to which the force required for folding in step Y32 is reduced.

[0067] ==Bottom auxiliary lines (easily inverted section)== As shown in Figure 2, the bottom auxiliary creasing line 9S is formed in the unfolded packaging box 1 on at least a portion of the linear folded area on the first flap 4A that extends from the center in the first direction along the second direction. In other words, the bottom auxiliary creasing line 9S is provided on the first flap 4A on at least a portion of the center in the left-right direction along the vertical direction in the assembled packaging box 1. To elaborate, the bottom auxiliary creasing line 9S is provided on at least a portion of the area where a fold line is formed by folding in the procedure Y32 described above.

[0068] In this embodiment, the bottom auxiliary crease 9S is not provided on the first partition 51 of the first flap 4A, but only on the first bottom flap 41 of the first flap 4A. Specifically, the bottom auxiliary crease 9S is provided on the first bottom flap 41, extending along the flute on one side in the second direction relative to the slit 5S. In other words, in the assembled packaging box 1, the bottom auxiliary crease 9S is provided in the center of the first bottom flap 41 in the left-right direction.

[0069] However, the bottom auxiliary crease line 9S may be provided on both the first bottom flap 41 and the first partition portion 51 of the first flap 4A, or the bottom auxiliary crease line 9S may be provided only on the first partition portion 51 of the first bottom flap 41. The bottom auxiliary crease line 9S provided on the first partition portion 51 extends to the other side in the second direction relative to the slit 5S when unfolded, and extends vertically at the center of the left-right direction of the first partition portion 51 when assembled.

[0070] [2. Action and Effects] Since the packaging box 1 of this embodiment has the above-described configuration, the following functions and effects can be obtained. (1) When the packaging box 1 is disassembled into a folded state by the above-described procedures Y10, Y20, Y30, and Y32, only the top flap 3 extends from the vertical wall portion 2, and the bottom flap 4 is folded back inside the vertical wall portion 2 and the top flap 3. Therefore, compared to a packaging box that is disassembled so that not only the top flap but also the bottom flap extends from the vertical wall portion, the bulkiness of the folded packaging box 1 can be suppressed.

[0071] When the packaging box 1 is disassembled into a folded state, both the first partition 51 and the first bottom flap 41 are lifted in the procedure Y20 described above. In this way, the entire first flap 4A is lifted, so the packaging box 1 can be disassembled into a folded state without having to fold back the bottom flap as is done when folding conventional packaging boxes. For example, in procedure Y20, the worker disassembling the packaging box 1 only needs to reach in from above the internal space 9 and lift the first flap 4A upwards, thus ensuring the ease of disassembling the packaging box 1. Therefore, the bulkiness of the packaging box 1 can be suppressed, and the ease of dismantling the packaging box 1 can be ensured.

[0072] Furthermore, the packaging box 1, which can be made less bulky and easier to dismantle as described above, is provided with a locking mechanism 8 to maintain its folded state, and a central notch 5N is provided in the second partition 52, in which the area that interferes with the locking mechanism 8 is cut out. As a result, interference of the locking piece 81 with the second partition 52 is structurally avoided, and the locking mechanism 8 can lock the locking piece 81 to the locking part 82. Therefore, even if the packaging box 1 is biased to fold back due to the repulsive force of the folded packaging box 1 as described in procedure Y32 above, the locking mechanism 8 suppresses the unfolding and maintains the folded state of the packaging box 1.

[0073] (2) In the packaging box 1 illustrated in one embodiment, when assembled, a top notch 3N is provided in the first top flap 31, cut out from the leading edge at the center in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the first top flap 31 with the top notch 3N cut out has a shorter fold line (smaller fold area) when folded in the above-described procedure Y32 compared to the first top flap without the top notch, and the force required to fold it in procedure Y32 can be reduced. Thus, the packaging box 1 can be folded down more easily in procedure Y32. From this point of view as well, the workability of disassembling the packaging box 1 can be improved.

[0074] (3) In addition, the packaging box 1 illustrated in one embodiment is provided with a bottom auxiliary creasing line 9S on at least a portion of the center in the front-to-back direction of the first flap 4A in the assembled state. By having the bottom auxiliary creasing line 9S placed on the fold line that is folded down in step Y32, the force required to fold down in step Y32 can be reduced, making it easier to fold down the packaging box 1 in step Y32. From this point of view as well, the workability of dismantling the packaging box 1 can be improved.

[0075] (4) Furthermore, the bottom auxiliary crease line 9S is provided only on the first bottom flap 41. Since the first bottom flap 41 is the part that is placed on the mounting surface in the assembled packaging box 1, it can be said that it is a part that is less likely to cause unintended deformation in the assembled state. Therefore, deformation of the packaging box 1 is suppressed in the assembled state, and in the procedure Y32 of folding the packaging box 1 from the assembled state to the folded state, the packaging box 1 can be easily folded down. From this point of view as well, the workability of dismantling the packaging box 1 can be improved.

[0076] [II. Variant Examples] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly stated in these embodiments. Each configuration of these embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from their spirit. Furthermore, they can be selected and combined as needed.

[0077] For example, in place of or in addition to the bottom auxiliary crease, other auxiliary creases may be provided in the folded areas of the end walls and the first top flap that are folded down in the procedure Y32 described above. Specifically, regarding other auxiliary creases, in the assembled packaging box, side auxiliary creases may be provided that extend vertically in at least a portion of the left-right center of the end walls, or top auxiliary creases may be provided that extend front-to-back in at least a portion of the left-right center of the first top flap. When side auxiliary creases or top auxiliary creases are provided, the force required to fold down in the procedure Y32 can be further reduced, and the workability of disassembling the packaging box can be further improved.

[0078] In this embodiment, the packaging box only needs to be provided with a locking mechanism and a central cutout, and the top cutout and bottom auxiliary crease lines may be omitted. Alternatively, the packaging box may not be provided with a locking mechanism or a central cutout, but may be provided with at least one of the top cutout and bottom auxiliary crease lines (an easy-fold section). [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 packaging box 2 Vertical wall section 2B Back wall 2E End wall section 2nd floor front wall 2G glue piece 2H hand hole 2L left wall 2R Right wall 2S side wall 3 Top flap 31 First apex flap 32 Second wing flap 3B Acquired flap 3F Front Top Flap 3L Left Top Flap 3N Top notch (easily foldable section) 3R Right Upper Flap 4. Bottom flap 41. First bottom flap 42 Second bottom flap 4A First flap 4B Second flap 4U Rear Bottom Flap 4F Front bottom flap 4L Left bottom flap 4R Right bottom flap 51 First partition section 5B Rear partition section 5F Front partition section 5L Left partition 5N center notch 5R Right partition section 5S Slit 51G Front insertion groove 52 Second partition section 52G Rear insertion groove 5G insertion groove 6B Second aft flap 6F Second Front Flap 6L First left flap 6M Second Middle Flap 6R First right flap 7 Engagement / disengagement structure 70 Cutting line 71 First folded line 72 Second Folded Rule 7X locking groove 7Y locking piece 8. Locking mechanism 81 lock pieces 82 Locking part 9S Bottom auxiliary grid lines 9 Interior space 91 Front left space (first small space) 92 Middle left space (second small space) 93 Posterior left space (third small space) 94 Front right space (fourth small space) 95 Middle right space (fifth small space) 96 Posterior right space (sixth small space) L1 Vertical dimension L2 Top dimensions L3 Bottom Dimensions L4 Medium Dimensions T1 First tapered shape T2 Second Tapered Shape

Claims

1. A packaging box that is disassembled from an assembled state having a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped internal space to a folded state in which the internal space is not formed, It has a pair of end wall portions facing each other front and rear across the internal space, and a pair of side wall portions facing each other left and right across the internal space, and a vertical wall portion erected around the internal space, A top flap having a pair of first top flaps extending from the upper edge of the end wall portion and a pair of second top flaps extending from the upper edge of the side wall portion, covering the upper part of the internal space, The bottom flap comprises a pair of first flaps, each having a pair of first bottom flaps extending from the lower edge of the end wall portion and a pair of first partition portions extending from the leading edge of the first bottom flaps, and a pair of second flaps, each having a pair of second bottom flaps extending from the lower edge of the side wall portion and a pair of second partition portions extending from the leading edge of the second bottom flaps, wherein the first bottom flaps and the second bottom flaps cover the lower part of the internal space and the first partition portions and the second partition portions divide the internal space, The pair of second top flaps each have a locking mechanism in which a locking piece is provided on one of them, the locking piece being able to be folded down at a portion of its leading edge, and a locking portion is provided on the other, the locking piece being locked to the locking portion when folded, thereby maintaining the state in which one and the other are superimposed in a position facing each other. The second partition extends without being folded back from the leading edge of the second bottom flap, which is folded back at the lower edge of the side wall, and has a central notch in which interference regions located to the left and right of the locking mechanism are cut out when the pair of second top flaps are superimposed in a position facing each other. A packaging box characterized by the following features.

2. The pair of first top flaps have a top notch cut out from the leading edge at the center in the left-right direction. The packaging box according to feature 1.

3. The pair of first flaps have a bottom auxiliary crease provided in at least a portion of the center in the left-right direction. The packaging box according to feature 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned bottom auxiliary crease is provided only on the first bottom flap. The packaging box according to feature 3.

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