Packing box

Abstract

To provide a packing box that makes it difficult to camouflage an unopened state by re-assembling after opening while suppressing a decrease in strength.SOLUTION: A packing box formed of cardboard having a corrugating medium has: a first side face part which extends in a first direction and a second direction and has a first end part extending in the second direction; a second side face part which faces the first side face part and extends in the first direction and second direction, and also has a second end part extending in the second direction; an inner lid part which is bent along a first bending line extending to the first end part in the second direction, and extends in the second direction and a third direction; an outer lid part which is bent along a second bending line extending to the second end part in the second direction, and extends in the second direction and third direction; and an adhesion part which bonds an inner surface of the outer lid part and an outer surface of the inner lid part together. The outer lid part is so constituted that the corrugating medium is arrayed in the third direction. The outer lid part has its inner surface given a cut which does not reach the outer surface on the opposite side from the inner surface of the outer lid part between the end part on the opposite side from the second bending line in the third direction and the adhesion part along the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging box used for packing an object to be packed.

Background Art

[0002] A packaging box is a member that accommodates an object to be packed for the purpose of, for example, ensuring the quality of the object to be packed during the period from when the object to be packed is packed in the packaging box until the packaging box is opened when the object to be packed is used. Some packaging boxes have a structure that leaves a trace of opening. Since the remaining opening trace makes it difficult to reassemble an already opened packaging box to disguise it as unopened, it is possible to prevent misconduct such as packing an unauthorized product in a regular packaging box to disguise it as a genuine product. Examples of the structure that leaves a trace of opening include a structure in which a broken figure is drawn with through cuts or half cuts on the corrugated paper constituting the packaging box, and the broken figure is destroyed in a manner that is difficult to repair when the box is opened. If cuts are made in the corrugated paper constituting the packaging box, buckling may occur in the core of the corrugated paper when a load is applied to the packaging box, which may reduce the strength of the packaging box. Patent Document 1 describes a technique for suppressing the decrease in strength of a packaging box when cuts are made in the corrugated paper constituting the packaging box.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to prevent misconduct of reassembling the packaging box after opening to disguise it as unopened while suppressing a decrease in the strength of the packaging box.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging box that is difficult to reassemble after opening to disguise it as unopened while suppressing a decrease in strength. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a packaging box made of corrugated cardboard having a core with a plurality of protrusions arranged in a direction, comprising: a first side portion extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, having a first end at the end in the first direction and extending in the second direction; a second side portion facing the first side portion and extending in the first and second directions, having a second end on the same side as the first end in the first direction and extending in the second direction; an opening surrounded by the first end of the first side portion and the second end of the second side portion; and a portion provided to be folded along a first fold line extending in the second direction relative to the first end of the first side portion, extending in the second direction and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. The packaging box comprises an inner lid portion configured to close at least a portion of the opening; an outer lid portion provided to be bent along a second fold curve extending in the second direction relative to the second end of the second side portion, and extending in the second and third directions, wherein its inner surface is superimposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner lid portion from the outside; and an adhesive portion that bonds the inner surface of the outer lid portion to the outer surface of the inner lid portion, wherein the outer lid portion is configured such that the arrangement direction of the core is in the third direction, and the outer lid portion is provided with a notch in the inner surface along the second direction between the end on the side opposite to the second fold curve with respect to the third direction and the adhesive portion, the notch not reaching the outer surface of the outer lid portion on the side opposite to the inner surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a packaging box that suppresses a decrease in strength and is difficult to reassemble after opening to disguise as unopened. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cartridge. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of corrugated cardboard to illustrate the concept of cutting in half. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the packaging box before assembly. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the packaging box after assembly. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a packaging box to illustrate the proper procedure for opening the packaging box. [Figure 7] This is a side view of the standard opening point to illustrate the proper procedure for opening a packaging box. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the procedure for opening the designated opening point. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of a packaging box during assembly. [Figure 10] This is a plan view of the right outer flap of a packing box, showing another example of a half-cut box. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of a packaging box illustrating other arrangements of the sub-half cut. [Figure 12] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the unconventional opening procedure of a packaging box. [Figure 13] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the unconventional opening procedure of a packaging box. [Figure 14] This is a schematic perspective view showing the direction in which to insert half-cut cardboard sheets. [Figure 15] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of corrugated cardboard. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the procedure for opening the designated opening point. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The packaging box according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] An embodiment of the packaging box according to the present invention will be described. The packaging box is configured to accommodate an object to be packaged so as to guarantee the quality of the object to be packaged, from when the object to be packaged is packed in the packaging box until the packaging box is opened when the object to be packaged is used. In the present embodiment, a case where the object to be packaged packed in the packaging box is a cartridge detachably attachable to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus will be described as an example. When a new cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, it is assumed that a user unpacks the packaging box, takes out the new cartridge from the packaging box, and mounts the cartridge to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. First, the image forming apparatus and the cartridge as the object to be packaged will be described, then a half-cut provided in the packaging box will be described, and thereafter the packaging box will be described.

[0011] 1. Image forming apparatus The image forming apparatus includes, for example, a copying machine, a printer (for example, a laser beam printer, an LED printer, etc.), a facsimile apparatus, a word processor, and the like. Further, the cartridge is configured to be detachably attachable to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. Examples of the cartridge include a cartridge in which a photosensitive member as an image bearing member and a process unit such as a developing unit acting on the photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, a cartridge in which substantially only the developing unit is formed into a cartridge, and a cartridge in which substantially only a developer container is formed into a cartridge. The apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus corresponds to a portion of the image forming apparatus excluding the cartridge. According to this cartridge system, the user can perform developer replenishment and apparatus maintenance by themselves in the form of cartridge replacement, so that the operability can be remarkably improved.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 100 to which cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) as objects to be packaged in the packaging box of the present embodiment are detachably attachable. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK).

[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 is a full-color laser beam printer using an electrophotographic process and adopts a cartridge system. In the image forming apparatus 100, four cartridges (process cartridges) P (PY, PM, PC, PK) for forming images of respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are each detachably attachable to the apparatus main body 110. Note that for elements provided for respective colors and having the same or corresponding functions or configurations, the suffixes Y, M, C, K at the end of the reference signs indicating that the elements are provided for any one of the colors may be omitted for general description. The apparatus main body 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 corresponds to a portion of the image forming apparatus 100 excluding the cartridges P.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 100 can form a full-color image on a recording medium (recording material, transfer material, sheet) S by detachably mounting the cartridges P to the apparatus main body 110. Examples of the recording medium S include recording paper, label paper, OHP sheets, cloth, and the like. The image forming apparatus 100 is configured such that the first, second, third, and fourth cartridges PY, PM, PC, PK are arranged substantially side by side in the horizontal direction inside the apparatus main body 110. The apparatus main body 110 includes a laser scanner 103 as an optical unit, a primary transfer roller 106 as a transfer unit, an intermediate transfer belt 107 and a secondary transfer roller 108, a fixing device 109 as a fixing unit, a feeding unit 111 as a feeding unit for the recording medium S, and the like.

[0015] Cartridge P is composed of a drum unit 114 and a developing device (developing unit) 104 coupled together. Each color cartridge P has a similar electrophotographic process mechanism, but differs in the color of the toner used as the developer. The drum unit 114 has a photosensitive drum 101 (101Y, 101M, 101C, 101K), which is a rotatable drum-type electrophotographic photoreceptor that serves as an image carrier. The drum unit 114 also has charging rollers 102 (102Y, 102M, 102C, 102K) as charging means, which act on the photosensitive drum 101. Furthermore, the drum unit 114 has cleaning blades 105 (105Y, 105M, 105C, 105K) as cleaning means, which also act as processing means. The drum unit 114 is composed of the photosensitive drum 101, charging rollers 102, cleaning blades 105, etc., supported by a cleaning frame 151. On the other hand, the developing device 104 has a developing roller (developer carrier) 141 as a developing means, which is a process means that acts on the photosensitive drum 101. The developing device 104 is constructed such that the developing roller 141 and the like are supported by a developing frame 142. The first, second, third, and fourth cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK each contain yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners within the developing frame 142, respectively.

[0016] The photosensitive drum 101 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in Figure 1. The surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 101 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential (negative polarity in this embodiment) of a predetermined polarity by the charging roller 102. During charging, a predetermined charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 102 by a voltage application means provided on the main body 110 of the device. The charged surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is scanned and exposed by the laser scanner 103, which irradiates it with laser light L corresponding to the image information corresponding to each cartridge P. As a result, an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) corresponding to the image information corresponding to each cartridge P is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 101 is developed (visualized) by the developing device 104 when toner is supplied, and a toner image (developer image) is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101.

[0017] An intermediate transfer belt 107, composed of an endless belt acting as an intermediate transfer body, is positioned opposite the four cartridges P. The intermediate transfer belt 107 is stretched over multiple support rollers and is driven to rotate in a clockwise direction in Figure 1. Primary transfer rollers 106Y, 106M, 106C, and 106K are positioned on the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 107, corresponding to each photosensitive drum 101Y, 101M, 101C, and 101K. The primary transfer roller 106 is biased toward the photosensitive drum 101 via the intermediate transfer belt 107, and the photosensitive drum 1 A primary transfer section (primary transfer nip section) is formed where 01 and the intermediate transfer belt 107 come into contact. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 101 is primary transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 107 in the primary transfer section. During primary transfer, a primary transfer voltage with the opposite polarity (positive polarity in this embodiment) to the normal charging polarity of the toner (charging polarity during development) is applied to the primary transfer roller 106. For example, when forming a full-color image, the toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black formed on each photosensitive drum 101Y, 101M, 101C, and 101K are sequentially primary transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 107 so that they are superimposed on each other.

[0018] Meanwhile, the recording media S are separated and fed one by one by the feeding unit 111 in synchronization with the formation of the toner image. On the outer circumferential surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 107, a secondary transfer roller 108 is positioned opposite one of the multiple support rollers of the intermediate transfer belt 107. The secondary transfer roller 108 is biased toward the opposing support roller via the intermediate transfer belt 107, forming a secondary transfer section (secondary transfer nip section) where the intermediate transfer belt 107 and the secondary transfer roller 108 come into contact. The recording media S fed by the feeding unit 111 are transported to the secondary transfer section and passed through it. The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 107 is secondary transferred onto the recording media S in the secondary transfer section. During secondary transfer, a secondary transfer voltage with the opposite polarity (positive polarity in this embodiment) to the normal charging polarity of the toner (charging polarity during development) is applied to the secondary transfer roller 108.

[0019] The recording medium S onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fuser unit 109. The fuser unit 109 applies heat and pressure to the recording medium S carrying the unfixed toner image, fixing (melting and solidifying) the toner image onto the recording medium S. This forms an image on the recording medium S. After that, the recording medium S is transported by the discharge roller 112, etc., and discharged (output) to the discharge unit 113.

[0020] Furthermore, toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 after the toner image has been transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 107 (primary transfer residue toner) is removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 by the cleaning blade 105 and collected in the cleaning frame 151. This cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 101. The surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is then uniformly charged again by the charging roller 102, making it possible to form an image. In addition, toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 107 after the toner image has been transferred to the recording medium S (secondary transfer residue toner) is removed from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 107 and collected by an intermediate transfer body cleaning means (not shown).

[0021] 2. Half cut Referring to Figure 3, we will now explain the "half-cut" which is a notch provided in the packaging box. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section approximately perpendicular to the planar direction of double-sided corrugated cardboard 200 as an example of corrugated cardboard. In this embodiment, the packaging box is formed using double-sided corrugated cardboard 200 as the corrugated cardboard.

[0022] When the packaging box is assembled, the side of the corrugated cardboard facing outwards (here, simply referred to as "outside") is called the corrugated cardboard surface F. The side of the corrugated cardboard facing inwards (here, simply referred to as "inside") when the packaging box is assembled is called the corrugated cardboard back surface R. The space between the corrugated cardboard surface F and the corrugated cardboard back surface R is called the corrugated cardboard intermediate layer I. In the case of double-sided corrugated cardboard 200 as shown in Figure 3, the corrugated cardboard surface F is formed by the outer surface of the outer liner (cardboard) 201a. In the case of double-sided corrugated cardboard 200, the corrugated cardboard back surface R is formed by the inner surface of the inner liner 201b. In the case of double-sided corrugated cardboard 200, the corrugated cardboard intermediate layer I between the outer liner 201a and the inner liner 201b includes the portion of the outer liner 201a inside the corrugated cardboard surface F and the portion of the inner liner 201b outside the corrugated cardboard back surface R. Furthermore, the intermediate layer I has the outer It includes a core (corrugated cardboard) 202 positioned between the inner surface of liner 201a and the outer surface of the inner liner 201b, with a continuous half-row of indentations and protrusions.

[0023] A "half cut" is a cut made from the back side R of the corrugated cardboard, stopping before penetrating to the front side F of the corrugated cardboard on the opposite side of the back side R. This "half cut" does not depend on whether or not it penetrates the core 202 located in the intermediate layer I of the corrugated cardboard, nor on the depth of the cut, as shown in half cuts H1, H2, and H3 in Figure 3. However, this "half cut" typically penetrates the inner liner 201b. In this case, it becomes easier to cause delamination of the intermediate layer I of the corrugated cardboard accompanied by the breakage of the core 202 during the opening operation described later, making it easy to leave clear traces of the opening of the packaging box.

[0024] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view showing the direction in which half-cuts are made relative to the arrangement of the corrugated cardboard core. In Figure 14, the direction parallel to the arrangement of the bumps and grooves of the core 202 is shown as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the arrangement of the bumps and grooves of the core 202 is shown as the Y direction. By making half-cuts in the Y direction, as in half-cut H4, the number of cuts in the direction parallel to the arrangement of the bumps and grooves of the corrugated cardboard core can be reduced, thereby reducing buckling of the core due to compression, which will be discussed later.

[0025] Here, corrugated cardboard is not limited to double-sided corrugated cardboard 200 as shown in Figure 3. Corrugated cardboard may also be multilayer corrugated cardboard, such as double-sided corrugated cardboard (2-layer corrugated cardboard) 200a as shown in Figure 15(a), or double-double-sided corrugated cardboard (3-layer corrugated cardboard) 200b as shown in Figure 15(b), which is constructed by sequentially layering single-sided corrugated cardboard on top of double-sided corrugated cardboard. In the case of multilayer corrugated cardboard, the corrugated cardboard surface F is formed by the outer surface of the outermost liner 201a. Also, in the case of multilayer corrugated cardboard, the corrugated cardboard back surface R is formed by the inner surface of the innermost liner 201b. Furthermore, in the case of multilayer corrugated cardboard, the corrugated cardboard intermediate layer I includes the entire liner and core between the corrugated cardboard surface F and the corrugated cardboard back surface R. In the case of multilayer corrugated cardboard, the definition of "half cut" is the same as above, and refers to a cut made from the corrugated cardboard back surface R that stops without penetrating all the way to the corrugated cardboard surface F. This "half-cut" does not require any cuts to be made into the core (202a, 202b, 202c) located in the corrugated cardboard intermediate layer I, nor into the outermost and innermost liners 201a, 201b, or into the liners other than 201c, 201d (201c, 201d), nor does it require any cuts to be made into the liners other than 201b, 201c, 201d. However, this "half-cut" typically penetrates the innermost liner 201b, or into one or more liners other than the outermost liner 201a (201b, 201c, 201d). In this case, it becomes easier to cause delamination of the corrugated cardboard intermediate layer I accompanied by the breakage of the core 202a, 202b, 202c during the opening operation described later, making it easier to leave clear evidence that the packaging box has been opened.

[0026] Unlike the "half cut" mentioned above, a cut that penetrates from the R-shaped back of the corrugated cardboard to the F-shaped front of the corrugated cardboard (or from the F-shaped front of the corrugated cardboard to the R-shaped back of the corrugated cardboard) is also called a "through cut."

[0027] 3. Packaging Box Composition Referring to Figure 4, the overall configuration of the packaging box 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a plan view of the packaging box 1 of this embodiment, as seen from the inside, in its unfolded flat (template) state before assembly. The aforementioned cartridge P, as the packaged item, is housed inside the packaging box 1 of this embodiment during transport. The packaging box 1 is made of corrugated cardboard with a core having multiple indentations and protrusions arranged in the direction of the arrangement.

[0028] Packing box 1 has a top panel 10, a back panel 20, a bottom panel 30, a front panel 40, and a connecting panel 50. The top panel 10 and the back panel 20 are connected via a hinge portion (folding portion, crease portion) 61. The back panel 20 and the bottom panel 30 are connected via a hinge portion 63. The bottom panel 30 and the front panel 40 are connected via a hinge portion 65. The front panel 40 and the connecting panel 50 are connected via a hinge portion 67.

[0029] Furthermore, the right top inner flap 11R and the left top inner flap 11L are connected to the top panel 10 via hinges 62R and 62L. The right back outer flap 21R and the left back outer flap 21L are connected to the back panel 20 via hinges 64R and 64L. The right bottom inner flap 31R and the left bottom inner flap 31L are connected to the bottom panel 30 via hinges 66R and 66L, respectively. The right front inner flap 41R and the left front inner flap 41L are connected to the front panel 40 via hinges 68R and 68L in the Y direction.

[0030] The packaging box 1 is formed by bending the top panel 10, back panel 20, bottom panel 30, front panel 40, and connecting panel 50 from the flat state shown in Figure 4, resulting in a box body that is a cylindrical body with a roughly rectangular cross-section in this embodiment. The top panel 10, back panel 20, bottom panel 30, front panel 40, and connecting panel 50 constitute the peripheral walls of the box body 1a (see Figure 5). The second openings 1c (see Figure 6) formed on the right and left sides of the box body 1a in Figure 4 are closed by bending the flaps provided on the top panel 10, back panel 20, bottom panel 30, and front panel 40, respectively. The cartridge P, as the packaged item, is placed in the space inside this closed box body 1a. For the assembly of the packaging box 1, adhesive members such as adhesives are used as appropriate fastening means. In this embodiment, a hot melt adhesive is used as the adhesive member. However, the adhesive material is not limited to hot melt adhesives; any available adhesive or tack can be used, such as double-sided tape.

[0031] The assembly method of the packaging box 1 of this embodiment will be further described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the assembled packaging box 1 of this embodiment, seen from the right back outer flap 21R side.

[0032] First, starting from the flat state shown in Figure 4, the top panel 10, back panel 20, bottom panel 30, front panel 40, and connecting panel 50 are bent inward at approximately right angles at hinge sections 61, 63, 65, and 67, respectively, and the stacked top panel 10 and connecting panel 50 are bonded together with hot melt adhesive. In this embodiment, the top panel 10 and connecting panel 50 are stacked so that the connecting panel 50 is on the inside and the top panel 10 is on the outside. Next, the right top inner flap 11R, right bottom inner flap 31R, left top inner flap 11L, and left bottom inner flap 31L are bent inward at approximately right angles at hinge sections 62R, 66R, 62L, and 66L, respectively. Next, the right front inner flap 41R and left front inner flap 41L are bent inward at approximately right angles at hinge sections 68R and 68L, respectively. Next, the right outer back flap 21R and the left outer back flap 21L are folded inward at approximately right angles at the hinge portions 64R and 64L, respectively. Then, the overlapping right outer back flap 21R and the right inner flap 41R, and the overlapping left outer back flap 21L and the left inner flap 41L are bonded together with adhesive 2. Figure 5 shows the assembled packaging box 1 with the right outer back flap 21R closed and bonded to the right inner flap 41R.

[0033] In the packaging box 1 assembled in this manner, the front panel 40 constitutes a first side portion extending in a first direction (X direction) and a second direction (Y direction) intersecting the first direction. Here, the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction) are the directions defined in the assembled packaging box 1 shown in Figure 5, and in the unfolded view shown in Figure 4, for example, even the same second direction (Y direction) may have different orientations depending on the surface.

[0034] The front panel 40, which serves as the first side portion, has a first end portion 71 located at the end in the first direction (X direction) and extending in the second direction (Y direction). The back panel 20 forms a second side portion that faces the first side portion (front panel 40) and extends in both the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction).

[0035] The back plate 20, which serves as the second side portion, is located on the same side as the first end portion 71 in the first direction (X direction) and has a second end portion 72 that extends in the second direction (Y direction).

[0036] Before the first inner lid, the right front inner flap 41R, and the first outer lid, the right back outer flap 21R, are bonded together, the packaging box 1 has a first opening 1b (see Figure 9). The first opening 1b is surrounded by the first end 71 of the first side portion (front panel 40) and the second end 72 of the second side portion (back panel 20), and is an opening formed on one side of the box body 1a capable of accommodating the packaged goods.

[0037] The right inward flap 41R is a first inner cover portion that is provided so as to bend along a hinge portion 68R, which is a first fold curve that extends in a second direction (Y direction) relative to the first end portion 71 of the first side portion (front plate 40). The first inner cover portion (right inward flap 41R) extends in a second direction (Y direction) and a third direction (Z direction) that intersects the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction), and is configured to cover at least a part of the first opening 1b.

[0038] The right back outer flap 21R is a first outer lid portion that is provided to be folded along a hinge portion 64R, which is a second fold curve extending in the second direction (Y direction) relative to the second end portion 72 of the second side portion (back panel 20). The first outer lid portion (right back outer flap 21R) extends in the second direction (Y direction) and the third direction (Z direction), and its inner surface overlaps with at least a portion of the outer surface of the first inner lid portion (right front inner flap 41R) from the outside. The first outer lid portion (right back outer flap 21R) is configured such that the arrangement direction of the corrugated cardboard core constituting the packaging box 1 is in the third direction (Z direction). A more detailed configuration of the right back outer flap 21R and other components will be described later.

[0039] The adhesive portion 2a (see Figure 9), which is composed of adhesive 2, adheres the inner surface of the first outer cover portion (right back outer flap 21R) to the outer surface of the first inner cover portion (right front inner flap 41R).

[0040] The form of the packaging box 1 in this embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, the number of surfaces of the peripheral wall forming the box body 1a is not limited to four; it may be three, five or more, or any number of surfaces. It can be appropriately selected to suit the goods being packaged.

[0041] 4. Legitimate opening In this embodiment, the packaging box 1 is configured to leave traces of tampering, thereby deterring the packaging box from being reassembled after opening and disguised as unopened. This helps to prevent a deterioration in the quality of the cartridge P and the reuse of tampered packaging boxes 1 to sell counterfeit cartridges as genuine products. In this embodiment, the tampering of the packaging box 1 is assumed to occur when the packaging box 1 is opened in order to remove the cartridge P from a location other than the designated opening point by the manufacturer of the genuine product.

[0042] First, the proper opening of the packaging box 1 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the packaging box 1 from the right rear outer flap 21R side, showing the box opened by raising the top panel 10 from the assembled state shown in Figure 5.

[0043] In this embodiment, the top panel 10 (second outer lid) of the packaging box 1 is configured as the regular opening. In other words, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the cartridge P as the packaged item can be removed from the second opening 1c, which is opened by raising the top panel 10 and then raising the joint plate 50 (second inner lid) to which the top panel 10 was overlapped and glued.

[0044] In detail, the first side portion (front panel 40) has a third end portion 73 located at the end in the second direction (Y direction) and extending in the first direction (X direction). The second side portion (back panel 20) is on the same side as the third end portion 73 in the second direction (Y direction) and extends in the first direction (X direction). It has a fourth end portion 74. Before the top panel 10 and the joint panel 50 are bonded together, the packaging box 1 has a second opening 1c surrounded by the third end portion 73 and the fourth end portion 74.

[0045] The joining plate 50 is a second inner cover portion that is provided so as to bend along a hinge portion 67, which is a third bend curve extending in a first direction (X direction) relative to the third end portion 73 of the first side portion (front plate 40). The second inner cover portion (joining plate 50) extends in the first direction (X direction) and the third direction (Z direction) and is configured to cover at least a part of the second opening 1c.

[0046] The top panel 10 is a second outer cover portion that is provided so as to bend along a hinge portion 61, which is a fourth bend curve extending in the first direction (X direction) relative to the fourth end portion 74 of the second side portion (back panel 20). The second outer cover portion (top panel 10) extends in the first direction (X direction) and the third direction (Z direction), and its inner surface is superimposed from the outside on at least a portion of the outer surface of the second inner cover portion (joint plate 50).

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(a), the top panel 10 is provided with an opening strip 12 formed by perforations created by through-cuts. This opening strip 12 is formed by a broken shape 13 placed on the top panel 10 and parallel to the outer edge 10E, and a broken shape 14 extending toward the broken shape 13 with the outer edge 10E as its end. The broken shape 13 is a perforated line-like broken shape with alternating through-cuts and discontinuous sections without through-cuts. The broken shape 14 is formed by a perforated line-like broken shape with alternating through-cuts and discontinuous sections without through-cuts. Here, a perforation line is a line formed by alternating through-cuts and discontinuous sections without through-cuts, and it is sufficient that the broken part of the opening strip 12 can be guided by the regular opening operation described later.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7(b), when the opening strip 12 is removed by pulling it up from one end in its longitudinal direction, there are through-cuts 50F and 50G in the joint plate 50. As shown in Figure 7(c), by pushing the joint plate 50 between 50F and 50G, an opening 1C is formed, making it easier to insert a hand, so that the top panel 10 can be grasped from the inside of the packaging box 1, and the top panel 10 can be raised. By raising the top panel 10 and the joint plate 50, the cartridge P can be removed.

[0049] In this embodiment, a tamper-evident seal 15, which is a sealing seal, is attached to the outer surface of the top panel 10 so as to straddle the opening tab 12 (particularly, the broken shape 13 in this embodiment). This seals the second outer cover (top panel 10). In this embodiment, the tamper-evident seal 15 used is one that is easily broken when the opening tab 12 is broken by the normal opening operation described later. As this tamper-evident seal 15, a known type that does not easily peel off the adhesive surface but is easily broken and difficult to repair when a force is applied in a direction across the adhesive surface can be suitably used.

[0050] As described above, when the packaging box 1 of this embodiment is opened in the proper manner at the top panel 10, which is the designated opening point, the opening strip 12 is broken, and the tamper-evident seal 15 is also broken. Once the tamper-evident seal 15 is broken, it is difficult to repair, and when the tamper-evident seal 15 is peeled off, the corrugated cardboard surface F that makes up the outer surface of the top panel 10 peels off, leaving a trace. In this way, the packaging box 1 of this embodiment leaves a trace of the proper opening procedure. Note that in Figure 7(b), the broken part of the broken seal piece 15a is depicted as having the same shape as the opening strip, but it is not limited to this, and may be broken in a straight line, for example.

[0051] Here, the configuration for leaving traces of the normal opening operation is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a configuration for leaving traces of the normal opening operation. For example, instead of or in addition to the opening band, as shown in Figure 8(a), a break is made on the top panel 10. A configuration may be provided in which a figure 16 is fixed to the joint plate 50 with adhesive 2. The broken figure 16 is a perforated line-like broken figure with alternating through cuts and discontinuous sections without through cuts. As a result, as shown in Figure 8(b), the broken figure 16 is left on the joint plate 50 when the top plate 10 is opened, leaving a trace of the opening operation.

[0052] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 16, a known tamper-evident seal 17 may be used, which, when peeled off, reveals text such as "OPEN" (and remains on the surface without peeling off).

[0053] 5. Configuration of the right lateral back flap Next, we will describe the configuration for leaving traces of unauthorized opening of the packaging box 1 in this embodiment (here, also simply referred to as "traces of opening"). As described above, the packaging box 1 in this embodiment is configured such that when the top panel 10, which is the legitimate opening point, is opened in the legitimate way, traces of that legitimate opening operation are left behind. Therefore, if someone tries to illegally open the packaging box 1, for example, to reuse it, they are likely to try to open the right back outer flap 21R, which is the first outer lid, as a location other than the legitimate opening point. Accordingly, in this embodiment, a configuration for leaving traces of unauthorized opening of the packaging box 1 is provided on the right back outer flap 21R.

[0054] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the packaging box 1 of this embodiment, before the right back outer flap 21R is closed, as seen from the right back outer flap 21R side. The right back outer flap 21R has a first side 22c extending in the direction along the hinge portion 64R (Y direction), a second side 22a extending toward the hinge portion 64R from one end of the first side 22c, and a third side 22b extending toward the hinge portion 64R from the other end of the first side 22c. The second side 22a is the first end of the first outer lid portion (right back outer flap 21R) in the second direction (Y direction), and the third side 22b is the second end of the first outer lid portion (right back outer flap 21R) in the second direction (Y direction). The second side 22a and the third side 22b extend parallel to each other in the third direction (Z direction). The first side 22c extends in the second direction (Y direction) parallel to the hinge portion 64R. In this embodiment, the Y-direction end of the first side 22c is formed by a curved portion 22cr. The end of the second side 22a on the first side 22c side is an inclined side 22d connected to the curved portion 22cr, and the end of the third side 22b on the first side 22c side is an inclined side 22e connected to the curved portion 22cr.

[0055] The right outer flap 21R, which is the first outer cover, has main half-cuts (Hm1, Hm2, Hm3) and sub-half-cuts (Hs1, Hs2, Hs3, Hs4, Hs5, Hs6) formed by the aforementioned "half-cutting" process. These main half-cuts Hm and sub-half-cuts Hs induce the peeling of the intermediate layer I of the corrugated cardboard during the opening operation described later.

[0056] On the inner surface of the right outer back flap 21R facing the right inner front flap 41R, an adhesive portion 2a is provided, extending in the Y direction along the first side 22c, to bond the right outer back flap 21R and the right inner front flap 41R with adhesive 2. The adhesive portion 2a is elongated in the Y direction. For example, a hot melt adhesive can be used as the adhesive 2.

[0057] On the inner surface of the right back outer flap 21R, which is the first outer cover portion, a first main half cut Hm1 (first notch) is provided along the second direction (Y direction) between the end portion 75 on the opposite side of the hinge portion 64R, which is the second fold curve in the third direction (Z direction), and the adhesive portion 2a. The first main half cut Hm1 is formed by a half cut that does not reach the outer surface opposite to the inner surface of the right back outer flap 21R, which is the first outer cover portion. The first main half cut Hm1 is provided between the adhesive portion 2a and the first side 22c, extending from one end (second side 22a) to the other end (third side 22b) of the right back outer flap 21R, which is the first outer cover portion, in the second direction (Y direction). In this embodiment, the first main half cut Hm1 extends from the inclined side 22d of the second side 22a to the inclined side 22e of the third side 22b. The first main half cut Hm1 and the adhesive part are adjacent to each other with a predetermined gap in the Z direction. This predetermined gap can be set appropriately according to the size of the packaging box 1, but for example, it is about 5 to 30 mm. The direction in which the first main half cut Hm1 extends is not limited to a direction parallel to the direction perpendicular to the arrangement of the bumps and grooves of the corrugated cardboard core, but is instead parallel to the direction perpendicular to the arrangement of the bumps and grooves of the core.

[0058] On the inner surface of the right back outer flap 21R, which is the first outer cover portion, a second main half-cut Hm2 is provided in the region on the side of the hinge portion 64R, which is the second fold curve relative to the adhesive portion 2a, in the third direction (Z direction). The second main half-cut Hm2 is provided so as to extend along the second direction (Y direction) from the first end (second side 22a) to the second end (third side 22b) in the second direction (Y direction) of the right back outer flap 21R, which is the first outer cover portion. The second main half-cut Hm2 is provided between the adhesive portion 2a and the hinge portion 64R, and is provided in close proximity to the adhesive portion 2a.

[0059] Furthermore, on the inner surface of the right back outer flap 21R, which is the first outer cover portion, a third main half-cut Hm3 is provided in the region on the side of the hinge portion 64R, which is the second fold curve relative to the adhesive portion 2a, in the third direction (Z direction). The third main half-cut Hm3 is provided so as to extend along the second direction (Y direction) from the second end (third side 22b) to the first end (second side 22a) of the right back outer flap 21R, which is the first outer cover portion.

[0060] The second main half cut Hm2 and the third main half cut Hm3 are provided with a predetermined distance in the Z direction relative to the adhesive portion 2a. This predetermined distance can be set appropriately according to the size of the packaging box 1, etc., but is for example to be about 5 to 30 mm. The length of the second main half cut Hm2 and the third main half cut Hm3 in the Y direction can also be set appropriately according to the size of the packaging box 1, etc., but is for example to be longer than about 5 mm. The direction in which the second main half cut Hm2 and the third main half cut Hm3 extend does not need to be strictly parallel to the direction perpendicular to the direction perpendicular to the direction of the arrangement of the bumps and grooves of the corrugated cardboard core, but is not strictly parallel to the direction perpendicular to the direction of the arrangement of the bumps and grooves of the core.

[0061] In the above configuration, the adhesive portion 2a is located between the first main half cutter Hm1, the second main half cutter Hm2, and the third main half cutter Hm3.

[0062] Furthermore, on the inner surface of the right back flap 21R, which is the first outer cover portion, a sub-half cut Hs is provided that extends in the third direction (Z direction) from the end 75 opposite to the hinge portion 64R, which is the second fold curve, toward the first main half cut Hm1, which is the first notch. The sub-half cut Hs is a cut (fourth notch) that is formed by a half cut within the region enclosed by the first side 22c, the second side 22a, the third side 22b, and the first main half cut Hm1, and is separate from the first main half cut Hm1, which is the first notch.

[0063] In this embodiment, the sub-half cut Hs has a plurality of sub-half cuts Hs1, Hs2, Hs3, Hs4, Hs5, and Hs6 extending along the third direction (Z direction). In this embodiment, the region where the sub-half cut Hs is provided is the region enclosed by the first main half cut Hm1, the inclined side 22d, the curved portion 22cr, the first side 22c, and the inclined side 22e, and is a region whose length in the Y direction is shorter than the distance in the Y direction between the second side 22a and the third side 22b. The sub-half cut Hs is formed by a plurality of half cuts arranged at intervals along the second direction (Y direction) within this region.

[0064] Furthermore, each sub-half cut Hs extends in the Z direction from the first side 22c to the first main half cut Hm1. That is, the end of each sub-half cut Hs on the side of the first side 22c is in contact with the first side 22c, and each sub-half cut Hs extends from the first side 22c toward the first main half cut Hm1. Also, the end of each sub-half cut Hs on the side of the first main half cut Hm1 is in contact with the first main half cut Hm1, and each sub-half cut Hs extends from the first main half cut Hm1 toward the first side 22c.

[0065] Each sub-half cut Hs extends in the Z direction toward the first main half cut Hm1 from a position away from the first side 22c, and there may be a gap between the end of each sub-half cut Hs on the side of the first side 22c and the first side 22c. Furthermore, each sub-half cut Hs extends in the Z direction toward the first side 22c from a position away from the first main half cut Hm1, and there may be a gap between the end of each sub-half cut Hs on the side of the first main half cut Hm1 and the first main half cut Hm1. This gap is, for example, about 1 to 3 mm.

[0066] From the viewpoint of facilitating the peeling of the intermediate layer I of the corrugated cardboard by the opening operation described later, it is preferable that the end of each sub-half cut Hs on the first side 22c is in contact with the first side 22c, and the end on the first main half cut Hm1 is in contact with the first main half cut Hm1. The direction in which the sub-half cut Hs extends is not strictly limited to a direction parallel to the direction of the arrangement of the unevenness of the core of the corrugated cardboard, but rather follows the direction of the arrangement of the unevenness of the core.

[0067] It should be noted that the forms of the main half cut Hm and sub-half cut Hs in this embodiment are examples, and the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, as shown in Figure 10, a first main half cut Hm1 and a fourth main half cut Hm4 may be provided as the main half cut Hm. The fourth main half cut Hm4 is formed by extending the above-mentioned second cut (second main half cut Hm2) from the first end (second side 22a) to the second end (third side 22b) in the second direction (Y direction) on the inner surface of the right back outer flap 21R, which is the first outer cover portion. That is, the fourth main half cut Hm4 faces the first main half cut Hm1 with the adhesive 2 in between (extending parallel), is positioned at a predetermined distance from the adhesive 2, and extends in the Y direction from the second side 22a to the third side 22b. In this case, the fourth main half cutter Hm4 is provided between the adhesive portion 2a and the hinge portion 64R, and is located close to the adhesive portion 2a.

[0068] Furthermore, the main half-cut Hm may be a discontinuous main half-cut HmF having a discontinuous section Gm (Gm1, Gm2) along its extending direction in which there is no cut (blade) (no half-cut is formed). The main half-cut Hm that becomes the discontinuous main half-cut HmF may be at least one of the first main half-cut Hm1, the second main half-cut, the third main half-cut Hm3, and the fourth main half-cut Hm4. Also, at least one of the sub-half-cuts Hs may be a discontinuous sub-half-cut HsF having a discontinuous section Gs along its extending direction. For example, in Figure 11, the first main half-cut Hm1 is a discontinuous main half-cut HmF having discontinuous sections Gm1 and Gm2. Also, the sub-half-cut Hs1 is a discontinuous sub-half-cut HsF having a discontinuous section Gs.

[0069] The main half-cut Hm and sub-half-cut Hs should be configured such that, as described later, the right outer flap 21R is destroyed by the opening operation, and typically the flap piece 3 (see Figures 12 and 13) separates from the packaging box 1, leaving a trace of the packaging box 1 being opened. The form of the discontinuous main half-cut HmF and discontinuous sub-half-cut HsF shown in Figure 11 is just an example and is not limited to this form. For example, the number and length of the discontinuous parts Gm and Gs are not limited to the example shown, and at least one of the discontinuous main half-cut HmF and discontinuous sub-half-cut HsF may be formed in the shape of a perforated line. The length of the discontinuous parts Gm and Gs can be, for example, about 1 to 3 mm.

[0070] Here, the adhesive portion 2a to which the adhesive 2 is applied only needs to be provided between the main half-cuts Hm. This makes it possible to leave a clear trace of opening the packaging box 1 whether the operator grasps the second side 22a and the third side 22b to open the right back outer flap 21R, or grasps the first side 22c to open the right back outer flap 21R. Furthermore, it is desirable that the adhesive portion 2a be provided over a sufficient range in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the first main half-cut Hm1 to obtain sufficient bonding strength. For example, it is preferable that the adhesive portion 2a be provided over a length of 70-100% of the length of the first main half-cut Hm1 in the Y direction. However, the adhesive portion 2a is limited to being provided continuously within the above length range. Instead of being a single continuous piece, it may be provided discontinuously to ensure sufficient bonding strength within the above length range. Furthermore, depending on the size of the packaging box 1, an additional adhesive portion 2a may be provided to bond the right outer back flap 21R and the right inner front flap 41R.

[0071] In this embodiment, the configuration for leaving a trace of opening the packaging box 1 according to the present invention (main half-cut Hm, sub-half-cut Hs, etc.) is provided on the right back outer flap 21R, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, if it is anticipated that the left back outer flap 21L will be opened at a location other than the designated opening location, the configuration for leaving a trace of opening the packaging box 1 according to the present invention may be provided on the left back outer flap 21L. Furthermore, the configuration for leaving a trace of opening the packaging box 1 according to the present invention may be provided on both the right back outer flap 21R and the left back outer flap 21L.

[0072] 6. Open the right outer back flap. Next, we will describe how to open the right outer flap 21R of the packaging box 1 in this embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging box 1 showing an example of the state after opening the right outer flap 21R, leaving traces of opening. For details on the main half-cut Hm, sub-half-cut Hs, adhesive part 2a, etc., provided on the right outer flap 21R, please also refer to Figure 9.

[0073] When opening the right outer back flap 21R, the operator grasps the outer edge 22 (typically the first edge 22c) of the right outer back flap 21R, which is not bonded to the right inner front flap 41R with adhesive 2. The operator then applies force in a direction away from the right inner front flap 41R to perform the opening operation. This opening operation applies force to the corrugated cardboard surface F and the intermediate layer I of the portion of the right outer back flap 21R where the half-cuts (main half-cut Hm, sub-half-cut Hs) are provided, depending on the operator's gripping position, as will be described in more detail later. As a result, delamination of the intermediate layer I between the corrugated cardboard surface F and the back surface R of the right outer back flap 21R occurs (typically the core 202 of the intermediate layer I), or delamination of the liner, such as the cardboard (outer liner 201a) that constitutes the corrugated cardboard surface F. Here, both of these are simply referred to as "delamination." Furthermore, as will be explained in more detail later, depending on the operator's gripping position, the right dorsal outer flap 21R is more likely to be separated from the area where the half-cut (mainly the secondary half-cut Hs) is provided.

[0074] As the operator continues the opening process, the flap piece 3 typically separates from the right outer back flap 21R, accompanied by peeling or tearing, as shown in Figure 12. As a result, the flap piece 3 typically separates, or even if it does not separate completely, the right outer back flap 21R is damaged beyond repair by the peeling, leaving a clear trace of the box being opened. When the right outer back flap 21R is damaged by peeling in this way, and the flap piece 3 typically separates from the right outer back flap 21R, the trace of opening is difficult to determine consistently, depending on the starting position of the opening and the amount of force applied during opening. Furthermore, it is difficult to restore the box to its pre-opening state, for example, by bonding, after the trace of opening is left, which typically involves tearing the core 202 of the corrugated cardboard intermediate layer I. Therefore, it becomes difficult to conceal the trace of opening the box being opened.

[0075] The opening procedure for the right outer back flap 21R will be explained in more detail. Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a packaging box 1 with traces of opening remaining, when the operator's gripping position is at the first side 22c, which is closer to the second side 22a than the sub-half cut Hs1 in the Y direction. In this case, the operator grips the first side 22c, which is not bonded to the right inner flap 41R with adhesive 2, and is closer to the second side 22a than approximately the center in the Y direction, and begins the opening procedure by pulling the right outer back flap 21R away from the right inner flap 41R. At a position close to the second side 22a in the Y direction of the right outer back flap 21R, the sub-half cut Hs1 is provided between the first side 22c and the first main half cut Hm1. Therefore, when the operator grips at the above gripping position and begins the opening procedure... Starting from this secondary halve Hs1, the right dorsal lateral flap 21R is easily divided in the Y direction.

[0076] Then, as the right outer back flap 21R near the second side 22a, which is being held by the operator, is rolled up to the vicinity of the first main half cut Hm1, force is applied to the corrugated cardboard surface F and the intermediate layer I of the right outer back flap 21R where the first main half cut Hm1 is located. As a result, the aforementioned peeling occurs on the right outer back flap 21R from the portion of the first main half cut Hm1 and the sub-half cut Hs1 that is closer to the second side 22a than the sub-half cut Hs1 in the Y direction. Then, as the operator continues the opening operation of the right outer back flap 21R while this peeling occurs, typically the portion of the right outer back flap 21R held by the operator separates from the remaining part 4 as a flap piece 3. At this time, the flap piece 3 separates from the remaining part 4 near the hinge portion 64R, as shown in Figure 12, or it separates from the remaining part 4 by being peeled off in front of the hinge portion 64R in the Z direction. As a result, typically the flap piece 3 separates, or even if the flap piece 3 does not completely separate, the right outer back flap 21R is damaged beyond repair due to the above-mentioned peeling, leaving clear evidence that the packaging box 1 has been opened.

[0077] If the operator then decides to continue unpacking and remove cartridge P from packaging box 1, the following procedure will be followed. Specifically, the portion of the right outer flap 21R closest to the third side 22b in the Y direction will be opened in the same manner as described above, the remaining portion 4 will be peeled away from the right inner flap 41R, and the right inner flap 41R will be opened.

[0078] In this embodiment, the right outer back flap 21R is provided with multiple sub-half-cuts Hs at approximately equal intervals in the Y direction. Therefore, even if the operator's gripping position in the Y direction changes, the right outer back flap 21R is easily divided in the Y direction, starting from the sub-half-cut Hs closest to the gripping position. Thus, even if the position of the sub-half-cut Hs that is divided changes compared to the case in Figure 12, the right outer back flap 21R is destroyed beyond repair, just as in the case in Figure 12, and the evidence of the packaging box 1 being opened remains clearly visible.

[0079] Next, Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the packaging box 1 with traces of opening remaining, when the operator's gripping position is the second side 22a. In this case, the operator grips the second side 22a, which is not bonded to the right inward flap 41R with adhesive 2, and begins the opening operation by pulling the right outward back flap 21R away from the right inward flap 41R. In this embodiment, a second main half-cut Hm2 is provided so as to extend from the second side 22a of the right outward back flap 21R. Therefore, when the operator grips the second side 22a and begins the opening operation, the right outward back flap 21R is easily divided in the Z direction starting from this second main half-cut Hm2. Then, as the right outward back flap 21R is rolled up to the end of the second main half-cut Hm2 that the operator is gripping, the half-cut disappears and it becomes difficult to divide. Typically, a fold 5 occurs starting from the tip of the tear, the flap piece 3 curls up, the right outer back flap 21R is destroyed beyond repair, and clear evidence of the packaging box 1 being opened remains.

[0080] In this embodiment, the right outer back flap 21R is provided with a main half-cut Hm and a secondary half-cut Hs positioned approximately symmetrically with respect to the approximate center in the Y direction. Therefore, when the operator's gripping position is at the third side 22b, the trace of opening will be the same as that of the fold 5 and flap piece 3 in Figure 13, although the positional relationship in the Y direction will be reversed compared to Figure 13.

[0081] Furthermore, there should be at least one sub-half cut Hs that extends from the adjacent portion (typically the contact portion) with the first side 22c to the adjacent portion (typically the contact portion) with the first main half cut Hm1. This allows the sub-half cut Hs to cooperate with the first main half cut Hm1 to induce the aforementioned peeling and separation, making it easy to leave clear evidence of the opening of the packaging box 1.

[0082] For example, assume that the operator grasps the second side 22a and opens the right dorsal outer flap 21R. Therefore, when the length of the second side 22a is relatively long, it is preferable to provide a secondary half-cut Hs. This divides the portion that causes the aforementioned delamination midway along the length of the first main half-cut Hm1, thereby preventing the force required to cause the delamination from becoming greater than the force required to peel off the bonded portion by the adhesive 2. This makes it easier to leave the trace of opening due to the aforementioned delamination.

[0083] In particular, according to the arrangement of the sub-half-cut Hs in this embodiment shown in Figure 9, it is easy to leave a clear trace of the opening of the packaging box 1 regardless of whether the operator grasps the second side 22a or the third side 22b when attempting to open the right back outer flap 21R.

[0084] 7. Suppression of buckling by using a half-cut notch. In this embodiment, the right back outer flap 21R, which is the first outer cover portion, is configured such that the arrangement direction of the core is in the third direction (Z direction), and the first main half cut Hm1 formed on the inner surface of the right back outer flap 21R by half cut is provided along the second direction (Y direction) which intersects the third direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the strength of the corrugated cardboard constituting the right back outer flap 21R due to the formation of the first main half cut Hm1. In addition, the second main half cut Hm2 and the third main half cut Hm3 are also half cuts that extend in the second direction (Y direction), and there are no cut portions in the third direction (Z direction). Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the strength of the corrugated cardboard constituting the right back outer flap 21R due to the formation of the second main half cut Hm2 and the third main half cut Hm3. Thus, it is possible to suppress buckling of the core caused by these half cuts when a load is applied in the Y direction. Furthermore, the first main half-cut Hm1 and the secondary half-cut Hs are enclosed by the first main half-cut Hm1, the inclined side 22d, the curved section 22cr, the first side 22c, and the inclined side 22e, and are located within a region where the length in the Y direction is shorter than the distance between the second side 22a and the third side 22b in the Y direction. Therefore, when a load is applied in the Y direction, these half-cuts are less likely to be subjected to load, and buckling of the core caused by these half-cuts can be suppressed.

[0085] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to leave traces of opening the packaging box 1 in a manner that makes it difficult to disguise the box as unopened by reassembling it, while suppressing a decrease in the strength of the corrugated cardboard, and the flap is destroyed by the opening operation. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to realize a packaging box that suppresses a decrease in strength and makes it difficult to disguise the box as unopened by reassembling it after opening.

[0086] [others] The present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. In the above embodiments, an example was described in which a first main half cut Hm1, a second main half cut Hm2, a third main half cut Hm3, and sub-half cuts Hs1 to 6 are provided on the back surface of the right back outer flap 21R, but a configuration having only the first main half cut Hm1 is also acceptable. The side most likely to be grabbed when someone attempts to illegally open a packaging box is the first side 22c. By providing the first main half cut Hm1, peeling can be caused on the right back outer flap 21R when opened from the first side 22c, making it difficult to repair when opened. By further providing the second main half cut Hm2 and the third main half cut Hm3, peeling can be caused on the right back outer flap 21R even when opened by grabbing the second side 22a and the third side 22b, making it even more certain to make it difficult to repair when opened. Furthermore, by providing the sub-half cut Hs, the right outer back flap 21R is more likely to peel off when opening by gripping the first side 22c, thus enabling opening in a manner that is more reliably difficult to repair. In the above embodiment, the first main half cut Hm1 is configured to extend from the second side 22a (third side 22b), but the end on the second side 22a side (the end on the third side 22b side) may be separated from the second side 22a (third side 22b). If the distance between the end on the second side 22a side (the end on the third side 22b side) of the first main half cut Hm1 and the second side 22a (third side 22b) is shorter than the length of the first side 22c, the effect of causing peeling of the right outer back flap 21R when opening from the first side 22c can be obtained.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the case in which the contents of the packaging box are cartridges used in an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic process was described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. The contents of the packaging box may be any goods distributed on the market, including other consumables in an image forming apparatus (waste toner containers, belts such as intermediate transfer belts, or ink cartridges, etc.), food products, pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, etc. The size of the packaging box and the number of sides of the surrounding wall may be set appropriately to suit the contents of the packaging box.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the outer flap was approximately quadrilateral in plan view, but it may also be approximately polygonal, approximately circular, approximately elliptical, approximately oblong, etc., in plan view. In these cases as well, the main half-cut can typically be formed to surround the adhesive portion in a shape approximately similar to the outer edge of the outer flap, and the main half-cut may be formed only of straight lines, only of curves, or a combination of straight lines and curves.

[0089] Furthermore, for example, if the area corresponding to at least one of the right back outer flap and the left back outer flap in the above embodiment is designated as the legitimate opening area, a configuration may be provided to leave a trace of unauthorized opening according to the present invention at the area corresponding to the top panel in the above embodiment. In this case, the joining plate constitutes an inner lid portion that is positioned to close at least a part of the opening formed on one side of the box body capable of accommodating the packaged items. In this case, the top panel constitutes an outer lid portion that is folded at the folding portion and overlapped with at least a part of the surface of the inner lid portion that faces outward from the packaging box.

[0090] Furthermore, as a configuration that leaves traces of opening at the legitimate opening points of the packaging box, the configuration for leaving traces of opening according to the present invention can also be applied.

[0091] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) A packaging box made of corrugated cardboard having a core with multiple bumps arranged in the direction of alignment, A first side surface portion extending in a first direction and in a second direction intersecting the first direction, having a first end portion at the end in the first direction that extends in the second direction, A second side portion that is opposite to the first side portion and extends in the first and second directions, having a second end portion that is on the same side as the first end portion in the first direction and extends in the second direction, An opening enclosed by the first end of the first side portion and the second end of the second side portion, An inner cover portion is provided so as to be bent along a first fold line extending in the second direction from the first end of the first side portion, and extends in the second direction and in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and is configured to close at least a part of the opening, An outer cover portion is provided so as to be bent along a second fold line extending in the second direction with respect to the second end of the second side portion, and extends in the second and third directions, wherein its inner surface is superimposed on at least a part of the outer surface of the inner cover portion from the outside, An adhesive portion that bonds the inner surface of the outer lid and the outer surface of the inner lid, It has, The outer cover is configured such that the arrangement direction of the core is in the third direction. The packaging box is characterized in that the outer lid portion is provided with a notch in the inner surface along the second direction, between the end portion opposite to the second fold curve in the third direction and the adhesive portion, the notch not reaching the outer surface of the outer lid portion opposite to the inner surface. (Configuration 2) The adhesive portion is elongated in the second direction, The aforementioned cut extends from one end to the other end of the outer cover in the second direction. A packaging box according to configuration 1, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 3) The packaging box according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the cut has a discontinuous portion in which the cut is absent in part along the second direction. (Composition 4) When the aforementioned cut is designated as the first cut, The outer cover portion includes, The packaging box according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the third direction, a second notch is provided in the region of the inner surface of the outer lid on the side of the second fold curve with respect to the adhesive portion, extending along the second direction from the first end to the second end of the outer lid in the second direction, and the second notch does not reach the outer surface of the outer lid. (Composition 5) The outer cover portion includes, The packaging box according to configuration 4, characterized in that, in the third direction, a third notch is provided in the region of the inner surface of the outer lid portion on the side of the second fold curve relative to the adhesive portion, extending in the second direction from the second end to the first end, and the third notch does not reach the outer surface of the outer lid portion. (Composition 6) The packaging box according to configuration 4 or 5, characterized in that the second notch extends from the first end to the second end in the second direction on the inner surface of the outer lid. (Composition 7) On the inner surface of the outer cover portion, The packaging box according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that, in the third direction, there is another cut extending from the end opposite to the second fold curve toward the cut, which does not reach the outer surface of the outer lid. (Composition 8) The packaging box according to configuration 7, characterized in that the aforementioned other cut extends to the aforementioned cut. (Configuration 9) The packaging box according to configuration 7 or 8, characterized in that a plurality of the aforementioned additional cuts are provided in the second direction. (Composition 10) On the inner surface of the outer cover portion, The packaging box according to configuration 5, characterized in that, in the third direction, a fourth notch is provided which extends from the end opposite to the second fold curve toward the first notch, and which does not reach the outer surface of the outer lid. (Composition 11) The packaging box according to configuration 10, characterized in that a plurality of the fourth cuts are provided in the second direction. (Composition 12) The first side portion has a third end portion that is at the end in the second direction and extends in the first direction, The second side portion is on the same side as the third end in the second direction and has a fourth end that extends in the first direction. When the aforementioned opening is designated as the first opening, a second opening is provided, enclosed by the third end and the fourth end. When the inner lid and the outer lid are designated as the first inner lid and the first outer lid, A second inner cover portion is provided so as to be bent along a third fold line extending in the first direction relative to the third end of the first side portion, and extends in the first and third directions, A second inner lid portion configured to close at least a portion of the second opening, The second outer cover portion is provided so as to be bent along a fourth fold line extending in the first direction relative to the fourth end of the second side portion, and extends in the first and third directions, wherein its inner surface is superimposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the second inner cover portion from the outside, The second outer cover is sealed by a sealing seal. The packaging box according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the sealing seal is configured to break when the second outer lid is opened. (Composition 13) The packaging box described in any one of the configurations 1 to 12, wherein the item to be packaged in the packaging box is a cartridge used in an image forming apparatus. (Composition 14) The corrugated cardboard is a packaging box according to any one of the configurations 1 to 13, comprising an inner liner, an outer liner, and an intermediate layer having the core between the inner liner and the outer liner. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1: Packaging box, 2a: Adhesive part, 20: Back panel, 21R: Right back outer flap, 40: Front panel, 41R: Right front inner flap, 64R: Hinge part, 68R: Hinge part, 71: First end, 72: Second end, 75: End, 1b: First opening, 200: Double-sided corrugated cardboard, 202: Core, Hm1: First main half cut

Claims

1. A packaging box made of corrugated cardboard having a core with multiple bumps arranged in the direction of alignment, A first side surface portion extending in a first direction and in a second direction intersecting the first direction, having a first end portion at the end in the first direction that extends in the second direction, A second side portion that is opposite to the first side portion and extends in the first and second directions, having a second end portion that is on the same side as the first end portion in the first direction and extends in the second direction, An opening enclosed by the first end of the first side portion and the second end of the second side portion, An inner lid portion is provided so as to be bent along a first fold line extending in the second direction from the first end of the first side portion, and extends in the second direction and in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and is configured to close at least a part of the opening, An outer cover portion is provided so as to be bent along a second fold line extending in the second direction with respect to the second end of the second side portion, and extends in the second and third directions, wherein its inner surface is superimposed on at least a part of the outer surface of the inner cover portion from the outside, An adhesive portion that bonds the inner surface of the outer lid and the outer surface of the inner lid, It has, The outer cover portion is configured such that the arrangement direction of the core is in the third direction. A packaging box characterized in that the outer lid portion is provided with a notch in the inner surface along the second direction, between the end portion opposite to the second fold curve with respect to the third direction and the adhesive portion, the notch not reaching the outer surface of the outer lid portion opposite to the inner surface.

2. The adhesive portion is elongated in the second direction, The aforementioned cut extends from one end to the other end of the outer cover in the second direction. The packaging box according to feature 1.

3. The packaging box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cut has a discontinuous portion in which the cut is absent in part along the second direction.

4. When the aforementioned cut is designated as the first cut, The outer cover portion includes, The packaging box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the third direction, a second notch is provided in the region of the inner surface of the outer lid on the side of the second fold curve relative to the adhesive portion, extending along the second direction from the first end to the second end of the outer lid in the second direction, and the second notch does not reach the outer surface of the outer lid.

5. The outer cover portion includes, The packaging box according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the third direction, a third notch is provided in the region of the inner surface of the outer lid portion on the side of the second fold curve relative to the adhesive portion, extending in the second direction from the second end to the first end, and the third notch does not reach the outer surface of the outer lid portion.

6. The packaging box according to claim 4, characterized in that the second notch extends from the first end to the second end in the second direction on the inner surface of the outer lid.

7. On the inner surface of the outer cover portion, In the third direction, from the end opposite to the second bend curve toward the notch The packaging box according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with another cut that extends and does not reach the outer surface of the outer lid.

8. The packaging box according to claim 7, characterized in that the aforementioned other cut extends to the aforementioned cut.

9. The packaging box according to claim 7, characterized in that a plurality of the aforementioned additional cuts are provided in the second direction.

10. On the inner surface of the outer cover portion, The packaging box according to claim 5, characterized in that, in the third direction, a fourth notch is provided which extends from the end opposite to the second fold curve toward the first notch, and which does not reach the outer surface of the outer lid.

11. The packaging box according to claim 10, characterized in that a plurality of the fourth cuts are provided in the second direction.

12. The first side portion has a third end portion that is at the end in the second direction and extends in the first direction, The second side portion is on the same side as the third end in the second direction and has a fourth end that extends in the first direction. When the aforementioned opening is designated as the first opening, a second opening is provided, enclosed by the third end and the fourth end. When the inner lid and the outer lid are designated as the first inner lid and the first outer lid, A second inner cover portion is provided so as to be bent along a third fold line extending in the first direction with respect to the third end of the first side portion, and extends in the first and third directions, and is configured to close at least a part of the second opening, The second outer cover portion is provided so as to be bent along a fourth fold line extending in the first direction from the fourth end of the second side portion, and extends in the first and third directions, wherein its inner surface is superimposed on at least a part of the outer surface of the second inner cover portion from the outside, The second outer cover is sealed by a sealing seal. The packaging box according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing seal is configured to break when the second outer lid is opened.

13. The packaging box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the item to be packaged in the packaging box is a cartridge used in an image forming apparatus.

14. The packaging box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the corrugated cardboard comprises an inner liner, an outer liner, and an intermediate layer having the core between the inner liner and the outer liner.

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