Packing unit

Abstract

[Problem] To improve the performance of drawing a wire rod without the need of preparing a structure such as an arm. [Solution] A packing unit according to the present disclosure comprises a wire rod and a packing body that accommodates the wire rod therein. The packing body can be transformed into a first configuration for packing the wire rod and a second configuration for drawing the wire rod. A drawing port through which the wire rod is to be drawn from the packing body in the second configuration is located at a position higher than the highest part of the packing body in the first configuration.

Description

Packaging Unit

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging unit. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-106133, filed on June 30, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a drawing device for drawing out a wound linear body.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-102821

[0004] The drawing device described in Patent Document 1 has an arm attached to a spindle that rotates around the winding center of the linear body, and the arm prevents the linear body from becoming tangled or kinked. However, the drawing device described in Patent Document 1 requires a rotating spindle and arm, which makes the structure complicated and large.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the ease of drawing out a wire without providing a structure such as an arm.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a packaging unit comprising a wire material and a packaging body that houses the wire material, wherein the packaging body is transformable into a first form for packaging the wire material and a second form for pulling out the wire material, and wherein in the second form, an opening for pulling out the wire material from the packaging body is located at a higher position than the top of the packaging body in the first form.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the wire drawing property without preparing a structure such as an arm.

[0009] FIGS. 1A and 1B are explanatory views of a packing unit 1 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B are explanatory views of the interior of the packing unit 1. FIG. 3A is an explanatory view of an example of a wound body 20. FIG. 3B is an explanatory view of another example of a wound body. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a wire rod 10, a holding portion 413, and a drawing opening 43. FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory views of a first modified example of the packing unit 1 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory views of a second modified example of the packing unit 1 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory views of a third modified example of the packing unit 1 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory views of a fourth modified example of the packing unit 1 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory views of a fifth modified example of the packing unit 1 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 10A and 10B are explanatory views of a sixth modified example of the packing unit 1 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory views of a packing unit 1 according to the second embodiment. 12A to 12C are explanatory diagrams of the lifting unit 50. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the structure of the expandable member 52. Figs. 14A to 14C are explanatory diagrams of modified examples of the lifting unit 50.

[0010] At least the following aspects will become apparent from the description and drawings that follow.

[0011] Aspect 1 is a packaging unit comprising a wire rod and a packaging body that houses the wire rod, the packaging body being deformable between a first configuration for packaging the wire rod and a second configuration for pulling out the wire rod, and a pull-out opening for pulling out the wire rod from the packaging body in the second configuration being located at a higher position than the top of the packaging body in the first configuration. This allows for improved pull-out of the wire rod without the need for a structure such as an arm.

[0012] Aspect 2 is the packaging unit of Aspect 1, wherein the packaging body has a holding portion that protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the packaging body. This is particularly effective when such a holding portion is present.

[0013] Aspect 3 is the packaging unit of Aspect 2, wherein the distance from the bottom surface to the outlet in the second configuration is 1.5 times or more the distance from the bottom surface to the tip of the holding portion, thereby making it easier to pull out the wire rod.

[0014] Aspect 4 is the packaging unit of Aspect 2 or 3, characterized in that the holding portion is fixed at two points spaced apart in the vertical direction, thereby making the holding portion less likely to tip over.

[0015] Aspect 5 is the packaging unit of any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the packaging body has a plurality of lids, and in the second embodiment, the outlet is provided in a hood assembled with the lids. This allows the outlet to be provided at a high position using the lids.

[0016] Aspect 6 is the packaging unit of Aspect 5, characterized in that the tubular member constituting the drawing opening is provided at a portion where the lid portion is connected, thereby making it possible to prevent wire from entering the portion where the lid portion is connected.

[0017] Aspect 7 is the packaging unit of Aspect 5 or 6, wherein the lid portion has a connecting portion that is connected to another member when the hood portion is assembled, thereby improving the strength of the hood portion.

[0018] Aspect 8 is the packaging unit of Aspect 7, wherein the connecting portion has a concave and convex portion, and the concave and convex portion of the connecting portion can be engaged by opening and closing the lid portion, thereby facilitating the assembly work of the hood portion.

[0019] Aspect 9 is the packaging unit of any one of Aspects 1 to 4, characterized in that it includes a movable body having the drawer opening and an expandable member that raises and lowers the movable body. In this way, the drawer opening can be provided at a high position by extending the expandable member.

[0020] Aspect 10 is the packaging unit of Aspect 9, wherein the packaging body has a holding portion that protrudes upward from the bottom surface, and in the first embodiment, the movable body is positioned below the tip of the holding portion. This makes it possible to prevent the wire from coming off the holding portion in the first embodiment.

[0021] Aspect 11 is the packaging unit of Aspect 10, characterized in that in the first embodiment, the movable body contacts the upper surface of the wound body around which the wire rod is wound. This makes it possible to prevent the wound body from collapsing.

[0022] First Embodiment Figures 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams of a packing unit 1 of a first embodiment. Figure 1A is an explanatory diagram of the packing unit 1 in a first form. Figure 1B is an explanatory diagram of the packing unit 1 in a second form. Figures 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams of the interior of the packing unit 1. Figure 2A is an explanatory diagram of the interior of the packing unit 1 as seen from the side. Figure 2B is an explanatory diagram showing the interior of the packing unit 1 without showing the side panel portion 412 and the lid 42.

[0023] In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the packaging body 40 (the upper surface of the bottom part 411; the surface supporting the wound body 20) is referred to as the "vertical direction," the side of the wound body 20 as viewed from the bottom surface of the packaging body 40 is referred to as the "upper," and the opposite side is referred to as the "lower." When the packaging unit 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, the vertical direction coincides with the vertical direction. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction may be referred to as the horizontal direction.

[0024] The packaging unit 1 is a member (unit) in which wire rod 10 is packaged. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the packaging unit 1 can change its shape. As shown in FIG. 1A, the shape for packaging wire rod 10 is called the "first shape." As shown in FIG. 1B, the shape for unpacking wire rod 10 is called the "second shape." The packaging unit 1 has wire rod 10, a package 40, and a pallet 60.

[0025] The wire 10 is a linear member. Examples of the wire 10 include cables (such as electric cables and optical cables), wires, and tubes. Here, the wire 10 is an optical cable. The wire 10 is packaged in a bent state. Here, the wire 10 is packaged in a wound state. For example, a rigid, thick cable having an outer diameter of 3 mm or more is housed in the package 40 in a wound state of 1000 m or more so that it can be pulled out. Note that, when the outer diameter of the cable is 7 to 11 mm, a package 40 measuring 1 m x 1 m x 1 m can house a cable with a length of 2000 m. In the following description, a structure in which the wire 10 is wound may be referred to as a "wound body." However, the wire 10 does not have to be packaged in a wound state.

[0026] FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram of an example of a wound body 20. FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram of another example of a wound body. The wound body 20 is formed by winding the wire rod 10 while repeatedly reversing the winding direction. By repeatedly reversing the winding direction of the wire rod 10, twisting of the wire rod 10 can be suppressed when the wire rod 10 is pulled out from the wound body 20 as shown in FIG. 1B . The wound body 20 has a reversal portion 22 in which the wire rod 10 wound in an S-shape and the wire rod 10 wound in an inverted S-shape are alternately stacked. The wound body 20 shown in FIG. 3A has a winding portion 21 in which the wire rod 10 is wound around the outer periphery of the reversal portion 22. Note that, as shown in FIG. 3B , the wound body 20 does not necessarily have to include the winding portion 21. Alternatively, the wound body 20 may be formed by winding the wire rod 10 without reversing the winding direction of the wire rod 10. The configuration of the wound body 20 can be changed as needed.

[0027] The packaging body 40 is a structure for packaging the wire rod 10 (wound body 20). The packaging body 40 has a storage space for storing the wire rod 10 (wound body 20). The packaging body 40 can be transformed into a first form and a second form. Here, the packaging body 40 is configured in a box shape. However, the packaging body 40 is not limited to a box-shaped structure and may be a framework-shaped structure. That is, the packaging body 40 has a member that forms the storage space. For example, the member that forms the storage space may be a member that covers the bottom, sides, or top of the storage space, or may be a framework. Examples of materials for the member that forms the storage space include wood, paper such as cardboard, metal, FRP, plastic, and combinations thereof. In particular, when the member that forms the storage space is made of cardboard, it is lightweight, easy to disassemble, and highly recyclable. Furthermore, it does not require the use of chemicals such as preservatives, making it more suitable for contributing to a sustainable society than metal or wooden drums. The packaging body 40 of the first embodiment has a main body 41 and a lid 42. However, as will be described later, the packaging body 40 does not necessarily have to include a lid.

[0028] The main body 41 is a portion that constitutes the main body of the packaging body 40. The main body 41 is a portion that packages the wire 10 (wound body 20). The main body 41 has a bottom 411 and a holding portion 413.

[0029] The bottom 411 forms the bottom of the main body 41. The bottom 411 is a member that supports the wound body 20 from below. Here, the bottom 411 is a plate-shaped member, but is not limited to a plate-shaped member as long as it can support the wound body 20. Side plate portions 412 are provided to rise upward from the periphery of the bottom 411. The side plate portions 412 form the side surfaces of the main body 41. However, if the main body 41 is configured in a frame-like shape, the main body 41 does not need to include the side plate portions 412. Note that here, a storage space for storing the wire rod 10 is formed by the bottom 411 and multiple (here, four) side plate portions 412. The number of side plate portions 412 is not limited to four and may be, for example, six or eight. The holding portion 413 is a member that holds the wire rod 10 in a wound shape. In other words, the holding portion 413 is a member that holds the wound body 20. The holding portion 413 is a rod-shaped (cylindrical) member that extends in the vertical direction. The holding portion 413 extends upward from the bottom portion 411. The wire rod 10 comes into contact with the holding portion 413, restricting the movement of the wire rod 10, thereby preventing the collapse of the wound body 20 when the wire rod 10 is pulled out (for example, during packaging, pulling out, storage, or transportation). However, the holding portion 413 may be provided as needed, and may not be necessary.

[0030] Explaining using the example shown in Fig. 3 , the pair of holding parts 413 are provided in the vicinity of the front and rear of the inversion part 22 of the wound body 20. Note that in order to suppress twisting of the wire rod 10 when the wire rod 10 is pulled out, the wound body 20 has the inversion part 22 in which the winding direction of the wire rod 10 is inverted in an S-shape or an inverted S-shape (Z-shape), and the posture of the wire rod 10 becomes unstable at the inversion part 22 and is likely to collapse. Therefore, by arranging the pair of holding parts 413 in the vicinity of the front and rear of the inversion part 22 (in other words, by arranging the inversion part 22 of the wound body 20 between the pair of holding parts 413), it is possible to suppress collapse of the shape of the inversion part 22.

[0031] The lid 42 is a portion that covers the main body 41. The lid 42 is configured to be openable and closable. As shown in Fig. 1A , when the lid 42 is closed (when the lid 42 is folded), the lid 42 covers the upper part of the main body 41, and the packaging body 40 is in a first configuration (a configuration for packaging the wound body 20 in the packaging body 40). When the wire 10 is pulled out from the packaging body 40, the lid 42 is unfolded as shown in Fig. 1B , and a hood portion 42A is assembled by the lid 42. The configuration in which the hood portion 42A is assembled corresponds to the second configuration of the packaging body 40 (a configuration for pulling out the wire 10).

[0032] The hood portion 42A is a portion assembled with the lids 42 (plurality of lid portions 421, described below). The hood portion 42A is provided above the main body portion 41, and is provided at a position higher than the top of the packaging body 40 in the first form (the highest portion of the packaging body 40; in this case, the upper surface of the lid 42). A drawer opening 43 is provided at the top of the hood portion 42A. This allows the drawer opening 43 to be located at a high position. However, the drawer opening 43 need only be located at a position higher than the top of the packaging body 40 in the first form, and does not have to be provided at the top of the hood portion 42A. For example, the drawer opening 43 may be provided on an inclined surface of the hood portion 42A.

[0033] The draw-out opening 43 is a portion through which the wire 10 packed in the main body 41 is drawn out. The draw-out opening 43 is set larger than the cross section of the wire 10, so that the wire 10 can be inserted through the draw-out opening 43 and drawn out to the outside. The draw-out opening 43 is provided at a position higher than the top of the packaging body 40 in the first embodiment. The draw-out opening 43 in the first embodiment is provided in a hood portion 42A formed by the lid 42. However, the draw-out opening 43 does not have to be provided in the hood portion 42A or the lid 42 (see, for example, a second embodiment described later).

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1B , the lid 42 has two lid portions 421 (a first lid portion 421A and a second lid portion 421B). The first lid portion 421A is a plate-shaped member provided on the upper edge (top side) of the side plate portion 412 and rotates (opens and closes) around the upper edge of the side plate portion 412 as an axis. The second lid portion 421B is a plate-shaped member provided on the upper edge of the side plate portion 412 opposite the side plate portion 412 on which the first lid portion 421A is provided and rotates (opens and closes) around the upper edge of the side plate portion 412 as an axis. As shown in FIG. 1A , in the first configuration, the first lid portion 421A and the second lid portion 421B are stacked together to cover the top of the main body portion 41. As shown in FIG. 1B , in the second configuration, the lid 42 (the first lid portion 421A and the second lid portion 421B) assemble to form a gable-roof-shaped hood portion 42A. In the second configuration, the edges of the first lid portion 421A and the second lid portion 421B are connected to each other, thereby stabilizing the postures of the first lid portion 421A and the second lid portion 421B.

[0035] In the first embodiment, the outlet 43 is provided in the hood portion 42A. Here, as shown in FIG. 1B , a tubular member 44 is attached to the center of the edge of the first cover portion 421A and the second cover portion 421B, and this tubular member 44 constitutes the outlet 43. That is, the tubular member 44 is provided at the portion connecting the first cover portion 421A and the second cover portion 421B. Note that recesses are provided in advance at the center of the edge of the first cover portion 421A and the second cover portion 421B, and the tubular member 44 is attached to an opening defined by these recesses. By attaching the tubular member 44 to the portion connecting the first cover portion 421A and the second cover portion 421B, it is possible to prevent the wire 10 from entering between the first cover portion 421A and the second cover portion 421B. However, the outlet 43 does not have to be formed by the tubular member 44 (see FIG. 5B , which will be described later).

[0036] Next, the reason why the outlet 43 is provided at a high position will be described. FIG.

[0037] When the packaging unit 1 is viewed from the side, the pair of holding portions 413 are arranged symmetrically. That is, the pair of holding portions 413 are arranged equidistant from the center of the packaging body 40 (see the dotted line in the figure). Here, the distance between the outer edges of the pair of holding portions 413 is defined as X. The outlet 43 is arranged on an extension of the center of the packaging body 40 (see the dotted line in the figure). Therefore, the lateral distance between the outer edge of the holding portion 413 and the outlet 43 is X / 2. Furthermore, the distance from the bottom surface of the packaging body 40 (the upper surface of the bottom 411) to the tip of the holding portion 413 (the protruding length of the holding portion 413 from the bottom surface; the height of the holding portion 413) is defined as Y. Furthermore, the distance from the bottom surface of the packaging body 40 (the upper surface of the bottom 411) to the outlet 43 (the height of the outlet 43) is defined as Z.

[0038] In order for the wire rod 10 drawn out from the wound body 20 to be drawn out from the drawing outlet 43, it is necessary for the wire rod 10 to climb over the tip of the holding portion 413. Here, when the wire rod 10 climbs over the tip of the holding portion 413, the angle formed by the wire rod 10 above the tip of the holding portion 413 (the wire rod 10 between the tip of the holding portion 413 and the drawing outlet 43) with the horizontal direction is defined as θ1, and the angle formed by the wire rod 10 below the tip of the holding portion 413 (the wire rod 10 guided by the holding portion 413; the wire rod 10 between the wound body 20 and the tip of the holding portion 413) with the horizontal direction is defined as θ2. The figure shows a state when the angle θ2 is maximum. The angle θ2 becomes maximum when the wire rod 10 on the bottom portion 411 is drawn out. Therefore, the maximum value of angle θ2 corresponds to the angle between the line connecting the outer edge of the tip of one holding portion 413 and the outer edge of the base end (the fixed end between the holding portion 413 and the bottom 411) of the other holding portion 413 and the bottom surface of the packaging body 40 (the upper surface of the bottom 411).

[0039] The larger the angle θ1, the easier it is for the wire 10 to climb over the tip of the holding portion 413. For this reason, it is desirable that the height Z of the outlet 43 be as large as possible. In other words, it is desirable that the outlet 43 be provided at a high position. For this reason, the outlet 43 of this embodiment is disposed at a position higher than the top of the packaging body 40 in the first form (the upper surface of the lid 42 in the first embodiment) (see FIG. 1B ).

[0040] Furthermore, the larger the angle θ1 is compared to the angle θ2, the easier it is for the wire 10 to climb over the tip of the holding portion 413. Therefore, it is desirable that the angle θ1 be equal to or greater than the angle θ2. As shown in Fig. 4, when the height Z of the outlet 43 is 1.5 times the height Y of the holding portion 413, the angle θ1 becomes equal to the maximum value of the angle θ2. Therefore, it is desirable that the height Z of the outlet 43 be 1.5 times or greater the height Y of the holding portion 413.

[0041] 4, since the wire 10 needs to climb over the tip of the holding portion 413, it is desirable that the tip of the holding portion 413 has a shape that allows the wire 10 to easily climb over it. For this reason, the holding portion 413 may have a shape that becomes thinner toward the tip. Also, the tip of the holding portion 413 may be rounded when viewed from the side.

[0042] The main body 41 does not have to include the holding portion 413. Even in the case where the main body 41 does not include the holding portion 413, if the draw-out opening 43 is provided at a high position, the angle between the center line of the draw-out opening 43 and the wire 10 can be reduced, making it easier to draw out the wire 10 from the draw-out opening 43. Therefore, even in the case where the main body 41 does not include the holding portion 413, it is advantageous to provide the draw-out opening 43 at a high position, and therefore it is desirable that the draw-out opening 43 be provided at a position higher than the top of the packaging body 40 in the first form.

[0043] The pallet 60 is a member that serves as a base for the packaging body 40. The pallet 60 serves as a loading platform used when moving the packaging unit 1, for example, with a forklift. The pallet 60 may have a lower plate portion 61 and a spacer 62. The lower plate portion 61 is a plate-shaped portion that forms the underside of the pallet 60. The spacer 62 is a member that is disposed between the packaging body 40 (bottom portion 411) and the lower plate portion 61. The spacer 62 forms a gap between the bottom portion 411 and the lower plate portion 61, and the forks of a forklift are inserted into this gap. Note that the lower plate portion 61 may not be provided, and a gap may be formed below the packaging body 40 using only the spacer 62. The packaging unit 1 does not need to include the pallet 60.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2A , the holding portion 413 penetrates the bottom 411 of the packaging body 40, and the lower end of the holding portion 413 is fixed to the bottom plate 61 of the pallet 60. The holding portion 413 is fixed at two locations: the bottom 411 of the packaging body 40 and the bottom plate 61 of the pallet 60. Because a gap is provided between the bottom 411 and the bottom plate 61 in the vertical direction by the spacer 62, the holding portion 413 is fixed at two locations spaced apart in the vertical direction. This makes it difficult for the holding portion 413 to tip over. However, the holding portion 413 may not penetrate the bottom 411 of the packaging body 40, and the lower end of the holding portion 413 may be fixed to the bottom 411 of the packaging body 40.

[0045] <Modifications> Figures 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of a first modification of the packaging unit 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 5A is a top view of the packaging unit 1 with the lid 42 open. Figure 5B is an explanatory diagram of the packaging unit 1 of a second embodiment. In the first modification, the lid 42 also has a first lid portion 421A and a second lid portion 421B, and recesses are provided in the center of the edges of the first lid portion 421A and the second lid portion 421B. In the first modification, after assembling the first lid portion 421A and the second lid portion 421B to form the hood portion 42A, the drawer opening 43 is formed by the recesses of the first lid portion 421A and the second lid portion 421B without attaching the tubular member 44 to the recess. In this way, the drawer opening 43 does not have to be formed by the tubular member 44.

[0046] 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of a second modified example of the packaging unit 1 of the first embodiment. In the second modified example, the lid 42 also includes a first lid portion 421A and a second lid portion 421B. In the second modified example, connecting portions 422 are provided on the edges of the first lid portion 421A and the second lid portion 421B. The connecting portions 422 are portions that are connected to other components when assembling the hood portion 42A. By connecting the connecting portions 422 of the first lid portion 421A and the second lid portion 421B to each other, the posture of the first lid portion 421A and the second lid portion 421B is stabilized, improving the strength of the hood portion 42A. Here, the connecting portions 422 are configured with an uneven shape, and the unevenness of the first lid portion 421A and the unevenness of the second lid portion 421B interlock with each other to connect the edges of the first lid portion 421A and the second lid portion 421B. However, the connecting portion 422 is not limited to a concave-convex shape. For example, one connecting portion of the first cover portion 421A and the second cover portion 421B may be an insertion piece and the other connecting portion may be a slit, and the edges of the first cover portion 421A and the second cover portion 421B may be connected to each other by inserting the insertion piece into the slit. However, if the connecting portion 422 is configured with a concave-convex shape as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the connecting portion 422 of the first cover portion 421A and the connecting portion 422 of the second cover portion 421B can be connected to each other simply by opening and closing the first cover portion 421A and the second cover portion 421B, eliminating the need to insert the insertion piece into the slit, and thus facilitating the assembly of the hood portion 42A.

[0047] 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams of a third modified example of the packaging unit 1 of the first embodiment. In the third modified example, the lid 42 also includes a first lid portion 421A and a second lid portion 421B. Furthermore, in the third modified example, the lid 42 also includes a flap portion 423. The flap portion 423 is a plate-shaped portion that closes the gap in the hood portion 42A. The flap portion 423 is provided on the upper edge (upper side) of the side plate portion 412 where the first lid portion 421A or the second lid portion 421B is not provided, and rotates (opens and closes) around the upper edge of the side plate portion 412. When the gable roof-shaped hood portion 42A is assembled using the first lid portion 421A and the second lid portion 421B, the side edges of the first lid portion 421A and the second lid portion 421B are connected to the side edges of the flap portion 423. This allows gaps on the sides of the gable roof-shaped hood portion 42A to be closed by the flap portion 423. Note that in the third modified example as well, like the joining portion 422 in the second modified example, joining portions may be provided on the side edges of each of the first and second lid portions 421A and 421B and the side edges of the flap portion 423, and the joining portion of the first or second lid portion 421A or 421B may be joined to the joining portion of the flap portion 423. This improves the strength of the hood portion 42A.

[0048] 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of a fourth modified example of the packaging unit 1 of the first embodiment. In the fourth modified example, the lid 42 has multiple (four here) lid portions 421. Each lid portion 421 is provided on the upper edge (top side) of each of the side plate portions 412 of the main body portion 41. The hood portion 42A having a rectangular roof shape (frustum shape) is assembled by connecting the side edges of the four lid portions 421. In the fourth modified example, the edge of the multiple lid portions 421 defines the outlet 43. Alternatively, the outlet 43 may be defined by the tubular member 44 by attaching a tubular member 44 to an opening defined by the edge of the multiple lid portions 421. Using the tubular member 44 to define the outlet 43 can prevent the wire 10 from getting between the lid portions 421. In the fourth modified example, similar to the connecting portion 422 of the second modified example, a connecting portion may be provided on the side edge of each lid portion 421, and the connecting portions of the lid portions 421 may be connected to each other. This improves the strength of the hood portion 42A.

[0049] 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams of a fifth modified example of the packaging unit 1 of the first embodiment. The fifth modified example differs from the fourth modified example (FIGS. 8A and 8B) in that a recess 424 is formed on the edge of a lid portion 421 that constitutes the withdrawal opening 43. By forming the recess 424 on the edge of the lid portion 421, the recess 424 is arranged around the periphery of the withdrawal opening 43. When the wire 10 is withdrawn from the withdrawal opening 43, the wire 10 enters the recess 424, and the position of the withdrawn wire 10 is stabilized at the position of the recess 424. In the fifth modified example, the wire 10 can be prevented from entering between the lid portions 421 without using a tubular member 44.

[0050] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a sixth modified example of the packaging unit 1 of the first embodiment. In the sixth modified example, the lid 42 also has multiple (four in this example) lid portions 421. Each lid portion 421 has an upper surface 425. The upper surface 425 is a plate-shaped portion that constitutes the upper surface of the hood portion 42A. The upper surface 425 is provided on the edge of the lid portion 421 opposite the side plate portion 412. A hole 425A is formed in the upper surface 425, and this hole 425A constitutes the outlet 43. In this example, each of the four lid portions 421 is provided with an upper surface 425, and the four upper surface portions 425 are stacked to form the upper surface of the hood portion 42A. However, it is sufficient that at least one lid portion 421 is provided with an upper surface 425. According to the sixth modified example, it is possible to prevent the wire 10 from getting between the lid portions 421.

[0051] In the first embodiment including the above-described first to sixth modified examples, the withdrawal opening 43 in the second configuration is located at a higher position than the top of the packaging body 40 in the first configuration. This allows the withdrawal opening 43 to be located at a higher position by deforming the packaging unit 1, making it easier to withdraw the wire 10 with a simple configuration. Furthermore, in the first embodiment including the above-described first to sixth modified examples, the packaging body 40 has a plurality of lid portions 421, and the withdrawal opening 43 is provided in a hood portion 42A assembled with the lid portions 421. This allows the withdrawal opening 43 to be located at a higher position using the lids 42, improving the ease of withdrawing the wire 10 without providing a structure such as an arm.

[0052] 1A and 1B were created, and the pulling performance of an optical cable (corresponding to the wire 10) was evaluated. Here, packaging units 1 were created in which the distance between the pair of holding portions 413 was 700 mm, the height Y of the holding portions 413 was 720 mm, and the height Z of the pulling opening 43 was varied in the range of 810 mm to 1500 mm. The diameter of the optical cable was 7 mm. In evaluating the pulling performance, if the optical cable could be pulled out from the pulling opening 43 without pulling the optical cable with excessive force, it was evaluated as good (◯); if the optical cable could be pulled out from the pulling opening 43 by pulling the optical cable strongly, it was evaluated as fair (△); and if the optical cable could not be pulled out, it was evaluated as poor (X).

[0053] Table 1 shows the evaluation results of the drawing performance of each packaging unit 1 having different heights Z of the drawing opening 43.

[0054]

[0055] As shown in Table 1, when the height Z of the outlet 43 was 1.5 times or more the height Y of the holding portion 413, the optical cable could be pulled out of the outlet 43 without pulling the optical cable with excessive force. Thus, it was confirmed that when the height Z of the outlet 43 was 1.5 times or more the height Y of the holding portion 413, the wire 10 could easily climb over the tip of the holding portion 413. Even when Z / Y = 1.46, the optical cable could be pulled out of the outlet 43. Thus, even when the height Z of the outlet 43 was less than 1.5 times the height Y of the holding portion 413, the optical cable could be pulled out of the outlet 43 as long as the optical cable could resist being caught on the holding portion 413. However, when the height Z of the outlet 43 was 1.5 times or more the height Y of the holding portion 413, the optical cable did not have to resist being caught on the holding portion 413, and it was confirmed that the optical cable could be pulled out more easily than when the height Z of the outlet 43 was less than 1.5 times the height Y of the holding portion 413. As shown in Figure 4, if the height Z of the withdrawal opening 43 is 1.5 times or more the height Y of the holding portion 413, the wire 10 will easily climb over the tip of the holding portion 413. Therefore, even in the case of a packaging unit 1 other than the packaging unit 1 shown in Figures 1A and 1B, if the height Z of the withdrawal opening 43 is 1.5 times or more the height Y of the holding portion 413, as in the packaging unit 1 shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the wire will be easier to withdraw than when the height Z of the withdrawal opening 43 is less than 1.5 times the height Y of the holding portion 413.

[0056] Second Embodiment FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of a packing unit 1 of a second embodiment. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram of the packing unit 1 in a first form. FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram of the packing unit 1 in a second form. FIGS. 12A to 12C are explanatory diagrams of a lifting unit 50. FIG. 12A is a top view of the packing unit 1. FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram of the lifting unit 50 in the first form. FIG. 12C is an explanatory diagram of the lifting unit 50 in the second form. Note that in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the side plate portion 412 is not shown in order to show the lifting unit 50 (and the wound body 20).

[0057] In the second embodiment, the packaging unit 1 also has a wound body 20, a packaging body 40, and a pallet 60. Note that, in the second embodiment, the lifting unit 50 does not have to have the pallet 60. The packaging body 40 of the second embodiment further has a lifting unit 50. Note that, the packaging body 40 of the second embodiment may or may not have a lid 42, as in the first embodiment.

[0058] The lifting unit 50 is a member that lifts and lowers the draw-out opening 43. When the packaging body 40 is in the first configuration (a configuration for packing the wound body 20 in the packaging body 40), the lifting unit 50 is housed in the packaging body 40 (main body 41) with the draw-out opening 43 lowered. If the packaging body 40 includes a lid 42, the lifting unit 50 can be packed in the packaging body 40 by closing the lid 42 (not shown) with the draw-out opening 43 lowered by the lifting unit 50. When the packaging body 40 is in the second configuration (a configuration for pulling out the wire rod 10), the lifting unit 50 is in a state in which the lifting unit 50 lifts the draw-out opening 43, and the draw-out opening 43 is at a position higher than the top of the packaging body 40 in the first configuration (the highest part of the packaging body 40; the upper surface of the lid 42 if the lid 42 is present; or the upper edge of the main body 41 if the lid 42 is not present). In addition, if the packaging body 40 is equipped with a lid 42, when the packaging body 40 is transformed from the first form to the second form, the lid 42 is opened and then the lifting unit 50 is used to raise the drawer opening 43 to a higher position.

[0059] The lifting unit 50 includes a moving body 51 having the drawer opening 43 and an expandable member 52 .

[0060] The movable body 51 is a member that moves (lifts and lowers) in the vertical direction. When the packaging body 40 is in the first configuration (configuration for packaging the wire rod 10), the movable body 51 is in a lowered position and is packaged in the main body 41. When the packaging body 40 is in the second configuration (configuration for pulling out the wire rod 10), the movable body 51 is in a raised position and is higher than the top of the packaging body 40 in the first configuration. The movable body 51 has a draw-out opening 43 and a connecting portion 511. In the second embodiment, the draw-out opening 43 is not provided in the lid 42 of the packaging body 40 but is provided in the movable body 51. The connecting portion 511 is a portion that connects the draw-out opening 43 and the expandable member 52. One end of the connecting portion 511 is connected to the draw-out opening 43, and the other end of the connecting portion 511 is connected to the expandable member 52 (more specifically, the tip of the expandable member 52). 12A to 12C are made of the same member (a rod-shaped member). However, the member constituting the outlet 43 and the member constituting the connecting portion 511 may be made of different members (see FIG. 14C, which will be described later).

[0061] 11A , when the packaging body 40 is in the first configuration (the configuration for packaging the wire rod 10), the movable body 51 is arranged below the tip of the holding portion 413. This makes it possible to prevent the wire rod 10 of the wound body 20 from coming off the holding portion 413 in the first configuration. However, in the first configuration, the movable body 51 may be arranged above the holding portion 413 (but below the uppermost portion of the packaging body 40 in the first configuration). Also, as shown in FIG. 11A , when the packaging body 40 is in the first configuration (the configuration for packaging the wire rod 10), the movable body 51 is in contact with the upper surface of the wound body 20 (in contact with the wire rod 10 constituting the upper surface of the wound body 20). This makes it possible to hold down the wire rod 10 of the wound body 20 in the first configuration, making it possible to prevent the wound body 20 from collapsing. However, even if the moving body 51 is not in contact with the wire 10 of the wound body 20, it is possible to prevent the wire 10 of the wound body 20 from coming off the holding portion 413 if the moving body 51 is positioned below the tip of the holding portion 413.

[0062] The elastic member 52 is a member that expands and contracts in the vertical direction. The elastic member 52 is a member that moves (raises and lowers) the moving body 51 in the vertical direction. The elastic member 52 is a member that extends in the vertical direction and extends upward from the bottom 411. The lower end of the elastic member 52 in the figure is fixed to the bottom 411. However, similar to the aforementioned holding portion 413, the elastic member 52 may also penetrate the bottom 411 of the packaging body 40 and be fixed at two locations: the bottom 411 and the lower plate portion 61 of the pallet 60. This makes it difficult for the elastic member 52 to tip over. The moving body 51 (more specifically, the connecting portion 511) is fixed to the upper end of the elastic member 52. The elastic member 52 expands and contracts, causing the moving body 51 to move in the vertical direction (raise and lower). Multiple elastic members 52 are arranged outside the wound body 20 and are spaced apart circumferentially to surround the wound body 20. Here, four elastic members 52 are arranged at 90 degree intervals around the outer periphery of the wound body 20 .

[0063] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the structure of the expandable member 52.

[0064] The telescopic member 52 includes an upper member 521, a lower member 522, and a fixed portion 523. The upper member 521 and the lower member 522 are members aligned in the vertical direction. The telescopic member 52 extends when the upper member 521 slides upward relative to the lower member 522. Instead of sliding the upper member 521 and the lower member 522, the telescopic member 52 may be extended by connecting the upper member 521 and the lower member 522 with a hinge and widening the hinge angle (in other words, by unfolding the folded upper member 521 and lower member 522). The telescopic member 52 may be capable of extending and contracting in multiple stages by including multiple stages of the structure shown in FIG. 13 . Here, the upper member 521 and the lower member 522 are configured in a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the upper member 521 is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower member 522, and the upper member 521 is disposed inside the lower member 522. The fixing portion 523 fixes the upper member 521 and the lower member 522 together and fixes the telescopic member 52 in an extended state. The fixing portion 523 in the figure is provided on the upper member 521 and has a protrusion biased outward by a spring. When the upper member 521 moves upward relative to the lower member 522, the protrusion of the fixing portion 523 enters a fitting hole in the lower member 522, thereby fixing the upper member 521 and the lower member 522 together. In this manner, the fixing portion 523 is preferably configured to automatically fix the upper member 521 and the lower member 522 together when the upper member 521 is moved to a predetermined position relative to the lower member 522. This makes it easier to fix the telescopic member 52 in an extended state compared to fixing the upper member 521 and the lower member 522 with, for example, screws. In particular, when it is necessary to simultaneously extend multiple telescopic members 52 when raising the movable body 51 (drawing opening 43), if the fixing portion 523 is configured to automatically fix the upper member 521 and the lower member 522, the task of fixing the movable body 51 (drawing opening 43) in the raised state becomes easier.

[0065] The fixing portion 523 is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 13 . For example, the fixing portion may be provided on the lower member 522 and have a protrusion biased inward, and the protrusion of the fixing portion may fit into a fitting hole in the upper member 521 to fix the upper member 521 and the lower member 522. The fixing portion 523 is also not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 13 in which the protrusion is biased by a spring. For example, the outer surface of the upper member 521 or the inner surface of the lower member 522 may be tapered, and the outer surface of the upper member 521 may be fitted with the inner surface of the lower member 522 as the upper member 521 moves upward relative to the lower member 522, thereby fixing the telescopic member 52 in an extended state. Even with this configuration in which tapered surfaces fit together, the upper member 521 and the lower member 522 can be automatically fixed when the upper member 521 is moved to a predetermined position relative to the lower member 522. However, the fixing portion 523 is not limited to a configuration that automatically fixes the upper member 521 and the lower member 522, and may fix the upper member 521 and the lower member 522 by, for example, screws, pins, or latches. Furthermore, the upper member 521 and the lower member 522 are not limited to cylindrical members, and may be formed of, for example, rod-shaped or plate-shaped members. Furthermore, the fixing portion 523 does not have to be provided on the lifting unit 50 itself. However, if the lifting unit 50 is provided with the fixing portion 523, the task of fixing the extendable member 52 in an extended state becomes easier.

[0066] 14A to 14C are explanatory diagrams of modified examples of the lifting unit 50. FIG.

[0067] The lifting unit 50 of the first modified example shown in FIG. 14A has a movable body 51 and an expandable member 52, and the expandable member 52 has four expandable members 52 arranged at 90-degree intervals around the outer periphery of the wound body 20. The movable body 51 has two intersecting bridge portions 512. The bridge portions 512 are portions that bridge between the tips of the two opposing expandable members 52. Each bridge portion 512 is made up of a pair of parallel rod members. The portion where the two bridge portions 512 intersect forms the draw-out opening 43, and the remaining portions form the connecting portion 511.

[0068] 14B , the lifting unit 50 also has a moving body 51 and an expandable member 52. In the second modified example, the lifting unit 50 has two expandable members 52, and a bridging portion 512 is provided to bridge the tips of the two expandable members 52. In the second modified example, the draw-out opening 43 is formed in the center of the bridging portion 512, and the other portions form the connecting portion 511. As shown in the second modified example, the expandable members 52 do not have to be arranged at 90-degree intervals around the outer periphery of the wound body 20.

[0069] 14C , the lifting unit 50 also has a movable body 51 and an expandable member 52. The movable body 51 of the third modified example has a drawer opening 43 formed of a circular member 513, and a string member (corresponding to a connecting portion 511) that connects the drawer opening 43 (circular member 513) and the expandable member 52. In this way, the drawer opening 43 and the connecting portion 511 do not have to be formed of rod-shaped members.

[0070] In the second embodiment including the first to third modified examples, similar to the first embodiment, the withdrawal opening 43 in the second configuration is located higher than the top of the packaging body 40 in the first configuration. This allows the withdrawal opening 43 to be positioned higher by deforming the packaging unit 1, thereby improving the ease of withdrawing the wire rod without the need for a structure such as an arm. Furthermore, unlike the first embodiment, the packaging body 40 in the second embodiment including the first to third modified examples includes a movable body 51 having the withdrawal opening 43 and an expandable member 52. This allows the withdrawal opening 43 to be positioned higher by extending the expandable member 52. Because the lifting unit 50 is packed in the packaging body 40, a separate withdrawal device from the packaging unit 1 is not required when withdrawing the wire rod 10. In the second embodiment including the first to third modified examples, it is desirable that the angle θ1 be equal to or greater than the angle θ2, as shown in FIG. 4 . Therefore, in the second embodiment including the above-mentioned first to third modified examples, similar to the first embodiment, it is desirable that the height Z of the outlet 43 be 1.5 times or more the height Y of the holding portion 413.

[0071] ===Other=== The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0072] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Packaging unit, 10 Wire rod, 20 Wound body, 21 Winding portion, 22 Inverted portion, 40 Packaging body, 41 Main body portion, 411 Bottom portion, 412 Side plate portion, 413 Holding portion, 42 Lid, 42A Hood portion, 421 Lid portion, 421A First lid portion, 421B Second lid portion, 422 Joining portion, 423 Flap portion, 424 Recessed portion, 425 Upper surface portion, 425A Hole, 43 Pull-out opening, 44 Cylindrical member, 50 Lifting unit, 51 Moving body, 511 Connecting portion, 512 Bridging portion, 513 Circular ring member, 52 Expandable member, 521 Upper member, 522 Lower member, 523 Fixed portion, 60 Pallet, 61 Lower plate portion, 62 Spacer

Claims

1. A wire material, A packaging body that contains the wire; Equipped with the packaging body is deformable into a first shape for packaging the wire rod and a second shape for drawing out the wire rod, In the second configuration, a pull-out opening for pulling out the wire from the package is located at a higher position than the top of the package in the first configuration. A packaging unit characterized by:

2. 2. The packaging unit according to claim 1, A packaging unit characterized in that the packaging body has a retaining portion protruding upward from a bottom surface of the packaging body.

3. A packaging unit as claimed in claim 2, When an angle between the tip of the holding portion and the drawing port in the second embodiment and a horizontal direction is θ1, and an angle between the tip of the holding portion and the horizontal direction is θ2, A packaging unit, characterized in that the angle θ1 is greater than the angle θ2.

4. 3. The packaging unit according to claim 2, A packaging unit characterized in that in the second form, the distance from the bottom surface to the withdrawal opening is 1.5 times or more the distance from the bottom surface to the tip of the holding portion.

5. A packaging unit as claimed in claim 2, A packaging unit characterized in that the holding portion has a shape that becomes thinner toward the tip side.

6. A packaging unit as claimed in claim 2, A packaging unit characterized in that the holding portion has a rounded tip when viewed from the side.

7. 3. The packaging unit according to claim 2, A packaging unit characterized in that the holding portion is fixed at two points spaced apart in the vertical direction.

8. A packaging unit as claimed in claim 7, A pallet having a lower plate portion and a spacer disposed between the bottom of the package and the lower plate portion, A packaging unit characterized in that the holding portion penetrates the bottom of the packaging body and is fixed at two points, the bottom and the lower plate portion.

9. A packaging unit as claimed in claim 2, The packaging body has a pair of the holding portions, The wire has an inversion portion in which the winding direction is inverted into an S-shape or an inverted S-shape, A packaging unit characterized in that the inversion portion is disposed between a pair of the holding portions.

10. 2. The packaging unit according to claim 1, The packaging body has a plurality of lids, In the second embodiment, the outlet is provided in a hood portion assembled with the lid portion. A packaging unit characterized by:

11. 11. The packaging unit according to claim 10, A packaging unit characterized in that a tubular member constituting the withdrawal opening is provided at a portion where the lid portion is connected.

12. A packaging unit according to claim 10 or 11, A packaging unit characterized in that the lid portion has a connecting portion that is connected to another member when the hood portion is assembled.

13. 13. A packaging unit according to claim 12, The coupling portion has projections and recesses, A packaging unit characterized in that the projections and recesses of the joint portion can be interlocked by opening and closing the lid portion.

14. 2. The packaging unit according to claim 1, A packaging unit comprising: a movable body having the withdrawal opening; and an expandable member for raising and lowering the movable body.

15. 15. A packaging unit according to claim 14, The packaging body has a holding portion protruding upward from a bottom surface, In the first embodiment, the packaging unit is characterized in that the movable body is positioned below the tip of the holding portion.

16. 16. A packaging unit according to claim 15, In the first embodiment, the packaging unit is characterized in that the movable body comes into contact with an upper surface of a wound body around which the wire is wound.