External packaging material, can product equipped with external packaging, and blank material for external packaging material

Abstract

The present invention provides: an external packaging material that makes it possible to assemble a can product and a jig for heating; a can product equipped with external packaging; and a blank material for external packaging material. An external packaging material (30) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an accommodation part (30a) which accommodates a jig-equipped can product (1) that is provided with a metal can container (21) and a non-metal jig (10) for heating attached to the can container (21), wherein in at least one direction, the dimension of the accommodation part (30a) in an empty state in which the jig-equipped can product (1) is not accommodated in the accommodation part (30a) is smaller than the dimension of the jig-equipped can product (1).

Description

Exterior materials, canned products with exteriors, and blank materials for exterior materials

[0001] The present invention relates to an outer packaging material for housing a heating container for a microwave oven, a canned product with an outer packaging, and a blank material for the outer packaging.

[0002] A well-known method for heating food in containers is using a microwave oven. However, if the container contains a metal layer, heating it in a microwave oven can cause the free electrons in the metal layer to become more active due to the microwaves, potentially leading to a discharge (spark) between the metal layer and the grounded wall inside the microwave oven.

[0003] To prevent the generation of this spark, a method is known in which a resin heating jig that serves as a support base is attached to the canned product, such as a metal can container or canned goods containing contents in a can container, and the discharge is suppressed by heating while increasing the distance between the bottom of the microwave oven cavity and the can container or canned goods.

[0004] It is desirable that such canned products and heating jigs be handled in a condition as close to that used during distribution and sales as possible.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-132246

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an outer packaging material capable of assembling canned products and heating jigs, canned products with outer packaging, and blank materials for outer packaging.

[0007] One form of the exterior material has a storage section for accommodating a jig-equipped canned product, which comprises a metal can container and a non-metallic heating jig attached to the can container, wherein in at least one direction, the dimensions of the storage section when empty and not containing the jig-equipped canned product are smaller than the dimensions of the jig-equipped canned product.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an outer packaging material to which a can product and a heating jig can be assembled, a can product with an outer packaging, and a blank material for the outer packaging material.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a canned product with an outer casing according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the canned product with an outer casing shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the outer casing material shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a canned product with a jig, including a microwave heating jig, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the microwave heating jig shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the canned product shown in Figure 1. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the material and dimensions of the jig according to the embodiment. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the dimensional relationship between the jig and the canned product in the embodiment. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the dimensional relationship between the outer casing material and the canned product with a jig according to the embodiment. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the outer casing material according to another embodiment. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a material used in the outer casing material according to another embodiment. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a material used in the jig according to the embodiment and its physical properties. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the tensile yield stress of the material used in the outer casing material. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the impact strength of the material used in the outer casing material. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing an example of a microwave oven that can use a microwave heating jig. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a canned product with the jig attached and the lid open, placed on the bottom of the microwave oven. Figure 17 is a perspective view of a canned product with an outer casing according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 is a perspective view of the outer casing material according to the same embodiment.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are more specific to any of the above embodiments. The items described below can be incorporated into each of the above embodiments individually or in combination.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a canned product with an outer casing according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the canned product with an outer casing. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the outer casing material. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a canned product with a jig (canned product with jig) including a microwave heating jig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the microwave heating jig shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the canned product shown in Figure 1. Hereinafter, with respect to the microwave heating jig 10 and its components, the terms "top" and "bottom" are used in relation to the relative positions when the microwave heating jig 10 is being used in a microwave oven, but are not limited to this, and may be arranged in different orientations depending on the trading conditions, for example.

[0012] The canned product 1A (canned product with outer packaging) shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a microwave heating jig 10, a canned product 20 (canned product), and an outer packaging material 30.

[0013] The microwave heating jig 10 is used to position a metal can container (can) at a distance from the bottom of the microwave oven when heating an item contained in a metal can container in a microwave oven. The microwave heating jig 10 is made of non-metallic material. The microwave heating jig 10 comprises a peripheral wall portion 11 and a bottom wall portion 12.

[0014] The peripheral wall portion 11 is configured in a cylindrical shape. Here, the peripheral wall portion 11 has a substantially cylindrical shape that widens in diameter from one opening to the other.

[0015] When using the microwave heating jig 10 in a microwave oven, the larger diameter opening of the peripheral wall portion 11 is positioned above the smaller diameter opening.

[0016] The peripheral wall portion 11 here includes a lower cylindrical portion 11b, an upper cylindrical portion 11t, an intermediate portion 11m, a flange portion 11y, and a protruding portion 11p.

[0017] The lower cylindrical portion 11b has a cylindrical shape that widens towards the top. Here, the lower cylindrical portion 11b has a cylindrical shape that widens towards the top. The lower cylindrical portion 11b may also have a cylindrical shape in which the inner diameter is constant in the height direction, for example, a cylindrical shape in which the inner diameter is constant in the height direction.

[0018] The upper cylindrical portion 11t has a cylindrical shape that widens in diameter towards the top. Here, the upper cylindrical portion 11t has a cylindrical shape that widens in diameter towards the top. The upper cylindrical portion 11t may also have a cylindrical shape in which the inner diameter is constant in the height direction, for example, a cylindrical shape in which the inner diameter is constant in the height direction.

[0019] The inner surface of the upper cylindrical portion 11t is provided with a plurality of protrusions 11p, each extending in the circumferential direction. These protrusions 11p are arranged spaced apart from each other in their longitudinal direction. Instead of providing a plurality of protrusions 11p on the inner surface of the upper cylindrical portion 11t, a single protrusion extending in the circumferential direction to form a circle may be provided.

[0020] The upper cylindrical portion 11t has an inner diameter at its lower end that is larger than the inner diameter at the upper end of the lower cylindrical portion 11b. The upper cylindrical portion 11t is positioned such that its lower end surrounds the upper end of the lower cylindrical portion 11b.

[0021] The intermediate section 11m connects the upper end of the lower cylindrical section 11b and the lower end of the upper cylindrical section 11t. The intermediate section 11m has a stepped annular bottom surface, in this case an annular bottom surface.

[0022] The flange portion 11y is, for example, the upper edge of the peripheral wall portion 11, and is an edge portion that protrudes further outward from the upper cylindrical portion 11t, thereby enlarging the opening diameter. The flange portion 11y enlarges the opening diameter of the peripheral wall portion 11 radially outward. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 2, the flange portion 11y has a curved shape that is curved outward so that the other side, the upper side, faces radially outward. The upper end of the flange portion 11y has a larger diameter than the upper end of the upper cylindrical portion 11t. For example, the flange portion 11y is an edge formed by cutting the microwave heating jig 10 into individual pieces after it has been formed by pressure molding.

[0023] As described later, the microwave heating jig 10 is a support stand that supports the canned product 20 so that the metal can container is sufficiently spaced away from the bottom of the microwave oven when heating an item contained in a metal can container in a microwave oven, by inserting the lower end of the canned product into the opening end. The microwave heating jig 10 can also be distributed as a canned product with a jig 1, which is combined with the canned product 20. For example, the canned product with a jig 1 has the upper or lower end of the canned product 20 inserted into the opening end of the microwave heating jig 10. The upper surface of the intermediate portion 11m can constitute at least a part of the contact surface that the upper or lower end of the canned product contacts when the upper or lower end of the canned product 20 is inserted into the opening end of the microwave heating jig 10.

[0024] The bottom wall portion 12 has a disc shape and closes the lower opening of the peripheral wall portion 11. The bottom wall portion 12 enhances the shape retention of the peripheral wall portion 11. The edge of the bottom wall portion 12 is continuous with the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 11.

[0025] The microwave heating jig 10 has one or more recesses R located at the ridge line 13 connecting the peripheral wall 11 and the bottom wall 12, each recessed radially inward and upward. Here, the microwave heating jig 10 has five recesses R that are unevenly arranged in the circumferential direction. The number of recesses R is n, and the circumference L is the circumference of the circle circumscribing the lower surface of the bottom wall 12. Ｐ The width W of the opening of the recess R at the position on the outer circumferential surface of the lower cylindrical portion 11b is given by the inequality 3nW ≤ L Ｐ It is preferable that the relationship represented by [formula] is satisfied. Furthermore, the number n of recesses R is preferably in the range of 1 to 17, and more preferably in the range of 2 to 12.

[0026] As described above, the number of recesses R n may be 1. However, from the viewpoint of load capacity and stackability of the microwave heating jig 10, it is preferable that the number of recesses R n be 2 or more.

[0027] The number n of recesses R is preferably sufficiently large from the viewpoint of load-bearing capacity of the microwave heating jig 10. However, the above-mentioned width W and circumference L ＰIf the number of recesses R n is constant, making the number of recesses R excessively large will shorten the distance between adjacent recesses R, which may result in a decrease in the strength of the portion of the microwave heating jig 10 sandwiched between adjacent recesses R. For example, when a load is applied in the height direction to a canned product 1 with a microwave heating jig 10 attached to one end or the other end of the canned product, the buckling load of the microwave heating jig 10 increases as the number of recesses R n increases, as long as the number of recesses R n is within the range of 1 to 17. However, if the number of recesses R n exceeds 17, the distance between adjacent recesses R will shorten, so increasing the number of recesses R will not further increase the buckling load. In addition, if the number of recesses R n is increased, for example, when the microwave heating jig 10 is manufactured by pressure forming, molding defects such as a decrease in the thickness of the wall portion forming the recesses R or the formation of holes in the wall portion forming the recesses R are more likely to occur. Therefore, it is preferable that the number of recesses R n is less than or equal to the above upper limit.

[0028] The recess R serves to increase the strength of the microwave heating jig 10.

[0029] In each of the recesses R, the width W of the opening on the outer circumferential surface of the lower cylindrical portion 11b decreases upward, and the depth D relative to the outer circumferential surface of the lower cylindrical portion 11b decreases upward. The width W does not necessarily have to decrease upward. For example, the width W may be constant in the height direction. Also, the depth D does not necessarily have to decrease upward. For example, the depth D may be constant in the height direction.

[0030] When the microwave heating jig 10 is attached to a canned product as described later, the area enclosed by a circle inscribed in the concave structure on a plane including the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 12 can be used as a display surface or its main part for displaying images and characters by printing or labeling.

[0031] The width W of the plane including the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 12 is the circumference L of the circle circumscribing the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 12. Ｐ Preferably, it is within the range of 1% to 34% of the circumference L Ｐ It is more preferable that it be within the range of 2% to 6%. As described above, the number of recesses R n and the circumference L ＰThe width W in the plane including the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 12 is given by the inequality 3nW ≤ L Ｐ It is preferable that the relationship expressed by is satisfied.

[0032] Each of the recesses R is formed here by a pair of first wall portions Rw1, a second wall portion Rw2, a third wall portion Rw3, and a fourth wall portion Rw4. The first wall portions Rw1 are each continuous with the periphery wall portion 11 and the bottom wall portion 12, and are facing each other. The second wall portion Rw2 is continuous with the bottom wall portion 12 and is a portion that connects a part of one first wall portion Rw1 to a part of the other first wall portion Rw1. The third wall portion Rw3 is continuous with the periphery wall portion 11 and is a portion that connects another part of one first wall portion Rw1 to another part of the other first wall portion Rw1. The fourth wall portion Rw4 connects the second wall portion Rw2 and the third wall portion Rw3 to each other, and also connects yet another part of one first wall portion Rw1 to yet another part of the other first wall portion Rw1.

[0033] It is preferable that each of the first wall portions Rw1 is inclined such that the above-mentioned width W decreases upward.

[0034] Furthermore, it is preferable that the second wall portion Rw2 is inclined such that the depth D described above decreases upward.

[0035] In this case, the main surface of the third wall portion Rw3 is perpendicular to the height direction of the microwave heating jig 10. The third wall portion Rw3 may be inclined to have a greater height on the side of the peripheral wall portion 11.

[0036] The fourth wall portion Rw4 is a so-called fillet portion. The fourth wall portion Rw4 can be omitted, but its presence can contribute to the relief of stress concentration.

[0037] Note that, although the fourth wall portion Rw4 is provided as a fillet portion at the connecting position between the second wall portion Rw2 and the third wall portion Rw3 herein, the fillet portion may be further provided at other connecting positions. Specifically, a fillet portion may be further provided at one or more connecting positions between the first wall portion Rw1 and a wall portion adjacent thereto. Further, a fillet portion may be further provided at one or more connecting positions between the second wall portion Rw2 and a wall portion adjacent thereto. Further, a fillet portion may be further provided at one or more connecting positions between the third wall portion Rw3 and a wall portion adjacent thereto. These fillet portions preferably satisfy the conditions described above for the fourth wall portion Rw4.

[0038] The recessed portions R respectively form protruding portions P on the inner surface of the microwave heating jig 10. Here, the protruding portion P has an upper surface equal in height to the upper surface of the intermediate portion 11m. In this case, the upper surface of the protruding portion P can form another part of the abutment surface described above.

[0039] The microwave heating jig 10 has a support base that is interposed between the inner bottom surface of the microwave oven and the metal can container 21, and increases the distance between the metal can container 21 and the inner bottom surface of the microwave oven. The microwave heating jig 10 preferably increases the distance between the metal can container and the inner bottom surface of the microwave oven to within a range of 1 mm to 50 mm, and more preferably increases the distance to within a range of 10 mm to 30 mm. Increasing the distance makes it difficult for sparks to occur between the metal can container and the inner bottom surface of the microwave oven. However, increasing the distance increases the bulk of the microwave heating jig 10, or the canned product with jig 1 including the microwave heating jig 10 and the canned product. Further, if the distance is excessively increased, the distance from the metal can container to the inner top surface of the microwave oven becomes short, and sparks easily occur between them. Note that, herein, the distance described above is substantially equal to the height of the upper surface of the intermediate portion 11m or the protruding portion P with reference to the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 12.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 7, in the jig 10 for microwave heating, the thickness of the wall portion constituting the jig is preferably within a range of 0.16 mm to 6 mm, and more preferably within a range of 0.19 mm to 0.90 mm. Further, in the jig 10 for microwave heating, the height Hs is preferably within a range of 4 mm to 83 mm, and more preferably within a range of 6 mm to 43 mm.

[0041] The jig 10 for microwave heating may have one or more ventilation portions on the wall portion thereof. For example, the ventilation portion provided on the wall portion of the jig 10 for microwave heating enables ventilation between the internal space and the external space of the jig 10 for microwave heating when the jig 10 for microwave heating is attached to a canned product and detached from the canned product, and can reduce the pressure difference between these spaces. That is, by providing one or more ventilation portions on the wall portion of the jig 10 for microwave heating, attachment of the jig 10 for microwave heating to a canned product and detachment of the jig 10 for microwave heating from the canned product are facilitated. The ventilation portion is constituted by, for example, a through hole, a rib, or the like. As an example, as shown in Fig. 5, in the jig 10 for microwave heating, a rib 11k which is a rectangular step extending in the height direction from a part of the circumferential direction is formed at the opening edge of the upper cylindrical portion 11t of the jig 10 for microwave heating, as a ventilation portion for air bleeding and a reinforcing portion.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 7, the material constituting the jig 10 for microwave heating has a relative dielectric constant at 2.45 GHz of 5 or less, and a dielectric loss tangent at 2.45 GHz of 7.0×10 －３ -3 or less, which is preferable. Here, 2.45 GHz is the frequency of microwaves used in microwave ovens. In addition, the dielectric loss tangent is a value obtained by measurement performed in accordance with the method specified in JIS K6911-1995 under a temperature of 23±5°C and a humidity of 50±10% RH.

[0043] This material preferably has a relative dielectric constant at 2.45 GHz of 4.0 or less. Although there is no lower limit to the relative dielectric constant at 2.45 GHz of this material, most materials suitable for the jig 10 for microwave heating have a relative dielectric constant at 2.45 GHz of 2.0 or more.

[0044] Furthermore, this material preferably has a dielectric loss tangent at 2.45 GHz of 6.0×10 －３ or less, more preferably 5.0×10 －３ or less, and even more preferably 4.0×10 －３ or less. Although there is no lower limit for the dielectric loss tangent of this material at 2.45 GHz, most materials suitable for the microwave heating jig 10 have a dielectric loss tangent at 2.45 GHz of 1.0×10 －５ or more.

[0045] Examples of materials having the above physical properties include specific cured resin products. The cured resin product is, for example, a cured product of a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin. When the material is a cured resin product, the microwave heating jig 10 can be, for example, a molded product integrally formed as a whole.

[0046] Examples of cured resin products having the above physical properties include polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polyamideimide (PAI), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyethylene (PE).

[0047] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the physical properties of each of the above materials. In FIG. 12, the tensile yield stress (MPa), compressive yield stress (MPa), and impact strength (J / m) in the Izod impact test of each material are shown. In addition, in FIG. 12, the determination results of deformability and impact resistance for each material are indicated by ○, △, and ×. FIG. 13 is a graph showing tensile yield stress (MPa) as an index of deformability for each material, and FIG. 14 is a graph showing impact strength (J / m) for each material.

[0048] Here, when inserting the jig-equipped canned product 1 into the sleeve, if the microwave heating jig 10 is too soft, it will deform and will not return to its original shape when removed from the sleeve. On the other hand, if the microwave heating jig 10 is too hard, it will be difficult to insert into the sleeve and may damage the outer packaging material 30. Furthermore, if the outer packaging-equipped canned product 1A, which contains the jig-equipped canned product 1, is dropped into the outer packaging material 30, and the impact strength of the microwave heating jig 10 is weak, the jig may break, preventing the metal can container from maintaining the necessary distance from the bottom of the microwave oven, which may cause sparks to occur during microwave heating.

[0049] Based on the above, the material used for the microwave heating jig 10 is one that has appropriate softness and impact resistance, and therefore the numerical range was set within ±10% of the physical properties table. The deformability (tensile test (yield stress MPa)) is preferably in the range of 15 MPa to 85 MPa, and particularly preferably in the range of 15 MPa to 55 MPa.

[0050] On the other hand, regarding impact resistance (Izod impact test (impact strength J / m)), the preferred range is 24 J / m to 1229 J / m, and the particularly preferred range is 26 J / m to 939 J / m.

[0051] According to Figures 12 to 14, among these, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyethylene (PE) are preferred.

[0052] Among these, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyethylene (PE) are particularly preferred.

[0053] The canned product 20 includes a metal can container 21 and an article 22 contained therein.

[0054] The metal can container 21 is a two-piece can in which the can bottom 21b and the can body 21a are integrally molded, and the can lid 21c and the can body 21a are integrated by double seam sealing. The metal can container 21 may also be a three-piece can in which the can bottom 21b and the can body 21a are integrated by double seam sealing, and the can lid 21c and the can body 21a are integrated by double seam sealing. For example, the can container 21 is configured in a cylindrical shape and has a predetermined maximum height Hc and a diameter Φc which is the maximum horizontal dimension. As an example, the maximum horizontal width of the can container 21 is the diameter dimension of the double seam sealing portion at the upper end.

[0055] The can lid 21c in this case includes a disc-shaped can lid body 21c1 with V-shaped grooves or other scores on its surface, and a pull tab 21c2 attached thereto. Pulling the pull tab 21c2 can cause the can lid body 21c1 to break along the scores. The can lid 21c may also consist of a disc-shaped can lid body without V-shaped grooves or other scores on its surface, and without a pull tab attached. The can lid 21c may also be provided with a display section 23 having letters or other markings indicating the expiration date.

[0056] Article 22 contains water. Article 22 is, in this case, a food containing a first food 22a and a second food 22b. At least one of the first food 22a and the second food 22b contains water. For example, the first food 22a is a solid food containing water, and the second food 22b is a liquid food such as a seasoning liquid. Article 22 containing such a first food 22a and second food 22b is, for example, grilled chicken or corn soup. One of the first food 22a and the second food 22b may be omitted.

[0057] Here, S / V ( / cm) is defined as the area of ​​the opening created in the lid 21c of the metal can container 21 when the lid is opened, and V as the volume of the article 22. The canned product 20 preferably has an S / V of 6 / cm or more, and more preferably 15 / cm or more. Microwaves can only enter the article 22 through the opening created in the lid when the lid is opened. Increasing S / V allows for more efficient heating. There is no upper limit to S / V, but in one example, S / V is 45 / cm or less.

[0058] The metal can container 21 has a widened section near its lower end. The can container 21a also has a double seam section 21d at its upper end. The diameter of the can container 21a at the location of this widened section is larger than the diameter of the circle inscribed in the protrusion 11p of the microwave heating jig 10. In Figure 2, these protrusions 11p are inserted into the opening end of the microwave heating jig 10 at the lower end of the canned product 20, and the widened section of the metal can container 21 is located below the protrusion 11p. As a result, the microwave heating jig 10 is locked to the metal can container.

[0059] It is preferable that the outer diameter of the metal can container 21 at its upper end is smaller than the inner diameter of the upper end of the microwave heating jig 10. In this case, the upper end of the canned product 20 can be inserted into the opening end of the microwave heating jig 10. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the microwave heating jig 10 can be attached to the upper end of the canned product 20.

[0060] In the canned product with a jig 1, it is preferable that the inner diameter at the upper end of the metal can container 21, that is, the inner diameter of the double seam portion 21d, is larger than the outer diameter at the lower end of the microwave heating jig 10. When such canned products with jigs 1 are stacked in the height direction, the lower end of the microwave heating jig 10 of the upper canned product 1 may be located within the area enclosed by the double seam portion 21d of the metal can container 21 of the lower canned product 1. This stabilizes the stacked state of the canned products with jigs 1.

[0061] The outer packaging material 30 is constructed in a box shape having a storage section 30a for accommodating the jig-equipped canned product 1. In this embodiment, as an example, it has a storage section 30a with an open front and a closed rear, and one side is open.

[0062] The storage section 30a is configured to accommodate the jig-equipped canned product 1, which is the object to be stored. The shape of the storage section 30a is determined based on the shape and dimensions of the jig-equipped canned product 1.

[0063] As a specific example, the storage section 30a comprises a bottom plate 31, a top plate 32, a pair of side plates 33 and 34, and a rear plate 35, with an insertion opening formed on the front side.

[0064] The bottom plate 31 is a wall-like member positioned opposite to the underside of the jig-equipped canned product 1 in its stored state. The bottom plate 31 has a rectangular shape at the rear and a curved shape at the front edge. For example, the front edge is formed in an arc shape with a protruding central portion. The bottom plate 31 has predetermined width dimensions We and depth dimensions De.

[0065] The top plate 32 is a wall-like member positioned opposite to the upper side of the canned product 1 with a jig in its stored state, and is configured to have the same shape as the bottom plate 31, for example. That is, the top plate 32 has a rectangular shape at the rear and a curved shape at the front edge. The top plate 32 has a predetermined width dimension We and depth dimension De. For example, the front edge is formed in an arc shape with a protruding central part. The top plate 32 has an opening 32a in the center. The opening 32a is, for example, a circular hole with a predetermined diameter. The opening 32a is configured to allow a part of the canned product 1 with a jig to be visually inspected from the outside of the outer packaging material 30. For example, if a display section 23 with characters indicating the expiration date is provided in the center of the can lid 21c of a metal can container 21, it becomes possible to read the display section 23 from the outside.

[0066] The pair of side plates 33 and 34 face each other in the width direction, sandwiching the housing section 30a. The pair of side plates 33 and 34 are configured in a rectangular shape having predetermined depth dimensions De and height dimensions He. For example, the pair of side plates 33 and 34 are wall-like members erected upward from both ends of the bottom plate in the width direction. The side plates 33 and 34 have slit openings 33a and 34a at the upper edge, in the central part in the front-rear direction. The slit openings 33a and 34a are notches formed at the position where the upper end of the jig-equipped canned product 1 housed inside is at its widest point. When the jig-equipped canned product 1 is inserted, the central position where the upper end is at its widest point is located in the slit openings 33a and 34a, thereby reducing the load on the outer packaging material 30 and improving ease of insertion. Furthermore, by having the central position where the upper end is at its widest point be located in the slit openings 33a and 34a, positioning is made easier, a clicking sensation is provided during insertion, and work efficiency is improved.

[0067] The rear plate 35 is a wall-like member positioned opposite to the rear of the jig-equipped canned product 1 in its storage state, on one side in the depth direction. The rear plate 35 is a wall-like member erected upward from the rear edge of the bottom plate 31. The rear plate 35 is configured in a rectangular shape having predetermined width dimensions We and height dimensions He.

[0068] For example, the exterior material 30 is constructed in a three-dimensional box shape by bending a flat blank material 130 made of paper or the like, which extends in a predetermined planar direction, at the corners and appropriately bonding the edges. For example, the blank material 130 has a linear bend formed in advance along the lines that will become the corners, with the bending strength being reduced. For example, the blank material 130 has a plurality of continuous plate portions 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, including a bottom plate 31 that forms the bottom surface on one side of the housing portion 30a when assembled, a top plate 32 that is positioned opposite the bottom plate 31 when assembled and forms the top surface on the other side of the housing portion 30a, and a pair of side plates 33, 34 that form both sides of the housing portion when assembled.

[0069] As shown in Figure 11, the exterior material 30 is composed of materials such as paper, synthetic paper, and plastic. Here, the basis weight is 200 to 600 g / m2. The thickness is approximately 0.34 to 0.77 mm for paper materials, approximately 0.1 to 0.5 mm for synthetic paper, and 0.2 to 2.0 mm for plastic. For example, paper materials for the exterior material 30 include coated cardboard, kraft paper, chipboard, white cardboard, art paper, and gray cardboard. Synthetic papers include PP containing inorganic minerals excluding limestone, PP containing limestone, PE containing limestone, and PET. Plastic materials include PP, PET, PS, PVC, and PMMA. The layer structure of the synthetic paper and resin may be single-layer or multi-layer. In the case of a multi-layer structure, different materials may be used, or a combination of recycled and virgin materials of the same resin may be used.

[0070] In a plan view, the housing section 30a has a rectangular shape at the rear and a curved, arc-shaped front edge. For example, the front edge is formed in an arc shape with a protruding central portion. When viewed from the front, the housing section 30a has a rectangular shape and a predetermined width We and height He.

[0071] For example, the housing portion 30a of the outer packaging material 30 is configured to be smaller than the maximum dimension of the jig-equipped canned product 1 in at least one direction when empty and no jig-equipped canned product 1 is stored inside. Furthermore, in a direction other than the above-mentioned direction (first direction) (second direction), the dimension of the housing portion 30a is 1.01 times or less the dimension of the jig-equipped canned product 1. As an example, the outer packaging material 30 of this embodiment shown in Figure 2 has a width dimension We that is smaller than the maximum value Φb of the width dimension of the jig-equipped canned product 1. On the other hand, in the other direction, it may be configured to be slightly larger than the maximum height dimension of the jig-equipped canned product 1.

[0072] The outer packaging material 30 has a height dimension He greater than the height dimension Hb of the jig-attached canned product 1, and is no more than 1.01 times the dimensions of the jig-attached canned product 1. In addition to assembling and holding the jig-attached canned product 1 inserted inside, the outer packaging material 30 also functions as a display section for displaying various information about the contents. For example, the product name, ingredients, and other various information can be printed on the outer surface of the outer packaging material 30. In other words, the outer packaging material can be used as a display surface for displaying images and text, etc., by printing a layer or label. Furthermore, instructions such as how to use the product and warnings can be placed between the outer packaging material 30 and the jig-attached canned product (gap).

[0073] In this embodiment, the maximum width dimension of the canned product 1 with jig is the width dimension of the flange portion 11y, i.e., the outer diameter dimension. The maximum horizontal dimension Φb is the larger of the maximum values ​​of the canned product 20 or the microwave heating jig 10. The microwave heating jig 10 may be larger than the canned product 20, or the canned product 20 may be larger than the microwave heating jig 10. The maximum height dimension Hb of the canned product 1 with jig is the maximum height dimension in the assembled state in which the canned product 20 is stacked on top of the microwave heating jig 10. As an example, the dimensions are taken when the canned product 20 is assembled in a state similar to the usage state, with the canned product 20 resting on the convex portion P which serves as a support base formed by the concave portion R. That is, in the assembled state, the lower part of the canned product 20, for example, from the lower end up to a predetermined height, is housed within the upper cylindrical portion 11t.

[0074] Here, the method for calculating the dimensions of the outer packaging material 30 involves calculating the ratio based on the dimensions of (can + jig), using the case where the maximum diameter of the can < the maximum diameter of the jig as an example, and then formulating a mathematical equation from the calculated ratio. Figure 7 is a table showing examples of the material, thickness, height Hs, and the dimension Φs in the direction perpendicular to the height direction for the microwave heating jig 10. Figure 8 is a table showing the correspondence between the dimensions of the microwave heating jig 10 and the metal can container 21 for two types of metal can containers 21: a three-piece can and a two-piece can. In Figure 8, for example, the maximum and minimum values ​​of Φs are shown for the case of a three-piece can with a maximum diameter of 72.7 mm and for a two-piece can with a maximum diameter of 75.1 mm, respectively. Figure 9 is a table showing the dimensional relationship between the jig-equipped canned product 1, which is assembled with the metal can container 21 and the microwave heating jig 10, and the outer packaging material 30.

[0075] As an example, the height He of the exterior material 30 is set to 0.86 × Hb < He < 1.01 × Hb, and the width We of the exterior material 30 is set to 0.91 × Φb < We < 1.01 × Φb. Also, in the case of a single-sided opening in this embodiment, the depth De of the exterior material 30 is set to 0.5 × Φb < De < 1.01 × Φb.

[0076] With this dimensional relationship, when a jig-equipped canned product 1 is placed in the storage section 30a, a part of the outer packaging material 30 will deform. In this embodiment, the pair of side plates 33 and 34 are deformed by being pushed outward by the flange portion 11y located inside. That is, the outer packaging material 30 deforms to match the maximum width dimension of the jig-equipped canned product 1. For example, jig-equipped canned products 1 are usually transported in multiples, arranged vertically and horizontally, and stacked in multiple layers. Alternatively, a packaged article consisting of multiple outer packaging canned products 1A arranged vertically and horizontally and stacked in multiple layers may be transported. Or, a packaged article consisting of multiple outer packaging canned products 1A arranged vertically and horizontally and stacked in multiple layers on a pallet, and integrated with film or a sheet, may be transported.

[0077] The heating of canned products 20 in the microwave oven 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 15 and 16. One embodiment using the microwave heating jig 10 is shown. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the microwave oven 100 with the door 120 open. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the canned product 20 with the lid open placed on the bottom surface inside the microwave oven via the microwave heating jig 10. In Figure 16, only the bottom plate 112, which has its top surface as the bottom surface W1 inside the microwave oven, is shown for the microwave oven 100. Furthermore, the canned product 20 shown in Figure 16 is obtained by pulling the pull tab 21c2, thereby removing the portion of the can lid body 21c1 surrounded by the score along with the pull tab 21c2 from the canned product 20 explained with reference to Figure 2, resulting in a can lid body 21c1' with an opening in the center.

[0078] For example, microwave oven 100 includes a microwave oven body 110 and a door 120. Microwave oven 100 is a so-called flat-table type microwave oven that does not have a turntable. However, microwave heating jig 10 may also be used in a so-called turntable type microwave oven that has a turntable.

[0079] Furthermore, the microwave heating jig 10 may be used in a microwave oven configured to have an opening in the right or left side panel through which microwaves are introduced into the heating chamber, or in a microwave oven configured to have an opening in the bottom plate through which microwaves are introduced into the heating chamber, or in a microwave oven configured to have an opening in the top plate through which microwaves are introduced into the heating chamber.

[0080] The microwave oven body 110 is surrounded by metal plates and has a heating chamber that opens at the front. Figure 15 shows the surfaces of these metal plates, specifically the bottom surface W1, which is the bottom plate; the side surface W2, which is the left side plate; and the side surface W3, which is the rear side plate.

[0081] An opening is provided in the rear side panel. A waveguide is installed between this opening and the magnetron. A cover body 111 is attached to the rear side panel to close the opening. The cover body 111 is made of, for example, mica and transmits microwaves.

[0082] When heating an item 22 inside a metal can container 21 in a microwave oven 100, first, as shown in Figure 16, the microwave heating jig 10 is attached to the lower end of the opened canned product 20. Specifically, the lower end of the canned product 20 is inserted into the opening end of the microwave heating jig 10, so that the enlarged diameter portion provided near the lower end of the can body 21a is positioned below the protrusion 11p. As a result, the canned product 20 is placed on the protrusion P, for example, on the intermediate portion 11m and the protrusion P, and the microwave heating jig 10 is locked to the lower end of the canned product 20. The canned product 20 may be opened after the microwave heating jig 10 has been attached to the lower end of the canned product 20.

[0083] Next, the canned product 20, with the microwave heating jig 10 attached to its lower end, is placed on the bottom surface W1 of the microwave oven 100 so that the lower cylindrical portion 11b is positioned below the canned product 20. It is preferable to place the canned product 20 approximately in the center of the bottom surface W1 of the microwave oven.

[0084] In this way, the metal can container 21 is placed inside the microwave oven 100 with an increased distance from the bottom surface W1 inside the oven. Specifically, compared to the case where the canned product 20 is placed on the bottom surface W1 inside the oven without the microwave heating jig 10, the metal can container 21 is placed inside the oven with the above distance increased by the height of the middle section 11m or the top surface of the protrusion P.

[0085] Afterward, the door 120 of the microwave oven 100 is closed, and microwave irradiation is performed by the microwave oven 100. Since the lid of the canned product 20 is open, microwaves can enter the article 22. Therefore, the article 22 is heated.

[0086] In the method described above, the distance from the bottom surface W1 inside the microwave oven 100 to the metal can container 21 is increased by attaching the microwave heating jig 10 to the lower end of the canned product 20. Increasing this distance reduces the gradient of the electric field between them, making it less likely for sparks to occur. Therefore, when heating the article 22 contained in the metal can container 21 in the microwave oven 100, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of metal-related problems.

[0087] Furthermore, the microwave heating jig 10 can be used as an assisting tool when removing the heated canned product 20 from the microwave oven. That is, when removing the heated canned product 20 from the microwave oven, the microwave heating jig 10 attached to the lower end of the canned product 20 can be held by hand and carried out of the microwave oven, allowing both the canned product 20 and the microwave heating jig 10 to be removed from the microwave oven without touching the canned product 20, which is hotter than the microwave heating jig 10.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above method, the microwave heating jig 10 is attached to the lower end of the canned product 20, and then these are placed inside the microwave oven 100. The peripheral wall portion 11 of the microwave heating jig 10 is configured to fit with the lower end of the canned product 20, so, for example, when the canned product 20 and the microwave heating jig 10 are placed inside the microwave oven or when they are removed from inside the microwave oven, the relative position of the canned product 20 with respect to the microwave heating jig 10 is unlikely to occur. Also, if the microwave oven 100 has a turntable, the above positional displacement due to the rotation of the turntable is unlikely to occur.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above method, when the microwave heating jig 10 is attached to the lower end of the canned product 20, the enlarged diameter portion provided near the lower end of the can body 21a is positioned below the protrusion 11p, so that the microwave heating jig 10 is locked to the lower end of the canned product 20. Therefore, when placing the canned product 20 with the microwave heating jig 10 attached to its lower end into the microwave oven, for example, by carrying the canned product 20 into the oven with one hand, the canned product 20 can be placed on the bottom surface W1 of the microwave oven 100 so that the lower cylindrical portion 11b is positioned below the canned product 20. In addition, this engagement makes it less likely for the above-mentioned misalignment to occur when removing the canned product 20 from the oven or when the turntable rotates.

[0090] According to the exterior material 30, the canned product 1A with exterior, and the blank material 130 for exterior according to this embodiment, the canned product 20 and the microwave heating jig 10 can be protected in an assembled state during the distribution and sales process, maintaining holding power while preventing the can and jig from coming loose and flying out of the exterior material 30 in the event of a drop impact, thereby improving handling. Furthermore, because it is handled in a state close to that during use, it can encourage use in the correct manner and positional relationship. For example, in at least one direction, the dimensions of the housing portion 30a of the exterior material 30 when the housing portion 30a is empty and the canned product 1 with jig is not housed in it are smaller than the dimensions of the canned product 1 with jig. Therefore, when the canned product 1 with jig is housed in the housing portion 30a of the exterior material 30, the pair of side plates 33 and 34 are pushed outward by the flange portion 11y located inside, deforming to match the maximum width dimension of the canned product 1 with jig, thereby improving holding power.

[0091] Furthermore, by attaching the microwave heating jig 10 to the upper end of the canned product 20 when it is unopened, the top surface of the canned product 20 can be protected from dirt and other contaminants. Also, by attaching the microwave heating jig 10 to the upper end of the canned product 20 when storing an opened canned product 20, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the article 22 contained in the metal can container 21 and to prevent evaporation of liquid components contained in the article 22.

[0092] Furthermore, by increasing the distance from the bottom surface W1 inside the microwave oven to the metal can container 21 using the microwave heating jig 10, the gradient of the electric field between them can be reduced, making it less likely for sparks to occur. Increasing this distance also reduces microwave confinement in the region between the bottom surface W1 inside the microwave oven and the bottom surface of the metal can container 21, which is caused by the reflection of microwaves by these two surfaces, and prevents excessive microwave irradiation of the microwave heating jig 10.

[0093] Therefore, when heating an article 22 contained in a metal can container 21 in a microwave oven 100, using a microwave heating jig 10 made of a material having the above-mentioned physical properties to increase the distance from the bottom surface W1 inside the oven to the metal can container 21 can suppress the generation of sparks and the burning and melting of the jig. In addition, the outer packaging material 30 not only assembles and holds the canned product 1 with the jig inserted inside, but also functions as a display section that displays various information about the contents. For example, the product name, ingredients, and other various information can be printed on the outer surface of the outer packaging material 30. Furthermore, instructions such as how to use the product and warnings can be placed in the space between the outer packaging material 30 and the canned product with the jig.

[0094] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The microwave heating jig 10 and the canned product 1 with the jig can be modified in various ways.

[0095] For example, the shape of the exterior material 30 is not limited to the above. Various shapes can be applied, for example, as shown in Figure 10, exterior materials 30A to 30F. For example, the bottom plate 31 and top plate 32 may be rectangular, as in exterior materials 30A, 30B, and 30C. Also, as in exterior material 30A, it may have a front plate 36 facing the rear plate 35, and both the front and rear sides of the housing section 30a may be closed. Also, as in exterior material 30D, the rear edge may be configured in an arc shape. Also, as in exterior material 30F, both the front and rear may be open.

[0096] For example, in the case of exterior materials 30C, 30D, and 30F, where both ends are open, the exterior depth De shall be 20.0 < De < 1.01 × Φb.

[0097] Furthermore, in the case of a closed-end exterior material 30A, the exterior depth De shall be 0.91 × Φb < We < 1.01 × Φb.

[0098] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, the outer material 30G may have a pair of side plates 33 and 34, with slit openings 33a and 34a at the center of the front-to-back direction at the upper edge, and a slit opening 33b at an intermediate position in the height direction. For example, the slit opening 33b is a notch formed at the position where the microwave heating jig 10 of the canned product 1 with a jig housed inside is at its widest point. That is, the slit opening 33b is formed at a position opposite to the flange portion 11y of the microwave heating jig 10. In this embodiment, when the canned product 1 with a jig is inserted, the central position that is at the widest point of the upper end is located at the slit openings 33a and 34a, and the flange portion 11y is located at the slit openings 33b and 34b, thereby reducing the load on the outer material 30 and improving ease of insertion. In addition, by having the central position that is at the widest point of the upper end located at the slit openings 33a, 34a, 33b, and 34b, positioning is easier, and a click sensation is provided during insertion, improving work efficiency. In another configuration, the upper edge may not have slit openings 33a and 34a in the central part in the front-to-back direction, but may have slit openings 33b and 34b, which are notches formed at the position where the microwave heating jig 10 of the canned product 1 with a jig housed inside is at its widest point.

[0099] Furthermore, the metal can container 21 to be combined with the microwave heating jig 10 may be a three-piece can with double seam portions formed at the upper and lower ends. For example, the double seam portion at the lower end has the same outer diameter as the double seam portion at the upper end. In this case, when the microwave heating jig 10 is attached to the lower end of the canned product, the double seam portion at the lower end of the metal can container 21 abuts against the contact surface of the microwave heating jig 10, and when the microwave heating jig 10 is attached to the upper end of the canned product, the double seam portion at the upper end of the metal can container 21 abuts against it.

[0100] The double seam portion at the lower end of the metal can container 21 has a larger inner diameter than the outer diameter at the lower end of the microwave heating jig 10. As a result, when canned goods with a jig attached, such as the canned goods with a microwave heating jig 10 attached to the upper end of the canned goods, are stacked in the height direction, the lower end of the microwave heating jig 10 of the lower canned goods with a jig attached 1 is located within the area enclosed by the double seam portion of the metal can container 21 of the upper canned goods with a jig attached 1. That is, when stacked as described above, the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 12 of the microwave heating jig 10 of the lower canned goods with a jig attached 1 is configured to contact the lower central portion of the bottom of the metal can container 21 of the upper canned goods with a jig attached 1.

[0101] Alternatively, the can container may be cylindrical, oval, or rectangular, and can accommodate a variety of canned products and containers.

[0102] Furthermore, although the shape of the orthogonal projection of the microwave heating jig 10 onto a plane perpendicular to its height direction is circular, it is not limited to this. For example, the shape of the orthogonal projection of the microwave heating jig onto a plane perpendicular to its height direction does not have to be circular. For example, the shape of the orthogonal projection of the microwave heating jig onto a plane perpendicular to its height direction may be oval, square, rectangular, a square with rounded corners, or a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0103] Furthermore, while the example given for canned products is a canned product containing food or other items, it is not limited to this, and may also be a metal can container that does not contain any items. In other words, the microwave heating jig 10 can be combined with a metal can container 21 that does not contain any items and distributed as a kit for canned products with a jig.

[0104] 1...Canned product with jig (canned product with jig), 1A...Canned product with outer packaging, 10...Jig for microwave heating (jig), 11...Peripheral wall section, 11b...Lower cylinder section, 11k...Rib (ventilation section, reinforcement section), 11m...Middle section, 11p...Convex section, 11t...Upper cylinder section, 11y...Flange section, 12...Bottom wall section, 13...Ridge section, P...Convex section, R...Concave section, 20...Canned product, 21...Metal can container (can container), 21a...Can body, 21b...Can bottom, 21c...Can lid (lid member), 21c1, 21c1'...Can lid body, 21c2...Pull tab, 21d...Double seam section, 22...Article, 22a...Food, 22b...Food, 23...Display section, 3 0, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G... Exterior material, 30a... Storage section, 31... Bottom plate (board part), 32... Top plate (board part), 32a... Opening, 33... Side plate (board part), 33a, 33b... Slit opening, 34... Side plate (board part), 34a, 34b... Slit opening, 35... Rear plate (board part), 36... Front plate, 100... Microwave oven, 110... Microwave oven body, 111... Cover body, 112... Bottom plate, 120... Door, 130... Blank material, Rw1... First wall, Rw2... Second wall, Rw3... Third wall, Rw4... Fourth wall, W1... Interior bottom, W2... Interior side, W3... Interior side.

Claims

1. An outer covering having a compartment for accommodating a jig-equipped canned product comprising a metal can container and a non-metallic heating jig attached to the can container, wherein, in at least one direction, the dimensions of the compartment when empty and not containing the jig-equipped canned product are smaller than the dimensions of the jig-equipped canned product.

2. The exterior material according to claim 1, wherein in any direction other than the aforementioned direction, the dimensions of the housing are 1.01 times or less the dimensions of the jig-equipped can product.

3. The exterior material according to claim 1, comprising a pair of side plates facing each other on either side of the housing in one of three orthogonal directions, and a bottom plate and a top plate facing each other on either side of the housing in the other direction, wherein both sides or one side in a direction different from the two aforementioned directions are open.

4. The exterior material according to claim 1, wherein the heating jig and the can container are arranged in stacked positions within the storage compartment.

5. The exterior material according to claim 1, comprising paper, synthetic paper, or a material containing resin.

6. The exterior material according to claim 5, wherein the paper is any of coated cardboard, kraft paper, chipboard, white cardboard, art paper, and gray cardboard; the synthetic paper is any of PP containing inorganic minerals other than limestone, PP containing limestone, PE containing limestone, or PET; and the resin is any of PP, PET, PS, PVC, or PMMA.

7. A can product with a jig, comprising a metal can container and a non-metallic heating jig attached to the can container; and an outer packaging material having a housing for housing the can product with a jig, wherein, in an empty state where the can product with a jig is not housed in the housing, the dimension of the outer packaging material in a first direction, which is either direction of the housing, is smaller than the dimension of the can product with a jig in the first direction.

8. The outer packaging material has dimensions in any second direction different from the first direction that are 1.01 times or less the dimensions in the second direction of the jig-equipped can product according to claim 7.

9. The heating jig has a support base that is interposed between the metal can container and the bottom surface of the microwave oven when heating the metal can container in a microwave oven, and which increases the distance between the can container and the bottom surface of the microwave oven, and has a relative permittivity of 5 or less at 2.45 GHz and a dielectric loss tangent of 7.0 × 10 at 2.45 GHz. －３ The enclosed can product according to claim 7, comprising the following materials.

10. A blank material for exteriors, having a plurality of plate portions in a continuous manner, including a bottom plate that constitutes the bottom surface of one side of a storage portion for accommodating a jig-equipped can product comprising a metal can container and a non-metallic heating jig attached to the can container when assembled, a top plate that is positioned opposite the bottom plate when assembled and constitutes the top surface of the other side of the storage portion, and a pair of side plates that constitute both sides of the storage portion when assembled, wherein the dimensions of the plurality of plate portions in the direction corresponding to at least one direction of the storage portion in the assembly direction are smaller than the dimensions of the jig-equipped can product arranged in the storage portion in any of those directions.

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