Toner cartridge packing blank

Abstract

To provide a toner cartridge packing box that reduces impact on a toner cartridge.SOLUTION: According to the embodiment, a toner cartridge packing box has a box-shaped storage part and a flap-shaped buffer part. The storage part has a rectangular storage opening that is long along a longitudinal direction through which a toner cartridge which is long in the longitudinal direction is inserted and removed. The buffer part is integrally provided on one of the side plates of both longitudinal end parts of the storage part, and buffers impact on the longitudinal one end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity. The buffer part includes a fitting part and a spacer. The fitting part is fitted over one end of the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction and at least a part of the vicinity thereof from an opening side of the storage part when the toner cartridge is stored in the storage part in a predetermined orientation. The spacer separates one end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity from one of the side plates.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a toner cartridge packaging box, a toner cartridge circulation product, and a toner cartridge packaging blank. [Background technology]

[0002] The toner cartridge packaging box has a buffer section for the toner cartridge in the housing section of the toner cartridge packaging box. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-231388 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a toner cartridge packaging box that reduces impact on a toner cartridge, a toner cartridge circulation product that includes a toner cartridge packed in the toner cartridge packaging box, and a toner cartridge packaging blank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an embodiment, the toner cartridge packaging box has a box-shaped storage section and a flap-shaped buffer section. The storage section has a rectangular storage section opening that is long along the longitudinal direction, through which a long toner cartridge is inserted and removed. The buffer section is integrally formed with one of the side panels at both longitudinal ends of the storage section, and buffers impacts to the longitudinal end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity. The buffer section includes a fitting section and a spacer. The fitting section fits over and fits onto at least a portion of the longitudinal end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity from the storage section opening side, the toner cartridge being stored in a predetermined orientation in the storage section. The spacer separates the one end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity from the one side panel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a toner cartridge packaging box according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a toner cartridge circulation product in which toner cartridges are housed in a toner cartridge packaging box according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the toner cartridge circulation body with the cushioning flap of the toner cartridge packaging box shown in FIG. 2 folded. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a toner cartridge according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a perspective view showing a part of a toner cartridge circulation body, in which the third side plate portion of the toner cartridge packaging box is not shown. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge circulation body shown in FIG. 2 taken along the ZX plane. [Figure 7] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge circulation body shown in FIG. 3 taken along the ZX plane. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a cushioning flap of the toner cartridge packaging box shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a first buffer section and a toner cartridge of the cartridge circulation body shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XX plane parallel to the XY plane in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a toner cartridge circulation system. [Figure 12] 12 is a diagram showing the toner cartridge circulation system as seen from the direction indicated by the arrow XII in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first buffer section is deformed when a load is applied along the X-axis direction to the toner cartridge circulation body shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a blank of a toner cartridge packaging box according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Below, with reference to Figures 1 to 14, we will explain embodiments of a toner cartridge packaging box (hereinafter mainly referred to as a packaging box) 14, a toner cartridge circulation body (hereinafter mainly referred to as a circulation body) 10, and a toner cartridge packaging blank (hereinafter mainly referred to as a blank) 110.

[0008] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a toner cartridge circulation product 10 includes a toner cartridge 12 and a toner cartridge packaging box 14.

[0009] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the toner cartridge 12. The toner cartridge 12 shown in FIG. 4 is detachable from an image forming apparatus, such as a multifunction peripheral. When the toner cartridge 12 is attached to the image forming apparatus, it is inserted from the front side toward the rear side of the image forming apparatus. When the toner cartridge 12 is removed from the image forming apparatus, it is pulled out from the front side of the image forming apparatus.

[0010] The toner cartridge 12 is formed to be elongated along one axis, and has a first end 201 along the axis and a second end 202 opposite to the first end 201.

[0011] The toner cartridge 12 includes a cartridge body 22 that serves as a toner storage section for storing toner. The outer shell of the cartridge body 22 is formed of, for example, a plastic material. The cartridge body 22 includes a container body 221 that has a substantially U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 12, and a lid body 222 that is a substantially rectangular plate. The lid body 222 closes the container body 221.

[0012] When the toner cartridge 12 is attached to the image forming apparatus, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 shown in FIG. 4 is located on the front side of the image forming apparatus, and the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 is located on the rear side of the image forming apparatus. When the toner cartridge 12 is attached to the image forming apparatus, the lid 222 is located on the upper side and the container 221 is located on the lower side. When the toner cartridge 12 is transported as the transportable product 10, it is preferable that the lid 222 is located on the lower side and the container 221 is located on the upper side.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the transportable object 10, with the third side plate portion 43 of the packaging box 14 not shown.

[0014] 4 and 5, a first end 201 (the front side of the image forming apparatus when the toner cartridge 12 is attached to the image forming apparatus) of the container body 221 of the cartridge body 22 is provided with a filling port 23 for filling the cartridge body 22 with toner, and a cap 24 for closing the filling port 23. The cap 24 is attached to the filling port 23 along the longitudinal direction.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 4 , the container body 221 of the cartridge body 22 is provided with a discharge portion 25 as a toner refill port that discharges toner from the cartridge body 22 and supplies toner to the image forming apparatus. The discharge portion 25 is provided on the first end 201 side of the toner cartridge 12. When the toner cartridge 12 is attached to the image forming apparatus, the discharge portion 25 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the container body 221. The discharge portion 25 has a rail 251 and a shutter 252 that moves along the rail 251. The rail 251 extends along the longitudinal direction near the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12. An end face 2511 of the rail 251 that is closest to the first end 201 is located closer to the second end 202 than the first end 201 of the container body 221. The length of the rail 251 is shorter than the overall length of the toner cartridge 12, for example, approximately 1 / 10 of the overall length. An outlet of the discharge unit 25 is provided on the rail 251 on the side opposite to the first end 201. When the shutter 252 is opened with the toner cartridge 12 attached to the image forming apparatus, the toner is supplied to the developing device through the outlet of the discharge unit 25.

[0016] The shutter 252 is disposed on the rail 251 opposite the first end 201 to close the discharge port when the toner cartridge 12 is transported as the circulating body 10. The shutter 252 is removed from the rail 251 from the side closest to the first end 201 in the longitudinal direction of the rail 251. The rail 251 is provided at its end opposite the first end 201 with a stopper 253 that restricts the shutter 252 from moving toward the second end 202.

[0017] The packaging box 14 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is formed of a plate material such as double-sided corrugated cardboard. The packaging box 14 may be formed of paper corrugated cardboard or plastic corrugated cardboard. As an example, the interior dimensions of the packaging box 14 are 463 x 98 x 80 mm, and the exterior dimensions of the packaging box 14 are 500 x 107 x 89 mm. The packaging box 14 has a box-shaped storage section 32, a lid section 34, a first buffer section 36, and a second buffer section 38.

[0018] Here, the circulation object 10 has an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis with respect to the toner cartridge 12 and the packaging box 14, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The X-axis is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 12 and the packaging box 14. The Y-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis, and is taken so that the XY plane is a plane parallel to the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 40 of the packaging box 14. The Y-axis is a direction along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The Z-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis. The Z-axis is a direction along the height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and width directions.

[0019] The storage section 32 is formed to a size that can store the toner cartridge 12. The storage section 32 has a bottom plate portion 40, a first side plate portion 41, a second side plate portion 42, a third side plate portion 43, and a fourth side plate portion 44.

[0020] 6 shows the relationship between the packaging box 14 and the circulation item 10 having the toner cartridge 12 corresponding to FIG. 2. FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the packaging box 14 and the circulation item 10 having the toner cartridge 12 corresponding to FIG.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the bottom plate portion 40 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the bottom plate portion 40 has a substantially rectangular bottom plate 401, a first flap plate 402, and a second flap plate. The first flap plate 402 is placed on one end of the bottom plate 401 in the longitudinal direction. The second flap plate is placed on the other end of the bottom plate 401 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, both end portions of the bottom plate portion 40 are formed as a double bottom made of two overlapping cardboard sheets.

[0022] 1 to 3, the first side plate 41, the second side plate 42, the third side plate 43, and the fourth side plate 44 are each formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The first side plate 41 and the second side plate 42 are spaced apart and face each other in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the packaging box 14. The third side plate 43 and the fourth side plate 44 are spaced apart and face each other in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the packaging box 14. The storage section 32 has a storage section opening 45 formed by the first side plate 41, the second side plate 42, the third side plate 43, and the fourth side plate 44. The storage section opening 45 is rectangular and long in the longitudinal direction, allowing the toner cartridge 12, which is long in the longitudinal direction, to be inserted into and removed from the storage section 32.

[0023] 6 and 7, the third side plate portion 43 has an outer plate 431 of the storage section 32 and an inner plate 432 that is overlapped on the outer plate 431. Therefore, the third side plate portion 43 is formed by overlapping two cardboard sheets.

[0024] The fourth side plate portion 44 is formed by using a second outer plate portion 123 (described later) of the blank 110 shown in Fig. 14 as an outer plate, a fixing plate 126 as an inner plate, and a second inner plate portion 117 as a middle plate disposed between the second outer plate portions 123 and 123. For this reason, the fourth side plate portion 44 is formed by stacking three cardboard sheets.

[0025] 1 to 3, the lid portion 34 has a lid top plate 51 and a lid flap 52. The lid portion 34 is provided integrally with the first side plate portion 41.

[0026] 1 to 3, the surface of the first side plate 41 parallel to the ZX plane on the -Y-axis side of the outside of the storage section 32 of the packaging box 14 is the front surface, and the surface of the second side plate 42 parallel to the ZX plane on the +Y-axis side is the back surface. Also, the surface of the outer plate 431 of the third side plate 43 parallel to the YZ plane on the -X-axis side of the outside of the storage section 32 shown in Fig. 1 is the left side surface, and the surface of the fourth side plate 44 parallel to the YZ plane on the +X-axis side is the right side surface.

[0027] The first buffering portion 36 buffers impacts on the first longitudinal end 201 of the toner cartridge 12. The first buffering portion 36 is provided on the third side plate portion 43, which is one of the side plates at both longitudinal ends of the accommodating portion 32. The first buffering portion 36 is preferably provided integrally with the third side plate portion 43 at one longitudinal end of the accommodating portion 32. The first buffering portion 36 is formed to a size that allows the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 to fit therein.

[0028] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the third side plate portion 43 and the first buffer portion 36 shown in FIGS.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 8 , the first buffer section 36 has a flap-shaped buffer flap 60 having a fitting portion 61 and a spacer 62. The buffer flap 60 rotates around a folding line (rule) 63 that extends along the Y-axis at the upper end of the third side plate 43. The buffer flap 60 has a width D that is smaller than the distance between the first side plate 41 and the second side plate 42 of the storage section 32 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 . Therefore, the buffer flap 60 is inserted into and removed from the storage section 32 through the storage section opening 45. The buffer flap 60 supports the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 by folding along a plurality of predetermined folding lines (rules) 641, 642, 643, and 644 and rotating from the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 to the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 .

[0030] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 6, and 7, the fitting portion 61 of the buffer flap 60 is fitted over the first longitudinal end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 housed in the storage section 32 in a predetermined orientation, from the storage section opening 45 side.

[0031] 5, the fitting portion 61 is formed as, for example, an opening (fitting portion opening) that follows the outer shape of the cartridge body 22 and the rail 251 of the discharge portion 25, which is the toner supply port at the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12. As shown in FIG. 7, the rail 251 of the discharge portion 25, which is the toner supply port at the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12, and a portion of the cartridge body 22 are inserted through the fitting portion 61. That is, the rail 251 of the discharge portion 25, which is the toner supply port at the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12, and a portion of the cartridge body 22 are arranged on the third side plate portion (one of the side plates) 43 side and the opposite side from the third side plate portion 43 side, through the buffer flap 60.

[0032] 5 and 8, the fitting portion (fitting portion opening) 61 has a first fitting edge 611 that follows the outer shape of the container body 221 of the toner cartridge 12, a second fitting edge 612 that follows the shape of the rail 251 of the discharge portion 25 of the toner cartridge 12, and a third fitting edge 613 that follows the shape of the end face on the first end 201 side of the container body 221. The fitting portion 61 is formed so that when folded along the folding line 642, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 and a portion of the container body 221 and the discharge portion 25 in the vicinity thereof are fitted into the fitting portion.

[0033] The first fitting edge 611 follows the outer shape of the container body 221 on the side opposite to the lid body 222. The first fitting edge 611 follows the outer peripheral surface of the container body 221 closer to the second end 202 than the end face of the first end 201.

[0034] Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing the relationship between the first buffer section 36 of the circulator 10 shown in Fig. 3 and the toner cartridge 12. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XX plane in Fig. 9. The XX plane in Fig. 9 is along the upper end of the second fitting edge 612. Fig. 10 shows the relationship between the width Da (length along the Y-axis direction) of the second fitting edge 612, the width Db (length along the Y-axis direction) of the rail 251, and the width Dc of the shutter 252.

[0035] 10 , the width Da of the second fitting edge 612 is larger than the width Db of the rail 251 and smaller than the width Dc of the shutter 252. The second fitting edge 612 is disposed on the side of the end face 2511 of the rail 251 that is closer to the first end 201 than the shutter 252. Therefore, the second fitting edge 612 prevents the shutter 252 from moving toward the third side plate portion 43 relative to the rail 251.

[0036] 8, the cushioning flap 60 is folded at the folding line 642. Therefore, unlike the first fitting edge 611 and the second fitting edge 612, the third fitting edge 613 follows the outer shape of the end face side of the first end 201 of the container body 221.

[0037] The spacer 62 is provided as a wall portion around the fitting edges 611, 612, and 613 of the fitting portion 61. The spacer 62 separates the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 from the third side plate portion (one of the side plates) 43. The spacer 62 serves as a partition wall that positions the shutter 252, which slides relative to the rail 251, on the side opposite the third side plate portion (one of the side plates) 43. Therefore, the spacer (partition wall) 62 prevents the shutter 252 from moving toward the third side plate portion 43. In other words, the spacer 62 on the outside of the second fitting edge 612 of the fitting portion 61 follows the outer surface of the rail 251 and prevents the shutter 252, which protrudes relative to the rail 251, from moving toward the third side plate portion 43.

[0038] The spacer 62 also separates the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 from the first side plate portion 41 and the second side plate portion 42, which are a pair of side plates adjacent to the third side plate portion (one of the side plates) 43 of the storage section 32.

[0039] 8, the cushioning flap 60 integrally includes a first plate-shaped portion 601, a second plate-shaped portion 602, a third plate-shaped portion 603, a fourth plate-shaped portion 604, and a fifth plate-shaped portion 605, which are arranged in this order from a folding line 63 at one end toward a free end at the other end. The first plate-shaped portion 601, the second plate-shaped portion 602, the third plate-shaped portion 603, the fourth plate-shaped portion 604, and the fifth plate-shaped portion 605 are each formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The first plate-shaped portion 601 inserts and removes the cushioning flap 60 into and from the storage portion 32 through the storage portion opening 45, using the folding line 63, which extends in the Y-axis direction from the upper end (the end portion on the +Z-axis direction side) of the third side plate portion 43, as a support axis. The portions between the first plate-shaped portion 601 and the second plate-shaped portion 602, between the second plate-shaped portion 602 and the third plate-shaped portion 603, between the third plate-shaped portion 603 and the fourth plate-shaped portion 604, and between the fourth plate-shaped portion 604 and the fifth plate-shaped portion 605 are folded in predetermined directions by folding lines 641, 642, 643, and 644 extending in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the folding directions of these four folding lines 641, 642, 643, and 644 extending in the Y-axis direction are the same.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7, when the cushioning flap 60 is folded along these four folding lines 641, 642, 643, and 644 extending in the Y-axis direction, one surface of the first plate-shaped portion 601 contacts the inner plate 432 of the third side plate portion 43.

[0041] The second plate-shaped portion 602 extends from the third side plate portion 43 side toward the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 on the +X axis direction side. In this case, the second plate-shaped portion 602 may or may not be parallel to the bottom plate portion 40.

[0042] The second plate-shaped portion 602 fits into the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 as part of the fitting portion 61. The second plate-shaped portion 602 is provided as a spacer that separates the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 from the third side plate portion (one of the side plates) 43. The second plate-shaped portion 602 deforms when the toner cartridge 12 moves toward the third side plate portion (one of the side plates) 43.

[0043] The third plate-shaped portion 603 extends from the third side plate portion 43 toward the +Z axis direction side (the storage portion opening 45). Unlike the outer surface of the third side plate portion 43, the third plate-shaped portion 603 is not parallel to the YZ plane, but is inclined toward the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 (the +X axis direction) as it extends from the second plate-shaped portion 602 toward the fourth plate-shaped portion 604. Note that the third plate-shaped portion 603 may be parallel to the third side plate portion 43.

[0044] The third plate-shaped portion 603 fits together with the second plate-shaped portion 602 as the remaining part of the fitting portion 61 along the rail 251 of the discharge portion 25, which is the toner supply port at the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12, and the outer shape of the cartridge body 22.

[0045] The fourth plate-shaped portion 604 extends from the third plate-shaped portion 603 toward the third side plate portion 43 (in the -X-axis direction). The fourth plate-shaped portion 604 is preferably parallel to the bottom plate portion 40. The fourth plate-shaped portion 604 is spaced apart from the second plate-shaped portion 602, and extends the third plate-shaped portion 603 toward the first plate-shaped portion 601.

[0046] The fifth plate-shaped portion 605 abuts against the first plate-shaped portion 601. The fifth plate-shaped portion 605 extends parallel to the first plate-shaped portion 601. The fifth plate-shaped portion 605 is spaced apart from the third plate-shaped portion 603. A distal end (free end) 6051 of the fifth plate-shaped portion 605, which is distal to the fourth plate-shaped portion 604, may abut against or be spaced apart from the second plate-shaped portion 602. The distal end 6051 of the fifth plate-shaped portion 605 may fit together like the relationship between a convex portion 1262 of a fixing plate 126 of the blank 110, which will be described later, and a through-hole 1243 of the second bottom abutment portion 124.

[0047] Next, the process of housing the toner cartridge 12 in the packaging box 14 will be described.

[0048] 2 and 6, the lid 222 of the toner cartridge 12 is placed on the bottom side, and the container body 221, rail 251, and shutter 252 are placed on the top side. Then, the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 is placed close to the second buffer section 38 through the accommodating section opening 45 of the accommodating section 32 of the packaging box 14. At this time, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 is free from the packaging box 14.

[0049] 2 and 6, the worker folds the cushioning flap 60 in a predetermined direction along the fold lines 641, 642, 643, and 644. The worker places the cushioning flap 60 shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 over the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 from above through the storage compartment opening 45. Then, the worker fits the fitting portion 61 of the cushioning flap 60 into the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12, and positions the cushioning flap 60 in the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 7.

[0050] The worker sandwiches the second plate portion 602 between the inner plate 432 of the third side plate portion 43 and the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12, while bringing one surface of the first plate portion 601 into contact with the inner plate 432 of the third side plate portion 43. At this time, the fitting portion 61 fits around the periphery of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12. That is, the worker fits the outer periphery of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 into the fitting portions 61 of the second plate portion 602 and the third plate portion 603. At this time, the worker confirms that the end portion of the shutter 252 on the first end 201 side (the −X axis direction side) is positioned closer to the second end 202 side (the +X axis direction side) than the third plate portion 603.

[0051] Then, the worker brings the fifth plate-shaped portion 605 into contact with the other surface of the first plate-shaped portion 601 and makes the fourth plate-shaped portion 604 parallel to the bottom plate portion 40 .

[0052] In this way, the first buffer section 36 is formed in the packaging box 14 by the buffer flap 60 .

[0053] When the toner cartridge 12 is packed in the packaging box 14 in this manner, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 is fitted into the first buffer section 36 of the accommodating section 32 of the packaging box 14, with the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 positioned close to the second buffer section 38, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 . At this time, the longitudinal length between the first end 201 and the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 is within the longitudinal distance between the third side plate section 43 and the fourth side plate section 44 of the accommodating section 32. For example, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 passes through the fitting section 61 of the buffer flap 60 but is spaced apart from the inner plate 432 of the third side plate section 43. The second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 may be in contact with the second buffer section 38 or may be spaced apart from it.

[0054] The vertical height of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 falls within the vertical height range of the first buffer section 36 and does not protrude outside the storage section opening 45. The width of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 in the front-to-rear direction falls within the range of the width between the first side plate section 41 and the second side plate section 42 of the storage section 32.

[0055] The vertical height of the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 falls within the vertical height range of the second buffer section 38 and does not protrude outside the storage section opening 45. The width of the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 in the front-to-rear direction falls within the range of the width between the first side plate section 41 and the second side plate section 42 of the storage section 32.

[0056] Furthermore, at a position between the first end 201 and the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12, the vertical height of the toner cartridge 12 falls within the vertical height range of the accommodating section 32 and does not protrude outside the accommodating section opening 45. At a position between the first end 201 and the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12, the width in the front-to-rear direction of the toner cartridge 12 falls within the range of the width between the first side plate portion 41 and the second side plate portion 42 of the accommodating section 32.

[0057] Therefore, the toner cartridge 12 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 32 without jumping out from inside the accommodation portion 32 to the outside.

[0058] 11, the lid portion 34 of the packaging box 14 closes the storage compartment 32 containing the toner cartridge 12. The fold line 46 between the second side plate portion 42 and the lid top plate 51 is folded along the X-axis direction, and the fold line 47 between the lid top plate 51 and the lid flap 52 is folded along the X-axis direction. The lid flap 52 of the lid portion 34 is then adhered to the front of the first side plate portion 41. At this time, the outer surface (lower surface) of the bottom plate 401 of the bottom plate portion 40 and the outer surface (upper surface) of the lid top plate 51 of the lid portion 34 are parallel to each other, as shown in FIG.

[0059] In this way, the packaging box 14 and the toner cartridge 12 form a toner cartridge circulation body 10. Then, a plurality of toner cartridge circulation bodies 10 are stacked one on top of the other, for example, and transported to a desired location.

[0060] For example, suppose that an appropriate impact is applied in the +X-axis direction to the outer plate 431 of the third side plate portion 43 of the toner cartridge circulation body 10. An example of this situation is when the circulation body 10 is dropped onto the floor with the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 inside the circulation body 10 facing downward.

[0061] At this time, the lid flap 52 of the lid portion 34 is fixed to the first side plate portion 41, thereby preventing the fourth plate portion 604 of the buffer flap 60 from flying out of the storage portion opening 45 through the storage portion opening 45. Depending on the magnitude of the impact, the third mating edge 613 of the mating portion 61 of the buffer flap 60 approaches the inner plate 432 of the third side plate portion 43. That is, the second plate portion 602 is pushed in the -X axis direction by the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12, and the second plate portion 602 of the buffer flap 60 is bent as shown by reference numeral 6021 in FIG. 13 . In other words, the third side plate portion 43 of the packaging box 14 moves toward the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 due to the deformation (crushing) of the second plate portion 602 of the buffer flap 60 of the first buffer portion 36.

[0062] On the other hand, the shutter 252 is caught on the spacer 62 that acts as a partition around the second mating edge 612 of the mating portion 61 of the third plate-shaped portion 603, preventing the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 from moving toward the inner plate 432 of the third side plate portion 43.

[0063] Here, due to the deformation of the second plate-shaped portion 602, the fold line 642 (the boundary between the second plate-shaped portion 602 and the third plate-shaped portion 603) at the lower end of the third plate-shaped portion 603 is pulled toward the first plate-shaped portion 601. As a result, the inclination angle of the third plate-shaped portion 603 moves in a direction away from being parallel to the first plate-shaped portion 601.

[0064] 13, i.e., the fold line 643 at the boundary between the third plate-shaped portion 603 and the fourth plate-shaped portion 604, tends to move toward the bottom plate portion 40, but the movement is restricted by the presence of the rail 251 of the toner cartridge 12 and the container body 221. Therefore, the third plate-shaped portion 603 is pulled toward the first plate-shaped portion 601 in conjunction with the deformation of the second plate-shaped portion 602, but the deformation of the fourth plate-shaped portion 604 and the fifth plate-shaped portion 605 is restricted.

[0065] As a result, a separation is maintained between the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 and the first and fifth plate-shaped portions 601 and 605. Therefore, for example, if the circulator 10 is dropped onto the floor with the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 facing downwards, the first buffer portion 36 prevents the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 from being subjected to an impact.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, if the circulator 10 is dropped onto the floor with the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 facing downward, the shock absorber flap 60 may elastically deform to absorb the shock depending on the magnitude of the shock. At this time, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 moves toward the third side plate 43 (the −X axis direction) due to gravity. As a result, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 moves the second plate-shaped portion 602 of the shock absorber flap 60 toward the third side plate 43 (the −X axis direction). Furthermore, the shutter 252 of the toner cartridge 12 moves the third plate-shaped portion 603 of the shock absorber flap 60 toward the third side plate 43 (the −X axis direction). At this time, the shock absorber flap 60 is made of, for example, cardboard. As a result, the second plate-shaped portion 602 and the third plate-shaped portion 603 of the shock absorber flap 60 are elastically deformed into curved shapes, for example. Therefore, the packaging box 14 absorbs the impact on the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 by, for example, elastic deformation of the buffer flap 60 .

[0067] In this way, the movement between the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 and the third side panel portion 43 of the packaging box 14 and / or the deformation of the buffer flap 60 of the first buffer portion 36 buffers the impact on the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12. Therefore, the first buffer portion 36 can buffer the impact on the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 in the longitudinal direction.

[0068] Near the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12, the edge of the fitting portion 61 of the first buffering portion 36 is separated from the first side plate portion 41 by the second plate portion 602 and the third plate portion 603. Therefore, if an impact is applied to the first side plate portion 41 in the +Y axis direction, the second plate portion 602 and the third plate portion 603 of the first buffering portion 36 may be deformed. Deformation of the third plate portion 603 may include, for example, movement of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 toward the second side plate portion 42 (the +Y axis direction) due to twisting of the buffering flap 60, and / or crushing between the fitting portion 61 of the first buffering portion 36 and the edge of the buffering flap 60 on the -Y axis direction side.

[0069] Similarly, near the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12, the edge of the fitting portion 61 of the first buffering portion 36 and the second side plate portion 42 are separated by the second plate portion 602 and the third plate portion 603. Therefore, if an impact is applied to the second side plate portion 42 in the -Y axis direction, the second plate portion 602 and the third plate portion 603 of the first buffering portion 36 may deform.

[0070] Near the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12, the edge of the fitting portion 61 of the first buffering portion 36 is separated from the lid top plate 51 by the third plate-shaped portion 603. Therefore, if an impact is applied to the lid top plate 51 in the -Z axis direction, the third plate-shaped portion 603 of the first buffering portion 36 may deform. At this time, the lid top plate 51 and the fourth plate-shaped portion 604 are located between the outer peripheral surface or the discharge portion 25 near the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 and the outer surface of the lid top plate 51. Therefore, the lid top plate 51 and the fourth plate-shaped portion 604 buffer the impact on the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12. Therefore, the lid top plate 51 and the fourth plate-shaped portion 604 can be part of the first buffering portion 36.

[0071] The vicinity of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 is not directly placed on the bottom plate 40 of the packaging box 14, but is placed on the flap 402 on the bottom plate 401 of the bottom plate 40. Therefore, near the lower end of the accommodating section 32, the underside of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 is supported by two cardboard sheets. Also, because the fitting portion 61 of the third plate-shaped portion 603 is deformable, the vicinity of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 is not restricted from moving in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, if an impact is applied to the bottom plate 40 in the +Z-axis direction, the impact is buffered by the bottom plate 401 and the flap 402 of the bottom plate 40. Therefore, the bottom plate 401 and the flap 402 of the bottom plate 40 can be part of the first buffer section 36. In addition, the vicinity of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 moves upward (towards the +Z axis direction) within the storage section 32, causing the container body 221 and the rail 251 to move the third plate-shaped portion 603 upward, thereby cushioning the impact on the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12.

[0072] In this way, the first buffering portion 36 buffers impacts on the periphery of the first end 201 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 12 .

[0073] Therefore, by properly fitting the buffer flap 60 to the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 in the packaging box 14 of this embodiment, the impact around the first longitudinal end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 can be buffered by the first buffer portion 36.

[0074] The second buffer portion 38 appropriately buffers the impact applied to the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 .

[0075] It should be noted that the second buffer portion 38 in this embodiment is not intended to fit into the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12, but may be formed as a fitting structure like the first buffer portion 36.

[0076] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a toner cartridge packaging box 14 that reduces impact on the toner cartridge 12, and a toner cartridge distribution product 10 that includes the toner cartridge 12 packed in the toner cartridge packaging box 14.

[0077] Before being assembled into the packaging box 14 shown in Fig. 1, the blank 110 is formed into a flat plate shape as shown in Fig. 14. An example of the blank 110 is a double-sided corrugated cardboard having a thickness of, for example, 3 mm.

[0078] As shown in Figure 14, the blank 110 has a bottom 111, a first side panel region 112, a second side panel region 113, a lid portion 114, a lid flap portion 115, a first inner panel portion 116, a second inner panel portion 117, a first outer panel portion 118, a first bottom abutment portion 119, a spacer portion (buffer area forming portion) 120, a buffer flap region 121, a second outer panel portion 123, a second bottom abutment portion 124, a buffer area forming portion 125, and a fixing plate 126.

[0079] The bottom portion 111, the first side plate region 112, the second side plate region 113, the lid portion 114, the first inner plate portion 116, the second inner plate portion 117, the first outer plate portion 118, the spacer portion 120, the buffer flap region 121, and the second outer plate portion 123 are formed in an approximately rectangular shape.

[0080] The X-axis is taken in the longitudinal direction of the bottom 111 of the blank 110, and the Y-axis is taken in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the XY plane is taken to be a plane parallel to the front and back surfaces of the bottom 111 of the blank 110. The Z-axis is taken in the thickness direction of the blank 110.

[0081] A crease 131 (one long side of the bottom 111) is formed at the boundary between the bottom 111 and the first side panel region 112. A crease 132 (the other long side of the bottom 111) is formed at the boundary between the bottom 111 and the second side panel region 113. A crease 133 (lid crease) is formed at the boundary between the second side panel region 113 and the lid 114. A crease 134 (lid flap crease) is formed at the boundary between the lid 114 and the lid flap 115. A crease 135 (one short side of the first side panel region 112) is formed at the boundary between the first side panel region 112 and the first inner panel 116. A crease 136 (the other short side of the first side panel region 112) is formed at the boundary between the first side panel region 112 and the second inner panel 117. A crease 137 (on one short side of the second side plate region 113) is formed at the boundary between the second side plate region 113 and the first outer plate portion 118. A crease 138 is formed at the boundary between the first outer plate portion 118 and the first bottom abutment portion 119. A crease 139 is formed at the boundary between the first outer plate portion 118 and the spacer portion 120. A crease 140 is formed at the boundary between the spacer portion 120 and the cushioning flap region 121.

[0082] The lines 131-140 and lines 141-148, which will be described later, form fold lines that allow easy folding.

[0083] A crease 141 (on the other short side of the second side plate region 113) is formed at the boundary between the second side plate region 113 and the second outer plate portion 123. A crease 142 is formed at the boundary between the second outer plate portion 123 and the second bottom abutment portion 124. A crease 143 is formed at the boundary between the second outer plate portion 123 and the buffer area forming portion 125. A crease 144 is formed at the boundary between the buffer area forming portion 125 and the fixing plate 126.

[0084] The crease 133 is formed at a position that makes the bottom 111 (bottom plate portion 40) and the lid 114 (lid top plate 51) parallel when the lid 114 (lid top plate 51) is folded relative to the storage portion 32.

[0085] The line 134 is formed at a position where, when the lid flap portion 115 (lid flap 52) is folded against the lid portion 114 (lid top plate 51), the lid flap portion 115 (lid flap 52) abuts against the outer surface of the first side panel region 112 (first side panel portion 41) and the lid flap portion 115 (lid flap 52) and the first side panel region 112 (first side panel portion 41) are parallel to each other.

[0086] The length (width) of the lid portion 114 (lid top plate 51) along the Y axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is longer than the length (width) of the bottom portion 111 (bottom plate portion 40) along the Y axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when the lid portion 114 (lid top plate 51) is folded relative to the bottom portion 111 (bottom plate portion 40) along the crease 131 and the bottom portion 111 (bottom plate portion 40) along the crease 132, and the first side plate region 112 (first side plate portion 41) and the second side plate region 113 (second side plate portion 42) are brought into a parallel state, the lid portion 114 (lid top plate 51) abuts against the protrusion 1121 of the first side plate region 112 (first side plate portion 41).

[0087] The edge of the first side plate region 112 on the -Y axis side (opposite the bottom 111 and the ruled line 131) is formed as a protruding portion 1121 that protrudes toward the -Y axis side (opposite the bottom 111) relative to an edge (first edge) 1162 on the -Y axis side of the first inner plate portion 116 and an edge (second edge) 1172 on the -Y axis side of the second inner plate portion 117. In other words, the edge 1162 of the first inner plate portion 116 is located closer to the bottom 111 (toward the +Y axis) than the protruding portion 1121 of the first side plate region 112. The edge 1172 of the second inner plate portion 117 is located closer to the bottom 111 (toward the +Y axis) than the protruding portion 1121 of the first side plate region 112. The protruding portion 1121 of the first side plate region 112 protrudes, for example, 3 mm toward the -Y axis side relative to the -Y axis side edge 1162 of the first inner plate portion 116 and the -Y axis side edge 1172 of the second inner plate portion 117.

[0088] The ruled line (one of the long edges) 133 and the protruding portion (the other long edge) 1121 of the first side plate region 112 form a pair of long edges of the opening of the storage section 32.

[0089] The first side plate region 112 has a corner 11211 formed as an inclined surface that slopes toward the -Y-axis side as it approaches the +X-axis side, between an edge 1162 of the first inner plate portion 116 and the protruding portion 1121 of the first side plate region 112. The first side plate region 112 has a corner 11212 formed as an inclined surface that slopes toward the +Y-axis side as it approaches the +X-axis side, between an edge 1172 of the second inner plate portion 117 and the protruding portion 1121 of the first side plate region 112.

[0090] The longitudinal length of the second side plate region 113 along the X-axis is shorter than the longitudinal length of the bottom portion 111. The longitudinal length of the second side plate region 113 is shorter than the longitudinal length of the lid portion 114 by, for example, about 1 mm to 2 mm. The length of the second side plate region 113 along the Y-axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the first side plate region 112.

[0091] A through cut 1141 is formed between the cover portion 114 and the spacer portion 120 and the buffer flap region 121. A through cut 1142 is formed between the cover portion 114 and the buffer region forming portion 125 and the fixing plate 126.

[0092] A through cut 1151 is formed between the lid flap portion 115 and the buffer flap region 121. The through cut 1151 is continuous with the through cut 1141. A slanted end 1152 that is spaced apart from the buffer flap region 121 is formed on the +Y-axis side of the through cut 1151. The slanted end 1152 is slanted in a direction away from the +X-axis direction as it moves from the +X-axis side edge 1210 of the buffer flap region 121 toward the +Y-axis direction.

[0093] The lid flap portion 115 has a through cut 1151 and an inclined edge 1152 on its edge on the -X axis side. The lid flap portion 115 has an edge 1153 that is symmetrical to the through cut 1151 and the inclined edge 1152 on its edge on the +X axis side.

[0094] The lid flap portion 115 has an edge 1154 on the +Y-axis side. The longitudinal length of the edge 1154 along the X-axis is shorter than the longitudinal lengths of the lid portion 114 and the first side panel region 112. Furthermore, the length of the lid flap portion 115 in the Y-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the X-axis direction (longitudinal direction), i.e., the distance between the ruled line 134 and the edge 1154 of the lid flap portion 115 in the +Y-axis direction, is shorter than the distance between the ruled line 131 and the protruding portion 1121 of the first side panel region 112.

[0095] This prevents the +Y-axis direction edge 1154 of the lid flap portion 115 from being positioned lower than the bottom plate portion 40. Also, the +Y-axis direction edge 1154 of the lid flap portion 115 is prevented from being positioned on the -X-axis side beyond the third side plate portion 43 (first outer plate portion 118), and from being positioned on the +X-axis side beyond the fourth side plate portion 44 (second outer plate portion 123).

[0096] The longitudinal lengths of the bottom 111, the first side plate region 112, the second side plate region 113, and the lid portion 114 are longer than the overall length of the toner cartridge 12. The width lengths of the bottom 111 and the lid portion 114 along the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are longer than the width of the toner cartridge 12. The heights of the first side plate region 112 and the second side plate region 113 along the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are longer than the height of the toner cartridge 12 in the height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and width directions.

[0097] The longitudinal length of the first side plate region 112 is shorter than the longitudinal length of the bottom 111. An edge 1161 on the +Y-axis side (bottom 111 side) of the first inner plate portion 116 is located more distant toward the -Y-axis side than the bottom 111 and the crease 131. Therefore, a first groove 161 is formed between the bottom 111, the first side plate region 112, and the first inner plate portion 116. An edge 1171 on the +Y-axis side (bottom 111 side) of the second inner plate portion 117 is located more distant toward the -Y-axis side than the bottom 111 and the crease 131. Therefore, a second groove 162 is formed between the bottom 111, the first side plate region 112, and the second inner plate portion 117.

[0098] The crease 138 on the bottom 111 side of the first outer plate portion 118 is spaced away from the crease 132 at the boundary between the bottom 111 and the second side plate region 113 toward the +Y axis.

[0099] A first bottom abutment portion 119 is formed on the -Y-axis side of the first outer plate portion 118. An edge 1191 on the +X-axis side of the first bottom abutment portion 119 is inclined and spaced away from the bottom portion 111 toward the -X-axis side. The edge 1191 is formed as an inclined end that inclines in the -X-axis direction as it moves from the +Y-axis side to the -Y-axis side. An edge 1192 on the -X-axis side of the first bottom abutment portion 119 has an inclined end 11921 that inclines in the -X-axis direction as it moves from the +Y-axis side to the -Y-axis side, and a straight edge 11922 that is straight along the -Y-axis direction from the -Y-axis side end of the inclined end 11921.

[0100] The crease 139 is located on the −Y axis side of the crease 133 between the second side panel region 113 and the lid portion 114.

[0101] A spacer portion 120 is formed on the +Y-axis side (lid portion 114 side) of the first outer plate portion 118. A buffer flap region 121 is formed on the +Y-axis side of the spacer portion 120. Therefore, the buffer flap region 121 is provided in the same positional relationship with respect to the first outer plate portion 118 and the spacer portion 120 as the second side plate region 113 with respect to the bottom portion 111.

[0102] Spacer portion 120 is disposed between crease 139 and crease 140. The length of spacer portion 120 along the Y-axis direction is longer than the thickness of the cardboard sheet.

[0103] The buffer flap region 121 has, in order along the +Y axis direction, a first plate-shaped region 1211, a second plate-shaped region 1212, a third plate-shaped region 1213, a fourth plate-shaped region 1214, and a fifth plate-shaped region 1215.

[0104] Between the first plate-shaped region 1211 and the second plate-shaped region 1212, there is a ruled line 145 parallel to the X-axis. Between the second plate-shaped region 1212 and the third plate-shaped region 1213, there is a ruled line 146 parallel to the X-axis. Between the third plate-shaped region 1213 and the fourth plate-shaped region 1214, there is a ruled line 147 parallel to the X-axis. Between the fourth plate-shaped region 1214 and the fifth plate-shaped region 1215, there is a ruled line 148 parallel to the X-axis.

[0105] The length of the first plate region 1211 along the Y-axis direction is shorter than the lengths of the first side plate region 112 and the second side plate region 113 in the Y-axis direction.

[0106] The second plate-shaped region 1212 has a first fitting recess 151. The distance along the Y axis from the boundary between the second plate-shaped region 1212 and the first plate-shaped region 1211 to the first fitting recess 151 corresponds to the distance between the inner plate 432 of the third side plate portion 43 of the packaging box 14 and the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12.

[0107] The length of the second plate-shaped region 1212 along the Y-axis direction is shorter than the distance between the inner plate 432 of the third side plate portion 43 of the packaging box 14 and the end face of the shutter 252 of the toner cartridge 12 of the packaging box 14 on the first end 201 side.

[0108] The third plate-shaped region 1213 has a second mating recess 152 and a third mating recess 153. The first mating recess 151 of the second plate-shaped region 1212 and the second mating recess 152 and third mating recess 153 of the third plate-shaped region 1213 form a single mating opening 150. The mating opening 150 is spaced apart from the spacer portion 120 and the first outer plate portion 118, and is formed inside and away from the outer edge of the buffer flap region 121 to ensure an area that will serve as a spacer. The buffer flap region 121 also has a ruled line 146 on the mating opening 150. Therefore, the mating opening 150 is formed so that the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 and a portion of the container body 221 and the discharge portion 25 in the vicinity thereof can be fitted into the mating opening 150 when the mating opening 150 is bent along the ruled line 146.

[0109] The second fitting recess 152 of the third plate-shaped region 1213 follows the outline of the container body 221 on the side opposite to the lid body 222. The opening width of the third fitting recess 153 is wider than the width of the rail 251 and narrower than the width of the shutter 252.

[0110] The length of the fourth plate-shaped region 1214 along the Y-axis direction is formed to be longer than, for example, the length of the second plate-shaped region 1212 along the Y-axis direction. It is preferable that the length of the fourth plate-shaped region 1214 along the Y-axis direction is a length that allows the lid top plate 51 of the lid portion 34 and the fourth plate-shaped portion 604 to be parallel when the packaging box 14 is closed with the lid portion 34.

[0111] It is preferable that the length of the fifth plate-shaped region 1215 along the Y-axis direction be shorter than the length of the first plate-shaped region 1211 along the Y-axis direction. At this time, the distal end 6051 of the fifth plate-shaped portion 605 of the packaging box 14 does not press the second plate-shaped portion 602. This prevents the second plate-shaped portion 602 and the fifth plate-shaped portion 605 from unintentionally coming into contact with each other and bending the second plate-shaped portion 602 and the fifth plate-shaped portion 605.

[0112] The crease 142 on the bottom 111 side of the second outer plate portion 123 is located at a position spaced apart from the crease 132 at the boundary between the bottom 111 and the second side plate region 113 on the +Y-axis side.

[0113] A second bottom abutment portion 124 is formed on the -Y-axis side of the second outer plate portion 123. An edge 1241 on the -X-axis side of the second bottom abutment portion 124 is inclined and moves away from the bottom portion 111 toward the +X-axis side. Therefore, the edge 1241 is formed as an inclined end that inclines in the +X-axis direction as it moves from the +Y-axis side toward the -Y-axis side. An edge 1242 on the +X-axis side of the second bottom abutment portion 124 has an inclined end 12421 that inclines in the +X-axis direction as it moves from the +Y-axis side toward the -Y-axis side, and a straight edge 12422 that is straight along the -Y-axis direction from the -Y-axis side end of the inclined end 12421.

[0114] The second bottom contact portion 124 has a through hole 1243 on the −Y-axis side of the ruled line 142, to which the protrusion 1262 of the fixing plate 126 is fixed.

[0115] A buffer area forming portion 125 is formed on the +Y-axis side of second outer plate portion 123. A fixing plate 126 is formed on the +Y-axis side of buffer area forming portion 125. Ruled line 143 is located on the -Y-axis side of ruled line 133 at the boundary between second side plate region 113 and lid portion 114. Buffer area forming portion 125 forms an area along the Y-axis direction between ruled line 143 and ruled line 144, the area having a length equal to or longer than the thickness of the cardboard.

[0116] The buffer region forming portion 125 and the ruled lines 143 and 144 form the other of the pair of short edges of the opening of the storage portion 32.

[0117] The distance between the ruled line 144 and the edge 1261 on the +Y-axis side of the fixed plate 126 is shorter than the length (height) of the first side plate region 112 and the second side plate region 113 in the Y-axis direction.

[0118] The fixing plate 126 has a protrusion 1262 that protrudes toward the +Y-axis side from an edge 1261 on the +Y-axis side. The protrusion 1262 has a size and shape that fits into the through-hole 1243.

[0119] A notch 1131 is formed on the second side plate region 113 side at the boundary between the second side plate region 113, the lid portion 114, the first outer plate portion 118, and the spacer portion 120. The notch 1131 continues to a through notch 1141. A notch 1132 is formed on the second side plate region 113 side at the boundary between the second side plate region 113, the lid portion 114, the second outer plate portion 123, and the buffer region forming portion 125. The notch 1132 continues to a through notch 1142.

[0120] Furthermore, a notch 1133 is formed on the second side plate region 113 side at the boundary between the second side plate region 113, the bottom portion 111, the second outer plate portion 123, and the second bottom abutment portion 124. The notch 1133 is continuous with an edge 1241 on the -X-axis side of the second bottom abutment portion 124.

[0121] The creases 131-148 of the blank 110 are the fold lines for folding the blank 110. The creases 131-148 are along the X-axis or the Y-axis. It is preferable that, for example, folding grooves are formed in advance at the positions of the creases 131-148 to make folding easier.

[0122] The blank 110 shown in FIG. 14 is folded along the lines 131-148 to form the packaging box 14 shown in FIG.

[0123] The bottom portion 111 becomes the bottom plate 401 of the bottom plate portion 40. The first side plate region 112 is bent relative to the bottom portion 111 by the grooves 161, 162 and the crease 131. The first side plate region 112 becomes the first side plate portion 41. The second side plate region 113 is bent relative to the bottom portion 111 by the crease 132. The second side plate region 113 becomes the second side plate portion 42.

[0124] The first inner plate portion 116 is bent relative to the first side plate region 112 by the grooves 161 and the creases 135. The second inner plate portion 117 is bent relative to the first side plate region 112 by the grooves 162 and the creases 136.

[0125] The lid portion 114 is bent relative to the second side plate region 113 by the cuts 1131 and 1132 and the crease 133. The first outer plate portion 118 and the spacer portion 120 are also bent relative to the second side plate region 113 by the cuts 1131 and the crease 137.

[0126] The cuts 1132, 1133 and the lines 141 cause the second outer plate portion 123, the second bottom contact portion 124, and the buffer area forming portion 125 to be folded relative to the second side plate region 113. The second outer plate portion 123, the second bottom contact portion 124, and the buffer area forming portion 125 form the fourth side plate portion 44 and the second buffer portion 38.

[0127] The first outer plate portion 118 becomes the plate closest to the -X axis side (outer plate 431 of the third side plate portion 43) of the third side plate portion 43 (see FIG. 1) of the packaging box 14. The first inner plate portion 116 is disposed between the first outer plate portion 118 and the buffer flap region 121. The first inner plate portion 116 contacts, for example, the +X side of the first outer plate portion 118. The first inner plate portion 116 becomes the inner plate 432 of the third side plate portion 43.

[0128] The first bottom abutment portion 119 is bent relative to the first outer plate portion 118 by the score line 138. As a result, the first bottom abutment portion 119 is placed on the bottom portion 111. The first bottom abutment portion 119 becomes the first flap plate 402 of the bottom plate portion 40. At this time, the +X-axis side edge 1191 of the first bottom abutment portion 119 moves away from the second side plate region 113 toward the +X-axis side. The inclined end 11921 of the first bottom abutment portion 119 moves away from the first side plate region 112. The straight edge 11922 of the first bottom abutment portion 119 abuts against the first side plate region 112.

[0129] The second outer plate portion 123 becomes the plate closest to the +X axis (the outer plate of the fourth side plate portion 44) of the fourth side plate portion 44 (see FIG. 1) of the packaging box 14. The second inner plate portion 117 is disposed between the second outer plate portion 123 and the fixing plate 126. Therefore, the second inner plate portion 117 becomes a middle plate between the outer plate and inner plate of the fourth side plate portion 44.

[0130] The second bottom abutment portion 124 is bent relative to the second outer plate portion 123 by the score line 142. As a result, the second bottom abutment portion 124 is placed on the bottom portion 111. At this time, the edge 1241 on the -X axis side of the second bottom abutment portion 124 moves away from the second side plate region 113 toward the -X axis side. The inclined end 12421 of the second bottom abutment portion 124 moves away from the first side plate region 112. The straight edge 12422 of the second bottom abutment portion 124 abuts against the first side plate region 112.

[0131] Then, by bending the lines 143, 144, the protrusions 1262 are inserted into the through holes 1243 and fixed. At this time, the fourth side plate 44 is formed by overlapping three plates: the second outer plate 123, the second inner plate 117, and the fixing plate 126. Furthermore, the buffer area forming portion 125 forms a space between the second outer plate 123 and the second inner plate 117, and between the second inner plate 117 and the fixing plate 126. Therefore, the second buffer portion 38 is formed in the fourth side plate 44. Furthermore, the storage portion 32 of the packaging box 14 is formed from the blank 110.

[0132] The first outer plate portion 118 and the shock absorbing flap region 121 are folded along creases 139 and 140, and are spaced apart by a spacer portion 120 between the creases 139 and 140.

[0133] Then, when the lines 145-148 of the cushioning flap region 121 are folded as shown in FIG. 1, the first cushioning section 36 of the packaging box 14 is formed.

[0134] In this manner, the packaging box 14 having the storage section 32, the lid section 34, the first buffer section 36 and the second buffer section 38 is formed.

[0135] That is, the bottom portion 111, the first bottom contact portion 119, and the second bottom contact portion 124 correspond to the bottom plate portion 40 in the assembled state of the packaging box 14. The first side plate region 112 corresponds to the first side plate portion 41. The second side plate region 113 corresponds to the second side plate portion 42. The first outer plate portion 118 and the first inner plate portion 116 correspond to the third side plate portion 43. The first inner plate portion 116, the first bottom contact portion 119, the spacer portion 120, and the buffer flap region 121 correspond to the first buffer portion 36. The first inner plate portion 117, the second outer plate portion 123, the second bottom contact portion 124, the buffer area forming portion 125, and the fixing plate 126 correspond to the second buffer portion 38. The lid portion 114 corresponds to the lid top plate 51. The lid flap portion 115 corresponds to the lid flap 52 .

[0136] 1, the blank 110 is fabricated into a packaging box 14 having a cushioning flap 60. Therefore, the toner cartridge 12 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 32 of the packaging box 14 in a predetermined orientation, the cushioning flap 60 is fitted around the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 to form the first cushioning portion 36, and the lid portion 34 is fixed to the first side plate portion 41, whereby the circulating body 10 exhibits appropriate cushioning properties for the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 of the circulating body 10.

[0137] For example, the first bottom abutment portion 119 is formed as a part of the bottom plate portion 40, and is also formed as a part of the first buffer portion 36. In this way, a part of the blank 110 according to this embodiment can perform multiple functions even though it is a single member.

[0138] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a toner cartridge packaging box 14 that reduces impact on the toner cartridge 12, a toner cartridge circulation product 10 that includes the toner cartridge 12 packed in the toner cartridge packaging box 14, and a toner cartridge packaging blank 110.

[0139] Here, if the height along the Y axis of the second side plate region 113 of the blank 110 is, for example, 86 mm and the height along the Y axis of the notch 1131 in the second side plate region 113 is 3 mm, the upper end surface of the first buffer section 36 and the protruding section 1121 of the first side plate region 112 will be flush or approximately flush with each other. If the height along the Y axis of the notch 1132 in the second side plate region 113 is 3 mm, the upper end surface of the second buffer section 38 and the protruding section 1121 of the first side plate region 112 will be flush or approximately flush with each other.

[0140] In the packaging box 14 according to this embodiment, the outer surface of the bottom plate 40 that contacts the floor or the like and the outer surface of the lid top plate 51 can be made parallel (including approximately parallel) regardless of whether, for example, glue is applied between the first side plate 41 and the lid flap 52. Therefore, when multiple circulation items 10 are stacked, they can be stacked straight on top. Therefore, the circulation items 10 according to this embodiment can be prevented from collapsing during transportation. With such a packaging box 14, it is possible to prevent impacts from being applied to the first ends 201 of the toner cartridges 12 in the circulation items 10.

[0141] Furthermore, the packaging box 14 according to this embodiment is made from a blank 110 in which the box-shaped storage section 32, the lid section 34, the first buffer section 36, and the second buffer section 38 are integrally formed. Therefore, the blank 110 can be transported as a single piece rather than as multiple pieces. Therefore, the blank 110 according to this embodiment can be made smaller than a blank formed from multiple pieces. Therefore, by using the blank 110 according to this embodiment, the transportation cost of the blank 110 can be reduced. Furthermore, the impact on the environment when transporting the blank 110 according to this embodiment can be reduced.

[0142] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the first buffer section 36 and the second buffer section 38 are provided integrally with the storage section 32. The first buffer section 36 and the second buffer section 38 do not have to be provided integrally with the storage section 32.

[0143] The shapes of the first buffer section 36 and the second buffer section 38 of the packaging box 14 are merely examples. The shapes of the first buffer section 36 and the second buffer section 38 can be set in various ways. In addition, for example, it is also preferable that the storage section 32 and the first buffer section 36 of the packaging box 14 are formed as separate bodies.

[0144] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which both the first buffer section 36 and the second buffer section 38 are provided in the storage section 32. For example, the storage section 32 does not necessarily need to be provided with the second buffer section 38. In other words, it is sufficient that a buffer section is provided on at least one side of the end of the storage section 32 in the longitudinal direction.

[0145] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a toner cartridge packaging box that reduces impact on a toner cartridge, a toner cartridge circulation product that includes a toner cartridge packed in the toner cartridge packaging box, and a toner cartridge packaging blank.

[0146] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0147] [Note] [Appendix 1] a box-shaped container having a rectangular opening that is long along the longitudinal direction, into which a toner cartridge that is long in the longitudinal direction is inserted and removed; The housing portion is provided integrally with one of the side plates at both longitudinal ends thereof, a fitting portion that fits over one end of the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction, the toner cartridge being housed in the housing portion in a predetermined orientation, from an opening side of the housing portion; a spacer that separates the one end of the toner cartridge from the one side plate; a flap-shaped buffer portion that buffers an impact on the one end of the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction; A toner cartridge packaging box having: [Appendix 2] The buffer section is a first plate-shaped portion in contact with the one side plate; a second plate-shaped portion that is integrated with the first plate-shaped portion, that fits into the one end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity as a part of the fitting portion, that serves as the spacer for separating the one end of the toner cartridge from the one side plate, and that deforms when the toner cartridge moves toward the one side plate; a third plate-shaped portion that is integrated with the second plate-shaped portion and that fits together with the second plate-shaped portion as a remaining part of the fitting portion along the outer shape of the rail of the toner supply port and the toner accommodating portion at the one end of the toner cartridge and in the vicinity thereof; a fourth plate-shaped portion that is integrated with the third plate-shaped portion, is spaced apart from the second plate-shaped portion, and extends from the third plate-shaped portion toward the first plate-shaped portion; a fifth plate-shaped portion that is integrated with the fourth plate-shaped portion, is spaced apart from the third plate-shaped portion, and abuts against the first plate-shaped portion; Attachment 1, a toner cartridge packaging box having: [Appendix 3] a lid portion provided on one of a pair of long edges of the storage portion opening and having a lid top plate covering the storage portion opening; 3. The toner cartridge packaging box according to claim 2, wherein the fourth plate-shaped portion and the lid top plate are parallel to each other. [Appendix 4] 2. The toner cartridge packaging box according to claim 1, wherein the spacer separates the one end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity from a pair of side plates adjacent to the one side plate of the accommodating section. [Appendix 5] a rectangular bottom portion corresponding to a bottom plate portion of the accommodating portion of the toner cartridge packaging box in an assembled state of the toner cartridge packaging box; a rectangular first side panel region provided on one long side of the bottom portion and corresponding to the first side panel portion of the storage portion in the assembled state; a rectangular second side plate region provided on the other long side of the bottom portion and corresponding to a second side plate portion facing the first side plate portion of the storage unit in the assembled state; a first inner plate portion provided on one short side of the first side plate region and corresponding to a part of the third side plate portion of the storage portion in the assembled state; a second inner plate portion provided on the other short side of the first side plate region and corresponding to a part of the fourth side plate portion of the storage portion in the assembled state; a rectangular first outer plate portion provided in the second side plate region and arranged outside the first inner plate portion corresponding to the third side plate portion of the storage portion in the assembled state; a rectangular buffer flap region that is provided with respect to the first outer plate portion in the same positional relationship as the second side plate region with respect to the bottom, and that has a fitting opening that fits into one end of the toner cartridge and at least a part of the periphery of a toner supply port in the vicinity of the one end in the assembled state; and The toner cartridge packaging blank, wherein the fitting opening is spaced apart from the first outer plate portion and formed on an inner side away from an outer edge of the cushioning flap area. [Appendix 6] 6. The toner cartridge packaging blank of claim 5, wherein the cushioning flap area has a ruled line on the mating opening. [Appendix 7] The cushioning flap region comprises: a first plate-like region provided in the same positional relationship with respect to the first outer plate portion as the positional relationship of the second side plate region with respect to the bottom portion; a second plate-shaped region provided on the opposite side of the first outer plate portion with respect to the first plate-shaped region, the second plate-shaped region having a first fitting recess that is a part of the fitting opening that fits into one end of the toner cartridge and at least a part of the periphery of a toner supply port in the assembled state; a third plate-shaped region provided on the opposite side of the second plate-shaped region, which fits into the one end of the toner cartridge and at least a part of the periphery of the toner supply port in the assembled state, which is part of the fitting opening, and which has a second fitting recess continuous with the first fitting recess; a fourth plate-shaped region that is provided on the opposite side of the third plate-shaped region with respect to the third plate-shaped region and that serves as a surface facing the housing opening side of the housing portion in the assembled state; a fifth plate-shaped region provided on the opposite side of the fourth plate-shaped region and abutting the first plate-shaped region in the assembled state; 7. A toner cartridge packaging blank according to claim 5 or 6, comprising: [Appendix 8] a rectangular lid portion provided in the second side plate region and corresponding to a lid top plate facing the bottom plate portion of the storage portion in the assembled state; a lid flap portion provided on the lid portion and corresponding to a lid flap that abuts or is fixed to the first side plate region of the storage portion in the assembled state; a protrusion that protrudes from the first side plate region toward the opposite side of the bottom portion relative to the first inner plate portion and the second inner plate portion and abuts against the lid top plate in the assembled state; a lid portion crease that is provided at the boundary between the second side panel region and the lid portion and that makes the bottom panel portion and the lid top panel parallel in the assembled state; 8. A toner cartridge packaging blank according to any one of claims 5 to 7, comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 10...Toner cartridge circulation body, 12...Toner cartridge, 14...Toner cartridge packaging box, 201...First end, 202...Second end, 22...Cartridge body, 221...Container body, 222...Lid body, 23...Filling port, 24...Cap, 25...Discharge portion, 251...Rail, 2511...End surface, 252...Shutter, 253...Stopper, 32...Storage portion, 34...Lid portion, 36...First buffer portion, 38...Second buffer portion, 40...Bottom plate portion, 401...Bottom plate, 402...First flap plate, 41...First side plate portion, 42... Second side plate portion, 43...third side plate portion, 431...outer plate, 432...inner plate, 44...fourth side plate portion, 45...storage section opening, 46, 47...fold line, 51...lid top plate, 52...lid flap, 60...cushion flap, 601...first plate-shaped portion, 602...second plate-shaped portion, 603...third plate-shaped portion, 604...fourth plate-shaped portion, 605...fifth plate-shaped portion, 6051...distal end portion, 61...engaging portion, 611...first engaging edge, 612...second engaging edge, 613...third engaging edge, 62...spacer, 63...fold line, 641-644...fold lines.

Claims

1. a box-shaped container having a rectangular opening that is long along the longitudinal direction, into which a toner cartridge that is long in the longitudinal direction is inserted and removed; The housing portion is provided integrally with one of the side plates at both longitudinal ends thereof, a fitting portion that fits over one end of the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction and at least a portion of the vicinity of the one end from an opening side of the housing portion, the toner cartridge being housed in a predetermined orientation in the housing portion; a spacer that separates the one end and its vicinity from the one side plate of the toner cartridge; a flap-shaped buffer portion that buffers impacts on the one end of the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction and the vicinity thereof; A toner cartridge packaging box having:

2. the fitting portion is fitted along the rail of the toner supply port at the one end of the toner cartridge and the outer shape of the toner accommodating portion at the nearby end, and includes a fitting edge that passes the one end of the toner cartridge and the nearby end between the one side plate side and the side opposite to the one side plate side; The spacer is provided as a wall portion around the fitting edge, and a shutter that slides relative to the rail is disposed on the opposite side from the one side plate side, and the spacer has a partition wall that prevents the shutter from moving toward the one side plate. The toner cartridge packaging box according to claim 1 .

3. 2. The toner cartridge packaging box according to claim 1, wherein the buffer portion has a fold line along which the buffer portion is folded when the fitting portion is placed over the one end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity.

4. The toner cartridge packaging box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a toner cartridge that is disposed in the accommodation portion, and in which the one end of the toner cartridge and the periphery of a toner supply port in the vicinity thereof are fitted into the fitting portion of the buffer portion; A toner cartridge distribution company having the above.

5. a rectangular bottom portion corresponding to a bottom plate portion of the accommodating portion of the toner cartridge packaging box in an assembled state of the toner cartridge packaging box; a rectangular first side panel region provided on one long side of the bottom portion and corresponding to the first side panel portion of the storage portion in the assembled state; a rectangular second side plate region provided on the other long side of the bottom portion and corresponding to a second side plate portion facing the first side plate portion of the storage portion in the assembled state; a first inner plate portion provided on one short side of the first side plate region and corresponding to a part of the third side plate portion of the storage portion in the assembled state; a second inner plate portion provided on the other short side of the first side plate region and corresponding to a part of the fourth side plate portion of the storage portion in the assembled state; a rectangular first outer plate portion provided in the second side plate region and disposed outside the first inner plate portion corresponding to the third side plate portion of the storage portion in the assembled state; a rectangular buffer flap region that is provided with respect to the first outer plate portion in the same positional relationship as the second side plate region with respect to the bottom, and that has a fitting opening that fits into one end of the toner cartridge and at least a part of the periphery of a toner supply port in the vicinity of the one end in the assembled state; and The toner cartridge packaging blank has a fitting opening spaced apart from the first outer plate portion and formed inside an outer edge of the cushioning flap area.

Images