Packaging box, packaging body, and method of manufacturing packaging body

Abstract

The object is to suppress leakage of developer from the developer container. [Solution] A packaging box 5 packages a toner cartridge 10 (developer container) that can store toner (developer) and has a toner supply port 11h (discharge port) that can discharge the toner. The packaging box 5 has a box body 50 that stores the toner cartridge 10, and a pressing portion 62 that is provided inside the box body 50 at a position corresponding to the toner supply port 11h and presses the toner cartridge 10. The pressing portion 62 presses the toner cartridge 10 in a direction approaching an opposing portion 55 of the box body 50 that faces the toner supply port 11h.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a packaging box for packaging a developer container, a method for manufacturing the packaging, and a packaging including the developer container and the packaging box. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Packaging boxes for packaging developer containers that contain developers are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-77803 A (see, for example, the Abstract) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional packaging boxes are configured to support both longitudinal ends of the developer accommodating body, for example. Therefore, when the packaging box is dropped, the developer accommodating body may bend so that the portion not supported by the packaging box (for example, the center portion) is displaced downward, which may cause the developer to leak.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to suppress leakage of developer from a developer container contained in a packaging box. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The packaging box of the present disclosure is capable of packaging a developer container capable of containing a developer and having an outlet through which the developer can be discharged, and includes a box body that contains the developer container, and a pressing portion that is provided inside the box body at a position corresponding to the outlet and presses the developer container. The pressing portion presses the developer container in a direction approaching an opposing portion of the box body that faces the outlet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the present disclosure, the pressing portion presses the developer container in a direction approaching the opposing portion of the box body (the portion facing the discharge port), thereby preventing gaps from forming around the discharge port of the developer container, thereby preventing developer leakage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are a longitudinal sectional view and a transverse sectional view showing a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing a part of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a package including a packaging box and a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1A is a development view showing a box body of a packaging box according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a development view showing a sheet member. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are a longitudinal cross-sectional view and a transverse cross-sectional view showing a package according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a sheet member and a box according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the toner cartridge in a packaged state according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 1A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a force acting on the toner cartridge when the package according to the first embodiment is dropped; FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is an enlarged view of the toner supply port and its surroundings when the package according to the first embodiment is dropped. FIG. [Figure 13]1A and 1B are a longitudinal cross-sectional view and a transverse cross-sectional view, respectively, showing a package of a comparative example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the toner supply port and its surroundings when the packaging body of the comparative example falls. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the packaging body of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a package according to a first modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a package according to a second modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus to which the toner cartridge can be applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Configuration of toner cartridge 10> First, the configuration of a toner cartridge 10 as a developer container to be packaged will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire toner cartridge 10. Fig. 2(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 10. Fig. 2(B) is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 10 at the center in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] The toner cartridge 10 has an elongated shape that is long in one direction. One end of the toner cartridge 10 in the longitudinal direction is referred to as a first end A1, and the other end in the longitudinal direction is referred to as a second end A2. An operating lever 13, which will be described later, is provided at the second end A2 of the toner cartridge 10.

[0011] The longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 10 is the X direction. The direction toward the first end A1 of the toner cartridge 10 is the +X direction, and the direction toward the second end A2 of the toner cartridge 10 is the −X direction.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2(A), the toner cartridge 10 has an outer case 11 as an outer casing, and an inner case 12 as an inner casing (or an opening / closing member) provided inside the outer case 11.

[0013] 2(B), the outer case 11 has a lower case 11a having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape centered on a central axis Ax in the X direction, and an upper case 11b having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A toner supply port 11h serving as a discharge port is formed in the lower case 11a.

[0014] When the toner cartridge 10 is installed in the image forming apparatus 2 (FIG. 18), it is installed so that the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11 faces downward.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2(A), the +X-direction end of the outer case 11 is closed by a cover 11c. The -X-direction end of the outer case 11 forms an opening 11d (see Figs. 3 and 5). An annular portion 11e having a circular ring shape centered on the central axis Ax is provided around the opening 11d of the outer case 11.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2(B), the inner case 12 has a semi-cylindrical wall portion 12a, which is a semi-cylindrical wall portion centered on the central axis Ax, and a beam portion 12b extending in an approximately arc shape on the opposite side of the central axis Ax from the semi-cylindrical wall portion 12a (upper side in the figure).

[0017] The semi-cylindrical wall portion 12a of the inner case 12 is provided so as to contact the inner circumferential surface of the lower case 11a of the outer case 11. The inner case 12 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the lower case 11a of the outer case 11 by a rib 11g extending from the upper case 11b of the outer case 11. In other words, the inner case 12 is held inside the outer case 11 so as to be rotatable about the central axis Ax.

[0018] An opening 12h corresponding to the toner supply opening 11h of the outer case 11 is formed in the semi-cylindrical wall portion 12a of the inner case 12. When the opening 12h of the inner case 12 and the toner supply opening 11h of the outer case 11 overlap with each other as shown in FIG. 2(B), the toner supply opening 11h is opened.

[0019] On the other hand, when the opening 12h of the inner case 12 and the toner supply opening 11h of the outer case 11 do not overlap, the toner supply opening 11h is closed by the semi-cylindrical wall portion 12a of the inner case 12.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the end of the toner cartridge 10 in the -X direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the inner case 12 has an annular portion 12e formed on the -X side (left side in the figure) of the semi-cylindrical wall portion 12a, and a side plate portion 12c that closes the -X side of the annular portion 12e. The annular portion 12e is formed in an annular shape centered on the central axis Ax, and the side plate portion 12c extends perpendicular to the central axis Ax.

[0021] The annular portion 12e of the inner case 12 protrudes in the −X direction from the opening 11d of the outer case 11 and is supported inside the annular portion 11e of the outer case 11. A through hole 12d is formed in the side plate portion 12c of the inner case 12. A shaft support portion 23, which will be described later, is inserted into the through hole 12d. The tip of the shaft support portion 23 protrudes in the −X direction beyond the side plate portion 12c of the inner case 12.

[0022] An operating lever 13 is integrally provided on the -X side (left side in the figure) of the inner case 12. The operating lever 13 is a part that is rotated by the user and has a grip portion 13a. Rotating the operating lever 13 rotates the inner case 12 about the central axis Ax, opening and closing the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11 (FIGS. 2A and 2B).

[0023] 2(A), a stirring bar 21 serving as a rotating member is provided inside the inner case 12. The stirring bar 21 is a shaft member whose axial direction is in the X direction. An end 21b of the stirring bar 21 in the +X direction is supported by a bearing 11f provided in the cover 11c of the outer case 11.

[0024] A shaft support portion 23 is attached to the end portion 21a in the -X direction of the stirring bar 21. The shaft support portion 23 passes through a through-hole 12d (FIG. 3) in the side plate portion 12c of the inner case 12 and is fitted with a gear 14, which will be described later.

[0025] A flexible agitation film 22 (see FIG. 5) is attached to the agitation bar 21. The agitation film 22 is fixed to a support plate 21c provided on the agitation bar 21. The agitation film 22 has a length that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the inner case 12 in the radial direction centered on the central axis Ax. The agitation film 22 is omitted from the drawings other than FIG. 5.

[0026] A gear 14 is disposed in the space between the operating lever 13 and the side plate portion 12c of the inner case 12 in the X direction. A fitting hole is formed in the center of the gear 14. A tip end 23b of a shaft support portion 23 that supports the stirring bar 21 fits into the fitting hole of the gear 14.

[0027] The gear 14 is a part that receives rotation transmitted from the outside. Specifically, the gear 14 receives rotation transmitted from the photosensitive drum 101 of the image forming apparatus 2 (FIG. 18) and rotates around the central axis Ax.

[0028] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 10 taken along line IV-IV shown in Figure 3. When the gear 14 (hidden by the side plate portion 12c of the inner case 12 in Figure 4) rotates in the direction indicated by arrow R, the shaft support portion 23 fixed to the gear 14 rotates in the same direction.

[0029] When shaft support portion 23 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow R, contact portion 23d provided on shaft support portion 23 comes into contact with support plate 21c of stirring bar 21, causing stirring bar 21 to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow R. As a result, stirring film 22 of stirring bar 21 rotates while contacting the inner circumferential surface of inner case 12, transporting toner toward toner supply port 11h (FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B)).

[0030] 3, a seal member 32 that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 11 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 12e of the inner case 12. The seal member 32 is made of an elastic material such as sponge. The seal member 32 prevents toner from leaking from a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 12e of the inner case 12 and the inner peripheral surface of the annular portion 11e of the outer case 11.

[0031] The shaft support 23 also has a flange 23c that faces the side plate 12c of the inner case 12. A seal member 33 is provided between the side plate 12c of the inner case 12 and the flange 23c of the shaft support 23. The seal member 33 is made of an elastic material such as sponge. The seal member 33 prevents toner from leaking from a gap between the shaft support 23 and the side plate 12c of the inner case 12.

[0032] When the toner cartridge 10 is attached to the image forming device 2 (Figure 18) and a printing operation is performed, the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11 and the opening 12h of the inner case 12 overlap each other, as shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), and toner is discharged downward through these toner supply port 11h and opening 12h.

[0033] On the other hand, when the toner cartridge 10 is not attached to the image forming device 2, the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11 and the opening 12h of the inner case 12 are circumferentially offset from each other, and the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11 is closed by the semi-cylindrical wall portion 12a of the inner case 12.

[0034] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the toner cartridge 10. In Fig. 5, the outer case 11 and the inner case 12 are shown in substantially the same orientation as when the toner cartridge 10 is packaged. That is, the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11 and the opening 12h of the inner case 12 both face upward.

[0035] The toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11 is closed with a sealing tape 34. The sealing tape 34 is an adhesive tape that is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the outer case 11 so as to close the toner supply port 11h. The sealing tape 34 is to be peeled off by the user before installing the toner cartridge 10 in the image forming apparatus 2 (FIG. 18). The sealing tape 34 is omitted from the drawings other than FIG. 5.

[0036] A seal member 31 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the semi-cylindrical wall portion 12a of the inner case 12 at a position circumferentially shifted from the opening 12h (i.e., at a position out of phase with the opening 12h). The seal member 31 is made of an elastic material such as sponge.

[0037] When the inner case 12 is inserted inside the outer case 11 and the toner supply port 11h is closed by the semi-cylindrical wall portion 12a, the seal member 31 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 11 so as to surround the periphery of the toner supply port 11h.

[0038] <Packing box 5> Next, we will explain the packaging box 5 in which the toner cartridge 10 can be packaged. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the toner cartridge 10, a bag 40 that houses the toner cartridge 10, and the packaging box 5 that packages the toner cartridge 10. The toner cartridge 10 and the packaging box 5 (and the bag 40, if necessary) are collectively referred to as a package 1.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 6, the toner cartridge 10 is housed in a bag 40 and packaged in a packaging box 5. The bag 40 is formed of a resin film such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. It is desirable that the bag 40 has moisture-proof and light-blocking properties. It is also possible to package the toner cartridge 10 in the packaging box 5 without housing it in the bag 40.

[0040] The toner cartridge 10 is housed and packaged in the packaging box 5 with its longitudinal direction oriented horizontally. Therefore, in Fig. 6, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 10 is defined as the X direction, as in Figs. 1 to 5. The direction perpendicular to the X direction in a horizontal plane is defined as the Y direction. The direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions (i.e., the vertical direction) is defined as the Z direction.

[0041] The packaging box 5 has a box body 50 and a sheet member 60. The box body 50 is a container that houses the toner cartridge 10 and is also referred to as a packaging member. The sheet member 60 is disposed inside the box body 50 and is a pressing member that presses the toner cartridge 10 as described below.

[0042] It is desirable that the box body 50 is made by assembling cardboard. However, the material of the box body 50 is not limited to cardboard, and any material having the strength required for packaging the toner cartridge 10 will do. Here, an example will be described in which the box body 50 is made by assembling cardboard into a box shape.

[0043] It is desirable that the sheet member 60 is made of folded cardboard. However, the material of the sheet member 60 is not limited to cardboard, and it may be a material that can press the toner cartridge 10 as described below, such as a foam material.

[0044] Box 50 has side wall 51a as a first side wall and side wall 52a as a second side wall facing each other in the Y direction. Both side walls 51a and 52a have a rectangular shape that is long in the X direction. Box 50 also has side wall 53a as a third side wall located in the -X direction relative to side walls 51a and 52a, and side wall 54a as a fourth side wall located in the +X direction relative to side walls 51a and 52a.

[0045] The box 50 has a flap 51b as a first lid formed continuously with the upper edge (the edge in the +Z direction) of the side wall 51a, and a flap 52b as a second lid formed continuously with the upper edge of the side wall 52a. These flaps 51b, 52b are bent inward at approximately 90 degrees relative to the side wall 51a, 52a, respectively, and form the top surface of the box 50.

[0046] Box 50 has inner wall 53b as a first inner wall formed at the upper edge of side wall 53a via folded portion E1. Box 50 also has inner wall 54b as a second inner wall formed at the upper edge of side wall 54a via folded portion E2.

[0047] A folded portion F1 having substantially the same width (amount of protrusion from the edge) as the folded portion E1 is formed on the edge of the inner wall portion 53b opposite to the folded portion E1. A locking portion G1 is formed on the edge of the inner wall portion 53b adjacent to the folded portion F1.

[0048] A folded portion F2 having approximately the same width as the folded portion E1 is formed on the edge of the inner wall portion 54b opposite to the folded portion E2. A locking portion G2 is formed on the edge of the inner wall portion 54b adjacent to the folded portion F2.

[0049] The folded portion E1 is folded inward at approximately 90 degrees relative to the side wall portion 53a. The inner wall portion 53b is folded again at approximately 90 degrees relative to the folded portion E1 and faces the side wall portion 53a in the X direction. The side wall portion 53a and the inner wall portion 53b form a double wall (see FIG. 8(A)).

[0050] The folded portion E2 is folded inward at approximately 90 degrees relative to the side wall portion 54a. The inner wall portion 54b is further folded at approximately 90 degrees relative to the folded portion E2 and faces the side wall portion 54a in the X direction. The side wall portion 54a and the inner wall portion 54b form a double wall (see FIG. 8(A)).

[0051] The distance between the side wall 53a and the inner wall 53b (i.e., the thickness of the double wall) is determined by the width of the folded portions E1 and F1. Similarly, the distance between the side wall 54a and the inner wall 54b (i.e., the thickness of the double wall) is determined by the width of the folded portions E2 and F2. The double walls on both sides of the box 50 in the X direction serve as holders for holding the toner cartridge 10.

[0052] Fig. 7(A) is an exploded view of box body 50. As shown in Fig. 7(A), box body 50 has bottom portion 51c serving as a first bottom portion formed continuously with the lower edge of side wall portion 51a, and bottom portion 52c serving as a second bottom portion formed continuously with the lower edge of side wall portion 52a.

[0053] The box body 50 also has an insertion portion 53c as a first insertion portion formed continuously with the lower edge of the side wall portion 53a, and an insertion portion 54c as a second insertion portion formed continuously with the lower edge of the side wall portion 54a.

[0054] The combination of the bottom portions 51c, 52c and the insertion portions 53c, 54c is called an American lock.

[0055] The bottom 51c is generally trapezoidal, and has a rectangular tip 511 at the end away from the side wall 51a. The bottom 52c is generally rectangular, and has an opening 521 that engages with the tip 511 of the bottom 51c when the box 50 is assembled.

[0056] Insertion portion 53c has an engagement portion 531 that engages with one end in the X direction of opening 521 of bottom portion 52c when assembling box body 50. Similarly, insertion portion 54c has an engagement portion 541 that engages with the other end in the X direction of opening 521 of bottom portion 52c.

[0057] Bottom portions 51c and 52c are bent so that bottom portion 51c overlaps bottom portion 52c with insertion portions 53c and 54c sandwiched therebetween. Tip portion 511 of bottom portion 51c engages with opening 521 of bottom portion 52c and overlaps with a portion of bottom portion 52c. This closes the bottom of box 50 (see FIG. 8(A)).

[0058] The flaps 51b and 52b constitute the top surface of the box 50, and the flap 51b is folded so that it overlaps the flap 52b. Two protrusions 58 are formed on the leading edge of the flap 51b (the edge opposite the side wall 51a). The protrusions 58 are folded at approximately 90 degrees relative to the flap 51b, and engage with slit-shaped notches 57 formed in the flap 52b.

[0059] In addition, protrusions 56 are formed at two locations on the leading edge of the flap 52b (the edge opposite the side wall 52a). The protrusions 56 are bent at approximately 180 degrees relative to the flap 52b, and urge the toner cartridge 10 toward the bottom of the box 50, as will be described later.

[0060] 7(B) is a plan view showing the sheet member 60. The sheet member 60 has a base portion 61 and a pressing portion 62 formed continuously with the base portion 61. The base portion 61 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the X direction. The length of the pressing portion 62 in the X direction is shorter than that of the base portion 61.

[0061] The base 61 is substantially rectangular, and has long sides 61c and 61d that face each other in the Y direction. A pressing portion 62 is formed continuously with the center of the long side 61c of the base 61 in the X direction. The pressing portion 62 is bent at a connection portion (bending portion 62a) with the long side 61c of the base 61. It can also be said that the sheet member 60 is formed by folding the base 61 and the bent portion 62a.

[0062] The base 61 of the sheet member 60 has a first end 61a in the -X direction and a second end 61b in the +X direction. When the sheet member 60 is placed inside the box 50, the ends 61a and 61b of the sheet member 60 abut against the inner surface (side wall portions 53a and 54a) of the box 50 or face each other with a small gap therebetween.

[0063] The ends 61a and 61b of the sheet member 60 constitute a restricting portion that restricts the position of the sheet member 60 in the X direction (i.e., the position of the pressing portion 62 in the X direction) within the box body 50. Note that the restricting portion that restricts the position of the pressing portion 62 is not limited to the ends 61a and 61b of the sheet member 60, and may be an engaging portion that engages with a predetermined position of the box body 50.

[0064] A notch 61e is formed on the long side 61d of the first end 61a of the sheet member 60. This notch 61e is provided to allow the grip portion 13a of the operating lever 13 of the toner cartridge 10 to escape when the toner cartridge 10 is placed on the sheet member 60 inside the box 50.

[0065] Furthermore, notches 61f and 61g are formed on the long side 61c of each of the first end 61a and the second end 61b of the sheet member 60. As will be described later, the notches 61f and 61g are portions that engage with locking portions G1 and G2 formed on the inner wall portions 53b and 54b of the box body 50.

[0066] <Manufacturing method of packaging body 1> Next, a method for manufacturing the package 1 in which the toner cartridge 10 is packaged will be described. The method for manufacturing the package 1 can also be called a method for packaging the toner cartridge 10. Fig. 8(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the package 1 in which the toner cartridge 10 is packaged in a packaging box 5. Fig. 8(B) is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the center of the package 1 in the X direction.

[0067] First, the side walls 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a (FIG. 6) of the box 50 are bent so that the side walls 51a and 52a face each other in the Y direction, and the side walls 53a and 54a face each other in the X direction.

[0068] Next, bottom portion 52c, insertion portions 53c, 54c, and bottom portion 51c (FIG. 7) are bent inward in this order, and tip portion 511 of bottom portion 51c is engaged with opening 521 of bottom portion 52c. This closes the bottom of box 50.

[0069] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the sheet member 60 is inserted inside the box body 50, and the sheet member 60 is placed on the bottom of the box body 50 (bottoms 51c, 52c and insertion portions 53c, 54c).

[0070] At this time, the ends 61a and 61b of the base 61 abut against the side wall portions 53a and 54a, respectively, or face each other with a small gap therebetween, thereby positioning the sheet member 60 in the box 50 in the X direction.

[0071] The sheet member 60 is inserted into the box body 50 with the pressing portion 62 folded at the folding portion 62a relative to the base portion 61. The tip 62b (the end opposite to the folding portion 62a) of the pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60 does not abut against the side wall portion 52a of the box body 50. This ensures mobility of the pressing portion 62 around the folding portion 62a.

[0072] Next, the folded portions E1 and E2 of the box 50 are folded inward, and the inner wall portions 53b and 54b are folded to face the side wall portions 53a and 54a. Furthermore, the folded portions F1 and F2 at the tips of the side wall portions 53a and 54a are brought into contact with the inner surfaces of the side wall portions 53a and 54a. As a result, double walls for holding the toner cartridges 10 are formed on both sides of the box 50 in the X direction, as shown in FIG. 8A.

[0073] 8(A), both ends in the X direction of the base 61 of the sheet member 60 on the bottom (bottoms 51c, 52c and insertion portions 53c, 54c) of the box body 50 are pressed from above by the folded portions F1, F2 of the box body 50. That is, the base 61 of the sheet member 60 is positioned in the Z direction.

[0074] 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the sheet member 60 and the box body 50. As shown in FIG. 9, the notch 61f of the sheet member 60 engages with a locking portion G1 formed on the inner wall portion 53b of the box body 50. Although not shown in FIG. 9, the notch 61g (FIG. 7(B)) of the sheet member 60 engages with a locking portion G2 (FIG. 7(B)) formed on the inner wall portion 54b of the box body 50.

[0075] The notches 61f, 61g of the sheet member 60 engage with the locking portions G1, G2 of the inner wall portions 53b, 54b, thereby preventing the inner wall portions 53b, 54b from being displaced inward in the X direction due to the restoring force of the bent portions.

[0076] 6, the toner cartridge 10 is inserted into the box body 50. The toner supply port 11h of the toner cartridge 10 is closed in advance by the inner case 12. In other words, the opening 12h of the inner case 12 is circumferentially shifted from the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11.

[0077] The toner cartridge 10 is inserted into the box body 50 with the upper case 11b facing downward and the lower case 11a facing upward. Therefore, the toner supply port 11h also faces upward.

[0078] The toner cartridge 10 is placed on a sheet member 60 placed on the bottom (bottoms 51c, 52c and insertion portions 53c, 54c) of the box body 50. Since the toner cartridge 10 is placed on the sheet member 60, the pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60 is folded over on the base portion 61, as shown in FIG.

[0079] 8A, the toner cartridge 10 is held between a double wall formed by the side wall 53a and the inner wall 53b and a double wall formed by the side wall 54a and the inner wall 54b. Therefore, even if an impact is applied to the box 50 in the X direction, the impact transmitted to the toner cartridge 10 is mitigated.

[0080] After placing the toner cartridge 10 inside the box body 50 of the packaging box 5, the flaps 51b and 52b are folded so that the flap 51b overlaps the flap 52b. At this time, the convex portion 58 (FIG. 7) of the flap 51b is engaged with the notch 57 (FIG. 7) of the flap 52b.

[0081] As a result, the top surface of the box body 50 is closed, and the packaging of the toner cartridge 10 is completed. That is, the package 1 including the packaging box 5 (the box body 50 and the sheet member 60) and the toner cartridge 10 is completed. In other words, the manufacturing process of the package 1 in which the toner cartridge 10 is packaged in the packaging box 5 is completed.

[0082] In this state, the protrusion 56 formed on the flap 52b biases downward both sides in the X direction of the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11 of the toner cartridge 10 via the bag 40 as shown in FIG. 8(A).

[0083] The thickness T1 at the X-direction end of the sheet member 60 is the sum of the thicknesses of the bottom portion 51c (or bottom portion 52c) and the insertion portion 53c (or insertion portion 54c) and the thickness of the base portion 61 of the sheet member 60. Also, the thickness T2 at the X-direction center of the sheet member 60 is the sum of the thickness of the bottom portion 51c (or bottom portion 52c) and the thicknesses of the base portion 61 and the pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60.

[0084] The thicknesses T1 and T2 at the center of the X-direction end of the sheet member 60 satisfy T1 < T2. Therefore, the central portion in the X direction of the toner cartridge 10 is pressed upward by the sheet member 60 (more specifically, the pressing portion 62).

[0085] Here, the case where T1 < T2 will be described. However, the central portion in the X direction of the toner cartridge 10 (the portion corresponding to the toner supply port 11h) may be pressed upward by the elastic force of the pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60.

[0086] Note that the thickness t1 at the X-direction end of the base portion 61 of the sheet member 60 is the sum of the thicknesses of the bottom portion 51c (or bottom portion 52c) and the insertion portion 53c (or insertion portion 54c). Also, the thickness t2 at the X-direction center of the base portion 61 is the thickness of the bottom portion 51c (or bottom portion 52c).

[0087] Here, the thicknesses t1 and t2 at the end and central portions in the X direction of the base 61 satisfy t1>t2. However, the relationship between the thicknesses t1 and t2 is not limited to t1>t2 and may satisfy the relationship t1≦t2.

[0088] <effect> The operation of embodiment 1 will now be described. Figure 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the toner cartridge 10 in the orientation in which it is housed in the packaging box 5. Toner is housed inside the outer case 11 of the toner cartridge 10, as indicated by dotted hatching in Figure 10.

[0089] The toner cartridge 10 is housed in the packaging box 5 so that the lower case 11a of the outer case 11 faces upward and the upper case 11b faces downward. The inner case 12 is supported by its annular portion 12e engaging with the annular portion 11e of the outer case 11 and its beam portion 12b abutting against the rib 11g of the outer case 11.

[0090] 11A and 11B are longitudinal and transverse cross-sectional views for explaining the forces acting on the various parts of the toner cartridge 10 when the package 1 (packaging box 5 and toner cartridge 10) is dropped.

[0091] When the package 1 falls to the floor, the toner cartridge 10 in the packaging box 5 receives a downward force Fa due to the impact of the fall, but because the sheet member 60 (more specifically, the pressing portion 62) is in contact with the toner cartridge 10 from below, the toner cartridge 10 receives a force Fb from the sheet member 60 in the opposite direction to the force Fa.

[0092] The force Fb is the elastic force of the pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60, and more specifically, the force (restoring force) that causes the bent portion 62a to return to its original shape. The force received by the toner cartridge 10 is Fa-Fb, and the impact is reduced by an amount equivalent to the force Fb.

[0093] Furthermore, although the center portion of the toner cartridge 10 in the X direction abuts against the pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60, gaps are generated between both ends of the toner cartridge 10 in the X direction and the sheet member 60. Therefore, both ends of the toner cartridge 10 in the X direction are displaced downward by forces fa and fb acting on these portions when the toner cartridge 10 is dropped.

[0094] 11(A), the toner cartridge 10 is curved so that the central portion in the X direction is raised (i.e., curved upward), as shown by the two-dot chain line. As a result, an upward force fc is applied from the rib 11g of the outer case 11 to the inner case 12 at the central portion in the X direction of the toner cartridge 10, and this force fc presses the inner case 12 against the inner circumferential surface around the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11.

[0095] 12 is a schematic diagram showing the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11 and its surroundings when the package 1 is dropped. The force fc caused by the upward curvature of the toner cartridge 10 presses the semi-cylindrical wall portion 12a of the inner case 12 against the inner surface around the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11.

[0096] As a result, the seal member 31 provided on the semi-cylindrical wall portion 12a of the inner case 12 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the outer case 11 around the toner supply port 11h, thereby preventing toner from leaking from the toner supply port 11h.

[0097] In particular, as shown in Figure 11(A), the protrusions 56 of the packaging box 5 press downward on both sides of the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11 in the X direction, thereby increasing the pressing force of the sealing member 31 against the inner surface of the outer case 11 and improving the effect of suppressing toner leakage.

[0098] In the box body 50 of the packaging box 5, a portion facing the toner supply port 11h is defined as a facing portion 55. The pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60 is provided at a position corresponding to the toner supply port 11h in the X direction, and presses the toner cartridge 10 in a direction approaching the facing portion 55.

[0099] The toner supply port 11h does not necessarily have to be provided at the center of the toner cartridge 10 in the X direction (see FIG. 17 described later). The pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60 only needs to be provided at a position corresponding to the toner supply port 11h in the X direction, and only needs to press the toner cartridge 10 in a direction approaching the opposing portion 55 (the portion of the box body 50 that faces the toner supply port 11h).

[0100] Fig. 13(A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a packaging body 1C of the comparative example. Fig. 13(B) is a transverse cross-sectional view of the central portion of the packaging body 1C of the comparative example in the X direction. The packaging body 1C of the comparative example differs from the packaging body 1 of the first embodiment in that the packaging box 5C is composed of only a box body 50 and does not have a sheet member 60. The toner cartridge 10 and the box body 50 are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0101] 13(A), both ends of the toner cartridge 10 in the X direction are placed on the bottom (more specifically, insertion portions 53c, 54c) of the box body 50. Meanwhile, a gap is generated between the center of the toner cartridge 10 in the X direction and the bottom of the box body 50.

[0102] When the package 1C is dropped, the impact received by the box body 50 is transmitted to the toner cartridge 10. Furthermore, because a gap is generated between the center of the toner cartridge 10 in the X direction and the bottom of the box body 50, the toner cartridge 10 is bent so that the center of the toner cartridge 10 in the X direction is displaced downward (i.e., bent downward) as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 13(A).

[0103] As a result, the ribs 11g that support the inner case 12 from below within the outer case 11 are deformed, causing the inner case 12 to be displaced downward as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B).

[0104] 14 is a schematic diagram showing the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11 and its surroundings when the comparative example package 1C is dropped. Due to the downward curvature of the toner cartridge 10 described above, the periphery of the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11 is separated from the inner circumferential side of the semi-cylindrical wall portion 12a of the inner case 12, as indicated by the arrow.

[0105] As a result, the seal member 31 provided on the semi-cylindrical wall portion 12a of the inner case 12 separates from the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 11 around the toner supply port 11h, which may cause the toner inside the outer case 11 to leak from the toner supply port 11h to the outside through the gap between the seal member 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 11, as indicated by the arrow T.

[0106] In contrast, in the packaging box 5 of embodiment 1, as described with reference to Figures 11(A), (B) and 12, the pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60 is positioned at a position corresponding to the toner supply port 11h of the toner cartridge 10 (here, the center in the X direction), and presses the toner cartridge 10 upward.

[0107] Therefore, the force Fb, which is the elastic force (restoring force) of the pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60, can mitigate the impact of the drop that the packaging box 5 receives.

[0108] When a drop test was conducted under the same conditions using the packaging body 1 of embodiment 1 and the packaging body 1C of the comparative example, the impact load received by the toner cartridge 10 was 299 G in the comparative example and 186 G in embodiment 1, demonstrating a 40% impact mitigation effect.

[0109] In addition, the pressure from the pressing portion 62 causes the toner cartridge 10 to bend upward, so that the sealing member 31 of the inner case 12 is pressed against the inner surface around the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11, thereby preventing toner leakage from the toner supply port 11h.

[0110] In order to press the seal member 31 attached to the inner case 12 firmly against the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 11, it is possible to increase the hardness or thickness of the sponge that makes up the seal member 31. However, in this case, a strong force will always be acting between the outer case 11 and the inner case 12, which could cause plastic deformation due to creep of the inner case 12, reducing the pressing force of the seal member 32 (FIG. 3) against the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 11 and potentially leading to toner leakage.

[0111] In contrast, in the first embodiment, only when the package 1 is dropped does the upward curvature of the toner cartridge 10 cause the seal member 31 of the inner case 12 to be pressed strongly against the inner circumferential surface of the outer case 11 (see FIG. 12). Therefore, under normal circumstances, no strong force acts between the outer case 11 and the inner case 12, and plastic deformation of the inner case 12 due to creep can be suppressed.

[0112] Furthermore, the protrusion 56 of the packaging box 5 presses downward on both sides of the toner supply port 11h of the toner cartridge 10 in the X direction (Figure 11(A)), thereby increasing the pressing force of the sealing member 31 against the inner surface of the outer case 11 and improving the effect of suppressing toner leakage.

[0113] The protruding portion 56 of the packaging box 5 may be provided on the side facing the toner supply port 11h of the toner cartridge 10, at a position different from the toner supply port 11h in the X direction.

[0114] However, it is most desirable that the packaging box 5 has two or more protrusions 56, and that the toner supply port 11h is located between the protrusions 56 in the X direction. This configuration is effective in increasing the pressing force of the seal member 31 against the inner circumferential surface around the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11 due to the bending of the toner cartridge 10 when the packaging body 1 is dropped.

[0115] <Other configuration examples> Figure 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the packaging body 1. In the example of the configuration shown in Figure 15, the length L2 in the X direction of the pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60 is shorter than the length L1 in the X direction of the toner supply port 11h. Except for this point, the packaging body 1 shown in Figure 15 is configured similarly to the packaging body 1 shown in Figures 11(A) and (B).

[0116] 15, when the package 1 is dropped, the impact on the toner cartridge 10 is also absorbed by the pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60. Furthermore, due to the pressure of the pressing portion 62, an upward force fc' is applied from the rib 11g of the outer case 11 to the inner case 12, which has the effect of pressing the seal member 31 of the inner case 12 against the inner circumferential surface around the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11.

[0117] However, because the length L2 in the X direction of the pressing portion 62 is short, not only the center portion of the toner cartridge 10 in the X direction may come into contact with the pressing portion 62, but also the end portion of the toner cartridge 10 in the X direction may come into contact with the base portion 61. In other words, the toner cartridge 10 may tilt so as to come into contact with the sheet member 60 at positions C1 and C2 that are at different heights. If the toner cartridge 10 tilts, the force fc' described above may decrease, and the effect of preventing toner leakage may be reduced.

[0118] Therefore, it is desirable that the length L2 in the X direction of the pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60 be a length that does not cause tilting of the toner cartridge 10. Specifically, it is desirable that the length L2 in the X direction of the pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60 be equal to or greater than the length L1 in the X direction of the toner supply port 11h.

[0119] <Effects of the embodiment> As described above, the packaging box 5 of the first embodiment is capable of packaging a toner cartridge (developer container) 10 that can contain toner (developer) and has a toner supply port (discharge port) 11h, and includes a box body 50 and a pressing portion 62 provided at a position corresponding to the toner supply port 11h within the box body 50. The pressing portion 62 presses the toner cartridge 10 in a direction that brings the toner cartridge 10 closer to an opposing portion 55 that faces the toner supply port 11h in the packaging box 5 (box body 50).

[0120] With this configuration, the pressing portion 62 can absorb the impact transmitted to the toner cartridge 10 when the packaging box 5 is dropped. In addition, the pressure of the pressing portion 62 can press the seal member 31 provided on the inner case 12 against the inner circumferential surface around the toner supply port 11h of the outer case 11. This can prevent toner from leaking from the toner supply port 11h.

[0121] Furthermore, the pressing portion 62 is a part of the folded cardboard (sheet member 60), and the toner cartridge 10 is pressed by the elastic force of the cardboard, so there is no need to use polystyrene foam or the like, which can reduce costs.

[0122] Furthermore, since the pressing portion 62 further has a restricting portion (for example, the ends 61a, 61b of the base portion 61) that restricts the position of the pressing portion 62 in the longitudinal direction, the pressing portion 62 can be positioned relative to the toner cartridge 10 and exert a pressing effect.

[0123] Furthermore, the box body 50 has a protruding portion 56 that protrudes toward the toner cartridge 10 on the side facing the toner supply port 11h of the toner cartridge 10 and at a position different from the opposing portion 55 in the X direction, which causes the toner cartridge 10 to bend when dropped, thereby improving the effectiveness of preventing toner leakage.

[0124] In particular, if the box 50 has two or more protrusions 56 in the X direction and the facing portion 55 is positioned between adjacent protrusions 56 in the X direction, the effect of preventing toner leakage can be maximized.

[0125] Furthermore, since the length L2 of the pressing portion 62 in the X direction is equal to or greater than the length L1 of the toner supply port 11h in the X direction, tilting of the toner cartridge 10 inside the packaging box 5 when dropped can be suppressed, thereby improving the effectiveness of preventing toner leakage.

[0126] Furthermore, because there is a gap between the toner cartridge 10 and the bottom of the box body 50 on both sides of the pressing portion 62 in the X direction, the toner cartridge 10 is easily bent so that the portion of the toner cartridge 10 that is in contact with the pressing portion 62 is raised, thereby improving the effect of preventing toner leakage.

[0127] The manufacturing method of the packaging body 1 of the first embodiment includes a step of attaching, to the inside of the box body 50 in which the toner cartridge 10 is housed, a sheet member 60 (folded cardboard) having a pressing portion 62 that presses a position corresponding to the toner supply port (discharge port) 11h of the housed toner cartridge 10, and a step of housing the toner cartridge 10 in the box body 50. When the toner cartridge 10 is housed in the box body 50, the pressing portion 62 presses the toner cartridge 10 in a direction approaching the opposing portion 55 of the box body 50 that faces the toner supply port 11h.

[0128] According to this manufacturing method for packaging body 1, by storing toner cartridge 10 inside box body 50, the pressing portion 62 can mitigate the impact transmitted to toner cartridge 10 when packaging box 5 is dropped. In addition, the pressure of pressing portion 62 can press seal member 31 provided on inner case 12 against the inner circumferential surface around toner supply port 11h of outer case 11, thereby preventing toner leakage from toner supply port 11h.

[0129] Variation 1. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a packaging body 1A of Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. In packaging body 1A of Modification 1, instead of sheet member 60, a part of packaging box 5A is configured to press a part corresponding to toner supply port 11h of toner cartridge 10 (for example, the center part in the X direction).

[0130] Specifically, extension portion 501 extending in the +X direction from the lower end of inner wall portion 53b of box body 50A and extension portion 502 extending in the -X direction from the lower end of inner wall portion 54b overlap at the center of box body 50A in the X direction.

[0131] The overlapping portion 503 of the extensions 501, 502 presses the toner cartridge 10 upward, similar to the pressing portion 62 of the first embodiment. This allows the sealing member 31 provided on the inner case 12 to be pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the outer case 11 around the toner supply port 11h, thereby preventing toner from leaking from the toner supply port 11h.

[0132] According to this first modification, the sheet member 60 is not used, and therefore the cost can be further reduced.

[0133] Variation 2. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a packaging body 1B of Modification 2. In packaging body 1B of Modification 2, the toner supply port 11h is located at a position displaced from the center in the X direction of the toner cartridge 10. The pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60 is provided at a position in the X direction corresponding to the toner supply port 11h of the toner cartridge 10.

[0134] The pressing portion 62 of the sheet member 60 presses the toner cartridge 10 in a direction approaching the opposing portion 55 of the box body 50B, which the toner supply port 11h faces. As a result, even if the toner supply port 11h is positioned away from the center of the toner cartridge 10 in the X direction, the effect of pressing the inner case 12 against the inner circumferential surface of the outer case 11 around the toner supply port 11h can be obtained.

[0135] Modification 2 may be combined with Modification 1 (FIG. 16). That is, the overlapping portion of extensions 501 and 502 of box body 50A may be located at a position corresponding to toner supply port 11h of toner cartridge 10 in the X direction.

[0136] <Configuration of image forming apparatus 2> Finally, a configuration example of an image forming apparatus 2 to which the above-described toner cartridge 10 is applied will be described. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 2. The image forming apparatus 2 shown in Fig. 18 is a printer that forms images using an electrophotographic process.

[0137] The image forming device 2 includes a medium supply unit 120 that supplies a medium M such as printing paper, an image forming unit 100 that forms an image, a fixing device 130 that fixes the image on the medium M, a medium discharge unit 140 that discharges the medium M, and a device housing 2A that accommodates these components.

[0138] The medium supply unit 120 includes a medium cassette 121 , a pickup roller 122 , a feed roller 123 , a retard roller 124 , a registration roller 125 , and a transport roller 126 .

[0139] The medium cassette 121 stores media M such as printing paper. The pickup roller 122 pulls out the media M one by one from the medium cassette 121. The feed roller 123 and the retard roller 124 separate the pulled-out media M one by one and send them out to the transport path P1.

[0140] The registration rollers 125 are a pair of rollers that correct the skew of the medium M sent out to the conveying path P1 and then convey the medium M further. The conveying rollers 126 are a pair of rollers that convey the medium M to the image forming unit 100 along the conveying path P2.

[0141] Image forming unit 100 is also referred to as an image drum unit (ID unit) or a process unit. Image forming unit 100 has a unit main body 110 and a toner cartridge 10 as a developer container.

[0142] The unit main body 110 has a photosensitive drum 101 as an image carrier, a charging roller 102 as a charging member, a developing roller 104 as a developer carrier, a supply roller 105 as a supply member, a developing blade 106 as a layer regulating member, and a cleaning member 107.

[0143] The photosensitive drum 101 is a cylindrical member having a photosensitive layer on the surface of a conductive support. The photosensitive layer is a laminate of a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer. The photosensitive drum 101 rotates clockwise in FIG. 18 by rotation transmitted from a drum motor (not shown).

[0144] An exposure head 103 serving as an exposure device is disposed opposite the photosensitive drum 101. The exposure head 103 has LEDs (light-emitting diodes) as light-emitting elements, and forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 with light. The exposure head 103 is suspended and supported by a top cover 2B that covers the top of the device housing 2A.

[0145] The charging roller 102 is disposed so as to come into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 101, and rotates following the rotation of the photosensitive drum 101. A charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 102, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is uniformly charged.

[0146] The developing roller 104 is disposed so as to come into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 101, and rotates in the opposite direction to the photosensitive drum 101. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 104, and the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is developed with toner (developer).

[0147] The supply roller 105 is disposed so as to contact the surface of the developing roller 104, and rotates in the same direction as the developing roller 104. The supply roller 105 supplies the toner to the developing roller 104.

[0148] The developing blade 106 is a blade made by bending a metal plate-like member, and the bent portion is pressed against the surface of the developing roller 104. The developing blade 106 regulates the thickness of the toner layer (developer layer) on the surface of the developing roller 104.

[0149] The cleaning member 107 is a resin blade or roller that is disposed so as to contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 101. The cleaning member 107 removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 (transfer residual toner).

[0150] A transfer roller 108 serving as a transfer unit is disposed so as to contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 101. A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 108, and the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is transferred to a medium M passing between the photosensitive drum 101 and the transfer roller 108.

[0151] The fixing device 130 has a fixing roller 131 and a pressure roller 132. The fixing roller 131 has a built-in heater such as a halogen lamp. The pressure roller 132 is pressed against the fixing roller 131 to form a fixing nip. The fixing roller 131 and the pressure roller 132 heat and pressurize the medium M, fixing the toner image to the medium M.

[0152] The medium discharge section 140 has discharge rollers 141 and 142 that transport the medium M that has passed through the fixing device 130 along the transport path P3 and discharge the medium M from a discharge port 143. A stacker section 144 on which the discharged medium M is placed is formed in the top cover 2B.

[0153] Furthermore, for double-sided printing, the image forming apparatus 2 may be provided with a re-conveying unit 150 that turns over the medium M having a toner image fixed on its surface and conveys it to the conveying rollers 126. The re-conveying unit 150 has a selector 151 that switches the conveying direction of the medium M, and conveying rollers 152, 153, 154, 155 that convey the medium M along the re-conveying path P4, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0154] The printing operation of the image forming apparatus 2 is as follows: When the control unit of the image forming apparatus 2 receives a print command and print data from the host device, it starts the printing process.

[0155] When the printing process starts, the pickup roller 122 and feed roller 123 of the medium supply unit 120 rotate to send the media M from the medium cassette 121 one by one to the conveying path P1. Then, the registration roller 125 and the conveying roller 126 convey the media M to the image forming unit 100 along the conveying path P2.

[0156] In the image forming unit 100, a charging voltage, a developing voltage, and a supply voltage are applied to the charging roller 102, the developing roller 104, and the supply roller 105, respectively. In addition, the photosensitive drum 101, the developing roller 104, and the supply roller 105 rotate.

[0157] The charging roller 102 rotates following the rotation of the photosensitive drum 101, and uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 101. The exposure head 103 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 to light, forming an electrostatic latent image.

[0158] The unit main body 110 stores toner supplied from the toner cartridge 10. The toner is supplied to the developing roller 104 by a supply roller 105. The toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 104 is formed into a thin layer by a developing blade 106.

[0159] The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 101 is developed by the toner on the developing roller 104 to become a toner image. The toner image on the photosensitive drum 101 is transferred to the medium M passing between the photosensitive drum 101 and the transfer roller 108 by a transfer voltage applied to the transfer roller 108. The medium M to which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing device 130.

[0160] In the fixing device 130, a fixing nip is formed between a fixing roller 131 heated to a predetermined fixing temperature and a pressure roller 132. The medium M is heated and pressurized in the fixing nip between the fixing roller 131 and the pressure roller 132, and the toner image is fixed to the medium M.

[0161] The medium M on which the toner image has been fixed is discharged from a discharge port 143 by discharge rollers 141 and 142, and is stacked on a stacker unit 144. This completes the printing operation on the medium M.

[0162] The image forming device 2 is configured to form a monochrome image using the image forming section 100, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, it may be configured to form a color image by arranging multiple image forming units for yellow, magenta, cyan, black, etc. in the transport direction of the medium M. In this case, a transfer unit having a transfer roller and a transfer belt may be used.

[0163] Although the preferred embodiments have been specifically described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made.

[0164] The developer container of the present disclosure can be used in image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, facsimiles, and MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals).

[0165] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) A packaging box capable of packaging a developer container capable of accommodating a developer and having an outlet through which the developer can be discharged, a box body that houses the developer container; a pressing portion provided inside the box body at a position corresponding to the discharge port and configured to press the developer accommodating body; and The pressing portion presses the developer container in a direction approaching an opposing portion of the box body that faces the discharge port. A packaging box characterized by: (Appendix 2) The pressing portion is a part of the folded cardboard, The elastic force of the cardboard presses the developer container. 2. The packaging box according to claim 1, (Appendix 3) The developer container further includes a regulating portion that regulates the position of the pressing portion in the longitudinal direction of the developer container. 3. The packaging box according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The box body has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the developer accommodating body on the side facing the pressing portion and at a position different from the facing portion in the longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating body. The packaging box according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, (Appendix 5) The box body has two or more protrusions in the longitudinal direction, The opposing portion is located between the protruding portions adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction. 5. The packaging box according to claim 4, (Appendix 6) The length of the pressing portion in the longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating body is equal to or greater than the length of the discharge port in the longitudinal direction. 6. The packaging box according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, (Appendix 7) Between the developer container and the bottom of the box, a gap is provided on both sides of the pressing portion in the longitudinal direction of the developer container. 7. The packaging box according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, (Appendix 8) The pressing portion is formed integrally with the box body. The packaging box according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, (Appendix 9) A packaging box according to any one of appendices 1 to 8; the developer container contained in the packaging box; A package comprising: (Appendix 10) A method for manufacturing a package in which a developer container capable of containing a developer and having an outlet through which the developer can be discharged is packaged, comprising: a step of attaching a folded cardboard sheet having a pressing portion that presses a position corresponding to the discharge port of the developer container contained in the box body into the box body that contains the developer container; a step of accommodating the developer container in the box; and When the developer container is housed in the box body, the pressing portion presses the developer container in a direction approaching an opposing portion of the box body that faces the discharge port. A method for manufacturing a package comprising the steps of: [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 1, 1A, 1B Packaging body, 2 Image forming apparatus, 5, 5A Packaging box (packaging material), 10 Toner cartridge (developer container), 11 Outer case, 11g Rib, 11h Toner supply port (discharge port), 12 Inner case, 12a Semi-cylindrical wall portion, 12b Beam portion, 13 Operation lever, 14 Gear, 21 Stirring bar, 22 Stirring film, 31, 32, 33 Sealing member, 40 Bag, 50, 50A, 50B Box body, 51a Side wall portion (first side wall portion), 51b Flap (first flap), 51c Bottom portion (first bottom portion), 52a Side wall portion (second side wall portion), 52b Flap (second flap), 52c Bottom portion (second bottom portion), 53a side wall portion (third side wall portion), 53b inner wall portion (first inner wall portion), 53c insertion portion (first insertion portion), 54a side wall portion (fourth side wall portion), 54b inner wall portion (second inward base portion), 54c insertion portion (second insertion portion), 56 protruding portion, 58 opposing portion, 60 sheet member (corrugated cardboard), 61 base portion, 61a first end portion (regulating portion), 61b second end portion (regulating portion), 61c, 61d long side portion, 62 pressing portion, 62a folding portion, 100 image forming portion, 101 photosensitive drum (image carrier), 102 charging roller (charging member), 103 Exposure head (exposure device), 104 developing roller (developer carrier), 105 supply roller (supply member), 106 developing blade (layer regulating member), 108 transfer roller (transfer member), 120 medium supply section, 130 fixing device, 140 medium discharge section, 501 extension section, 502 extension section, A1 first end, A2 second end, Ax rotation shaft, E1, E2 folded section, F1, F2 folded section.

Claims

1. A packaging box capable of packaging a developer container capable of accommodating a developer and having an outlet through which the developer can be discharged, a box body that houses the developer container; a pressing portion provided inside the box body at a position corresponding to the discharge port and configured to press the developer accommodating body; Equipped with The pressing portion presses the developer container in a direction approaching an opposing portion of the box body that faces the discharge port. A packaging box characterized by:

2. The pressing portion is a part of the folded cardboard, The elastic force of the cardboard presses the developer container. The packaging box according to claim 1 .

3. The developer container further includes a regulating portion that regulates the position of the pressing portion in the longitudinal direction of the developer container. The packaging box according to claim 1 .

4. The box body has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the developer accommodating body on a side facing the discharge port of the developer accommodating body and at a position different from the facing portion in the longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating body. The packaging box according to claim 1 .

5. the box body has two or more protrusions in the longitudinal direction, The opposing portion is located between the protruding portions adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction.

5. The packaging box according to claim 4.

6. The length of the pressing portion in the longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating body is equal to or greater than the length of the discharge port in the longitudinal direction. The packaging box according to claim 1 .

7. Between the developer container and the bottom of the box, a gap is provided on both sides of the pressing portion in the longitudinal direction of the developer container. The packaging box according to claim 1 .

8. The pressing portion is formed integrally with the box body. The packaging box according to claim 1 .

9. The packaging box according to any one of claims 1 to 8; the developer container contained in the packaging box; A package comprising:

10. A method for manufacturing a package in which a developer container capable of containing a developer and having an outlet through which the developer can be discharged is packaged, comprising: a step of attaching a folded cardboard sheet having a pressing portion that presses a position corresponding to the discharge port of the developer container contained in the box body into the box body that contains the developer container; a step of accommodating the developer container in the box; and When the developer container is housed in the box body, the pressing portion presses the developer container in a direction approaching an opposing portion of the box body that faces the discharge port. A method for manufacturing a package comprising the steps of:

Images