JP7845841B2 - Toner cartridge packaging box and toner cartridge distribution system - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a toner cartridge packaging box and a toner cartridge distribution system.

The toner cartridge packaging box has a cushioning section within the toner cartridge housing.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-231388

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a toner cartridge packaging box that reduces impact on the toner cartridge, and a toner cartridge distribution system that includes the toner cartridges packaged in the toner cartridge packaging box.

According to the embodiment, the toner cartridge packaging box has a box-shaped storage section, a flap-shaped first buffer section, and a second buffer section. The storage section has a rectangular storage section opening that is long in the longitudinal direction for inserting and removing a toner cartridge that is long in the longitudinal direction. The first buffer section comprises a fitting section and a spacer. The first buffer section is integrally provided on one of the side plates at both ends of the storage section in the longitudinal direction, and the member itself, which folds back one side plate to form the fitting section and spacer, cushions impact to one end of the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction and its vicinity with at least two plate-like parts superimposed on one side plate . The fitting section has a through fitting opening formed by a fitting edge, and fits onto the toner cartridge at the fitting opening by covering one end of the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction and at least a part of its vicinity from the side of the storage section opening when the toner cartridge is stored in the storage section in a predetermined orientation. The spacer separates one end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity from one side plate. The second buffer section is opposite the first buffer section and buffers the other end of the toner cartridge that is opposite to one end.

A schematic perspective view showing a toner cartridge packaging box according to one embodiment. A schematic perspective view showing a toner cartridge distribution system in which toner cartridges are housed in a toner cartridge packaging box according to one embodiment. A schematic perspective view showing the toner cartridge distribution system with the cushioning flap of the toner cartridge packaging box shown in Figure 2 folded down. A schematic perspective view showing a toner cartridge according to one embodiment. A perspective view showing a part of the toner cartridge distribution system, with the third side panel of the toner cartridge packaging box omitted from the illustration. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge distribution body along the ZX plane. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge distribution body along the ZX plane. A magnified view of the cushioning flap of the toner cartridge packaging box shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a magnified view of the first buffer section and toner cartridge of the cartridge distribution body. A cross-sectional view along the X-X plane, which is parallel to the XY plane, in Figure 9. A schematic perspective view showing the toner cartridge distribution system. Figure 11 shows the toner cartridge distribution system as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow XII. A schematic cross-sectional view showing the deformation of the first buffer section when a load is applied along the X-axis direction to the toner cartridge flow path shown in Figure 7. A plan view showing a blank toner cartridge packaging box according to one embodiment.

The embodiments of the toner cartridge packaging box (hereinafter mainly referred to as the packaging box) 14, the toner cartridge distribution unit (hereinafter mainly referred to as the distribution unit) 10, and the toner cartridge packaging blank (hereinafter mainly referred to as the blank) 110 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 14.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the toner cartridge distribution system 10 includes a toner cartridge 12 and a toner cartridge packaging box 14.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the toner cartridge 12. The toner cartridge 12 shown in Figure 4 is detachable from an image forming apparatus, such as a multifunction printer. When the toner cartridge 12 is attached to the image forming apparatus, it is inserted from the front to the rear. When the toner cartridge 12 is removed from the image forming apparatus, it is pulled out from the front.

The toner cartridge 12 is formed to be long along a single axis. The toner cartridge 12 has a first end 201 along the axis and a second end 202 opposite to the first end 201.

The toner cartridge 12 comprises a cartridge body 22, which serves as a toner storage section for containing toner. The outer shell of the cartridge body 22 is formed of, for example, plastic. The cartridge body 22 includes a container body 221 with a roughly U-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 12, and a roughly rectangular plate-shaped lid body 222. The lid body 222 closes the container body 221.

When the toner cartridge 12 is attached to the image forming apparatus, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12, as shown in Figure 4, is positioned on the front side of the image forming apparatus, and the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 is positioned 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 positioned on the upper side and the container body 221 is positioned on the lower side. When the toner cartridge 12 is transported as a distribution unit 10, it is preferable that the lid 222 is positioned on the lower side and the container body 221 on the upper side.

Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of the distribution body 10, with the third side panel 43 of the packaging box 14 omitted from the illustration.

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

As shown in Figure 4, the container body 221 of the cartridge body 22 is provided with a discharge section 25, which serves as a toner replenishment port for discharging toner from the cartridge body 22 and supplying toner to the image forming apparatus. The discharge section 25 is located 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 section 25 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the container body 221. The discharge section 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. The end face 2511 of the rail 251 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 total length of the toner cartridge 12, for example, about 1/10. On the rail 251, the discharge port of the discharge unit 25 is provided on the side opposite to the first end 201. With the toner cartridge 12 installed in the image forming apparatus, the shutter 252 is opened, and the toner is supplied to the developer through the discharge port of the discharge unit 25.

Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 12 is being transported as part of the distribution body 10, the shutter 252 is positioned on the rail 251 opposite the first end 201, and closes the discharge opening. 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 with a stopper 253 at the end opposite to the first end 201 to restrict the movement of the shutter 252 towards the second end 202.

The packaging box 14 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is made of a sheet material such as double-sided corrugated cardboard. The packaging box 14 can be made of paper corrugated cardboard or plastic corrugated cardboard. For example, the internal dimensions of the packaging box 14 are 463 x 98 x 80 mm, and the external dimensions are 500 x 107 x 89 mm. The packaging box 14 has a box-shaped storage section 32, a lid section 34, a first cushioning section 36, and a second cushioning section 38.

Here, the distribution body 10 has X, Y, and Z axes relative to the toner cartridge 12 and packaging box 14, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The X-axis runs along the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 12 and packaging box 14. The Y-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis, and the XY plane is parallel to the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 40 of the packaging box 14. The Y-axis runs along the width direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The Z-axis is perpendicular to the X and Y axes. The Z-axis runs along the height direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal and width directions.

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

Figure 6 shows the relationship between the packaging box 14 and the toner cartridge 12 in the distribution system 10, corresponding to Figure 2. Figure 7 shows the relationship between the packaging box 14 and the toner cartridge 12 in the distribution system 10, corresponding to Figure 3.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the base plate portion 40 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the base plate portion 40 has a substantially rectangular base plate 401, a first flap plate 402, and a second flap plate. The first flap plate 402 is superimposed on one end of the base plate 401 in the longitudinal direction. The second flap plate is superimposed on the other end of the base plate 401 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, both ends of the base plate portion 40 are formed as a double bottom by superimposing two corrugated cardboard sheets.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first side panel 41, the second side panel 42, the third side panel 43, and the fourth side panel 44 are each formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The first side panel 41 and the second side panel 42 are spaced apart and facing each other in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the packaging box 14. The third side panel 43 and the fourth side panel 44 are spaced apart and facing each other in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the packaging box 14. The storage section 32 is formed by the first side panel 41, the second side panel 42, the third side panel 43, and the fourth side panel 44, creating a storage section opening 45. The storage section opening 45 is a long rectangle along the longitudinal direction, allowing the long toner cartridge 12 to be inserted into and removed from the storage section 32.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the third side panel 43 has an outer panel 431 of the housing section 32 and an inner panel 432 that is superimposed on the outer panel 431. Therefore, the third side panel 43 is formed by stacking two corrugated cardboard sheets.

Furthermore, the fourth side panel 44 is formed using the second outer panel 123 (described later) of the blank 110 shown in Figure 14 as the outer panel, the fixing plate 126 as the inner panel, and the second inner panel 117 as the intermediate panel positioned between the second outer panel 123 and the second outer panel 123. Therefore, the fourth side panel 44 is formed by stacking three corrugated cardboard sheets.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the lid portion 34 has a lid top plate 51 and a lid flap 52. The lid portion 34 is integrally attached to the first side plate portion 41.

Furthermore, in the packaging box 14 shown in Figures 1 to 3, the surface of the first side plate 41 parallel to the ZX plane on the -Y axis side of the outer storage compartment 32 is considered the front surface, and the surface of the second side plate 42 parallel to the ZX plane on the +Y axis side is considered the rear 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 outer storage compartment 32 shown in Figure 1 is considered the left side, and the surface of the fourth side plate 44 parallel to the YZ plane on the +X axis side is considered the right side.

The first buffer portion 36 cushions impacts to the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 in the longitudinal direction. The first buffer portion 36 is provided on the third side plate portion 43, which is one of the side plates at both ends of the housing portion 32 in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the first buffer portion 36 is integrally provided on the third side plate portion 43 at one end of the housing portion 32 in the longitudinal direction. The first buffer portion 36 is formed to a size that accommodates the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12.

Figure 8 shows a magnified view of the third side plate portion 43 and the first buffer portion 36 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

As shown in Figure 8, the first buffer portion 36 has a flap-shaped buffer flap 60 having a fitting portion 61 and a spacer 62. The buffer flap 60 rotates with the upper end of the third side plate portion 43 as the axis extending in the Y-axis direction, using a fold line (scribed line) 63. The buffer flap 60 is formed with a width D smaller than the distance between the first side plate portion 41 and the second side plate portion 42 shown in Figures 1 to 3 of the housing portion 32. Therefore, the buffer flap 60 is inserted into and removed from the housing portion 32 through the housing portion opening 45. The buffer flap 60 is then folded along a predetermined number of fold lines (scribed lines) 641, 642, 643, and 644, and rotated from the position shown in Figures 2 and 6 to the position shown in Figures 3 and 7, thereby supporting the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12.

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

As shown in Figure 5, the fitting portion 61 is formed, for example, as an opening (fitting portion opening) that follows the outer shape of 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 cartridge body 22. As shown in Figure 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 part of the cartridge body 22 pass 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 part of the cartridge body 22 are positioned on the side of the third side plate portion (one side plate) 43 and on the opposite side from the third side plate portion 43, through the buffer flap 60.

As shown in Figures 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 rail 251 of the discharge portion 25 of the toner cartridge 12, and a third fitting edge 613 that follows the end face of the container body 221 on the first end 201 side. The fitting portion 61 is formed so that when folded along the fold line 642, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 and a portion of the container body 221 and discharge portion 25 in its vicinity are fitted together.

The first fitting edge 611 follows the outer shape of the container body 221 on the side opposite to the lid 222. The first fitting edge 611 follows the outer circumferential surface of the container body 221 on the side of the second end 202 rather than the end face of the first end 201.

Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing the relationship between the first buffer portion 36 of the fluid body 10 shown in Figure 3 and the toner cartridge 12. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along the X-X plane in Figure 9. The X-X plane in Figure 9 aligns with the upper end of the second fitting edge 612. Figure 10 shows the relationship between the width (length along the Y-axis) Da of the second fitting edge 612, the width (length along the Y-axis) Db of the rail 251, and the width Dc of the shutter 252.

As shown in Figure 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 positioned on the end face 2511 side of the rail 251 on the first end 201 side relative to 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.

As shown in Figure 8, the buffer flap 60 is folded along the fold 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.

The spacer 62 is provided as a wall 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 side plate) 43. The spacer 62 acts as a partition, positioning the shutter 252, which slides relative to the rail 251, on the opposite side from the third side plate portion (one side plate) 43. Therefore, the spacer (partition) 62 prevents the shutter 252 from moving toward the third side plate portion 43. That is, the spacer 62 outside the second fitting edge 612 of the fitting portion 61 follows the outer surface of the rail 251, preventing the shutter 252, which protrudes relative to the rail 251, from moving toward the third side plate portion 43.

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 side plate) 43 of the housing portion 32.

As shown in Figure 8, the buffer flap 60 integrally comprises a first plate-like portion 601, a second plate-like portion 602, a third plate-like portion 603, a fourth plate-like portion 604, and a fifth plate-like portion 605, in order from the fold line 63 at one end toward the free end at the other end. The first plate-like portion 601, the second plate-like portion 602, the third plate-like portion 603, the fourth plate-like portion 604, and the fifth plate-like portion 605 are each formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The first plate-like portion 601 is inserted into and removed from the housing portion 32 through the housing portion opening 45, with the upper end (+Z-axis side end) of the third side plate portion 43 being supported by the fold line 63 extending in the Y-axis direction. The sections between the first plate-like portion 601 and the second plate-like portion 602, between the second plate-like portion 602 and the third plate-like portion 603, between the third plate-like portion 603 and the fourth plate-like portion 604, and between the fourth plate-like portion 604 and the fifth plate-like portion 605 are folded in predetermined directions by fold lines 641, 642, 643, and 644 extending in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the folding direction of these four fold lines 641, 642, 643, and 644 extending in the Y-axis direction is the same.

As shown in Figure 7, with the buffer flap 60 folded along the four fold lines 641, 642, 643, and 644 extending in the Y-axis direction, one surface of the first plate-like portion 601 is in contact with the inner plate 432 of the third side plate portion 43.

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

The second plate-shaped portion 602 fits onto 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 to separate the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 from the third side plate portion (one side plate) 43. The second plate-shaped portion 602 deforms when the toner cartridge 12 moves toward the third side plate portion (one side plate) 43.

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

The third plate-shaped portion 603, as part of the remainder of the fitting portion 61, fits together with the second plate-shaped portion 602 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.

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

The fifth plate-like portion 605 abuts against the first plate-like portion 601. The fifth plate-like portion 605 extends parallel to the first plate-like portion 601. The fifth plate-like portion 605 is spaced apart from the third plate-like portion 603. The distal end (free end) 6051 of the fifth plate-like portion 605 relative to the fourth plate-like portion 604 may abut against or be spaced apart from the second plate-like portion 602. The distal end 6051 of the fifth plate-like portion 605 may be fitted in a manner similar to the relationship between the protrusion 1262 of the fixing plate 126 of the blank 110 (described later) and the through hole 1243 of the second bottom contact portion 124.

Next, we will explain the process of placing the toner cartridge 12 into the packaging box 14.

As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the lid 222 of the toner cartridge 12 is positioned downwards, with the container body 221, rail 251, and shutter 252 facing upwards. The second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 is then positioned close to the second buffer section 38 through the opening 45 of the housing 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.

As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the worker folds the cushioning flap 60 along the fold lines 641, 642, 643, and 644 in the predetermined directions. The worker then places the cushioning flap 60, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, over the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 from above, through the housing opening 45. Next, the worker fits the fitting portion 61 of the cushioning flap 60 onto the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12, positioning the cushioning flap 60 in the location shown in Figures 3 and 7.

The worker places one surface of the first plate-like portion 601 against the inner plate 432 of the third side plate portion 43, while sandwiching the second plate-like portion 602 between the inner plate 432 of the third side plate portion 43 and the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12. At this time, the fitting portion 61 fits around the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12. That is, the worker fits the outer circumference of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 into the fitting portions 61 of the second plate-like portion 602 and the third plate-like portion 603. At this time, the worker confirms that the end of the shutter 252 on the first end 201 side (-X-axis direction side) is positioned closer to the second end 202 side (+X-axis direction side) than the third plate-like portion 603.

Then, the worker brings the fifth plate-like portion 605 into contact with the other surface of the first plate-like portion 601, and aligns the fourth plate-like portion 604 parallel to the bottom plate portion 40.

In this way, the first cushioning section 36 is formed on the packaging box 14 by the cushioning flap 60.

As shown in Figures 3 and 7, when packaging the toner cartridge 12 in the packaging box 14, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 is fitted into the first cushioning portion 36 of the housing portion 32 of the packaging box 14, with the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 close to the second cushioning portion 38. At this time, the longitudinal length between the first end 201 and the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 is within the range of the longitudinal distance between the third side plate portion 43 and the fourth side plate portion 44 of the housing portion 32. For example, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 penetrates the fitting portion 61 of the cushioning flap 60, but is spaced apart from the inner plate 432 of the third side plate portion 43. The second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 may be in contact with the second cushioning portion 38, or it may be spaced apart.

The vertical height of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 is within the vertical height range of the first buffer portion 36 and does not protrude outside the housing opening 45. The width of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 in the front-rear direction is within the width range between the first side plate portion 41 and the second side plate portion 42 of the housing portion 32.

The vertical height of the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12 is within the vertical height range of the second buffer portion 38 and does not protrude outside the housing opening 45. The width of the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12, along the front-rear direction, is within the width range between the first side plate portion 41 and the second side plate portion 42 of the housing portion 32.

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

Therefore, the toner cartridge 12 is housed in the housing 32 without protruding from the housing 32 to the outside.

Then, as shown in Figure 11, the lid 34 of the packaging box 14 closes the storage section 32 where the toner cartridge 12 is housed. The fold line 46 along the X-axis between the second side plate 42 and the lid top plate 51 is folded, and the fold line 47 along the X-axis between the lid top plate 51 and the lid flap 52 is also folded. Then, the lid flap 52 of the lid 34 is glued to the front surface of the first side plate 41. At this time, as shown in Figure 12, the outer surface (bottom surface) of the bottom plate 401 of the bottom plate 40 and the outer surface (top surface) of the lid top plate 51 of the lid 34 are made parallel.

In this way, the packaging box 14 and the toner cartridge 12 form a toner cartridge distribution unit 10. The toner cartridge distribution unit 10 is then transported to a desired location, for example, by stacking multiple units vertically.

For example, suppose an appropriate impact is applied to the outer plate 431 of the third side plate portion 43 of the toner cartridge flow body 10 in the direction of the +X axis. One example of this situation is when the flow body 10 is dropped onto the floor with the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 inside facing downwards.

At this time, because the lid flap 52 of the lid portion 34 is fixed to the first side plate portion 41, the fourth plate-like portion 604 of the cushioning flap 60 is prevented from flying out of the housing opening 45. Depending on the magnitude of the impact, the third fitting edge 613 of the fitting portion 61 of the cushioning flap 60 approaches the inner plate 432 of the third side plate portion 43. That is, the second plate-like portion 602 is pushed in the -X axis direction by the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12, and the second plate-like portion 602 of the cushioning flap 60 deforms by bending, for example, as shown by reference numeral 6021 in Figure 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-like portion 602 of the cushioning flap 60 of the first cushioning portion 36.

On the other hand, the shutter 252 catches on the spacer 62, which forms a partition around the second fitting edge 612 of the fitting portion 61 of the third plate-shaped portion 603, preventing the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 from moving towards the inner plate 432 of the third side plate portion 43.

Here, due to the deformation of the second plate-like portion 602, the fold line 642 at the lower end of the third plate-like portion 603 (the boundary between the second plate-like portion 602 and the third plate-like portion 603) is pulled toward the first plate-like portion 601. Therefore, the inclination angle of the third plate-like portion 603 moves away from its parallel position to the first plate-like portion 601.

However, the upper end of the fitting portion 61 in Figure 13, that is, the fold line 643 at the boundary between the third plate-like portion 603 and the fourth plate-like portion 604, attempts to move toward the bottom plate portion 40, but its movement is restricted by the presence of the rail 251 and the container body 221 of the toner cartridge 12. Therefore, the third plate-like portion 603 is pulled toward the first plate-like portion 601 as the second plate-like portion 602 deforms, but the deformation of the fourth plate-like portion 604 and the fifth plate-like portion 605 is suppressed.

Therefore, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 and the first plate-shaped portion 601 and the fifth plate-shaped portion 605 remain separated. Consequently, for example, if the toner cartridge 10 is dropped onto the floor with the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 facing downwards, the first cushioning portion 36 prevents impact from being applied to the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12.

Furthermore, for example, if the toner cartridge 12 inside the toner cartridge 10 is dropped onto the floor with its first end 201 facing downwards, the impact may be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the cushioning flap 60, depending on the magnitude of the impact. At this time, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 moves toward the third side plate portion 43 (-X axis direction) due to gravity. As a result, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 moves the second plate-like portion 602 of the cushioning flap 60 toward the third side plate portion 43 (-X axis direction). Also, the shutter 252 of the toner cartridge 12 moves the third plate-like portion 603 of the cushioning flap 60 toward the third side plate portion 43 (-X axis direction). At this time, the cushioning flap 60 is formed of, for example, corrugated cardboard. Therefore, for example, the second plate-like portion 602 and the third plate-like portion 603 of the cushioning flap 60 each elastically deform into a curved shape. Therefore, the packaging box 14, for example, through the elastic deformation of the cushioning flap 60, cushions the impact on the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12.

In this way, the movement between the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 and the third side plate portion 43 of the packaging box 14, and/or the deformation of the cushioning flap 60 of the first cushioning portion 36, cushions the impact on the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12. Therefore, the first cushioning portion 36 can cushion the impact on the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 in the longitudinal direction.

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

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

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

The vicinity of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 is not directly placed on the bottom plate portion 40 of the packaging box 14, but rather on the flap plate 402 on the bottom plate 401 of the bottom plate portion 40. Therefore, near the lower end of the storage portion 32, the underside of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 is supported by two sheets of corrugated cardboard. Furthermore, since the fitting portion 61 of the third plate-like 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 portion 40 in the +Z-axis direction, the impact is cushioned by the bottom plate 401 and the flap plate 402 of the bottom plate portion 40. Thus, the bottom plate 401 and the flap plate 402 of the bottom plate portion 40 can become part of the first cushioning portion 36. Furthermore, within the housing section 32, the vicinity of the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 moves upward (towards the +Z axis direction), causing the container body 221 and 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.

Thus, the first buffer portion 36 cushions the impact on the area surrounding the first end 201 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 12.

Therefore, by appropriately fitting the cushioning flap 60 to the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 in the packaging box 14 according to this embodiment, the impact on the area around the longitudinal first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 can be cushioned by the first cushioning portion 36.

The second buffer section 38 appropriately cushions the impact applied to the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12.

Furthermore, although the second buffer portion 38 in this embodiment does not engage with the second end 202 of the toner cartridge 12, it may be formed with a structure that engages with it, similar to the first buffer portion 36.

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

The blank 110, before being assembled into the packaging box 14 shown in Figure 1, is formed into a flat plate shape, as shown in Figure 14. An example of the blank 110 is, for example, double-sided corrugated cardboard with a thickness of 3 mm.

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

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 a substantially rectangular shape.

Furthermore, the X-axis is taken along the longitudinal direction of the bottom 111 of the blank 110, and the Y-axis is taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the XY plane is taken so that it is parallel to the front and back surfaces of the bottom 111 of the blank 110. Also, the Z-axis is taken along the thickness direction of the blank 110.

A scribe line (on one long side of the bottom 111) 131 is formed at the boundary between the bottom 111 and the first side plate region 112. A scribe line (on the other long side of the bottom 111) 132 is formed at the boundary between the bottom 111 and the second side plate region 113. A scribe line (on the lid scribe line) 133 is formed at the boundary between the second side plate region 113 and the lid 114. A scribe line (on the lid flap scribe line) 134 is formed at the boundary between the lid 114 and the lid flap 115. A scribe line (on one short side of the first side plate region 112) 135 is formed at the boundary between the first side plate region 112 and the first inner plate region 116. A scribe line (on the other short side of the first side plate region 112) 136 is formed at the boundary between the first side plate region 112 and the second inner plate region 117. A scribe line 137 (on one of the shorter sides 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 scribe line 138 is formed at the boundary between the first outer plate portion 118 and the first bottom contact portion 119. A scribe line 139 is formed at the boundary between the first outer plate portion 118 and the spacer portion 120. A scribe line 140 is formed at the boundary between the spacer portion 120 and the buffer flap region 121.

Furthermore, the ruled lines 131-140, and ruled lines 141-148 (described later), form fold lines that allow for easy folding.

A scribe line 141 is formed at the boundary between the second side plate region 113 and the second outer plate portion 123 (on the other short side of the second side plate region 113). A scribe line 142 is formed at the boundary between the second outer plate portion 123 and the second bottom contact portion 124. A scribe line 143 is formed at the boundary between the second outer plate portion 123 and the buffer region forming portion 125. A scribe line 144 is formed at the boundary between the buffer region forming portion 125 and the fixing plate 126.

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

The ruled line 134 is formed in a position that, when the lid flap portion 115 (lid flap 52) is folded relative to the lid portion 114 (lid top plate 51), causes the lid flap portion 115 (lid flap 52) to abut against the outer surface of the first side plate region 112 (first side plate portion 41), and also aligns the lid flap portion 115 (lid flap 52) and the first side plate region 112 (first side plate portion 41) parallel to each other.

The length of the lid portion 114 (lid top plate 51) along the Y-axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (width direction) is longer than the length of the bottom portion 111 (bottom plate portion 40) along the Y-axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (width direction). Therefore, when the lid portion 114 (lid top plate 51) is folded along the crease line 131 and then along the crease line 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 made parallel, the lid portion 114 (lid top plate 51) abuts against the protruding portion 1121 of the first side plate region 112 (first side plate portion 41).

Of the first side plate region 112, the edge on the -Y axis side (opposite to the bottom 111 and the grid line 131) is formed as a projection 1121 that protrudes -Y axis side (opposite to the bottom 111) relative to the -Y axis side edge (first edge) 1162 of the first inner plate portion 116 and the -Y axis side edge (second edge) 1172 of the second inner plate portion 117. That is, the edge 1162 of the first inner plate portion 116 is located closer to the bottom 111 (+Y axis side) than the projection 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 (+Y axis side) than the projection 1121 of the first side plate region 112. The protrusion 1121 of the first side plate region 112 protrudes, for example, 3 mm in the -Y axis direction relative to the -Y axis edge 1162 of the first inner plate portion 116 and the -Y axis edge 1172 of the second inner plate portion 117.

Furthermore, the grid line (one long edge) 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 housing portion 32.

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

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, for example, about 1 mm to 2 mm shorter than the longitudinal length of the lid portion 114. 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.

A through-cut 1141 is formed between the lid portion 114, the spacer portion 120, and the buffer flap region 121. A through-cut 1142 is formed between the lid portion 114, the buffer region forming portion 125, and the fixing plate 126.

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. On the +Y-axis side of the through-cut 1151, an inclined end 1152 is formed, separating it from the buffer flap region 121. The inclined end 1152 slopes away from the +X-axis side edge 1210 of the buffer flap region 121 as it moves toward the +Y-axis.

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

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 length of the lid portion 114 and the first side plate region 112. Furthermore, the length of the lid flap portion 115 in the Y axis direction perpendicular to the X axis direction (longitudinal direction), i.e., the distance between the score line 134 and the edge 1154 of the lid flap portion 115 in the +Y axis direction, is smaller than the distance between the score line 131 and the protruding portion 1121 of the first side plate region 112.

Therefore, this prevents the edge 1154 of the lid flap portion 115 in the +Y axis direction from being positioned below the bottom plate portion 40. Furthermore, it prevents the edge 1154 of the lid flap portion 115 in the +Y axis direction from being positioned beyond the third side plate portion 43 (first outer plate portion 118) towards the -X axis, and also prevents it from being positioned beyond the fourth side plate portion 44 (second outer plate portion 123) towards the +X axis.

The longitudinal lengths of the bottom portion 111, the first side plate region 112, the second side plate region 113, and the lid portion 114 are longer than the total length of the toner cartridge 12. The widthwise lengths of the bottom portion 111 and the lid portion 114 along the Y-axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are longer than the widthwise dimensions 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 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are longer than the heights of the toner cartridge 12 perpendicular to both the longitudinal and widthwise directions.

The longitudinal length of the first side plate region 112 is shorter than the longitudinal length of the bottom portion 111. The edge 1161 on the +Y axis side (bottom portion 111 side) of the first inner plate portion 116 is positioned further away from the bottom portion 111 and the scribe line 131 towards the -Y axis. Therefore, a first groove 161 exists between the bottom portion 111, the first side plate region 112, and the first inner plate portion 116. The edge 1171 on the +Y axis side (bottom portion 111 side) of the second inner plate portion 117 is positioned further away from the bottom portion 111 and the scribe line 131 towards the -Y axis. Therefore, a second groove 162 exists between the bottom portion 111, the first side plate region 112, and the second inner plate portion 117.

The scribe line 138 on the bottom 111 side of the first outer plate portion 118 is spaced apart from the scribe line 132 at the boundary between the bottom 111 and the second side plate region 113, towards the +Y axis.

A first bottom contact portion 119 is formed on the -Y axis side of the first outer plate portion 118. The +X axis side edge 1191 of the first bottom contact portion 119 is spaced apart from the bottom portion 111 toward the -X axis and inclined. The edge 1191 is formed as an inclined end that slopes in the -X axis direction as it moves from the +Y axis side toward the -Y axis side. The -X axis side edge 1192 of the first bottom contact portion 119 has an inclined end 11921 that slopes in the -X axis direction as it moves from the +Y axis side toward the -Y axis side, and a straight end edge 11922 that runs straight along the -Y axis direction from the -Y axis side end of the inclined end 11921.

The grid line 139 is located on the -Y axis side of the grid line 133 between the second side plate region 113 and the lid portion 114.

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 positioned relative to the first outer plate portion 118 and the spacer portion 120 in the same positional relationship as the second side plate region 113 relative to the bottom portion 111.

The spacer portion 120 is positioned between the crease lines 139 and 140. The length of the spacer portion 120 along the Y-axis is longer than the thickness of the corrugated cardboard sheet.

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

A grid line 145 parallel to the X-axis exists between the first plate-like region 1211 and the second plate-like region 1212. A grid line 146 parallel to the X-axis exists between the second plate-like region 1212 and the third plate-like region 1213. A grid line 147 parallel to the X-axis exists between the third plate-like region 1213 and the fourth plate-like region 1214. A grid line 148 parallel to the X-axis exists between the fourth plate-like region 1214 and the fifth plate-like region 1215.

The length of the first plate-like region 1211 along the Y-axis is shorter than the lengths of the first side plate region 112 and the second side plate region 113 along the Y-axis.

The second plate-like region 1212 has a first fitting recess 151. The distance along the Y-axis from the boundary between the second plate-like region 1212 and the first plate-like 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.

The length of the second plate-like region 1212 along the Y-axis 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 on the first end 201 side of the shutter 252 of the toner cartridge 12 of the packaging box 14.

The third plate-like region 1213 has a second fitting recess 152 and a third fitting recess 153. The first fitting recess 151 of the second plate-like region 1212, and the second fitting recess 152 and third fitting recess 153 of the third plate-like region 1213 form a single fitting opening 150. The fitting opening 150 is spaced apart from the spacer portion 120 and the first outer plate portion 118, and is formed on the inside, away from the outer edge of the buffer flap region 121, to secure a spacer area. Furthermore, the buffer flap region 121 has a scribe line 146 on the fitting opening 150. Therefore, the fitting opening 150 is formed so that when folded along the scribe line 146, the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 and a portion of the container body 221 and discharge portion 25 in its vicinity are fitted into it.

The second fitting recess 152 of the third plate-like region 1213 follows the outer shape of the container body 221 on the side opposite to the lid 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.

The length of the fourth plate-like region 1214 along the Y-axis is, for example, longer than the length of the second plate-like region 1212 along the Y-axis. Preferably, the length of the fourth plate-like region 1214 along the Y-axis is such that when the packaging box 14 is closed with the lid 34, the lid top plate 51 of the lid 34 and the fourth plate-like region 604 are parallel.

The length of the fifth plate-like region 1215 along the Y-axis is preferably shorter than the length of the first plate-like region 1211 along the Y-axis. In this case, the distal end 6051 of the fifth plate-like portion 605 of the packaging box 14 does not press against the second plate-like portion 602. This prevents the second plate-like portion 602 and the fifth plate-like portion 605 from unintentionally coming into contact and bending.

The scribe line 142 on the bottom 111 side of the second outer plate portion 123 is located at a position spaced apart from the scribe line 132 at the boundary between the bottom 111 and the second side plate region 113, towards the +Y axis.

A second bottom contact portion 124 is formed on the -Y axis side of the second outer plate portion 123. The -X axis side edge 1241 of the second bottom contact portion 124 is spaced apart from the bottom portion 111 toward the +X axis and inclined. Therefore, the edge 1241 is formed as an inclined end that slopes in the +X axis direction as it moves from the +Y axis side toward the -Y axis side. The +X axis side edge 1242 of the second bottom contact portion 124 has an inclined end 12421 that slopes in the +X axis direction as it moves from the +Y axis side toward the -Y axis side, and a straight end edge 12422 that runs straight along the -Y axis direction from the -Y axis side end of the inclined end 12421.

Furthermore, the second bottom contact portion 124 has a through hole 1243 on the -Y-axis side relative to the score line 142, into which the protrusion 1262 of the fixing plate 126 is fixed.

A buffer region forming section 125 is formed on the +Y axis side of the second outer panel 123. A fixing plate 126 is formed on the +Y axis side of the buffer region forming section 125. The crease line 143 is located on the -Y axis side of the crease line 133 at the boundary between the second side panel region 113 and the lid 114. The buffer region forming section 125 forms a region between the crease lines 143 and 144 with a length equal to or longer than the thickness of the corrugated cardboard along the Y axis.

Furthermore, the buffer region forming portion 125 and the ruled lines 143 and 144 form the other half of a pair of short edges of the opening of the housing portion 32.

The distance between the grid line 144 and the +Y-axis side edge 1261 of the fixing plate 126 is shorter than the Y-axis length (height) of the first side plate region 112 and the second side plate region 113 along the Y-axis direction.

The fixing plate 126 has a projection 1262 that protrudes toward the +Y axis relative to the +Y axis edge 1261. The projection 1262 is sized and shaped to fit into the through hole 1243.

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 is continuous with the 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 is continuous with the through-notch 1142.

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 contact portion 124. The notch 1133 is continuous with the -X-axis side edge 1241 of the second bottom contact portion 124.

The lines 131-148 on the blank 110 serve as fold lines for folding the blank 110. The lines 131-148 align with the X or Y axis. Preferably, fold grooves are pre-formed at the positions of the lines 131-148 to facilitate folding.

The blank 110 shown in Figure 14 is folded along the scribed lines 131-148 to form the packaging box 14 shown in Figure 1.

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 grooves 161, 162 and a scribe line 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 a scribe line 132. The second side plate region 113 becomes the second side plate portion 42.

The first inner plate portion 116 is bent relative to the first side plate region 112 by the groove 161 and the scribe line 135. The second inner plate portion 117 is bent relative to the first side plate region 112 by the groove 162 and the scribe line 136.

The lid portion 114 is folded relative to the second side plate region 113 by the notches 1131, 1132 and the scribe line 133. Furthermore, the first outer plate portion 118 and the spacer portion 120 are folded relative to the second side plate region 113 by the notches 1131 and the scribe line 137.

The notches 1132, 1133 and the score line 141 cause the second outer plate portion 123, the second bottom contact portion 124, and the cushioning region forming portion 125 to bend relative to the second side plate region 113. These second outer plate portion 123, second bottom contact portion 124, and cushioning region forming portion 125 then become the fourth side plate portion 44 and the second cushioning portion 38.

The first outer panel 118 becomes the panel on the -X axis side of the third side panel 43 (see Figure 1) of the packaging box 14 (the outer panel 431 of the third side panel 43). The first inner panel 116 is positioned between the first outer panel 118 and the buffer flap region 121. The first inner panel 116 contacts the first outer panel 118 on the +X side, for example. The first inner panel 116 becomes the inner panel 432 of the third side panel 43.

The first bottom contact portion 119 is bent relative to the first outer plate portion 118 by the ruled line 138. Therefore, the first bottom contact portion 119 rests on the bottom portion 111. The first bottom contact 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 contact portion 119 separates from the second side plate region 113 as it moves toward the +X-axis. The inclined end 11921 of the first bottom contact portion 119 separates from the first side plate region 112. The straight end edge 11922 of the first bottom contact portion 119 abuts against the first side plate region 112.

The second outer panel 123 is the panel closest to the +X axis (the outer panel of the fourth side panel 44) of the packing box 14 (see Figure 1). The second inner panel 117 is positioned between the second outer panel 123 and the fixing plate 126. Therefore, the second inner panel 117 becomes the intermediate panel between the outer panel and the inner panel of the fourth side panel 44.

The second bottom contact portion 124 is bent relative to the second outer plate portion 123 by the scribe line 142. Therefore, the second bottom contact portion 124 rests on the bottom portion 111. At this time, the -X-axis side edge 1241 of the second bottom contact portion 124 separates from the second side plate region 113 as it moves toward the -X-axis. The inclined end 12421 of the second bottom contact portion 124 separates from the first side plate region 112. The straight end edge 12422 of the second bottom contact portion 124 contacts the first side plate region 112.

Then, by folding along the score lines 143 and 144, the protrusion 1262 is inserted into the through hole 1243 and fixed in place. At this time, the fourth side plate portion 44 is formed by the overlapping of the second outer plate portion 123, the second inner plate portion 117, and the fixing plate 126. Furthermore, the buffer area forming portion 125 creates spaces between the second outer plate portion 123 and the second inner plate portion 117, and between the second inner plate portion 117 and the fixing plate 126. Therefore, a second buffer portion 38 is formed in the fourth side plate portion 44. In addition, the housing portion 32 of the packaging box 14 is formed from the blank 110.

The first outer panel portion 118 and the buffer flap region 121 are bent along the scribe lines 139 and 140, and separated by the spacer portion 120 between the scribe lines 139 and 140.

Then, by folding the scribed lines 145-148 of the cushioning flap area 121 as shown in Figure 1, the first cushioning portion 36 of the packaging box 14 is formed.

In this way, a packaging box 14 having a storage section 32, a lid section 34, a first cushioning section 36, and a second cushioning section 38 is formed.

Specifically, 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 cushioning flap region 121 correspond to the first cushioning portion 36. The first inner plate portion 117, the second outer plate portion 123, the second bottom contact portion 124, the cushioning region forming portion 125, and the fixing plate 126 correspond to the second cushioning portion 38. The lid portion 114 corresponds to the lid top plate 51. The lid flap portion 115 corresponds to the lid flap 52.

The blank 110 is then manufactured as a packaging box 14 having a cushioning flap 60, as shown in Figure 1. Therefore, the toner cartridge 12 is placed in the housing section 32 of the packaging box 14 in a predetermined orientation, the cushioning flap 60 is fitted near the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 to form a first cushioning section 36, and the lid section 34 is fixed to the first side plate section 41. In this way, the flow body 10 provides appropriate cushioning for the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12.

For example, the first bottom contact portion 119 is formed as part of the bottom plate portion 40 and as part of the first cushioning portion 36. Thus, even a single component of the blank 110 according to this embodiment can perform multiple functions.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a toner cartridge packaging box 14 that reduces impact to the toner cartridge 12, a toner cartridge distribution body 10 containing the toner cartridge 12 packed in the toner cartridge packaging box 14, and a toner cartridge packaging blank 110.

Here, if the height of the second side plate region 113 of the blank 110 along the Y-axis is, for example, 86 mm, and the height of the notch 1131 of the second side plate region 113 along the Y-axis is 3 mm, then the upper end surface of the first buffer portion 36 and the protruding portion 1121 of the first side plate region 112 will be flush or nearly flush. If the height of the notch 1132 of the second side plate region 113 along the Y-axis is 3 mm, then the upper end surface of the second buffer portion 38 and the protruding portion 1121 of the first side plate region 112 will be flush or nearly flush.

In this embodiment, the packaging box 14 allows the outer surface of the bottom plate 40 that contacts the floor, etc., and the outer surface of the lid top plate 51 to be parallel (including substantially parallel), regardless of whether or not adhesive is applied between the first side plate 41 and the lid flap 52. Therefore, when stacking multiple distribution units 10, they can be stacked straight on top of each other. Consequently, the distribution units 10 in this embodiment can be prevented from collapsing during transport. Such a packaging box 14 can also prevent impact from being applied to the first end 201 of the toner cartridge 12 inside the distribution unit 10.

Furthermore, the packaging box 14 according to this embodiment is manufactured from a blank 110 in which a box-shaped storage section 32, a lid section 34, a first cushioning section 36, and a second cushioning section 38 are integrally formed. Therefore, the blank 110 can be transported as a single unit, rather than as multiple units. Consequently, the blank 110 according to this embodiment can be made smaller than a blank formed from multiple units. Therefore, using the blank 110 according to this embodiment can reduce the transportation cost of the blank 110. Also, when transporting the blank 110 according to this embodiment, the impact on the environment can be reduced.

In this embodiment, an example was described in which the first buffer portion 36 and the second buffer portion 38 are integrally provided in the housing portion 32. However, the first buffer portion 36 and the second buffer portion 38 do not necessarily have to be integrally provided in the housing portion 32.

The shapes of the first cushioning section 36 and the second cushioning section 38 of the packaging box 14 are examples. The shapes of the first cushioning section 36 and the second cushioning section 38 can be set in various ways. Furthermore, for example, it is also preferable that the storage section 32 and the first cushioning section 36 of the packaging box 14 be formed as separate components.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example was described in which both the first buffer portion 36 and the second buffer portion 38 are provided in the housing portion 32. For example, the second buffer portion 38 does not necessarily have to be provided in the housing portion 32. That is, the buffer portion only needs to be provided on at least one side of the longitudinal end of the housing portion 32.

According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a toner cartridge packaging box that reduces impact to the toner cartridge, a toner cartridge distribution system including the toner cartridges packed in the toner cartridge packaging box, and a blank for toner cartridge packaging.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims.

[Note]
[Note 1]
A box-shaped storage compartment having a rectangular opening that is long along the longitudinal direction for inserting and removing a toner cartridge that is long in the longitudinal direction,
It is integrally provided on one of the side plates at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the housing section,
A fitting portion is provided which fits onto one end of the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge, which is housed in the housing portion in a predetermined orientation, from the opening side of the housing portion.
A toner cartridge packaging box comprising a spacer that separates one end of the toner cartridge from one side plate, and a flap-shaped cushioning portion that cushions impacts to the one end of the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction.
[Note 2]
The aforementioned buffer portion is
A first plate-like portion in contact with one of the side plates,
A second plate-shaped portion is integrated with the first plate-shaped portion, fits into one end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity as part of the fitting portion, and is provided as a spacer to separate one end of the toner cartridge from the one side plate, and deforms when the toner cartridge moves toward the one side plate,
A third plate-shaped portion is integrated with the second plate-shaped portion and, as part of the remainder of the fitting portion, fits together with the second plate-shaped portion along the rail of the toner supply port at one end of the toner cartridge and the outer shape of the toner storage portion,
A fourth plate-like portion is integrated with the third plate-like portion, spaced apart from the second plate-like portion, and extends the third plate-like portion toward the first plate-like portion,
The toner cartridge packaging box according to Appendix 1, having a fifth plate-shaped portion integrated with the fourth plate-shaped portion, spaced apart from the third plate-shaped portion, and in contact with the first plate-shaped portion.
[Note 3]
The lid portion is provided on one of the pair of long edges of the storage opening and has a lid top plate that covers the storage opening,
The toner cartridge packaging box described in Appendix 2, wherein the fourth plate-like portion and the lid top plate are parallel.
[Note 4]
The toner cartridge packaging box according to Appendix 1, wherein the spacer causes one end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity to be spaced apart from a pair of side plates adjacent to one side plate of the housing section.
[Note 5]
In the assembled state of the toner cartridge packaging box, the rectangular bottom portion corresponds to the bottom plate portion of the storage section of the toner cartridge packaging box,
A rectangular first side plate region is provided on one of the longer sides of the bottom portion, and in the assembled state, corresponds to the first side plate portion of the housing portion.
A rectangular second side plate region is provided on the other long side of the bottom portion, and in the assembled state, corresponds to a second side plate portion that faces the first side plate portion of the housing portion,
A first inner plate portion is provided on one of the short sides of the first side plate region, and in the assembled state corresponds to a part of the third side plate portion of the housing portion,
A second inner plate portion is provided on the other short side of the first side plate region, and in the assembled state corresponds to a part of the fourth side plate portion of the housing portion,
A rectangular first outer plate portion is provided in the second side plate region and, in the assembled state, is positioned outside the first inner plate portion corresponding to the third side plate portion of the housing portion,
The first outer plate portion is provided in the same positional relationship as the second side plate region with respect to the bottom portion, and has a rectangular buffer flap region having a fitting opening that fits around at least a part of one end of the toner cartridge and the toner supply port nearby in the assembled state,
The fitting opening is a blank for packaging a toner cartridge, which is spaced apart from the first outer plate portion and formed on the inside, away from the outer edge of the cushioning flap area.
[Note 6]
The buffer flap region is a blank for packaging a toner cartridge as described in Appendix 5, having a score line on the fitting opening.
[Note 7]
The aforementioned buffer flap region is
A first plate-shaped region 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 portion,
A second plate-shaped region is provided on the opposite side from the first outer plate portion to the first plate-shaped region and has a first fitting recess which is part of the fitting opening that fits into at least a portion of the area around one end of the toner cartridge and the toner supply port nearby in the assembled state,
A third plate-shaped region is provided on the opposite side of the second plate-shaped region from the second plate-shaped region, and in the assembled state, fits onto at least a portion of the area around one end of the toner cartridge and the toner supply port in its vicinity, and is part of the fitting opening, having a second fitting recess that is continuous with the first fitting recess,
A fourth plate-shaped region is provided on the opposite side from the third plate-shaped region, and in the assembled state, the surface facing the opening side of the housing portion of the housing portion,
A toner cartridge packaging blank according to Appendix 5 or Appendix 6, having a fifth plate-shaped region provided on the opposite side of the fourth plate-shaped region from the fourth plate-shaped region and in contact with the first plate-shaped region in the assembled state.
[Note 8]
A rectangular lid portion is provided in the second side plate region and, in the assembled state, corresponds to the lid top plate facing the bottom plate portion of the housing,
A lid flap portion is provided on the lid portion and corresponds to a lid flap that abuts against or is fixed to the first side plate region of the housing portion in the assembled state,
In the first side plate region, a protruding portion that extends toward the opposite side from the bottom portion relative to the first inner plate portion and the second inner plate portion, and that contacts the lid top plate in the assembled state,
A toner cartridge packaging blank according to any one of appendices 5 to 7, having a lid section line provided at the boundary between the second side plate area and the lid, which causes the bottom plate and the lid top plate to be parallel in the assembled state.

10...Toner cartridge distribution body, 12...Toner cartridge, 14...Toner cartridge packaging box, 201...First end, 202...Second end, 22...Cartridge body, 221...Container body, 222...Lid, 23...Filling port, 24...Cap, 25...Discharge section, 251...Rail, 2511...End face, 252...Shutter, 253...Stopper, 32...Storage section, 34...Lid section, 36...First buffer section, 38...Second buffer section, 40...Bottom plate section, 401...Bottom plate, 402...First flap plate, 41...First side plate section, 42... 43...Second side plate section, 43...Third side plate section, 431...Outer plate, 432...Inner plate, 44...Fourth side plate section, 45...Housing section opening, 46, 47...Fold lines, 51...Lid top plate, 52...Lid flap, 60...Cushioning flap, 601...First plate-like section, 602...Second plate-like section, 603...Third plate-like section, 604...Fourth plate-like section, 605...Fifth plate-like section, 6051...Distal end, 61...Fitting section, 611...First fitting edge, 612...Second fitting edge, 613...Third fitting edge, 62...Spacer, 63...Fold lines, 641-644...Fold lines.

Claims (5)

A box-shaped storage compartment having a rectangular opening that is long along the longitudinal direction for inserting and removing a toner cartridge that is long in the longitudinal direction,
It is integrally provided on one of the side plates at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the housing section,
A fitting portion having a through fitting opening formed by a fitting edge, which is placed over one end of the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction and at least a portion near thereon, which is housed in the housing portion in a predetermined orientation, from the housing portion opening side and fits onto the toner cartridge with the fitting opening,
The toner cartridge comprises a spacer that separates one end and its vicinity from the one side plate, and a flap-shaped first buffer portion that cushions impacts to the one end and its vicinity in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge with at least two plate-like portions superimposed on the one side plate by the member itself that forms the fitting portion and the spacer when the one side plate is folded back,
A toner cartridge packaging box having a second cushioning portion that faces the first cushioning portion and cushions the other end of the toner cartridge opposite to the one end. The fitting edge of the fitting portion is fitted along the rail of the toner supply port and the outer shape of the toner storage portion at one end of the toner cartridge and in its vicinity, and the one end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity are formed to pass through 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 has a partition wall that positions the shutter, which slides relative to the rail, on the opposite side from the one side plate, and prevents the shutter from moving toward the one side plate.
The toner cartridge packaging box according to claim 1. The toner cartridge packaging box according to claim 1, wherein the first cushioning portion has a fold line that is used to fold the fitting portion when it is placed over one end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity. A box-shaped storage compartment having a rectangular opening that is long along the longitudinal direction for inserting and removing a toner cartridge that is long in the longitudinal direction,
It is integrally provided on one of the side plates at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the housing section,
A fitting portion having a through fitting opening formed by a fitting edge, which is placed over one end of the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction and at least a portion near thereon, which is housed in the housing portion in a predetermined orientation, from the housing portion opening side and fits onto the toner cartridge with the fitting opening,
A spacer that separates one end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity from the one side plate.
It comprises a flap-shaped first buffer portion that buffers impacts to the one end of the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction and its vicinity,
A second buffer portion is located opposite the first buffer portion and buffers the other end of the toner cartridge that is opposite to the one end.
It has,
The first buffer portion is,
A first plate-like portion in contact with one of the side plates,
A second plate-shaped portion is integrated with the first plate-shaped portion, fits into one end of the toner cartridge and its vicinity as part of the fitting portion, and is provided as a spacer to separate one end of the toner cartridge from the one side plate, and deforms when the toner cartridge moves toward the one side plate,
A third plate-shaped portion is integrated with the second plate-shaped portion and, as part of the remainder of the fitting portion, fits together with the second plate-shaped portion along the rail of the toner supply port at one end of the toner cartridge and the outer shape of the toner storage portion,
A fourth plate-like portion is integrated with the third plate-like portion, spaced apart from the second plate-like portion, and extends the third plate-like portion toward the first plate-like portion,
A toner cartridge packaging box having a fifth plate-like portion integrated with the fourth plate-like portion, spaced apart from the third plate-like portion, and in contact with the first plate-like portion , wherein the fitting opening is formed spanning the second plate-like portion and the third plate-like portion. A toner cartridge packaging box according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A toner cartridge distribution body having a toner cartridge disposed in the housing portion, the toner cartridge having one end of the toner cartridge and the area around the toner supply port nearby fitted into the fitting portion of the first buffer portion.