JP7155728B2 - cushioning material, package - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cushioning member made of synthetic resin, which is housed in a packaging case together with a container containing a fluid object, and which absorbs or attenuates shock and vibration received by the container.

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is detachably provided with a toner container that is consumed by a developing device (see Patent Document 1). When the toner container is attached to the container attachment portion of the image forming apparatus, toner can be replenished from the toner container to the developing device. When all the toner in the toner container is consumed, it is replaced with a new toner container filled with toner.

The toner container to be replaced is distributed in the market in a packaging case such as a cardboard case. During the distribution process, if the packaging case is subjected to unexpected impact or vibration, the toner container may be damaged or damaged. For this reason, conventionally, in order to protect the toner container from shocks and the like, the toner container is packed in the packaging case while being protected by a cushioning member capable of absorbing or attenuating the shock and vibration. As an example of the cushioning member, one made of styrene foam, corrugated cardboard, or an air pack containing air (see Patent Document 2) is known.

JP 2017-138466 A JP 2010-83529 A

A conventional cushioning member is arranged so as to fill the gap between the inner wall of the packaging case and the toner container. Therefore, in the packaging case, the cushioning member and the toner container are kept in contact with each other. Therefore, when impact or vibration is applied to the packaging case, even if the impact or the like is absorbed or attenuated by the cushioning member, not all of it is absorbed, and a part of the impact or the like passes through the cushioning member to the toner container. Communicate directly. In particular, when the cushioning member is in contact with the opening/closing member for opening/closing the toner discharge port provided in the toner container, the shock that cannot be absorbed is transmitted to the opening/closing member, and the opening/closing member and the toner discharge port are affected. There is a risk that the seal between them will be broken, and the toner in the toner container will leak out through the gaps between the seals.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to protect the opening and closing member of a container in which an object is accommodated from direct external force, and to prevent the impact received by the packaging case. To provide a cushioning member having high cushioning performance for absorbing or attenuating external force such as vibration and vibration, and a package provided with the cushioning member.

A cushioning member according to one aspect of the present invention is a cushioning member made of synthetic resin that is accommodated in a packaging case together with a container that accommodates a fluid object. The container has an opening/closing member that opens and closes an outlet for the stored object formed in the container. The cushioning member includes an accommodation portion having an accommodation space that accommodates the opening/closing member in a non-contact state so as to surround the opening/closing member, and is connected to the accommodation portion in a non-contact state with respect to the opening/closing member. and an elastic cushioning portion capable of cushioning the force in the opening/closing direction.

A package according to another aspect of the present invention includes the cushioning member, and the opening/closing member that accommodates the contained object having fluidity and opens and closes the discharge port of the contained object and the discharge port. A container, and the packaging case capable of accommodating the cushioning member and the container are provided. The packaging body accommodates the opening/closing member in the accommodating portion in a non-contact state so as to surround the opening/closing member, and in a state in which the accommodating portion of the cushioning member is in contact with the inner wall surface of the packaging case, It has a configuration in which the container and the buffer member are housed in the packaging case.

According to the present invention, the opening and closing member of the container in which the object to be contained is housed is protected from direct external force, and at the same time, the packaging case is highly cushioned to absorb or attenuate the external force such as impact and vibration received by the packaging case. A cushioning member having performance can be realized.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toner container applied to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tip of the toner container taken along a vertical plane passing through the center of the tip of the toner container. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a container mounting portion to which a toner container is mounted. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a packaging body in which a cushioning member and a toner container according to an embodiment of the present invention are housed in a packaging case. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a cushioning member. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a cushioning member. FIG. 7 is a trihedral view showing the cushioning member, where (A) is a front view, (B) is a left side view, and (C) is a plan view. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cushioning member is attached to the tip of the toner container. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along a horizontal plane passing through the center of the tip of the toner container in FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the cutting line XX in FIG. 7(B). FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along line XI--XI in FIG. 7(B).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

The toner container 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. FIG. 1 shows a toner container 40 (an example of the container of the present invention) used in an image forming apparatus. The toner container 40 accommodates fluid toner (an example of a contained object of the present invention) for replenishing the developing device of the image forming apparatus, and is detachably attachable to the image forming apparatus so as to be replaceable. is attached to the Here, the image forming apparatus exemplified in the present embodiment prints an image on a sheet of printing paper based on an electrophotographic method using a developer containing powdery toner. A copier, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine having these functions. Since the image forming apparatus is conventionally well-known, detailed description is omitted here. The image forming apparatus may print an image on printing paper using liquid ink. In this case, a so-called ink cartridge (also referred to as an ink tank) capable of containing ink is an example of the container of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the toner container 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape elongated in the longitudinal direction D2. The toner container 40 has a container body 41, a cover member 42, and the like. The inside of the container body 41 is a storage space that can store toner. Toner is accommodated inside the container main body 41 .

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tip of the toner container 40. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 51 through which toner can flow is formed on one side of the container body 41 in the longitudinal direction D2. The toner accommodated inside can flow out through the opening 51 to the outside from a toner discharge port 44 which will be described later. The opening 51 is formed at the end of the toner container 40 on the insertion direction D21 side with respect to the container mounting portion 20 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later. The other side of the container body 41 in the longitudinal direction D2 is closed. Hereinafter, in the longitudinal direction D2 of the toner container 40, the direction on which the opening 51 is provided may be referred to as the rear, and the opposite direction may be referred to as the front.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the container mounting portion 20 to which the toner container 40 is mounted. The container mounting section 20 is provided inside the image forming apparatus. The container mounting part 20 comprises a housing 23 having four receiving parts 22 . In the housing 23, the four accommodating portions 22 are arranged along the width direction D3. Predetermined toner containers 40 are inserted and attached to the respective accommodating portions 22 of the housing 23 . FIG. 3 shows a state in which one toner container 40 is inserted into the accommodating portion 22 at one end in the width direction D3.

The container body 41 is made of synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET resin), and is formed by blow molding or injection molding. The rear end of the container main body 41 is tapered rearward (insertion direction D21). As described above, the opening 51 is provided at the end of the container body 41 on the insertion direction D21 side. The opening 51 is formed to have a circular cross section.

In this embodiment, a synthetic resin is exemplified as an example of the material of each member such as the container body 41 and the cushioning member 70 described later. It is a substance made of synthetic polymer compounds), and is not limited to those made using petroleum as a raw material. For example, so-called bioplastics (biodegradable Also called plastic or bio-resin.).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container body 41 has a helical chevron rib 53 on its inner surface. The chevron rib 53 protrudes from the inner surface of the container body 41 toward the center of the container body 41 . The chevron rib 53 serves to convey the toner in the container body 41 toward the opening 51 (see FIG. 2).

A drive transmission portion 43 is attached to the opening portion 51 side of the container body 41 . The drive transmission part 43 is fixed to the container body 41 . The drive transmission portion 43 is an annular member having a gear formed on its peripheral surface. The drive transmission part 43 is fitted into the end of the container body 41 on the opening 51 side and fixed to the outer peripheral surface thereof. The drive transmission portion 43 has a tubular portion 43B formed in a cylindrical shape, and a gear 43A formed at the front end portion of the tubular portion 43B. With the toner container 40 attached to the container attachment portion 20 (see FIG. 3), a drive source such as a motor provided in the image forming apparatus transmits rotational driving force to the gear 43A. A rotational driving force is transmitted to the toner container 40 in the rotational direction of arrow D11.

A cover member 42 is provided on the container body 41 on the insertion direction D21 side (rear side) of the opening 51 . The cover member 42 covers the opening 51 and is attached to the end of the container body 41 on the insertion direction D21 side. The cover member 42 is a synthetic resin product, and is formed by injection molding or the like of thermoplastic synthetic resin.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cover member 42 has a cylindrical storage frame 58 into which the opening 51 is inserted while attached to the container body 41 . The opening 51 is inserted inside the accommodation frame 58 so that the opening 51 is covered by the accommodation frame 58 . The housing frame 58 supports the opening 51 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the container body 41 can rotate in the circumferential direction while the opening 51 is inserted into the housing frame 58 .

The cover member 42 has a hollow cylindrical base portion 59 on the insertion direction D21 side of the housing frame 58 . A connecting portion 80 to be described later is integrally formed with the base portion 59 . An arch-shaped guide wall 61 protruding from the end surface 59A of the base portion 59 on the insertion direction D21 side is provided. The guide wall 61 is provided at the lower end portion of the end surface 59A, and is provided at the center of the lower end portion in the width direction. The hole 60 surrounded by the guide wall 61 is inserted with a coil spring (biasing member) (not shown) of the container mounting portion 20 when the toner container 40 is mounted in the container portion 22 (see FIG. 3). part.

When the toner container 40 is mounted on the container mounting portion 20 (see FIG. 2), the connecting portion 80 of the cover member 42 and the connected portion (not shown) of the container mounting portion 20 are engaged with each other, and the toner container 40 is mounted. is attached to the container attachment portion 20 . The connecting portion 80 is an example of a predetermined connecting portion of the present invention. The cover member 42 is fixed in the circumferential direction of the toner container 40 by engaging the connecting portion 80 with the connected portion. In this embodiment, the cover member 42 cannot be rotated in the circumferential direction when the toner container 40 is mounted in the container mounting portion 20, but the container main body 41 is rotatable in the circumferential direction within the container mounting portion 20. Supported. With the toner container 40 attached to the container attachment portion 20, when the rotational driving force is transmitted to the gear 43A of the drive transmission portion 43, the container main body 41 moves in the direction of the arrow D11 (see FIG. 1) due to the rotational driving force. Rotate in the direction shown. As the container body 41 of the toner container 40 rotates in this manner, the toner is conveyed toward the opening 51 (rear side) while being pushed by the ribs 53 .

In this embodiment, the toner container 40 containing toner that is not suitable for the image forming apparatus cannot be attached. In other words, the image forming apparatus is configured such that only the toner container 40 having mounting compatibility can be mounted in the container 22 corresponding thereto. In other words, each container 22 is configured to be capable of selectively mounting a toner container 40 having mounting compatibility. For this reason, a connecting portion 80 is provided at the tip portion of the toner container 40 in the insertion direction D21. there is

The connecting part 80 has four interchangeable keys 81 made of an insulating material. Each of the four interchangeable keys 81 is provided at a position where it can be engaged with the connected portion corresponding to the toner container 40 . The interchangeable key 81 is a protruding member that protrudes from the end surface 59A in the insertion direction D21, and has a flat tip. The four interchangeable keys 81 are arranged on the circumference of a circle centered on a projection 88 (see FIG. 1), which will be described later. The arrangement positions of these four compatible keys 81 differ for each type of toner container 40 .

A connected portion (not shown) corresponding to the toner container 40 is provided on the inner side of each accommodating portion 22 of the container mounting portion 20 . When the toner container 40 is inserted into the housing portion 22 and the connecting portion 80 of the toner container 40 is engaged with the connected portion, the mounting of the toner container 40 is permitted. On the other hand, when the connecting portion 80 of the toner container 40 cannot be engaged with the front connecting portion, the mounting of the toner container 40 is prohibited. Such a structure that achieves mounting compatibility between the connected portion and the connecting portion 80 is generally referred to as a non-interchangeable structure. A detailed description of the incompatible structure is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cover member 42 has a toner outlet 44 (an example of the outlet of the present invention). The toner discharge port 44 is for discharging the toner contained in the container body 41 to the outside, and is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the cover member 42 . 1 and 2 show a state in which the toner outlet 44 faces downward.

The toner outlet 44 is a rectangular through-hole penetrating the outer peripheral wall of the cover member 42 . A toner flow path 45 is formed between the opening 51 and the toner outlet 44 inside the cover member 42 . When the toner container 40 is attached to the container attachment portion 20 (see FIG. 2) with the toner discharge port 44 facing downward, the toner that has moved from the opening 51 of the container main body 41 to the toner flow passage 45 is released into the toner flow path. It is guided downward through path 45 and reaches toner outlet 44 . When the toner discharge port 44 is open, the toner is discharged from the toner discharge port 44 downward and outward. As a result, toner is replenished to a developing device (not shown) of the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, when the toner discharge port 44 is closed, the toner is not discharged and the toner flow passage 45 is filled with toner.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cover member 42 is provided with a sliding opening/closing member 46 . The opening/closing member 46 is a plate-shaped member elongated in the longitudinal direction D<b>2 and supported by the cover member 42 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction D<b>2 of the container body 41 . The opening/closing member 46 opens and closes the toner discharge port 44 according to the position of the toner container 40 with respect to the container mounting portion 20 . The opening/closing member 46 opens the toner outlet 44 when the toner container 40 is attached to the container attachment portion 20 . Specifically, when the toner container 40 is attached to the container attachment portion 20, the opening/closing member 46 receives a pressing force from the container attachment portion 20 as the toner container 40 is attached, and the opening/closing member 46 opens the toner outlet 44 (open position). move up to FIG. 2 shows a state in which the opening/closing member 46 is arranged at the open position and the toner discharge port 44 is opened. When the toner container 40 is removed from the container mounting portion 20, the opening/closing member 46 moves rearward (in the insertion direction D21) from the open position along with the removal operation, and moves to a position (closed position) where the toner outlet 44 is closed. Then, the toner discharge port 44 is closed. In FIG. 2, the opening/closing member 46 arranged in the closed position is indicated by a dashed line.

The container mounting portion 20 is provided with a coil spring (biasing member) (not shown). This is done by moving 46 relatively rearward. When the toner container 40 is not attached to the container attachment portion 20 and is in a non-attached state, the opening/closing member 46 is maintained at the closed position.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the opening/closing member 46 is in the closed position, the tip 46A of the opening/closing member 46 in the insertion direction D21 protrudes from the tip of the projection 88 in the insertion direction D21. It protrudes in the insertion direction D21 from the tip on the direction D21 side.

Further, the cover member 42 has a protrusion 88 (an example of the first protrusion of the present invention) that protrudes in the insertion direction D21 at the center of the end surface 59A. The protrusion 88 is provided in the vicinity of the opening/closing member 46. Specifically, in FIG. there is The protrusion 88 is inserted into and engaged with a positioning engagement hole (not shown) provided in the container mounting portion 20 when the toner container 40 is mounted in the container portion 22 . As a result, the toner container 40 is positioned at the mounting position determined in the housing portion 22 . When the toner container 40 is attached to the housing portion 22, the coil spring is inserted into the hole 60 while being compressed. Therefore, the toner container 40 is locked at the mounting position in the accommodating portion 22 by a lock mechanism (not shown) so that the toner container 40 does not come off due to the spring force of the coil spring.

A flat plate 47 having a substantially flat flat surface is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the cover member 42 on the side opposite to the opening/closing member 46 . The flat plate 47 is a portion that faces the bottom surface of the packaging case 11 when the toner container 40 is accommodated in the packaging case 11 of the packaging body 10 to be described later. With the toner container 40 placed horizontally so that the longitudinal direction D2 of the toner container 40 coincides with the horizontal direction, the flat plate 47 moves a predetermined distance ΔD from the outer peripheral surface of the container body 41 toward the center of the container body 41 . placed at a distance.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the package 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the package 10. FIG. The package 10 includes the toner container 40 described above, a cushioning member 70 described later that can absorb or attenuate an external force such as impact or vibration, and the packaging case 11. The toner container 40 and the cushioning member 70 are included in the packaging case. It is housed in 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the toner container 40 configured as described above is put on the market as the package 10 that is housed in the package case 11 together with the cushioning member 70 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the packaging case 11 of the packaging body 10 has a capacity capable of accommodating the toner container 40 and the cushioning member 70, and is formed in a long rectangular parallelepiped shape. The packaging case 11 is made of cardboard, cardboard, or the like. In this embodiment, these two members are housed inside the packaging case 11 with the cushioning member 70 attached to the tip of the toner container 40 .

Next, the cushioning member 70 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9. FIG.

The cushioning member 70 is flexible and serves to prevent the toner container 40 accommodated in the packaging case 11 from being damaged by impacts applied during distribution and transportation of the package 10 . . The cushioning member 70 is accommodated in the packaging case 11 together with the toner container 40 as described above. In other words, the cushioning member 70 absorbs or attenuates external forces such as shocks and vibrations received by the toner container 40 inside to cushion (relieve). In the present embodiment, the cushioning member 70 is integrally molded with a synthetic resin using a mold, and is a synthetic resin molding.

By the way, the conventional cushioning member is arranged so as to fill the gap between the inner wall of the packaging case 11 and the toner container 40 . was in contact with In particular, when a conventional cushioning member is in contact with an opening/closing member 46 for opening/closing the toner discharge port 44 provided in the toner container 40, the external force that cannot be absorbed or attenuated is transmitted to the opening/closing member 46, opening and closing the opening/closing member. The seal between the member 46 and the toner discharge port 44 may be broken, and the toner in the toner container 40 may leak out through the clearance of the seal. In contrast, the cushioning member 70 of the present embodiment protects the opening/closing member 46 of the toner container 40 from direct external force such as impact and vibration, and realizes high cushioning performance of absorbing or attenuating the external force. can do.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cushioning member 70 is roughly composed of an accommodating portion 71 (an example of an accommodating portion of the present invention) and a cushioning portion 72 . In the following, the up-down direction D31, the width direction D32, and the front-rear direction D33 are defined with reference to the accommodation attitude in which the toner container 40 and the cushioning member 70 are accommodated in the packaging case 11. FIG.

The accommodation portion 71 is formed in a substantially cubic shape, and includes a flat bottom plate 711, a pair of side plates 712 vertically extending upward from both ends of the bottom plate 711 in the width direction D32, and a front end of the bottom plate 711. and a side plate 713 (an example of the partition wall of the present invention) vertically extending upward from the part. The accommodating portion 71 is formed in a size and shape that can come into contact with the inner wall surface (bottom surface, inner side surface, etc.) of the packaging case 11 when the cushioning member 70 is accommodated in the packaging case 11 . The bottom plate 711 is a portion that is placed on the bottom surface of the packaging case 11 while being in contact with the bottom surface. Also, the pair of side plates 712 are portions that come into contact with a pair of inner side surfaces of the packaging case 11 that face each other in the width direction D32. A bottom plate 711 and a pair of side plates 712 stabilize the cushioning member 70 within the packaging case 11 . The side plate 713 is provided so as to span the front edges of the pair of side plates 712 in the width direction D32. In this embodiment, the height size of the side plate 713 (the length in the vertical direction D31) is smaller than the height size of the side plate 712 and smaller than the height size of the buffer portion 72 described later.

A housing space 714 (see FIG. 5) is defined inside the housing portion 71 by the bottom plate 711 and the side plates 712 and 713 . The bottom plate 711 is a portion placed on the bottom surface of the packaging case 11 and defines the bottom side of the accommodation space 714 . When the toner container 40 and the buffer member 70 are accommodated in the packaging case 11 , the cover member 42 , which is the tip portion of the toner container 40 , is accommodated in the accommodation space 714 . More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the cover member 42 including the opening/closing member 46 is housed in the housing space 714 of the housing portion 71 with the toner outlet 44 and the opening/closing member 46 facing upward. With the cover member 42 accommodated in the accommodation space 714 , the opening/closing member 46 is surrounded by the bottom plate 711 and the pair of side plates 712 and 713 . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 , the cover member 42 is accommodated in the accommodation space 714 in a state where the accommodation portion 71 does not directly contact the opening/closing member 46 (non-contact state).

The housing portion 71 is open at the rear side and the upper side. That is, the housing portion 71 has an opening 91 that opens the rear side and the upper side. The opening 91 is formed by the upper ends of the pair of side plates 712 and 713 and the rear ends of the pair of side plates 712 and 711 .

With the cover member 42 accommodated in the accommodation space 714 , the upper ends of the pair of side plates 712 reach a position above the opening/closing member 46 positioned above the cover member 42 . Therefore, when the toner container 40 and the buffer member 70 are stored in the packaging case 11 in the stored posture (stored state), the inner wall surfaces of the bottom, side, and top surfaces of the packaging case 11 do not directly contact the cover member 42. Of course, it does not come into direct contact with the opening/closing member 46 either.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7A, projections 719 projecting outward in the width direction D32 are formed at the rear end portions of the upper ends of the pair of side plates 712, respectively. In this embodiment, the distance L1 (see FIG. 7C) from the projecting end of one projection 719 to the projecting end of the other projection 719 is greater than the distance L2 between the inner surfaces of the packaging case 11 (see FIG. 4). is also slightly longer. That is, in the accommodating portion 71, the interval L1, which is the maximum size in the width direction D32, is larger than the interval L2. Therefore, when the toner container 40 and the buffer member 70 are accommodated in the packaging case 11, the projection 719 abuts against the inner surface of the packaging case 11 and receives a reaction force from the inner surface due to the contact with the inner surface. As a result, the pair of side plates 712 are bent inward in the width direction D32. As a result, a restoring force that causes the side plate 712 to return to its original state is applied to the inner surface via the projection 719 as an elastic biasing force. This stabilizes the cushioning member 70 within the packaging case 11 . Further, when the packaging case 11 is made of a material softer than the cushioning member 70, such as the cardboard or cardboard described above, the projection 719 bites into the inner surface due to the elastic biasing force. This also stabilizes the cushioning member 70 within the packaging case 11 .

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7B, each of the pair of side plates 712 of the cushioning member 70 has a projecting plate 712A projecting inward in the width direction D32 from their rear edges. The protruding plate 712A is formed in a plate shape having substantially the same thickness as the side plate 712, and is bent at a substantially right angle with the side plate 712 at the rear end side.

A support portion 717 is formed integrally with the protruding plate 712A at the protruding direction end (the inner end in the width direction D32) of each protruding plate 712A. Each support portion 717 protrudes inward in the width direction D32 from the end portion of each projecting plate 712A. Each support portion 717 is provided substantially in the center in the vertical direction D31 on the edge side of the protruding plate 712A. The support portion 717 supports the tubular portion 43B of the drive transmission portion 43 while the cover member 42 of the toner container 40 is accommodated in the accommodation space 714 . Each support portion 717 is formed in a concavely curved shape toward the side plate 712 side (outside in the width direction D32).

Each supporting portion 717 is formed with two curved portions 717A and 717B that form a pair with each other. The two curved portions 717A and 717B are vertically separated from each other with respect to the approximate center of the support portion 717 in the vertical direction D31. Of the pair of curved portions 717A and 717B, the curved portion 717A is arranged on the upper side and the curved portion 717B is arranged on the lower side. A curved surface 7171 (see FIG. 10) having substantially the same curvature as the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 43B (see FIG. 2) is formed on the end face of each of the curved portions 717A and 717B. With the cover member 42 accommodated in the accommodation space 714, the curved portions 717A and 717B of the support portion 717 contact the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 43B (see FIG. 2) of the drive transmission portion 43 to push the tubular portion 43B. By supporting, the end portion of the container main body 41 on the insertion direction D21 side is supported by each support portion 717 . The protruding plate 712A is provided at the rear end of the accommodating portion 71. As shown in FIG. Therefore, even if the curved portions 717A and 717B abut against the cylindrical portion 43B of the drive transmission portion 43, external forces such as vibrations and impacts are less likely to be transmitted from the contact portion to the opening/closing member 46 through the cover member 42.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the cutting line XX in FIG. 7(B). As shown in FIG. 10, an inclined guide surface 7172 is formed on the rear end surface of the curved portion 717B. The inclined guide surface 7172 is an inclined surface that is inclined so as to reduce the distance between the curved portions 717B toward the front. When the cover member 42 of the toner container 40 is inserted into the accommodation space 714 , if the drive transmission portion 43 abuts against the inclined guide surface 7172 , the drive transmission portion 43 is guided toward the accommodation space 714 by the inclined guide surface 7172 . . A return portion 7173 is provided in the curved portion 717B. The return portion 7173 is a stepped portion retracted from the front end portion of the curved surface 7171 to the outside in the width direction D32. Since the return portion 7173 is provided, when the toner container 40 is pulled backward with the cover member 42 accommodated in the accommodation space 714 , the return portion 7173 is caught by the cover member 42 and the toner container 40 is pulled. and the buffer member 70 move together in the pulling direction. Note that the return portion 7173 may be provided on the upper curved portion 717A.

As shown in FIG. 5, each of the pair of side plates 712 has a stop plate 718 at its lower end. The stopping plate 718 is formed between both edges of the bottom plate 711 in the width direction D32. The stop plates 718 stand vertically upward from both sides of the bottom plate 711 in the width direction D32. The stop plate 718 is formed in a plate shape extending in the front-rear direction D33. A rectangular opening 92 is formed in the center of the side plate 712 , and a stop plate 718 defines the lower end of the opening 92 .

The stop plate 718 is arranged at a position spaced a predetermined distance inside the pair of side plates 712 in the width direction D32. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7(A), the opening 92 expands inward in the width direction D32 by the predetermined distance in the plan view of the cushioning member 70 . The size of the bottom plate 711 and the pair of stop plates 718 in the width direction D32 is determined corresponding to the width of the flat plate 47 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the cover member 42. For example, the width of the flat plate 47 and About the same, or slightly longer. Therefore, when the cover member 42 with the flat plate 47 facing downward is accommodated in the accommodation space 714 of the accommodation portion 71, when the cover member 42 tries to rotate in the circumferential direction, both edges of the flat plate 47 in the width direction D32 contacts the stop plate 718 and stops further rotation. In other words, the pair of stop plates 718 restricts the circumferential rotation of the cover member 42 . Therefore, the pair of stopping plates 718 play a role of preventing rotation of the cover member 42 in the circumferential direction.

As shown in FIG. 5 , a plurality of inclined ribs 715 are formed at the corners of the stop plate 718 and both edges of the bottom plate 711 in the width direction D32. Each inclined rib 715 is arranged at regular intervals in the front-rear direction D33. The inclined rib 715 is formed in a triangular shape inclined obliquely downward from the inner surface of the stop plate 718 toward the upper surface of the bottom plate 711 (see FIG. 7B). When the cover member 42 is accommodated in the accommodation space 714 , both edges of the flat plate 47 of the cover member 42 are brought into contact with the inclined ribs 715 so that the flat plate 47 is guided to the upper surface of the bottom plate 711 . In this embodiment, the inclined rib 715 serves as a reinforcing rib that reinforces the strength of the housing portion 71 and also serves to prevent the stop plate 718 and the side plate 712 from expanding outward in the width direction D32.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cushioning member 70 has two reinforcing portions 74 (an example of the reinforcing portion of the present invention). Each reinforcing portion 74 increases the rigidity of the housing portion 71 and reinforces the strength of the housing portion 71 in the vertical direction D31. Each reinforcing portion 74 is provided at both ends in the width direction D32 at the rear end portion of the accommodating portion 71 . The reinforcing portion 74 extends upward perpendicular to the bottom plate 711 . FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along line XI--XI in FIG. 7(B). As shown in FIG. 11, the reinforcing portion 74 is formed of a plate-shaped portion bent in the circumferential direction, and specifically, formed of plate-shaped portions of a side plate 712 and a projecting plate 712A. In particular, the lower end portion 741 of the reinforcing portion 74 is composed of plate-like portions of the side plate 712, the protruding plate 712A, and the reinforcing plate 718A protruding from the stopping plate 718 outward in the width direction D32.

As shown in FIG. 11, the lower end portion 741 is formed in a substantially square tubular shape in plan view. More specifically, in the lower end portion 741, a slit 742 (an example of the discontinuous portion of the present invention) extending in the vertical direction D31 is formed inside the side plate 712 in the width direction D32. The lower end portion 741 is provided with a plate-shaped rib 743 projecting rearward from the reinforcing plate 718A and a plate-shaped rib 744 extending forward from the projecting plate 712A. 741 only. A slit 742 is a gap between ribs 743 and 744 . Since this slit 742 is formed, the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion 741 is discontinuous in the circumferential direction.

Since such a reinforcing portion 74 is provided in the cushioning member 70 , the reinforcing portion 74 as a whole reinforces the strength of the accommodating portion 71 , thereby increasing the size of the accommodating portion 71 . Further, at the lower end portion 741 of the reinforcing portion 74, the strength is further reinforced by the ribs 743 and 744, while the slit 742 realizes flexibility in the front-rear direction D33 and the width direction D32. Therefore, even if the package 10 receives an unexpected external force and the external force is applied to the reinforcing portion 74 of the housing portion 71, the reinforcing portion 74 can be prevented from being damaged. 741 is prevented from being destroyed.

A contact portion 716 is provided on the rear side of the side plate 713 , that is, on the side surface 713</b>A (wall surface) of the side plate 713 on the accommodation space 714 side. The contact portion 716 vertically protrudes rearward from the vicinity of the center of the side surface 713A. That is, the contact portion 716 protrudes from the side surface 713A. Inside the packaging case 11, the contact portion 716 contacts the protrusion 88 of the cover member 42 while the cover member 42 is accommodated in the accommodation space 714 (see FIG. 9). As a result, the side plate 713 can maintain a non-contact state with the openable/closable member 46 when the toner container 40 and the cushioning member 70 are accommodated in the packaging case 11 .

The buffer portion 72 is arranged on the front side of the housing portion 71 and is connected to the side plate 713 of the housing portion 71 . Specifically, the buffer portion 72 is connected to the side plate 713 via a pair of connection plates 721 . The cushioning portion 72 does not directly contact the opening/closing member 46 in the retracted posture, and is connected to the accommodating portion 71 in a non-contact state.

The buffer portion 72 has elasticity in the sliding direction (opening/closing direction) of the opening/closing member 46 so as to be able to absorb or attenuate the external force when applied thereto. Specifically, the cushioning portion 72 has a tubular portion 722 formed in a cylindrical shape whose center axis is the vertical direction D31 perpendicular to the sliding direction of the opening/closing member 46 . Both sides of the cylindrical portion 722 in the vertical direction D31 are open (see FIG. 7C).

Each of the pair of connection plates 721 connects the cylindrical portion 722 of the buffer portion 72 and the side plate 713, and has flexibility to bend in a predetermined direction. Each of the pair of connecting plates 721 is an example of the connecting portion of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the pair of connecting plates 721 extend in the vertical direction D31 and are formed in a plate shape elongated in the vertical direction D31. Therefore, if an external force in the width direction D32 is applied to the buffer portion 72 while the toner container 40 and the cushioning member 70 are accommodated in the packaging case 11, the connecting plate 721 bends in the width direction D32. Thereby, the external force can be absorbed or attenuated so that the external force is not transmitted to the housing portion 71 . The vertical direction D31 is an example of a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the opening/closing member 46 in the retracted posture.

Each connecting plate 721 is provided on the front side of the side plate 713 , that is, in the center of the side surface 713</b>B (wall surface) of the side plate 713 on the buffer portion 72 side. Specifically, each connecting plate 721 is provided at the center of the side surface 713B in the width direction D32. The connecting plates 721 face each other with a predetermined gap in the width direction D32, and extend in the vertical direction D31 while being parallel to each other. The predetermined interval is sufficiently smaller than the size of the side plate 713 in the width direction D32. Since each connecting plate 721 is provided at such a position, it becomes easier for each connecting plate 721 to bend in the width direction D32. Therefore, if an external force in the width direction D32 is applied to the cushioning portion 72, the connecting plate 721 easily bends in the width direction D32, and can absorb or attenuate the external force.

A pair of connecting plates 721 extends from the lower end to the upper end of the side plate 713 . As described above, the height size H1 of the side plate 713 (the length in the vertical direction D31, see FIG. 7B) is smaller than the height size H2 of the buffer portion 72 (see FIG. 7A). In this embodiment, the height size H1 of the side plate 713 is approximately half the height size H2 of the buffer portion 72 . Therefore, the height size of the connecting plate 721 is also smaller than the height size H2 of the buffer portion 72 . Therefore, if an external force in the front-rear direction D33 is applied to the cushioning portion 72 while the toner container 40 and the cushioning member 70 are accommodated in the packaging case 11, the tubular portion 722 of the cushioning portion 72 may move up and down. The connecting plate 721 is bent in the same direction together with the side plate 713 even if it is bent in any direction of the direction D31. Accordingly, even if an external force in the vertical direction D31 is applied to the buffer portion 72, the external force is absorbed or attenuated by each connecting plate 721. As shown in FIG. In addition, excessive stress is not generated at the boundary between the side plate 713 and the connecting plate 721, cracks in the vertical direction D31 are prevented from occurring at the boundary, and damage to the connecting plate 721 is prevented.

A pair of connection plates 721 are formed in a curved shape. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, it is formed in an arc shape in plan view. Each connecting plate 721 is curved with the same curvature, and curved so that the outer surface in the width direction D32 has a concave shape. Since each connecting plate 721 is formed in such a shape, it becomes easy to bend in the same direction as the sliding direction of the opening/closing member 46 in the stored posture, that is, in the front-rear direction D32. Since the cylindrical portion 722 and the side plate 713 are connected by the connecting plate 721, even if the toner container 40 and the cushioning member 70 are stored in the packaging case 11, the external force in the front-rear direction D33 is buffered. When applied to the portion 72, the external force is absorbed or attenuated by the buffer portion 72, but the connecting plate 721 is bent in the front-rear direction D33 by the external force, so that the external force is also absorbed or attenuated by the connecting plate 721. be done. Further, when an external force oblique to the front-rear direction D33 is applied to the cushioning portion 72, the connecting plate 721 is bent, and the cylindrical portion 722 is displaced in the width direction D32 with the connecting plate 721 as the center. Also in this case, the external force is absorbed or attenuated by the connecting plate 721 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 9 , a pair of projecting ribs 731 projecting toward the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 722 of the buffer portion 72 are provided on the side surface of the side plate 713 . Each of the pair of projecting ribs 731 is an example of the second projecting portion of the present invention. Each of the pair of protruding ribs 731 is provided near the connecting plate 721 . Specifically, one protruding rib 731 is provided at a position spaced apart by a predetermined distance outward in the width direction D32 of one of the connection plates 721, and the protrusion rib 731 is provided at a position spaced outward in the width direction D32 of the other connection plate 721 by the predetermined distance. Another protruding rib 731 is provided at a position separated from the . The pair of projecting ribs 731 extends in the vertical direction D31 and is formed in a plate shape elongated in the vertical direction D31. The protruding end (tip) of each protruding rib 731 does not reach the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 722, and does not contact the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 722 when the cushioning member 70 is in the normal state. However, if an external force in the front-rear direction D33 is applied to the cushioning portion 72 and the cylindrical portion 722 is deformed in the front-rear direction D33, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 722 will cause both or one of the protruding ribs 731 to protrude. The protruding rib 731 abuts on the end and absorbs or attenuates the force transmitted from the tubular portion 722 .

Since the pair of connecting plates 721 are provided on the side plate 713 and the pair of protruding ribs 731 are provided on the side plate 713 in this way, when an external force is applied to the cylindrical portion 722 of the buffer portion 72, the External forces are distributed by each connecting plate 721 and each protruding rib 731 .

As shown in FIG. 6 , a notch 723 is formed in a tubular portion 722 of the cushioning portion 72 . The notch 723 is formed in the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 722 and has a narrow groove shape extending vertically upward along the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion 722 from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 722 . In this embodiment, a notch 723 is formed in the wall surface on the front side of the outer peripheral wall of the tubular portion 722 . The notch 723 extends from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 722 to near the center of the cylindrical portion 722 in the vertical direction D31.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7A, a pair of cutouts 724 are formed in the tubular portion 722 of the cushioning portion 72 . A pair of cutouts 724 are formed in the outer peripheral wall of the tubular portion 722 and have a semi-elliptical shape recessed upward from the lower end of the tubular portion 722 . In this embodiment, cutouts 724 are formed in the wall surfaces on both sides of the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 722 in the width direction D32. The cut depth of each cutout 724 is shallower than that of the cutout 723 and is approximately half the cutout depth of the cutout 723 .

Since the cushioning member 70 is configured in this manner, even if an unexpected external force is applied to the packaging case 11 in the package 10 , the external force is absorbed or attenuated by the cushioning portion 72 . Further, since the opening/closing member 46 is not in contact with the housing portion 71 and the cover member 42 is housed in the housing space 714 , even if a part of the impact is transmitted from the cushioning portion 72 to the housing portion 71 , the opening/closing member 46 does not contact the housing portion 71 . hard to tell. As a result, even if an external force is applied to the packaging case 11 in the same direction as the sliding direction of the opening/closing member 46, the seal between the opening/closing member 46 and the toner discharge port 44 can be maintained, and a gap is generated in the seal. can be prevented. As a result, the toner in the toner container 40 is prevented from leaking to the outside through the clearance of the seal.

In addition, since the side plate 713 of the accommodation portion 71 and the buffer portion 72 are connected by a pair of connection plates 721 , an external force such as impact or vibration applied to the buffer portion 72 passes through the connection plate 721 to the accommodation portion 71 . Since the force is also absorbed or attenuated by the connecting plate 721 when it is transmitted, the external force is less likely to be transmitted to the housing portion 71 . Particularly, since the connecting plate 721 is formed in a curved shape as described above, the connecting plate 721 is easily bent in the vertical direction D31 when receiving an external force, and the connecting plate 721 absorbs and attenuates the external force. Improves effectiveness.

Further, by forming the cutouts 723 and 724 in the cylindrical portion 722, the cushioning portion 72 can obtain elasticity that can exhibit appropriate cushioning performance. The elasticity of the tubular portion 722 varies depending on the outer diameter and thickness of the tubular portion 722. However, by designing the cutouts 723 and 724 with appropriate sizes and shapes, the tubular portion 722 can be given any elasticity. can have.

In the above-described embodiment, the cushioning portion 72 having the cylindrical portion 722 having the central axis in the vertical direction D31 was described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, instead of the tubular portion 722, the buffer portion 72 may have a tubular portion whose central axis is the width direction D32 orthogonal to the sliding direction of the opening/closing member 46. As shown in FIG. In this case, the connecting plate 721 and the projecting rib 731 are formed on the side plate 713 so as to extend in the width direction D32.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the pair of connection plates 721 that connect the tubular portion 722 and the side plate 713 are illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the buffer member 70 may have a configuration in which only one connecting plate 721 is provided, or a configuration in which three or more connecting plates 721 are provided. Moreover, as for the protruding ribs 731, at least one protruding rib 731 may be provided on the side surface 713B. Also, the pair of connecting plates 721 are not limited to being parallel to each other, nor are they necessarily parallel to the protruding ribs 731 . Further, the connecting plate 721 and the protruding rib 731 are not limited to being plate-shaped members elongated in the vertical direction D31. A projecting member may be used. In this case, it is preferable that a plurality of connecting plates 721 or protruding ribs 731 are provided in a state separated in the vertical direction D31. In other words, the connection plate 721 may have any shape, size, etc. as long as it connects the buffer portion 72 and the housing portion 71 and can be bent in the same direction as the sliding direction of the opening/closing member 46 . good. Further, the protruding rib 731 is provided near the connecting plate 721 and may have any shape, size, etc. as long as it protrudes from the side plate 713 toward the buffer portion 72 side.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the slit 742 is formed in the lower end portion 741 of the reinforcing portion 74 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the lower end portion 741 may be configured without the ribs 743 and 744 . Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the lower end portion 741 of the reinforcing portion 74 is realized by a plurality of plate-like portions is exemplified. A slit extending in the vertical direction D31 may be formed in the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion 741 .

10: Package 11: Packaging case 40: Toner container 41: Container main body 42: Cover member 44: Toner outlet 46: Opening/closing member 70: Buffer member 71: Storage section 72: Buffer section

Claims (12)

A synthetic resin cushioning member that is housed in a packaging case together with a container that houses a fluid object,
The container is
Having an opening and closing member for opening and closing a discharge port of the contained object formed in the container,
The buffer member is
a housing portion having a housing space for housing the opening/closing member in a non-contact state so as to surround the opening/closing member;
a cushioning portion connected to the accommodating portion in a non-contact state with respect to the opening/closing member and having elasticity capable of buffering a force in the opening/closing direction of the opening/closing member ;
The cushioning member is formed in a cylindrical shape having a center axis perpendicular to the opening/closing direction, and includes a cylindrical portion having elasticity in the same direction as the opening/closing member. 2. The cushioning member according to claim 1 , wherein said cushioning portion has a notch formed in an outer peripheral wall of said tubular portion in a central axis direction of said tubular portion. The container is
a first projecting portion provided near the opening/closing member and projecting in the same direction as the opening/closing direction;
The buffer member is
a partition separating the accommodation space and the buffer portion in the same direction as the opening and closing direction;
3. The partition wall according to claim 1 , further comprising: a contact portion protruding from a wall surface of said partition wall on a side of said housing space, said contact portion being in contact with said first projecting portion when said opening and closing member is housed in said housing space. cushioning material. A synthetic resin cushioning member that is housed in a packaging case together with a container that houses a fluid object,
The container is
Having an opening and closing member for opening and closing a discharge port of the contained object formed in the container,
The buffer member is
a housing portion having a housing space for housing the opening/closing member in a non-contact state so as to surround the opening/closing member;
a cushioning portion connected to the accommodating portion in a non-contact state with respect to the opening/closing member and having elasticity capable of buffering a force in the opening/closing direction of the opening/closing member;
The container is
a first projecting portion provided near the opening/closing member and projecting in the same direction as the opening/closing direction;
The buffer member is
a partition separating the accommodation space and the buffer portion in the same direction as the opening and closing direction;
a cushioning member including a contact portion protruding from a wall surface of the partition wall on a side of the accommodation space and abutting against the first protrusion when the open/close member is accommodated in the accommodation space. A synthetic resin cushioning member that is housed in a packaging case together with a container that houses a fluid object,
The container is
Having an opening and closing member for opening and closing a discharge port of the contained object formed in the container,
The buffer member is
a housing portion having a housing space for housing the opening/closing member in a non-contact state so as to surround the opening/closing member;
a cushioning portion connected to the accommodating portion in a non-contact state with respect to the opening/closing member and having elasticity capable of buffering a force in the opening/closing direction of the opening/closing member;
The buffer member is
a partition separating the accommodation space and the buffer portion in the same direction as the opening and closing direction;
A cushioning member comprising a flexible connecting portion that connects the cushioning portion and the partition wall. 6. The cushioning member according to claim 5, wherein said connecting portion extends in a direction orthogonal to said opening/closing direction and is formed in a curved plate shape. The buffer member is
7. The cushioning member according to claim 5, further comprising a second projecting portion provided in the vicinity of the connecting portion on the wall surface on the cushioning portion side of the partition wall and projecting toward the cushioning portion. 7. The cushioning member according to claim 6, wherein the size of the connecting portion in the extending direction is smaller than the size of the cushioning portion in the same direction as the extending direction. The container is a toner container having a long cylindrical container body for containing toner therein, and a cover member including a predetermined connecting portion attached to one end in the longitudinal direction of the container body,
The outlet is formed on the peripheral surface of the cover member,
The opening/closing member is slidably provided on the peripheral surface of the cover member, and moves in the longitudinal direction to open and close the discharge port,
The cushioning member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the accommodating portion accommodates the cover member together with the connecting portion in the accommodating space with the opening/closing member arranged on the upper side. A synthetic resin cushioning member that is housed in a packaging case together with a container that houses a fluid object,
The container is
Having an opening and closing member for opening and closing a discharge port of the contained object formed in the container,
The buffer member is
a housing portion having a housing space for housing the opening/closing member in a non-contact state so as to surround the opening/closing member;
a cushioning portion connected to the accommodating portion in a non-contact state with respect to the opening/closing member and having elasticity capable of buffering a force in the opening/closing direction of the opening/closing member;
The accommodation unit is
a bottom plate that defines the bottom side of the housing space and is placed on the bottom surface of the packaging case;
a reinforcing portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate and reinforces the strength of the housing portion in the extending direction;
The cushioning member, wherein the reinforcing portion is composed of a plate-like portion that is bent or curved in the circumferential direction, and has a discontinuous portion that is not continuous in the circumferential direction. The packaging case has a pair of inner side surfaces facing each other in a direction orthogonal to the opening and closing direction,
The cushioning member according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a size of said accommodating portion in a direction orthogonal to said opening/closing direction is larger than a distance between said pair of inner side surfaces. a cushioning member according to any one of claims 1 to 11;
the container containing the object having fluidity and including the discharge port of the object and the opening/closing member for opening and closing the discharge port;
The packaging case capable of accommodating the cushioning member and the container,
The opening and closing member is housed in the housing portion in a non-contact state so as to surround the opening and closing member, and the housing portion of the buffer member is in contact with the inner wall surface of the packaging case. A package in which members are housed in the package case.

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