JP2020001742A - Cushioning member - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cushioning member capable of improving storing, alignment and stability when a plurality of cushioning members are stored in a case.SOLUTION: A cushioning member 70 comprises: a storage part 71; and a cushioning part 72. The storage part 71 has an opening 91 for opening rear and upper sides. The opening 91 is formed to a size which enables a cushioning part 72 of another cushioning member 70A having the same structure as that of the cushioning member 70 to be inserted into a storage space 714. A cylindrical part 722 is formed to a size enough to be stored in the storage space 714 of the cushioning member 70A through the opening 91 of the storage part 71 of the cushioning member 70A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a cushioning member made of synthetic resin that is housed in a packaging case together with an article to be packaged.

  2. Description of the Related Art In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a toner container consumed by a developing device is detachably provided (see Patent Document 1). When the toner container is mounted on the container mounting portion of the image forming apparatus, toner can be supplied from the toner container to the developing device. When all the toner in the toner container is consumed, the toner container is replaced with a new toner container filled with toner.

  The toner container to be replaced is distributed in the market in a state of being stored in a packaging case such as a cardboard case. If an unexpected impact or vibration is applied to the packaging case during the distribution process, the toner container may be damaged or damaged. Therefore, conventionally, in order to protect the toner container from an impact or the like, the toner container is packaged in the packaging case in a state where the toner container is protected by a cushioning member capable of absorbing or attenuating the impact or vibration. As an example of the cushioning member, there is known one made of styrene foam, a cardboard made of air, and an air pack in which air is sealed (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2017-138466 A JP 2010-83529 A

  However, conventional cushioning members are not formed in a shape that takes into account the alignment and stability when a plurality of cushioning members are stored in a cardboard case or the like. Therefore, when a plurality of cushioning members are stored in a cardboard case or the like for transportation, useless space is created in the case, and storage efficiency is deteriorated. In addition, since a plurality of cushioning members are stored in the case in a cluttered manner, it may be difficult to remove the cushioning material from the case. In addition, since the cushioning member cannot be stably stored in the case, the efficiency of the storing operation is low.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cushioning member capable of improving storage, alignment, and stability when a plurality of cushioning members are stored in a case. It is in.

  A cushioning member according to one aspect of the present invention is a cushioning member made of a synthetic resin housed in a packaging case together with an article to be packaged. The cushioning member is provided adjacent to a housing portion having a housing space capable of housing a part of the packaged object in a predetermined first direction with respect to the housing portion, and the packaging case And a buffer portion having elasticity capable of buffering an external force on the packaged object. The housing section has an opening having a size that allows the buffer section of another buffer member to be inserted into the housing space. The buffer portion is formed in a size that can be stored in the storage space from the opening of another buffer member.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when several buffer members are accommodated in a case, it is possible to improve the storability, alignment, and stability.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toner container applied to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view when the tip is cut along a vertical plane passing through the center of the tip of the toner container. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a container mounting portion to which the toner container is mounted. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a package having a configuration in which the cushioning member and the toner container according to the embodiment of the present invention are housed in a packaging case. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the cushioning member. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the cushioning member. 7A and 7B are three views showing the cushioning member, FIG. 7A is a front view, FIG. 7B is a left side view, and FIG. 7C is a plan view. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which a buffer 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 front end of the toner container in FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which two cushioning members are arranged and connected in the front-rear direction. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which two cushioning members are connected side by side in the vertical direction. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of cushioning members are arranged vertically and horizontally and housed in a case.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The embodiments described below are merely examples embodying 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. FIG. 1 shows a toner container 40 (an example of an article to be packaged or a container of the present invention) used in an image forming apparatus. The toner container 40 stores fluid toner (an example of an object of the present invention) to be supplied to the developing device of the image forming apparatus, and is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus so as to be replaceable. Attached to. Here, the image forming apparatus illustrated in the present embodiment is an apparatus that prints an image on a sheet-shaped printing paper based on an electrophotographic method using a developer including a powdery toner. It is a copier, a facsimile, or a multifunction machine having these functions. Since the image forming apparatus is conventionally known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Note that the image forming apparatus may print an image on printing paper using a liquid ink. In this case, a so-called ink cartridge (also called an ink tank) capable of storing 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 that is long 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. The toner is stored inside the container body 41.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the toner container 40. As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 51 through which toner can flow in and out is formed on one side of the container body 41 in the longitudinal direction D2. The toner accommodated therein can flow out of the toner outlet 44 to be described later through the opening 51. The opening 51 is formed at the end of the toner container 40 in the insertion direction D21 with respect to the later-described container mounting portion 20 (see FIG. 3). In the container body 41, the other side in the longitudinal direction D2 is closed. Hereinafter, in the longitudinal direction D2 of the toner container 40, the direction on the side where 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 section 20 to which the toner container 40 is mounted. The container mounting section 20 is provided inside the image forming apparatus. The container mounting section 20 includes a housing 23 having four accommodation sections 22. In the housing 23, the four housing portions 22 are arranged along the width direction D3. A predetermined toner container 40 is inserted and mounted in each of the housing portions 22 of the housing 23. FIG. 3 shows a state in which one toner container 40 is inserted into the accommodation section 22 at one end in the width direction D3.

  The container body 41 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET resin), and is formed by a blow molding method or an injection molding method. The rear end of the container body 41 is formed in a tapered shape toward the rear (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 has a circular cross section.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container main body 41 has a spiral-shaped mountain-shaped rib 53 on the 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 has a role of conveying the toner in the container body 41 to the opening 51 (see FIG. 2).

  On the opening 51 side of the container body 41, a drive transmission unit 43 is mounted. The drive transmission unit 43 is fixed to the container main body 41. The drive transmission unit 43 is an annular member having a gear formed on a peripheral surface. The drive transmission unit 43 is fitted into the end of the container body 41 on the opening 51 side, and is fixed to the outer peripheral surface thereof. When the toner container 40 is mounted on the container mounting unit 20 (see FIG. 3), the drive transmitting unit 43 receives a rotational driving force from a drive source such as a motor provided in the image forming apparatus, and causes the toner container 40 to receive an arrow D11. To transmit the rotational driving force in the rotational direction.

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

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

  The cover member 42 has a cylindrical base 59 having a hollow inside on the insertion direction D21 side with respect to the housing frame 58. A connecting portion 80 described later is formed integrally with the base portion 59. An arch-shaped guide wall 61 protruding from the end face 59A is provided on an end face 59A of the base 59 on the insertion direction D21 side. The guide wall 61 is provided at the center of the lower end of the end face 59A. In the hole 60 surrounded by the guide wall 61, a coil spring (biasing member) (not shown) provided in the container mounting portion 20 is inserted when the toner container 40 is mounted in the housing 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 a connected portion (not shown) of the container mounting portion 20 are engaged, and the toner container 40 is Is mounted on the container mounting section 20. The connection part 80 is an example of a predetermined connection part of the present invention. The cover member 42 is fixed in the circumferential direction of the toner container 40 by the engagement of the connecting portion 80 with the connected portion. In the present embodiment, the cover member 42 cannot rotate in the circumferential direction when the toner container 40 is mounted on the container mounting portion 20, but the container main body 41 is rotatable in the circumferential direction inside the container mounting portion 20. Supported. When a rotational driving force is transmitted to the drive transmitting unit 43 in a state where the toner container 40 is mounted on the container mounting unit 20, the container main body 41 is rotated by the rotational driving force in a rotational direction indicated by an arrow D11 (see FIG. 1). Rotate to As the container main body 41 of the toner container 40 rotates in this manner, the toner is conveyed to the opening 51 side (rear side) while being pressed by the chevron rib 53.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus is configured so that the toner container 40 having the unsuitable toner cannot be mounted. That is, the image forming apparatus is configured so that only the toner container 40 having mounting compatibility can be mounted in the corresponding accommodating portion 22. In other words, each of the accommodating portions 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 of the toner container 40 in the insertion direction D21. More specifically, the connecting portion 80 is integrally formed on an end face 59A of the base 59 on the side of the insertion direction D21. I have.

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

  A connected part (not shown) corresponding to the toner container 40 is provided on the back side of each of the storage parts 22 of the container mounting part 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 allowed. On the other hand, when the connecting portion 80 of the toner container 40 cannot be engaged with the front connected portion, the mounting of the toner container 40 is prohibited. In this manner, a structure that realizes mounting compatibility between the connected portion and the connecting portion 80 is generally called an incompatible structure. A detailed description of the incompatible structure will be 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. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a state in which the toner discharge port 44 is directed downward.

  The toner discharge port 44 is a rectangular through hole penetrating the outer peripheral wall of the cover member 42. Inside the cover member 42, a toner passage 45 is formed between the opening 51 and the toner outlet 44. When the toner container 40 is mounted on the container mounting section 20 (see FIG. 2) with the toner discharge port 44 facing down, the toner that has moved from the opening 51 of the container body 41 to the toner flow passage 45 is It is guided downward through the path 45 and reaches the toner discharge port 44. When the toner outlet 44 is open, the toner is discharged downward and outward from the toner outlet 44. Thereby, the toner is supplied to a developing device (not shown) of the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, when the toner outlet 44 is closed, the toner is not discharged, and the toner passage 45 is filled with the toner.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a slide-type opening / closing member 46 is provided on the cover member 42. The opening / closing member 46 is a plate-shaped member, and is supported by the cover member 42 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction D2 of the container main body 41 (corresponding to the first direction of the present invention). The opening and 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 section 20. The opening / closing member 46 opens the toner discharge port 44 when the toner container 40 is mounted on the container mounting section 20. Specifically, when the toner container 40 is mounted on the container mounting portion 20, the opening / closing member 46 receives the pressing force from the container mounting portion 20 in accordance with the mounting operation, and the opening / closing member 46 opens the toner discharge port 44 (open position). Move up to. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the opening / closing member 46 is disposed 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 and moves to a position (closed position) for closing the toner outlet 44 with the removal operation. Then, the toner outlet 44 is closed. In FIG. 2, the opening / closing member 46 arranged at the closed position is shown by a broken line.

  The container mounting portion 20 is provided with a coil spring (biasing member) (not shown). The movement of the opening / closing member 46 from the open position to the closed position is performed by the opening / closing member when the toner container 40 is removed. This is performed by relatively moving 46. When the toner container 40 is in a non-mounting state where the toner container 40 is not mounted on the container mounting portion 20, 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 46 </ b> A of the opening / closing member 46 in the insertion direction D <b> 21 protrudes from the tip of the projection 88 toward the insertion direction D <b> 21, and the insertion of the toner container 40 is performed. It protrudes from the tip on the direction D21 side in the insertion direction D21.

  The cover member 42 has a projection 88 at the center of the end face 59A. The projection 88 is provided in the vicinity of the opening / closing member 46, and specifically, is provided at a position which is upwardly separated from the opening / closing member 46 by a distance of about half the height of the cover member 42 in FIG. 2. I have. The projection 88 is inserted and engaged in a positioning engagement hole (not shown) provided in the container mounting section 20 when the toner container 40 is mounted in the storage section 22. As a result, the toner container 40 is positioned at the mounting position defined in the storage section 22. When the toner container 40 is mounted on the housing 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 storage section 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.

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

  As shown in FIG. 4, the packaging case 11 of the packaging body 10 has a volume capable of accommodating the toner container 40 and the buffer member 70, and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The packaging case 11 is made of cardboard or cardboard. In the present 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 the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The cushioning member 70 is for preventing the toner container 40 housed in the packaging case 11 from being damaged by an impact applied during the distribution process or the transportation of the package 10, and as described above, the toner container 40 And stored in the packaging case 11. In other words, the buffer member 70 absorbs or attenuates an external force such as an impact or vibration received by the internal toner container 40 to buffer (reduce) the external force. In the present embodiment, the cushioning member 70 is integrally formed of a synthetic resin.

  By the way, the conventional cushioning member is disposed so as to fill a gap between the inner wall of the packaging case 11 and the toner container 40. Therefore, in the packaging case 11, the conventional cushioning member and the toner container 40 are in contact. I was in contact. 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, an external force which cannot be absorbed or attenuated is transmitted to the opening / closing member 46, and There is a possibility that the seal between the member 46 and the toner discharge port 44 will be broken, and the toner in the toner container 40 will leak out from the gap of the seal. On the other hand, the cushioning member 70 of the present embodiment protects the opening and closing member 46 of the toner container 40 from directly applying external force such as impact or 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 divided into a housing 71 (an example of the housing of the present invention) and a buffer 72. In the following, the vertical direction D31 (corresponding to the second direction of the present invention), the width direction D32, and the front-back direction D33 (based on the storage posture in which the toner container 40 and the buffer member 70 are stored in the packaging case 11). (Corresponding to the first direction of the present invention).

  The accommodation portion 71 extends vertically upward from a flat bottom plate 711, a pair of side plates 712 vertically extending from both ends in the width direction D32 of the bottom plate 711, and a front end of the bottom plate 711. And a side plate 713 (an example of a partition wall of the present invention). The accommodation portion 71 is formed in a size and a shape capable of contacting an inner wall surface (a bottom surface, an inner side surface, and the like) of the packaging case 11 in a state where the cushioning member 70 is accommodated in the packaging case 11. The bottom plate 711 is a portion that is placed in contact with the bottom surface of the packaging case 11, the pair of side plates 712 is a portion that contacts the inner side surface of the packaging case 11, and the bottom plate 711 and the pair of side plates 712 are The buffer member 70 is stabilized in the packaging case 11.

  A housing space 714 (see FIG. 5) is defined and formed inside the housing portion 71 by the bottom plate 711, the side plates 712, and the side plates 713. When the toner container 40 and the cushioning member 70 are stored in the packaging case 11, the cover member 42 which is the tip of the toner container 40 is stored in the storage 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 discharge port 44 and the opening / closing member 46 facing upward. With the cover member 42 housed in the housing space 714, the opening / closing member 46 is surrounded by a bottom plate 711, a pair of side plates 712, and a side plate 713. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the cover member 42 is housed in the housing space 714 in a state where the housing 71 does not directly contact the opening / closing member 46 (non-contact state).

  By the way, the conventional cushioning member is not formed in a shape considering the alignment and stability when a plurality of cushioning members are housed in a rectangular parallelepiped case 97 (see FIG. 12) formed of cardboard or the like. Therefore, when a plurality of buffer members are stored in the case 97 or the like for transportation, useless space is created in the case 97 and storage efficiency is deteriorated. In addition, since a plurality of cushioning members are stored in the case in a cluttered manner, it may be difficult to remove the cushioning material from the case 97. Further, since the conventional cushioning member cannot be stably stored in the case 97, the efficiency of the storing operation is low. On the other hand, in the cushioning member 70 of the present embodiment, the accommodation portion 71 and the cushioning portion 72 are formed so as to have a shape to be described later. , Alignment and stability can be improved.

  The housing 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 the bottom plate 711. The opening 91 is formed in such a size that the buffer portion 72 of another buffer member 70 </ b> A having the same structure as the buffer member 70 (see FIG. 10) can be inserted into the accommodation space 714. Specifically, the size of the opening 91 in the front-rear direction D33 and the size in the width direction D32 are larger than the outer diameter of a tubular portion 722 described later.

  When the toner container 40 and the cushioning member 70 are stored in the packaging case 11, the cover member 42 (an example of a part of the article to be packaged), which is the tip of the toner container 40, is stored in the storage 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 discharge port 44 and the opening / closing member 46 facing upward.

  In a state where the cover member 42 is housed in the housing space 714, the upper ends of the pair of side plates 712 and 713 reach the upper part of the cover member 42, that is, the position above the opening / closing member 46. Therefore, when the toner container 40 and the cushioning member 70 are stored in the packaging case 11, the inner wall surfaces of the bottom surface, the side surfaces, and the upper surface of the packaging case 11 do not directly contact the cover member 42. Also do not directly contact.

  As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7B, each of the pair of side plates 712 of the cushioning member 70 has a protruding piece 712A that protrudes inward in the width direction D32 from their rear ends. A curved portion 712B that is concavely curved toward the side plate 712 (outside in the width direction D32) is formed at an end of each protruding piece 712A in the protruding direction. The curved portion 712B is provided substantially at the center of the protruding piece 712A. With the cover member 42 accommodated in the accommodation space 714, the curved portion 712B of the protruding piece 712A abuts on the outer peripheral surface on the side of the cover member 42, and regulates the circumferential rotation of the cover member 42. The curved portion 712 </ b> B serves as a detent that restricts the circumferential rotation of the cover member 42. The protruding piece 712 </ b> A is provided at the rear end of the housing 71. Therefore, even when the curved portion 712 </ b> B is in contact with the cover member 42, it is difficult for an external force such as vibration or impact to be transmitted from the contact portion through the cover member 42 to the opening / closing member 46.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of inclined ribs 715 are formed at each corner at both ends of the bottom plate 711 in the width direction D32. The inclined ribs 715 are arranged at equal 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 side plate 712 toward the upper surface of the bottom plate 711 (see FIG. 7B). In a state where the cover member 42 is housed in the housing space 714, the cover member 42 contacts the inclined rib 715. Accordingly, the inclined rib 715 supports the cover member 42 in a state where the inclined rib 715 floats from the bottom plate 711. In the present embodiment, the inclined rib 715 also plays the role of a reinforcing rib that reinforces the strength of the housing 71.

  A contact portion 716 (an example of the protruding portion of the present invention) is provided on a rear side surface 713A (wall surface) of the side plate 713. The contact portion 716 vertically protrudes rearward from near the center of the side surface 713A. That is, the contact portion 716 is provided to project from the side surface 713A. In the state where the cover member 42 is accommodated in the accommodation space 714 inside the packaging case 11, the contact portion 716 abuts on the projection 88 of the cover member 42 (see FIG. 9). Thus, in the storage posture in which the toner container 40 and the buffer member 70 are stored in the packaging case 11, the side plate 713 can maintain a non-contact state with the opening / closing member 46.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a groove 92 is formed at each of the two front corners of the four upper corners of the housing section 71. As shown in FIG. 11, when the other buffer member 70A (see FIG. 11) having the same structure as the buffer member 70 is stacked on the upper side, the lower end of the housing portion 71 of the other buffer member 70A is formed as shown in FIG. Inserted and engaged with each other. The shape of the groove 92 can be any shape as long as it can be engaged with the lower end of the housing portion 71 of the other cushioning member 70A, and the same applies to the position and number.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a step 94 is formed at each of two rear corners of the four lower corners of the housing 71. When the buffer member 70 is stacked above another buffer member 70 </ b> A having the same structure as the buffer member 70, the upper end portion of the accommodation portion 71 of the other buffer member 70 </ b> A engages with the step portion 94. . The shape of the step portion 94 may be any shape as long as it can be engaged with the upper end portion of the housing portion 71 of the other buffer member 70A, and the same applies to the position and number.

  The buffer section 72 is provided adjacent to the storage section 71 in the front-rear direction D <b> 33, and specifically, is disposed on the front side of the storage section 71. The buffer section 72 is connected to the side plate 713 of the storage section 71. More specifically, the buffer section 72 is connected to the side plate 713 via a pair of connecting arms 721. The buffer section 72 is not in direct contact with the opening / closing member 46 in the storage posture, but is connected to the storage section 71 in a non-contact state.

  The buffer section 72 has elasticity in the same direction so that an external force in the sliding direction (opening / closing direction) of the opening / closing member 46 can be absorbed or attenuated. Specifically, the buffering section 72 has a cylindrical section 722 formed in a cylindrical shape with a vertical axis D31 perpendicular to the sliding direction of the opening / closing member 46 as a central axis. Both sides of the cylindrical portion 722 in the vertical direction D31 are open (see FIG. 7C).

  As shown in FIG. 6, a cutout 723 (an example of the engagement groove of the present invention) is formed in the cylindrical portion 722 of the buffer portion 72. The notch 723 is formed in the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 722, and has a narrow groove shape that extends vertically upward from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 722 along the center axis direction of the cylindrical portion 722. In the present embodiment, a notch 723 is formed on the front wall surface of the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 722. The notch 723 extends from the lower end of the tubular portion 722 to near the center of the tubular portion 722 in the vertical direction D31.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7A, a pair of cutouts 724 are formed in the cylindrical portion 722 of the buffer portion 72. The pair of cutouts 724 are formed on the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 722, and have a semi-elliptical shape that is recessed upward from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 722. In the present embodiment, a cutout 724 is formed on each of the outer peripheral walls of the cylindrical portion 722 on both sides in the width direction D32. The notch depth of each notch 724 is shallower than the notch 723, and is about half the notch depth of the notch 723.

  Three leg portions 95 (an example of a support portion of the present invention) are provided at a lower end portion of the cylindrical portion 722. The three legs 95 are obtained by forming a notch 723 and a pair of notches 724 at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 722. That is, the three legs 95 are portions located between the notch 723 and the pair of notches 724 at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 722. Each of the leg portions 95 is supported by the upper end of the buffer portion 72 of the other buffer member 70A when the buffer member 70 is stacked on another buffer member 70A having the same structure as the buffer member 70. The shape of the leg 95 can be any shape as long as it is supported by the upper end of the buffer portion 72 of the other buffer member 70A, and the same applies to the position and the number.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the cylindrical portion 722 is formed in a size that can be accommodated in the accommodation space 714 of the other cushioning member 70A from the opening 91 of the accommodation portion 71 of the other cushioning member 70A. Specifically, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 722 is smaller than the length between the pair of side plates 712 and the length from the side plate 713 to the protruding piece 712A. The length of the cylindrical portion 722 in the up-down direction D31 is shorter than the height of the accommodation space 714, that is, the length from the bottom plate 711 to the upper end of the side plate 712.

  Since the cushioning member 70 is configured as described above, even when an unexpected external force is received by the packaging case 11 in the package 10, the external force is absorbed or attenuated by the buffer 72. Further, since the cover member 42 is accommodated in the accommodation space 714 while the opening / closing member 46 is not in contact with the accommodation portion 71, even if a part of the impact is transmitted from the buffer portion 72 to the accommodation portion 71, It is hard to reach 46. As a result, even when an external force in the same direction as the sliding direction of the opening / closing member 46 is applied to the packaging case 11, 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 outside through the gap between the seals.

  Further, since the side plate 713 of the storage section 71 and the buffer section 72 are connected by a pair of connection arms 721, an external force such as an impact or vibration applied to the buffer section 72 passes through the connection arm 721 to the storage section 71. At the time of transmission, the external force is more difficult to be transmitted to the accommodation portion 71 because it is also absorbed or attenuated by the connecting arm 721.

  Further, by forming the cutouts 723 and 724 in the cylindrical portion 722, it is possible to obtain elasticity in the buffer portion 72 that can exhibit appropriate buffering performance. The elasticity of the cylindrical portion 722 varies depending on the outer diameter and thickness of the cylindrical portion 722. By designing the cutouts 723 and 724 to have an appropriate size and shape, any elasticity can be imparted to the cylindrical portion 722. You can have.

  Further, as described above, the opening 91 of the housing portion 71 is formed in such a size that the buffer portion 72 of another buffer member 70 </ b> A having the same structure as the buffer member 70 can be inserted into the storage space 714. Are formed in a size that can be accommodated in the accommodation space 714 of the other cushioning member 70A from the opening 91 of the accommodation portion 71 of the other cushioning member 70A. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the buffer portion 72 of the other buffer member 70A can be stored in the storage space 714 of the storage portion 71, and when the two buffer members 70 are arranged in the front-rear direction D33, The size of the front-back direction D33 can be made compact. Further, the two buffer members 70 are connected to each other by receiving the buffer portion 72 of the other buffer member 70A in the storage space 714. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 12, the plurality of buffer members 70 are connected to each other and housed in the case 97, whereby each buffer member 70 in the case 97 can be stabilized. The cushioning members 70 can be stored in the case 97 in a state where they are aligned.

  Further, since the groove portion 92 is provided at the upper end of the housing portion 71 and the leg portion 95 is provided at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 722, a plurality of buffer members 70 are stacked in the vertical direction D31. However, each buffer member 70 can be connected in the up-down direction D31. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 12, each buffer member 70 arranged vertically can be accommodated in the case 97 without being shifted from front to back and left and right.

  Further, since the housing portion 71 and the buffering portion 72 are configured as described above, when the buffering member 70 is stored in the case 97, the buffering members 70 can be easily stacked, thereby improving workability at the time of storing. I do.

10: Packaging 11: Packaging case 40: Toner container 41: Container main body 42: Cover member 44: Toner discharge port 46: Opening / closing member 70: Buffer member 71: Housing 72: Buffer

Claims (6)

A synthetic resin cushioning member housed in a packaging case together with an article to be packaged,
A storage unit having a storage space that can be stored so as to surround a part of the packaged object,
A buffer portion provided adjacent to the housing portion in a predetermined first direction and having elasticity capable of buffering an external force on the packaged object in the packaging case,
The storage section has an opening having a size that allows the buffer section of another buffer member to be inserted into the storage space,
The buffer member has a size that can be accommodated in the accommodation space from the opening of another buffer member. The housing section,
A partition separating the housing space and the buffer in the first direction;
A projection provided on a wall surface on the accommodation space side in the partition wall, and protruding perpendicular to the wall surface,
The buffer unit includes:
The cushioning member according to claim 1, further comprising an engagement groove that engages with the protruding portion of the other cushioning member while being accommodated in the accommodation space of the other cushioning member. The housing section,
A side wall extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, forming the opening, and defining the housing space;
The end of the side wall in the second direction is formed in a shape capable of engaging with the accommodation portion of the other cushioning member when another cushioning member is stacked in the second direction. The cushioning member according to any one of 1 and 2. The buffer unit includes:
A cylindrical portion having a central axis in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and having a cylindrical portion having elasticity in the first direction;
At the end of the cylindrical portion in the second direction, a support portion that is supported by the buffer portion of the other buffer member when another buffer member is stacked in the second direction is provided. The cushioning member according to claim 1. The buffer unit includes:
A cylindrical portion formed in a cylindrical shape having the second direction as a central axis and having elasticity in the first direction;
The cushioning member according to claim 2, wherein the engagement groove is a notch formed in an outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion in a central axis direction of the cylindrical portion. The packaged object is a container that stores therein a container having fluidity,
The container has an opening / closing member movable in the first direction for opening and closing a discharge port of an object formed in the container,
The accommodating portion is capable of accommodating the opening / closing member in the accommodation space in a non-contact state so as to surround the opening / closing member,
The buffer member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the buffer portion is connected to the housing portion in a non-contact state with respect to the opening / closing member, and has elasticity capable of buffering the external force in the first direction. .

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