JP7433895B2 - packaging - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an object to be packed and a packaging body used to protect and pack the object.

2. Description of the Related Art Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as image forming apparatuses) using an electrophotographic process employ a process cartridge system. That is, the image forming apparatus is configured so that a user can take out the cartridge from the image forming apparatus main body and replace it with a new cartridge.

Here, the shipped new cartridge is packed as a packaged object in a packaging member for protecting the cartridge from vibrations and shocks during transportation. When installing a new cartridge into the image forming apparatus main body, the user unpacks the packaging member, takes out the cartridge from the packaging member, and installs it into the image forming apparatus main body. A protective sheet may be attached to the cartridge to protect the cartridge from external dust, fluff, paper dust, etc. during transportation of the cartridge. Patent Document 1 discloses a protective sheet removably fixed around a photosensitive drum.

Patent No. 4590909

The protective sheet disclosed in Patent Document 1 covers only the periphery of the photosensitive drum. The present invention is a further development of the prior art. The purpose is to provide a package that can ensure dustproofness not only around the photosensitive drum but also in a wider area, and that can improve workability during unpacking and operability of the cartridge after unpacking. That's true.

In order to achieve the above object, the package according to the present invention includes:
A cartridge having a photoconductor and a frame that covers the photoconductor so that a portion of the photoconductor is exposed;
a first portion covering an exposed portion of the photoreceptor; a second portion provided at one end of the first portion; and a third portion provided at the other end of the first portion. a sheet wrapped around the cartridge so as to form an overlapping portion in which the second portion and the third portion are separably overlapped;
has
When the exposed portion faces the lower side of the cartridge and the first portion is positioned below the exposed portion, the overlapping portion is a portion above a center portion of the cartridge in the vertical direction. the sheets are wrapped around the cartridge so as to overlap;
The cartridge is a process cartridge having a developing roller .

Moreover, in order to achieve the above object, the packaging body in the present invention includes:
A cartridge including a developing roller and a frame that covers a portion of the developing roller so that the portion of the developing roller is exposed;
a first portion covering an exposed portion of the developing roller; a second portion provided at one end of the first portion; and a third portion provided at the other end of the first portion. and a sheet wrapped around the cartridge so as to form an overlapping part in which the second part and the third part are separably overlapped,
When the exposed portion faces the lower side of the cartridge and the first portion is located below the exposed portion, the overlapping portion is a portion above the center portion of the cartridge in the vertical direction. The sheet is wound around the cartridge so as to overlap with the cartridge.

As explained above, according to the present invention, it is possible to ensure dustproofness not only around the photosensitive drum but also in a wider area, and to improve workability during unpacking and the operability of the cartridge after unpacking. becomes possible.

Side sectional view of electrophotographic image forming apparatus Side sectional view of cartridge A diagram showing a cartridge according to Example 1 A diagram showing another type of cartridge according to Example 1. A diagram showing another type of cartridge according to Example 1. A diagram showing an envelope according to Example 1 A diagram showing a protective sheet according to Example 1 A diagram showing a state in which the protective sheet according to Example 1 is wrapped around a cartridge. A diagram showing a package when the packaging member according to Example 1 is not shown. A diagram showing a state in which both ends of the protective sheet of the package according to Example 1 are folded. A diagram showing a package according to Example 1 A diagram of a package in which a cartridge of another form according to Example 1 is packaged. A diagram of a package in which a cartridge of another form according to Example 1 is packaged. A diagram showing a drum cartridge according to Example 2 A diagram showing a package when the packaging member according to Example 2 is not shown. A diagram showing a developer cartridge according to Example 3 A diagram showing a package when the packaging member according to Example 3 is not shown. A diagram showing a package when the packaging member according to Example 4 is not shown. A diagram showing a state in which both ends of the protective sheet according to Example 5 are sewn closed. Diagram showing a state in which a part of the protective sheet is sandwiched between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, with reference to drawings, the form for implementing this invention is illustratively described in detail based on an Example. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangement of the components described in this embodiment should be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. That is, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments.

(Example 1)
An embodiment of the package according to the present invention will be described. The article to be packaged in the package will be described by taking as an example a cartridge that is removably attachable to the image forming apparatus. First, an explanation will be given of an image forming apparatus and a cartridge that is a packaged object that can be detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, and then a packing body according to this embodiment will be explained.

≪Image forming device≫
An image forming apparatus 1 to which a cartridge is attached and detached will be described using FIG. 1. Image forming devices include electrophotographic copying machines, electrophotographic printers (e.g., laser beam printers,
(LED printers, etc.), facsimile machines, word processors, etc. The image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment uses a process cartridge system in which a process means for forming an image is removably attached as a cartridge. An example will be described in which the image forming apparatus 1 is a full-color image forming apparatus in which four cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) are removable.

The image forming apparatus 1 forms a color image on a recording medium S by removably attaching a cartridge P to an apparatus main body 2. Examples of the recording medium S include recording paper, label paper, OHP sheet, cloth, and the like. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 has four cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK): a first cartridge PY, a second cartridge PM, a third cartridge PC, and a fourth cartridge PK. It is arranged and configured horizontally inside the device main body 2. The main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 excluding the cartridge P includes an optical means LB, a transfer means such as a transfer roller 10, a fixing means 11, and a feeding means 14 for a recording medium S.

Each of the first to fourth cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is configured by a drum unit 8 and a developing device 9 coupled to each other, and each has a similar electrophotographic process mechanism (Fig. 2). The drum unit 8 includes a photosensitive drum (electrophotographic photosensitive member) 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K). The photosensitive drum 4 is configured to be rotatable. The drum unit 8 further includes charging means such as a charging roller 5 (5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K) and cleaning means such as a cleaning blade 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K) as a process means that acts on the photosensitive drum 4. We are prepared. On the other hand, the developing device 9 includes a developing means such as a developing roller (developer carrier) 6 as a process means acting on the photosensitive drum 4, and a developing frame 13 that supports the developing means. The developing roller 6 is configured to be rotatable. Inside the developing frame 13, the first cartridge PY is yellow (Y), the second cartridge PM is magenta (M), the third cartridge PC is cyan (C), and the fourth cartridge PK is black ( K) toner (developer) is stored.

The surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is uniformly charged by a charging roller 5 by voltage application from the apparatus main body 2 . Then, the optical means LB irradiates the charged photosensitive drum 4 with a laser beam L according to the image information to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4 according to the image information. This electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by a developing means, and a developer image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. Here, a location where toner is developed from the surface of the developing roller 6 onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is referred to as a developing section GZ. The developer images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 in each of the first to fourth cartridges P are sequentially primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 3. A color developer image is formed thereon. Here, the location where the developer image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 3 is referred to as a transfer portion TS (TSY, TSM, TSC, TSK).

On the other hand, the recording medium S is separated and fed one by one in synchronization with the formation of the developer image. The recording medium S is then conveyed to a transfer roller 10 as a transfer means. Transfer roller 10 is urged to contact the surface of intermediate transfer belt 3 . Then, the recording medium S is passed through a nip formed by the intermediate transfer belt 3 and the transfer roller 10. At this time, the color developer image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 3 is transferred onto the recording medium S by applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the developer image to the transfer roller 10 . The recording medium S onto which the developer image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing means 11. Then, heat and pressure are applied to the recording medium S by the fixing means 11, and the developer image transferred to the recording medium S is fixed. As a result, an image is formed on the recording medium S. Thereafter, the recording medium S is transported and discharged to the discharge section 12.

Note that the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 after the transfer is cleaned by a cleaning blade 7,
The surface is uniformly charged again by the charging roller 5, thereby making it possible to form an image.

3(a) is a perspective view of the cartridge P, and FIG. 3(b) is a perspective view of FIG. 3(a) seen from the opposite direction. 3(c) is a side view of the cartridge P in FIG. 3(a), and FIG. 3(d) is a front view of the cartridge P.

As shown in FIG. 3(c), the part where the photosensitive drum 4 is exposed from the frame of the cartridge P is the exposed part 4R, the lower side of the cartridge P is the lower part PL, and the upper half area of the cartridge P is the upper part. Let it be UpHf. The upper half UpHf is located above half of the height LPh (LPH/2), where the height of the cartridge P is LPh. Further, the mounting direction of the cartridge P in the apparatus main body 2 is set as W2, and in order to make it easier for the user to operate the cartridge P when moving it, the developing device 9 has a protrusion extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P. A handle TE is provided.

Here, the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P is the same direction as the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 4 and the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 6. Further, the developing device 9 is coupled to the drum unit 8 so as to be swingable around a swing axis J. The direction of the swing axis J is the same as the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P.

Further, as another form of the cartridge, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the photosensitive drum 4 may be exposed at approximately the center of the cartridge Pe. FIG. 4(a) is a perspective view of FIG. 4(b) seen from the opposite direction. 4(c) is a side view of the cartridge Pe in FIG. 4(a), and FIG. 4(d) is a front view of the cartridge Pe.

As shown in FIG. 4(c), the part where the photosensitive drum 4 is exposed from the frame of the cartridge Pe is the exposed part 4Re, the lower side of the cartridge Pe is the lower part PLe, and the upper half area of the cartridge Pe is the upper half. Let it be UpHfe. The upper half UpHfe is located above half of the height LPhe (LPhe/2), where the height of the cartridge Pe is LPhe. In addition, in order to set the mounting direction W3 of the cartridge Pe to the apparatus main body 2 and to make it easier for the user to operate the cartridge P when moving it, a concave gripping shape HJe and a grip GPe are formed as shown in FIG. 4(d). has been done.

The developing device 9 is coupled to the drum unit 8 so as to be swingable around a swing axis Je. The direction of the swing axis Je is the same as the longitudinal direction of the cartridge Pe.

Further, as another form of the cartridge, as shown in FIG. 5(e), when the user inserts the cartridge Pf into the apparatus main body 2, the cartridge may be moved in the mounting direction W4. On the other hand, FIGS. 5(a), 5(b), 5(c), and 5(d) show the cartridge Pf in FIG. 5(e) in a vertically inverted state. (As will be described later, the protective sheet HS is wrapped in this position.) Fig. 5(a) is a perspective view of the cartridge Pf, and Fig. 5(b) is a perspective view of the cartridge Pf of Fig. 5(a) seen from the opposite direction. It is a diagram. FIG. 5(c) is a side view of the cartridge Pf in FIG. 5(a), and FIG. 5(d) is a front view of the cartridge Pf.

As shown in FIGS. 5(b) and 5(c), the part where the photosensitive drum 4 is exposed from the frame of the cartridge Pf is the exposed part 4Rf, the lower side of the cartridge Pf is the lower part PLf, and the upper part of the cartridge Pf is the exposed part 4Rf. Let the half area be the upper half UpHff. The upper half UpHff is located above half of the height LPhf (LPhf/2), where the height of the cartridge Pf is LPhf. Furthermore, grips GPfc and GPfd are formed by combining a concave portion and a convex portion along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge so that the user can easily grip the cartridge Pf.

The developing device 9 is coupled to the drum unit 8 so as to be swingable around a swing axis Jf. The direction of the swing axis Jf is the same as the longitudinal direction of the cartridge Pf.

Note that the configuration of the image forming apparatus is not limited to the process cartridge type configuration described above. For example, the drum unit 8 may be configured as a drum cartridge to be detachably attached to the main body of the apparatus including the developing roller 6. In this case, the developing device 9 may be provided integrally with the main body of the apparatus, or the developing device 9 may be configured as a developing cartridge to be detachably attached to the main body of the apparatus, independently of the drum cartridge.

≪Protective sheet≫
The protective sheet HS in this embodiment will be explained. The protective sheet HS prevents scratches on the photosensitive drum 4 or the developing roller 6 during transport of the cartridge P, and prevents the adhesion or intrusion of dust, fluff, paper dust, and the like. This prevents abnormal images from occurring in the image forming process.

The structure of the protection sheet HS will be explained using FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the circumferential length A of the protective sheet HS in the circumferential direction WL is longer than the envelope circumferential length αL of the envelope α of the cartridge P (A>αL).

Here, the envelope circumference is defined as follows. As shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the string is wound around the outer periphery of the cartridge P. Specifically, it is not wrapped closely around the entire outer periphery of the cartridge P, but is wrapped so that it is stretched between the protruding corners of the cartridge P. At this time, the string and the cartridge P are separated between the corners. The envelope circumference is equal to the length of the string wound as described above.

In this embodiment, the length of the string is the length of the string when the string is wound in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 4 or the like. In other words, it is the length of the string when viewed in the direction of the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 4.

The protective sheet HS has a length (circumferential length) A that allows it to be wound around the cartridge P one turn or more without exposing the cartridge P in the direction in which the protective sheet HS is wound around the cartridge P.

Further, the width B of the protective sheet HS in the width direction WW is wider than the cartridge width β (B>β). The protective sheet HS preferably has a width B in a direction (width direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the protective sheet HS is wound around the cartridge P, such that both ends can be folded in without exposing the cartridge P.

Further, the protective sheet HS has a first portion HSK1 that covers the exposed portion 4R when wrapped around a cartridge P, which will be described later. With respect to the direction in which the protective sheet HS is wound around the cartridge P, the protective sheet HS has a second portion HSK2 provided on one end side of the first portion HSK1, and a second portion HSK2 provided on the other end side of the first portion HSK1. and a third portion HSK3.

The protective sheet HS may be made of, for example, resin, cellulose nonwoven fabric, cellophane, paper, or the like.

≪Packaging structure≫
A method of configuring the package U in this embodiment will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 10, the package U includes a cartridge P and a protective sheet HS that covers the cartridge P. Furthermore, the package U in this embodiment includes a pasting member ST for fixing the protective sheet HS, and a packaging member K for pressing the protective sheet HS from the outside.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which the packing members K are attached to both ends of the cartridge P from the outside of the protective sheet HS and hold down the protective sheet HS, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P.

The packaging member K in this embodiment is a packaging member that is provided so as to sandwich the cartridge P from two opposing directions along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P, and one end of the cartridge P in the longitudinal direction is and the other end, respectively.

In the packaging member K, a portion attached to one end side of the cartridge P and a portion attached to the other end side each have a concave accommodating portion for accommodating a part of the protective sheet HS and an end portion of the cartridge P. . The accommodating portion includes a longitudinal contact portion that contacts the end portion of the cartridge P in the longitudinal direction, and at least two pairs of contact portions that contact the end portion of the cartridge P in directions facing each other in at least two directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. , is equipped with. The length contact part of the accommodating part in which one end of the cartridge P is accommodated and the contact part with the length of the accommodator in which the other end of the cartridge P is accommodated are arranged in opposite directions. It is configured to come into contact with the end of P.

By storing the cartridge P in a box or the like with the packaging member K attached to both longitudinal ends of the cartridge P, it is possible to prevent the cartridge P from moving in the mounting direction of the packaging member K inside the housed box or in the direction orthogonal to the mounting direction. Movement will be regulated. Furthermore, when vibrations and shocks are applied from the outside during transportation, the vibrations and shocks are transmitted to the packaging member K before the cartridge P, which reduces the transmission of vibrations and shocks to the cartridge P itself, which is the object to be packed. Therefore, the cartridge P can be protected from vibration and impact during transportation.

Although the packaging member K in this embodiment has a structure in which the part attached to one end and the part attached to the other end are separated, the structure is not limited to this, and both parts may be connected. It may be configured like this.

FIG. 8(a) shows a state in which the protective sheet HS is wrapped around the cartridge P to form a cylindrical shape. FIG. 8(b) is a side view of FIG. 8(a). As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the protective sheet HS is wrapped around the cartridge P so that the circumferential direction WL of the protective sheet HS and the circumferential direction of the cartridge P are aligned. Here, the circumferential direction of the cartridge P is a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P. At that time, the protective sheet HS is wrapped around the cartridge P so that the first part HSK1 covers the exposed part 4R, and the second part HSK2 and the third part HSK3 form a superimposed part HST in which they are separably overlapped. It becomes cylindrical. The circumferential direction of the tube formed by the protective sheet HS is the direction in which the protective sheet HS is wound around the cartridge P. At this time, the superimposing portion HST is located in the upper half UpHf of the cartridge P in the vertical direction.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, a pasting member ST is pasted on the overlapping portion HST, and the protective sheet HS is fixed so that it does not open in the circumferential direction, so that the second portion HSK2 and the third portion HSK3 are separated. to regulate. Here, both ends in the width direction WW form open openings HSM1 and HSM2. Further, by folding the openings HSM1 and HSM2 in the folding directions WH1 and WH2, which are orthogonal directions perpendicular to the circumferential direction in which the protective sheet HS is wound around the cartridge P, the cartridge P Cover the whole thing with a protective sheet HS.

In addition, in FIG. 9, the length of the protective sheet HS in the width direction WW is illustrated to be shorter than the actual length. The length of the protective sheet HS in the width direction WW relative to the cartridge width β should be sufficient to allow both ends of the cartridge P to be folded in without exposing the ends of the cartridge P, as shown in FIG. 10. preferable.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, by attaching the packaging member K from the outside of the protective sheet HS and pressing down the protective sheet HS with the packaging member K, the protective sheet HS is attached to the cartridge P between the cartridge P and the packaging member K. It is possible to maintain full coverage.

Here, the direction in which the ends forming the open openings HSM1 and HSM2 are folded is not limited to the folding directions WH1 and WH2. It may be folded toward the developing device 9 side or toward the drum unit 8 side.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the protective sheet HS is folded in the WH1 and WH2 directions to cover the entire cartridge P, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is sufficient that at least the exposed portion 4R of the cartridge P is covered and protected by the protective sheet HS. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the packaging member K may be attached in a state where both ends of the cartridge P in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P are open.

As described above, the packaging member K in this embodiment is made of pulp mold and is configured to sandwich the cartridge P together with the protective sheet HS from both ends of the cartridge P in the direction of the swing axis J. However, the packaging member is not limited to this, and may be made of cardboard and wrapped around the entire cartridge P. As for the pasting member ST, although an adhesive sticker having a round shape is used in this embodiment, the shape is not limited to this, and the shape may be polygonal, star-shaped, or the like. Furthermore, instead of an adhesive sticker, an adhesive tape or the like may be used. It is desirable that the pasting member ST has a color different from that of the protective sheet HS (a color with high contrast) so that the user can easily recognize the part that has been opened when unpacking.

By configuring the package U as described above, it is possible to prevent stains or scratches on the photosensitive drum 4 during transportation of the cartridge P, and to prevent dust, fluff, paper powder, etc. from adhering to or entering the cartridge P. It is possible to provide dustproof properties.

When the user unpacks the package U, the user removes the packaging member K and returns the folded openings HSM1 and HSM2 to their original states. Then, in order to separate the superimposed part HST, the superimposed part HST is placed above the center of the cartridge P (the state shown in FIG. 9) in the work place. At this time, the overlapping portion HST is positioned so as to overlap the upper half UpHf of the cartridge P.

At this time, the exposed portion 4R is located on the lower side PL of the cartridge P and is covered with the first portion HSK1 of the protective sheet HS. In other words, when viewed from the user, the exposed portion 4R is covered by the frame of the cartridge P. Therefore, when the superimposed portion HST is separated, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally touching the exposed portion 4R.

On the other hand, as described above, the overlapping portion HST is in a state where it overlaps the upper half UpHf of the cartridge P, which corresponds to the upper side of the central portion of the cartridge P in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the attachment member ST is removed and the cartridge P is exposed, the handle TE is exposed in a state where it is positioned above the cartridge. It becomes easier to guide the user to the handle TE as a place to grip the upper half UpHf. As a result, the user can grasp the exposed handle TE as is, and since the exposed portion 4R remains covered with the protective sheet HS, a careful operation to avoid the exposed portion 4R is not required. Therefore, the risk of stains or scratches caused by gripping the exposed portion 4R can be reduced. Furthermore, unlike the conventional art, it is no longer necessary to take out the cartridge P from the storage bag and remove both the protective sheet and the photosensitive drum cover from the cartridge P, so that workability can be improved.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protective sheet HS is made of an opaque material. If the protective sheet HS is made of an opaque material, covering the entire cartridge P may result in poor visibility, making it difficult to notice the exposed portion or the position of the handle. However, as described above, since the position of the overlapping part HST of the protective sheet HS is located above the central part of the cartridge P, the overlapping part HST becomes a mark for grasping the position of the exposed part 4R and the handle TE. becomes. Therefore, without worrying about the positions of the exposed part 4R and the handle TE, the exposed part 4R and the handle TE can be placed in a position suitable for the user simply by placing the package U so that the overlapping part HST can be easily opened. can.

Further, by covering the entire cartridge P with the protective sheet HS, there is no need to put the cartridge P into a storage bag. Furthermore, the cartridge P can be removed simply by separating the overlapping portion HST. Therefore, there is no need to take out the cartridge P from the storage bag, so work efficiency can be improved.

As described above, the structure of the package U for the cartridge P has been described, but the package U can also have a similar structure for the cartridge Pe and the cartridge Pf, which are other forms of the cartridge. For example, FIGS. 12 and 13 show a state in which the protective sheet HS is wound around the cartridge Pe and the cartridge Pf to form a cylinder shape, and the pasting member ST is pasted thereon, respectively.

FIG. 12(a) is a perspective view of the protective sheet HS wrapped around the cartridge Pe to form a cylinder and the pasting member ST is pasted, and FIG. 12(b) is a side view of FIG. 12(a). It is a diagram.

From the state shown in FIG. 12, both ends forming the open openings HSMe1 and HSMe2 are folded and the packaging member K is attached to form the packaging body Ue. Note that the packaging member K is not shown here in order to make it easier to understand the state in which the protective sheet HS is wrapped around the cartridge Pe. By configuring the package Ue in this way, as in the case of the cartridge P, it is possible to prevent dirt or scratches from occurring on the photosensitive drum 4 and the adhesion of dust, fluff, paper dust, etc. to the cartridge Pe during transportation of the cartridge Pe. Or it becomes possible to prevent intrusion. Further, it is possible to provide dustproof properties.

When the user unpacks the package Ue, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the overlapping portion HST is positioned so as to overlap the upper half UpHfe of the cartridge Pe, which corresponds to the upper side than the center portion. In this state, the exposed portion 4Re is located on the lower side PLe of the cartridge Pe, and is covered with the first portion HSK1 of the protective sheet HS.

Further, when the attachment member ST is removed to expose the cartridge Pe, the gripping concave shape HJe and the grip GPe are exposed in a state located above the cartridge. This makes it easier to guide the user to the gripping concave HJe and the grip GPe as locations for gripping the cartridge Pe. Therefore, the risk of stains or scratches caused by gripping the exposed portion 4Re can be reduced.

FIG. 13(a) is a perspective view of the protective sheet HS wrapped around the cartridge Pf to form a cylinder and the pasting member ST is pasted, and FIG. 13(b) is a side view of FIG. 13(a). It is a diagram.

By folding the ends forming the open openings HSMf1 and HSMf2 from the state shown in FIG. 13 and attaching the packaging member K, the packaged body Uf can be formed. Note that, similarly to FIGS. 10 and 12, the packaging member K is not shown in order to make it easier to understand the state in which the protective sheet HS is wrapped around the cartridge Pf.

By configuring the package Uf in this way, as in the case of the cartridge P, it is possible to prevent stains or scratches on the photosensitive drum 4 during transportation of the cartridge Pf, and to prevent dust, fluff, paper powder, etc. from adhering to the cartridge Pf. Prevention or intrusion prevention becomes possible. Further, it is possible to provide dustproof properties.

When the user unpacks the package Uf, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the overlapping portion HST is positioned so as to overlap the upper half UpHff corresponding to the upper side of the center portion of the cartridge Pf. At this time, the exposed portion 4Rf is located on the lower side PLf of the cartridge Pf and is covered with the first portion HSK1 of the protective sheet HS. Therefore, when the attachment member ST is removed to expose the cartridge Pf, the grip GPfd and the grip GPfc are exposed while being positioned above the cartridge. This makes it easier to guide the user to the grips GPfd and GPfc as locations for gripping the cartridge Pf. Therefore, the risk of stains or scratches caused by gripping the exposed portion 4Rf can be reduced.

(Example 2)
Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, a method of configuring a package Uc for a drum cartridge Pc used together with the above-mentioned developing roller 6 in an image forming operation of an image forming apparatus will be explained using FIGS. 14 and 15. do.

First, as another form of the cartridge, as shown in FIG. 14A, the drum unit 8 including the photosensitive drum 4 may be removably attached to the apparatus main body 2 as a drum cartridge Pc. FIG. 14(b) is a perspective view of FIG. 14(a) seen from the opposite direction. FIG. 14(c) is a side view of the cartridge Pc in FIG. 14(a), and FIG. 14(d) is a front view of the cartridge Pc.

As shown in FIG. 14(c), the lower side of the cartridge Pc is referred to as the lower side PLc, and the upper half area corresponding to the upper side than the center of the cartridge Pc is referred to as the upper half UpHfc, and the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 4 is transferred. The portion TS is within the range of the lower PLc. The upper half UpHfc is located above half of the height LPhc (LPhc/2), where the height of the cartridge Pc is LPhc. Further, the direction in which the cartridge Pc is attached to the main body 2 of the apparatus is set to W2, and a handle TEc is formed in the same way as the cartridge P in order to make it easier for the user to operate the cartridge Pc when moving it.

FIG. 15(a) is a perspective view of a state in which the protective sheet HS is wound around the cartridge Pc to form a cylindrical shape and the pasting member ST is pasted, and FIG. 15(b) is a side view of FIG. 15(a). It is a diagram.

From the state shown in FIG. 15, the ends forming the open openings HSMc1 and HSMc2 (FIG. 15(a)) are folded and the packaging member K is attached to form the package Uc. Note that, similarly to the first embodiment, the packaging member K is not shown in order to make it easier to understand the state in which the protective sheet HS is wrapped around the cartridge Pc.

Further, by configuring the package Uc in this way, it is possible to prevent stains or scratches on the photosensitive drum 4 and to prevent dust, fluff, paper dust, etc. from adhering to or entering the cartridge Pc during transportation of the cartridge Pc. It becomes possible. Further, it is possible to provide dustproof properties.

When the user unpacks the package Uc, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the overlapping portion HST is positioned so as to overlap the upper half UpHfc of the cartridge Pc, which corresponds to the upper side than the center portion. At this time, the transfer portion TS is located at the lower side PLc of the cartridge Pc, and is covered with the first portion HSK1 of the protective sheet HS.

Therefore, when the sticking member ST is removed to expose the cartridge Pc, the handle TEc will be exposed in a position above the cartridge, so it is easy to guide the user to the handle TEc as a place to grip the cartridge Pc. Become. Therefore, when the user unpacks the package Uc, it is possible to reduce the risk of stains or scratches caused by gripping the photosensitive drum 4.

Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the overlapping portion HST serves as a mark for determining the position of the exposed portion and the handle TEc. Therefore, without worrying about the positions of the exposed part and the handle TEc, the exposed part and the handle TEc can be placed in a position suitable for the user simply by placing the package Uc so that the overlapping part HST can be easily opened.

(Example 3)
Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, a method of configuring the package Ud for the developer cartridge Pd will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

First, as another form of the cartridge, as shown in FIG. 16(a), the developing device 9 may be configured as a developing cartridge Pd that can be detachably attached to the main body 2 of the apparatus. FIG. 16(b) is a perspective view of FIG. 16(a) seen from the opposite direction. FIG. 16(c) is a side view of the cartridge Pd in FIG. 16(a), and FIG. 16(d) is a front view of the cartridge Pd.

As shown in FIG. 16(c), the lower side of the cartridge Pd is referred to as a lower side PLd, and the upper half area corresponding to the upper side than the center of the cartridge Pd is referred to as an upper half UpHfd, and the developing roller 6 is exposed as an exposed portion. The section GZ is within the range of the lower side PLd. The upper half UpHfd is located above half of the height LPhd (LPhd/2), where the height of the cartridge Pd is LPhd. Further, the mounting direction of the cartridge Pd in the apparatus main body 2 is set as W3, and a handle TEd is formed to facilitate operation when the user moves the cartridge Pd.

FIG. 17(a) is a perspective view of the protective sheet HS wrapped around the cartridge Pd to form a cylinder and the pasting member ST is pasted, and FIG. 17(b) is a side view of FIG. 17(a). It is a diagram.

From the state shown in FIG. 17, the ends forming the open openings HSMd1 and HSMd2 (FIG. 17(a)) are folded and the packaging member K is attached to form the packaged body Ud. Note that, similarly to Examples 1 and 2, the packaging member K is not shown in order to make it easier to understand the state in which the protective sheet HS is wrapped around the cartridge Pd.

By configuring the packaging body Ud in this way, it is possible to prevent the developing roller 6 from becoming dirty or scratched, and to prevent dust, fluff, paper powder, etc. from adhering to or entering the cartridge Pd during transportation of the cartridge Pd. Become.

When the user unpacks the package Ud, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the overlapping portion HST is positioned so as to overlap the upper half UPHfd corresponding to the upper side of the center portion of the cartridge Pd. At this time, the developing section GZ is located at the lower side PLd of the cartridge Pd.

Therefore, when the attachment member ST is removed to expose the cartridge Pd, the handle TEd will be exposed in a position above the cartridge, making it easy to guide the user to the handle TEd as a place to grip the cartridge Pd. Become. Therefore, when the user unpacks the package Ud, the user can reduce the risk of stains or scratches caused by gripping the developing roller 6.

Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the overlapping portion HST serves as a mark for determining the position of the exposed portion and the handle TEd. Therefore, without worrying about the positions of the exposed part and the handle TEd, the exposed part and the handle TEd can be placed at a position suitable for the user simply by placing the package Ud so that the overlapping part HST can be easily opened.

(Example 4)
Next, as a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a method of fixing the overlapping portion HST to the cartridge using a sheet fixing pin PN instead of a seal ST will be described with reference to FIG. 18.

FIG. 18(a) is a perspective view of the cartridge Pg, in which a pin insertion portion PH for inserting and fixing the sheet fixing pin PN is provided at approximately the center of the drum unit 8 in the cartridge P of the first embodiment. ing. FIG. 18(b) shows the cartridge Pg viewed from the side. FIG. 18(c) is a perspective view of the seat fixing pin PN, and FIG. 18(d) shows arrow X in FIG. 18(c). FIG. 18E shows a state in which the protective sheet HS is wrapped around the cartridge Pg and the sheet fixing pin PN is inserted and fixed. Further, FIG. 18(f) is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 18(e), showing a state in which the overlapping portion HST is located between the sheet fixing pin PN and the cartridge Pg. FIG. 18(g) is a side view of FIG. 18(e).

As shown in FIG. 18(b), the part where the photosensitive drum 4 is exposed from the frame of the cartridge Pg is the exposed part 4Rg, the lower side of the cartridge Pg is the lower side PLg, and the part above the center of the cartridge Pg is equivalent to the exposed part 4Rg. The upper half of the region is referred to as upper half UpHfg. The upper half UpHfg is located above half of the height LPhg (LPhg/2), where the height of the cartridge Pg is LPhg. Further, the direction in which the cartridge Pg is attached to the apparatus main body 2 is set as W2, and a handle TEg is provided on the developing device 9 in order to make it easier for the user to operate the cartridge P when moving it.

As shown in FIGS. 18(e), 18(f), and 18(g), the overlapping portion HST can be fixed between the sheet fixing pin PN and the cartridge Pg. By directly fixing the protective sheet HS to the cartridge Pg in this manner, separation of the second portion HSK2 and the third portion HSK3 can be restricted and the position of the overlapping portion HST can be stabilized.

By folding the ends forming the open openings HSMg1 and HSMg2 from the state shown in FIG. 18(e) and attaching the packaging member K, the packaging body Ug can be formed. Note that, similarly to the other embodiments, the packaging member K is not shown in order to make it easier to understand the state in which the protective sheet HS is wrapped around the cartridge Pg. In addition, by configuring the package Ug in this way, it is possible to prevent stains or scratches on the photosensitive drum 4 and to prevent dust, fluff, paper powder, etc. from adhering to or entering the cartridge Pg during transportation of the cartridge Pg. It becomes possible. Further, it is possible to provide dustproof properties.

Further, when the user unpacks the package Ug, the overlapping portion HST is positioned so as to overlap the upper half UpHfg corresponding to the upper side of the center portion of the cartridge Pg. And exposed part 4
Rg is located on the lower side PLg of the cartridge Pg.

Therefore, when the sheet fixing pin PN is removed to expose the cartridge Pg, the handle TEg and the upper half UPHg will be exposed in a state above the cartridge. It becomes easier to guide users. Therefore, when the user unpacks the package Ug, it is possible to reduce the risk of stains or scratches caused by grasping the exposed portion 4Rg.

Furthermore, as in the case of the pasting member ST, the seat fixing pin PN is provided at the position of the overlapping portion HST, thereby serving as a mark for grasping the position of the exposed portion 4Rg and the handle TEg. Therefore, without worrying about the positions of the exposed part 4Rg and the handle TEg, the exposed part 4Rg and the handle TEg can be placed in a position suitable for the user by simply placing the package Ug so that the overlapping part HST can be easily opened. can.

Although one pin insertion portion PH is provided at the center of the drum unit 8 in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and one pin insertion portion PH may be provided at each end of the drum unit 8. Further, the pin insertion portion PH may be provided in the developing device 9. Further, by providing a pin insertion portion PH between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 or between the drum unit 8 and the developing device 9, and inserting and fixing the sheet fixing pin PN, the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing It is also possible to form the package Ug with the rollers 6 spaced apart. In this case, it is also possible to reduce the occurrence of scratches caused by collisions between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 due to vibrations, shocks, etc. during transportation.

(Example 5)
Next, as a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a method for preventing the user from slipping the cartridge P from the opening openings HSM1, HSM2 (FIG. 10) when unpacking will be described using FIG. 19.

FIG. 19(a) shows that after the protective sheet HS is wrapped around the cartridge P as shown in FIG. 9 and the overlapping part HST is fixed with the pasting member ST, the approximate centers of the openings HSM1 and HSM2 are sewn with thread. show something The part where the open opening HSM1 is sewn is referred to as a sewn part NTB1, and the part where the open opening HSM2 is sewn is designated as a sewn part NTB2. Further, FIG. 19(b) is a side view of FIG. 19(a), and shows a state in which the approximately central portions of the openings HSM1, HSM2 are closed by the sewn portions NTB1, NTB2. Thereby, movement of the cartridge P in the width direction WW of the protective sheet HS is restricted, and it is possible to prevent the user from slipping the cartridge P in the width direction WW when unpacking.

Here, the material of the thread includes, for example, cotton, wool, silk, hemp, or cellulose. Note that the method for closing the openings HSM1 and HSM2 is not limited to sewing with thread. For example, it may be closed by welding, adhesive using double-sided tape or starch glue, or using a stapleless stapler.

(Example 6)
Next, as a sixth embodiment of the present invention, a package Uh in which a portion HSa of the protective sheet HS is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 20(a) shows a package Uh (packing member K is not shown) in which a part HSa of the protective sheet HS is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6, and FIG. ) shows the BB cross section. The circumferential length A of the protective sheet HS was set longer than in Examples 1 to 5, and as shown in FIG. In this state, the superimposed portion HST is fixed with a pasting member ST.

In this way, by sandwiching part HSa of the protective sheet HS between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6, collisions between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 due to vibrations and shocks during transportation are alleviated, and the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are prevented from colliding. The occurrence of scratches on the developing roller 6 can be reduced.

Further, some conventional drum covers have a function of separating the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 to reduce the occurrence of scratches on the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6. Therefore, the above-mentioned package Uh can provide a configuration that eliminates the need for the conventional drum cover with a spacing function. Therefore, when unpacking the package, the user does not need to remove both the storage bag and the drum cover, which improves work efficiency.

P, Pe, Pf, Pg...Cartridge, PY...First cartridge, PM...Second cartridge, PC...Third cartridge, PK...Fourth cartridge, Pd... Developing cartridge, Pc...drum cartridge, UpHf, UpHfc, UpHfd, UpHfe...upper half, UpHff, UpHfg...upper half, 4R, 4Re, 4Rf...exposed section, GZ...developing section, HS...protective sheet, HST...overlapping section, HSK1...first part, HSK2...second part, HSK3...third part, U, Uc, Ud, Ue, Uf, Ug...packing body

Claims (11)

A cartridge having a photoconductor and a frame that covers the photoconductor so that a portion of the photoconductor is exposed;
a first portion covering an exposed portion of the photoreceptor; a second portion provided at one end of the first portion; and a third portion provided at the other end of the first portion. a sheet wrapped around the cartridge so as to form an overlapping portion in which the second portion and the third portion are separably overlapped;
has
When the exposed portion faces the lower side of the cartridge and the first portion is positioned below the exposed portion, the overlapping portion is a portion above a center portion of the cartridge in the vertical direction. the sheets are wrapped around the cartridge so as to overlap;
The package is characterized in that the cartridge is a process cartridge having a developing roller . The package according to claim 1 , wherein a portion of the sheet is sandwiched between the developing roller and the photoreceptor. A cartridge including a developing roller and a frame that covers a portion of the developing roller so that the portion of the developing roller is exposed;
a first portion covering an exposed portion of the developing roller; a second portion provided at one end of the first portion; and a third portion provided at the other end of the first portion. a sheet wrapped around the cartridge so as to form an overlapping portion in which the second portion and the third portion are separably overlapped;
has
When the exposed portion faces the lower side of the cartridge and the first portion is positioned below the exposed portion, the overlapping portion is a portion above the center portion of the cartridge in the vertical direction. A package characterized in that the sheet is wrapped around the cartridge so as to overlap. When the direction in which the sheet is wound around the cartridge is a circumferential direction, an end portion of the sheet is bent in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction so that the sheet covers a side surface of the cartridge. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that: The package according to claim 4 , further comprising a packing member that presses the sheet so that the end portion is maintained in a bent state. A cartridge having a photoconductor and a frame that covers the photoconductor so that a portion of the photoconductor is exposed;
a first portion covering an exposed portion of the photoreceptor; a second portion provided at one end of the first portion; and a third portion provided at the other end of the first portion. a sheet wrapped around the cartridge so as to form an overlapping portion in which the second portion and the third portion are separably overlapped;
has
When the exposed portion faces the lower side of the cartridge and the first portion is positioned below the exposed portion, the overlapping portion is a portion above a center portion of the cartridge in the vertical direction. the sheets are wrapped around the cartridge so as to overlap;
When the direction in which the sheet is wound around the cartridge is a circumferential direction, an end portion of the sheet is bent in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction so that the sheet covers a side surface of the cartridge. A packaging body featuring: The package according to claim 6, further comprising a packing member that presses the sheet so that the end portion is maintained in a bent state. 8. The package according to claim 6, wherein the cartridge is a drum cartridge configured to be removably attached to an apparatus main body including a developing roller. The cartridge includes a handle having at least one of a concave portion and a convex portion,
Claim 1 characterized in that the handle is arranged such that when the overlapping part is located above the central part in the vertical direction, the handle is located above the central part. The package according to any one of items 8 to 8 . The package according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , further comprising a separation restricting portion that restricts separation of the second portion and the third portion. The cartridge has a pin insertion part,
10. The package according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is fixed to the cartridge by inserting a fixing pin into the pin insertion section from above the overlapping section.

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