Toner cartridge packaging

A toner cartridge packaging having a non-planar top surface is disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Toner cartridges are to be installed in a printer to provide toner particles to the printer. For example the toner particles consist of electrically chargeable particles and colorants in a powder or liquid carrier material. Known toner cartridges include series of rollers to transfer the toner from an internal reservoir to print media. For example, an organic photoconductor (OPC) roller retrieves a layer of toner from a developer roller and transfers the layer in the form of an image to the media, directly or in some instances via an intermediary roller. Toner cartridges oftentimes include one or both of a shutter and a protective cover that protects the sensitive photoconductor roller when it is not installed in the printer. In certain instances the printer and toner cartridge are arranged so that the shutter is automatically opened at installation of the cartridge in the printer. In other instances the protective cover or shutter needs to be removed or opened manually before installation of the cartridge in the printer to expose the photoconductor roller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. The examples in the description and drawings should be considered illustrative and are not to be considered as limiting to the specific example or element described. Multiple examples may be derived from the following description and/or drawings through modification, combination or variation of certain elements.

FIGS. 1-3illustrate an example of a packaging1and a toner cartridge2of this disclosure.FIGS. 1 and 3represent an intended, upright position of the example packaging1andFIG. 2illustrates a non-intended upside-down orientation of the packaging1.

The toner cartridge2includes a toner transfer roller3. For example the toner transfer roller3is a photoconductor roller for transferring a layer of toner in the form of an image to print media. In another example the toner transfer roller3is an intermediate transfer roller for transferring the image from a photoconductor roller to the print media. For example the toner contains dry toner particles. For example, the packaged toner transfer roller3is exposed, that is, not covered or protected by a separate cover or shutter. The packaging1includes a bottom portion5and a top portion6. For example the cartridge2is fitted to inner walls of the bottom portion5. For example the cartridge2is press fitted to the inner walls of the bottom portion5. For example the bottom portion5is larger than the top portion6, to support and substantially surround the cartridge2.

For example the toner transfer roller3can be regarded as a sensitive component. For example unintentionally touching the surface of the toner transfer roller3, for example with hands or other printer parts, should be avoided. For example touching the toner transfer roller3can affect the transfer characteristics of the toner transfer roller3.

The packaging1includes a non-planar top surface9. For example the top surface9has an at least partially convex or curved shape. For example the packaging1has a support surface11at the bottom to place the packaging1on a second support surface such as a table, shelf or on a printer housing. For example the support surface11of the packaging1is flat, or includes feet, for allowing placement on its support surface11with a reduced risk of tumbling the packaging1. For example the non-planar top surface9includes a top ridge10. For example the top ridge10is the top edge of the top surface9that is furthest away from the support surface11of the cartridge2.

Tests have shown that users tend to place the packaging1with the non-planar surface9upwards. This may be explained with reference to the exampleFIG. 2that illustrates how the packaging1can tumble in direction T when trying to position it on the non-planar top surface9. To avoid unstable positioning as illustrated byFIG. 2, the non-planar top surface9accomplishes that the packaging1is placed on its support surface11at the bottom instead of the top surface9, at least in most cases. Within the packaging1the cartridge2can be fitted in the bottom portion5while the toner transfer roller3faces downwards towards the support surface11, or for example towards one of the sides of the packaging1. For example the packaged orientation of the cartridge2, at least when the packaging1has an upright orientation, corresponds to a printer installation orientation of the cartridge2, for example because the toner transfer roller3needs to be installed with the exposed face down (as illustrated) or with the exposed face towards one of the sides.

For example, the non-planar top surface9is located near the side of the cartridge2that should be up when the user installs the cartridge2, and the support surface11is located near the side of the cartridge2that should be down when the user installs the cartridge2in the printer. Hence when the packaging1is opened (FIG. 3), the cartridge2can be taken out (i) with a reduced risk that the toner transfer roller3is touched and (ii) in an installation-ready orientation. For example, the toner transfer roller3is already exposed within the packaging1, that is, not covered or protected by a separate cover or shutter, so that the cartridge2can be readily installed without needing to displace such cover or shutter. This may lead to less complex mechanisms. For example, the cartridge2and/or printer do not need to include a shutter opening mechanism. For example, the user does not need to complete a delicate operation such as uncovering a shutter or cover from the toner transfer roller3. Pre-orienting the cartridge2can prevent touching or damaging the toner transfer roller3, which may prevent some of the effects explained below.

For example, damage to an organic photoconductor (OPC) by accidental contact by humans can be temporary or permanent, which can result in image defects. In most instances, the surface of the OPC must be able to accept a constant charge that produces a uniform high voltage and then be locally discharged, for example in areas as small as approximately 1/1200thby 1/1200thof an inch. Oils, either natural or artificially applied to a human, say on the hands, can be conductive enough to allow the image applied to the OPC to be blurred by surface conductivity. This effect can depend on the environment. For example this effect can increase in humid conditions. Said oils may also disturb the ability of the development system to uniformly apply an even layer of toner to the OPC, causing print quality defects. Since the exposed layer of the OPC is an organic conductor which is doped to specific levels with additives to adjust the specific conductivity of the layer, contamination by touching can accidentally apply materials that will chemically interact with the layer and permanently change the local bulk conductivity of the device. The oils may also transfer to other components of the system, such as the intermediate transfer belt (ITB) where they can cause transfer defects from not only the OPC that was contaminated but from other OPC's within the print system. In addition, many people who accidentally touch OPC's are wearing personal jewelry, such as rings, that are much harder than the OPC and which can cause permanent damage by scratching, denting, or chipping the surface, causing continuing print quality (PQ) defects for the rest of the life of that OPC.

For example the toner cartridge2includes an additional handle4for manually grabbing and handling the toner cartridge2. For example the handle4is located at a distance from the toner transfer roller3, to invite a user to manually engage the cartridge2at a distance from the toner transfer roller3, to avoid that a user touches the toner transfer roller3, when lifting the cartridge2out of the packaging1or printer. For example the handle4is located approximately on the opposite side of the cartridge2with respect to the toner transfer roller3. For example the handle4is located so that it aids in manually installing the cartridge2in the printer. For example in packaged condition the handle4extends below and near the top ridge10of the top portion6of the packaging1.

For example, the packaging1is substantially composed of bio-degradable material, arranged in a shock absorbing construction. For example the packaging is monolithic. For example the packaging1is molded, for example compression molded or injection molded. For example the packaging1includes or is made of cellulose fibers, paper, carton, styro-foam, plastics, expanded polystyrene, starch, egg carton, or other suitable material. For example the packaging includes or is made of molded and/or compressed pulp or fibers.

For example the packaging1includes a hinge7for hinging the top portion6with respect to the bottom portion5for opening the packaging. For example the hinge7is a living hinge. For example the packaging1includes a closure8for retaining the top portion6with respect to the bottom portion5. For example the closure8is positioned opposite to the hinge7. For example the closure8is a snap closure. For example the closure8consists of two protruding and interlocking lips, disposed opposite to each other on the bottom and top portion5,6. In other examples (not shown) the packaging1does not include a hinge. For example in these other examples the top portion6can be detached from the bottom portion5.

FIGS. 4-6illustrate another example of a toner cartridge102and its packaging101that is similar to the example ofFIGS. 1-3.FIGS. 4 and 6represent an intended, upright position of the example packaging101andFIG. 5illustrates a non-intended orientation of the packaging101. A top portion106of the packaging101hinges with respect to a bottom portion105over a living hinge107and closes with the aid of a snap closure108disposed opposite to the living hinge107. The cartridge102is fitted to the bottom portion105, for example press fitted. For example the toner transfer roller103faces downwards. A portion of the toner transfer roller103is exposed within the packaging101, “exposed” meaning that no shutter or cover covers that portion of the toner transfer roller103. For example, the cartridge102includes a handle104distanced from the toner transfer roller103, for example protruding away from the toner transfer roller103, for example upwards.

The top portion106includes a non-planar top surface109. Similar to the example ofFIGS. 1-3, the non-planar top surface109includes a top ridge110that protrudes away from the support surface111. Different from the example ofFIGS. 1-3, the non-planar top surface109of the example ofFIGS. 4-6has a tapering shape wherein two converging surfaces meet at the top ridge110. The top ridge110points away from the support surface111of the packaging101. Similar toFIGS. 1-3the upwards tapering top surface109of the packaging101can accomplish that the packaging101is placed on its bottom support surface111instead of its top surface109. This may be explained with reference to the exampleFIG. 5that illustrates how the packaging101can tumble in direction T2 when trying to position it on the non-planar top surface109. For example, the non-planar top surface109is located near the side of the cartridge102that should be up when the user installs the cartridge102in a printer, while a support surface111of the packaging is located near the side of the cartridge102that should be down when the user installs the cartridge102in the printer. For example in packaged condition the handle104of the cartridge102is disposed near or in the non-planar top surface109of the packaging101.

FIG. 7illustrates another example of an assembly230of a cartridge202and packaging201,221. For example the packaging includes a first packaging and a second packaging, wherein the first packaging is an inner packaging201and the second packaging is an outer packaging221. InFIG. 7the cartridge202is supported and surrounded by the inner packaging201and the inner packaging201is surrounded by the outer packaging221. However, the inner packaging201can also serve as outer packaging by itself, without the illustrated outer packaging221.

The inner packaging201can have a shock dampening function. For example the inner packaging201includes cushions for supporting the cartridge202within the outer packaging221. For example, the inner packaging201is monolithic. For example, the inner packaging201is substantially composed of bio-degradable material. For example the inner packaging201is molded, for example compression molded. For example the inner packaging201includes or is made of cellulose fibers, paper, carton, styro-foam, plastics, expanded polystyrene, starch, egg carton, or other suitable material. For example the inner packaging201includes or is made of molded and/or compressed pulp or fibers.

For example the inner packaging201includes a bottom portion205and a top portion206, the top portion206being at least partly separable from the bottom portion205for opening the inner packaging201. For example the inner packaging201includes a hinge207and a closure208. For example the top portion206is to hinge about the hinge207that is disposed at the side of the packaging201. For example the top portion206is to be closed about the closure208that is disposed approximately opposite to the hinge207. For example the hinge207is a living hinge, and the closure is a snap closure208. In other examples the closure208is to be torn open. For example the closure208is a welded closure.

For example the bottom portion205of the cartridge202includes cushions222,225. For example, the cushions222,225form an integral part of the monolithic inner packaging201. For example the cartridge202is press-fitted into the cushions222,225of the bottom portion205. For example the cushions222,225are support elements that deform under pressure or sudden impacts to absorb shocks. The cushions222,225include at least one of appropriate material and appropriate construction for achieving the shock absorbing function. For example the inner packaging201includes side cushions222,225engaging longitudinal sides224of the cartridge202. For example the inner packaging201includes bottom cushions225engaging the cartridge202near a longitudinal bottom side223of the cartridge202, which in an example is the side223of a toner transfer roller203. For example the inner packaging201includes head cushions engaging longitudinal ends of the cartridge202(not illustrated). For example the bottom portion205is arranged to receive the cartridge202by press fitting the cartridge202downwards into the cushions222,225. In an example the top portion206includes top cushions for engaging the cartridge202, but the cartridge202is not press fitted to the top portion206.

For example the toner transfer roller203is exposed near an inner bottom226of the bottom portion205of the inner packaging201. For example some of the cushions222,225of the inner packaging201support the cartridge202so that the toner transfer roller203does not contact any of the inner walls of the inner packaging201. For example the exposed toner transfer roller203is distanced from the inner bottom226at least multiple millimeters. In other examples the toner transfer roller203is exposed near one of the transversal sides of the packaging201.

For example at least a portion of the inner walls of the inner packaging201is coated to inhibit detaching of flakes, fibers, dust or the like from the inner walls, and to avoid contamination of the exposed toner transfer roller203. In an example a bed or cover or the like (not illustrated) is disposed over the inner bottom226of the inner packaging201for additional protection of the toner transfer roller203and/or inhibit contamination of the toner transfer roller203. For example, such bed or cover would be left behind in the inner packaging201when lifting the cartridge202out of the packaging201.

For example, the inner packaging201includes a support surface211and a non-planar top surface209. The support surface211includes feet or a flat surface for placing the inner packaging201on its support surface211onto a second support surface such as a table, shelf, floor, etc. In the illustrated example, the non-planar top surface209has a tapered shape but in other examples the shape can be rounded or otherwise non-planar to avoid placement of the inner packaging201on its top surface209, as explained previously. For example, the top surface209includes a top ridge210where the tapering top surfaces meet, or at the top of a rounded roof.

For example the outer packaging221includes graphics and/or information about the contents of the complete assembly230, and can be torn open or unfolded or the like. For example the inner packaging201is to be lifted out of the outer packaging221, whereby it is placed on its support surface211so that the cartridge202is pre-oriented in the installation orientation as explained previously. For example the closure208is to be opened and the top portion206is to be hinged open. For example the cartridge202is to be manually engaged for installation without touching the toner transfer roller203. For example, the cartridge202includes a handle204that protrudes at a cartridge location that is distanced from the longitudinal bottom side223and that is visible when opening the inner packaging201. For example the cartridge202is to be lifted out of the upright inner packaging201, and then installed in the printer in approximately the same orientation as the packaged orientation.

For example the outer packaging221A includes a first indication235that the assembly230contains a toner or a toner cartridge202and/or second indication236for what is top or bottom (FIG. 8). For example the first indication235can be a picture, symbol or word that indicates that there is toner or a toner cartridge inside the packaging221A. For example the second indication236can be an arrow, picture, symbol or word that indicates which side of the packaging221A should go up or down. For example, the indications235,236are printed or embossed. In addition or alternatively at least one of these indications235,236can be provided on the inner packaging202A (FIG. 9), for example through embossing or printing.

FIG. 10illustrates an example of stacked stackable packages301. For example the packages301include a top surface309having a raised top ridge310. For example the illustrated top surface309includes a protruding flap. For example the top surface309includes a tapered, round or otherwise non-planar surface309. For example the packages301have a bottom surface331. For example the bottom surface331includes the support surface311which can be formed by feet333or a support ridge, for example disposed under outer side walls of the packaging301, for placing the packaging301onto a second support surface such as a table or shelf. The bottom surface331further includes a raised portion332, forming a bottom portion that is raised with respect to the support surface311, so that a top ridge310of a packaging301underneath it can protrude into the raised portion332. Hence, a top packaging301can receive a top ridge310of another first packaging301below it. For example, the top ridge310of a lower packaging301extends between the feet333or support ridges of a packaging301on top. The raised portion332allows for stacking the packages301having non-planar top surfaces309. For example the packaging301is nestable. For example the packaging301is nestable in an empty and open condition, for example for transporting empty inner packages301.

FIG. 11illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method of installing a toner cartridge2,102,202in a printer. For example the method includes placing a first packaging1,101,201,301so that a non-planar surface9,109,209,309is facing upwards (block400). For example, the method includes opening the first packaging1,101,201,301by at least partly lifting a top portion6,106,206with respect to a bottom portion5,105,205(block410). For example, the method includes lifting the toner cartridge2,102,202out of the bottom portion5,105,205(block420), for example approximately maintaining its packaged orientation. For example, the method includes installing the toner cartridge2,102,202in a printer in approximately its packaged orientation (block430).

FIG. 12illustrates a flow chart of another example of a method of installing a toner cartridge202in a printer. For example, the method includes opening a second, outer packaging221(block500). For example, the method includes lifting a first, inner packaging201out of the outer packaging221(block510). For example, the method includes placing the inner packaging201in upright position so that a non-planar surface209is facing upwards (block520). For example, the method includes opening the first packaging201by at least partly lifting a top portion206with respect to a bottom portion205(block530), for example by hinging or detaching the top portion206. For example, the method includes grabbing a handle204for lifting the cartridge202out of the first packaging201while a toner transfer roller203is pre-exposed (block540), that is, not covered by a shutter or separate cover. For example, the method includes lifting the toner cartridge202out of the bottom portion205, and installing the toner cartridge202in a printer in approximately its packaged orientation (block550). For example, the toner cartridge202is packaged and installed with the toner transfer roller203facing approximately downwards. In other examples, the toner transfer roller203is packaged and installed facing approximately sideways, that is, in an at least partly horizontal direction.

The above description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to the examples disclosed. Other variations to the disclosed examples can be understood and effected by those of ordinary skill in the art from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the claims. The indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, while a reference to a certain number of elements does not exclude the possibility of having more or less elements. A single unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the disclosure, and vice versa several items may fulfil the function of one unit. Multiple alternatives, equivalents, variations and combinations may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.