Developer container and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a developer storage container that can reduce the amount of developer remaining in the container during replacement of the developer storage container, and an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A developer storage container comprises: a communication unit 214 that communicates an opening 216 and a storage unit 211 with each other; a scoop-up unit 231 that has a scoop-up surface directed in a specific direction D6 at an end on the downstream side in a conveyance direction D5 of the storage unit 211 and on the outside in a radial direction of the communication unit 214, and scoops up a toner in contact with the scoop-up surface according to the rotation of the storage unit 211 in the specific direction D6; and a guide unit 234 that is provided continuously from the scoop-up surface and an inner peripheral surface of the communication unit 214 on the inside in the radial direction of the scoop-up unit 231 and guides the toner scooped up by the scoop-up unit 231 to the communication unit 214.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a developer container and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] An image forming apparatus, such as a printer, capable of forming images using an electrophotographic method includes a developer storage container that stores a developer such as toner. The developer storage container includes a storage section formed in a cylindrical shape concentric with a rotation axis along a horizontal plane, and a communication section. The storage section has a spiral protrusion formed along the rotation axis on its inner circumferential surface, and is rotated in a specific direction around the rotation axis to transport the developer stored therein in a transport direction along the rotation axis. The communication section extends from the downstream end of the storage section in the transport direction in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotation axis and having a smaller diameter than the storage section, and connects the storage section to an opening that opens in the transport direction.

[0003] Also, a developer storage container is known as related technology in which the downstream end of the storage section in the transport direction is tapered to connect to the communicating section, and the protrusion is formed along the transport direction up to the connecting section with the communicating section, thereby guiding the developer in the storage section to the communicating section (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-101032 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the developer storage container according to the related art described above, the transport force applied to the developer by the protrusion formed on the connecting portion is weak, so the developer remains in the communicating portion when the developer storage container is replaced.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a developer container and an image forming apparatus that can reduce the amount of developer remaining in the container when the developer container is replaced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a developer storage container is used with its rotation axis aligned along a horizontal plane, and includes a storage portion, a communication portion, a pumping portion, and a guide portion. The storage portion is formed in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotation axis and rotates in a specific direction around the rotation axis to transport the developer stored therein in a transport direction along the rotation axis. The communication portion extends from a downstream end of the storage portion in the transport direction into the transport direction in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotation axis and having a smaller diameter than the storage portion, and connects an opening opening in the transport direction with the storage portion. The pumping portion has a pumping surface that faces the specific direction and is located at a downstream end of the storage portion in the transport direction, radially outward of the communication portion, and pumps up the developer that comes into contact with the pumping surface in response to the rotation of the storage portion in the specific direction. The guide portion is provided radially inward of the lifting portion, continuous with the lifting surface and the inner circumferential surface of the communicating portion, and guides the developer lifted by the lifting portion to the communicating portion.

[0008] An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes the developer container and an image forming unit, the image forming unit forming an image using the developer supplied from the developer container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of developer remaining in a developer container when the container is replaced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a toner supply unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the configuration of a toner container of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the container body of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing the configuration of the insertion slot of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a drive unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the periphery of the lock mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the periphery of the lock mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a rear view showing the configuration of the lock release unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the configuration of the lock release unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the gripping portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view showing the configuration of the grip portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pumping unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view showing the configuration of the pumping unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the configuration of the pumping unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the periphery of the communication section of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the periphery of the communication section of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a rear view showing the configuration of the opening of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the extension portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the periphery of the communication portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a toner container of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a gear portion of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a side view showing the configuration of a container body of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a side view showing the configuration of a container body of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a second protrusion of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a plan view showing the configuration of a second protrusion of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a side view showing the configuration of a gear portion of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] [Configuration of image forming apparatus 100] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] In the following description, a vertical direction D1 is defined based on the state in which the image forming apparatus 100 is installed. A front-rear direction D2 is defined with the side into which the toner container 200 is inserted as the front side (front face) of the image forming apparatus 100. A left-right direction D3 is defined when the image forming apparatus 100 is viewed from the front side (front face).

[0014] The image forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus equipped with at least a printing function. The image forming apparatus 100 prints an image on a printing paper, which is a sheet member, using a developer containing toner (an example of the developer of the present invention). For example, the image forming apparatus 100 is a color printer. However, the image forming apparatus 100 may also be a monochrome printer, a facsimile machine, a copier, a multifunction machine, or the like.

[0015] Image forming apparatus 100 is a so-called tandem color image forming apparatus. As shown in Fig. 1, image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of image forming units 1 to 4, an optical scanning device 5, an intermediate transfer unit 6, a secondary transfer device 7, a fixing device 8, a control unit 9, an operation display unit 10, a paper feed tray 11, a paper discharge tray 12, and a toner supply unit 13. These components are attached to a housing 14 that constitutes an external frame (not shown) and an internal frame of image forming apparatus 100.

[0016] Image forming units 1-4 form different color toner images on a plurality of photosensitive drums 21 arranged side by side by using a so-called electrophotographic method. The toner images are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6A while it is running (moving) so that they are superimposed one on top of the other. As shown in FIG. 1, image forming units 1-4 are arranged in a line in the following order from the downstream side in the moving direction D4 of the intermediate transfer belt 6A: image forming unit 1 for black, image forming unit 2 for yellow, image forming unit 3 for cyan, and image forming unit 4 for magenta.

[0017] Each of the image forming units 1 to 4 is provided below the intermediate transfer belt 6A. Each of the image forming units 1 to 4 includes a photosensitive drum 21 that carries a toner image, a charging device 22, a developing device 23, and a primary transfer device 24. The surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is charged by the charging device 22, and the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is exposed and scanned by the optical scanning device 5. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The developing device 23 develops the electrostatic latent image with toner. Then, the primary transfer device 24 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 to the intermediate transfer belt 6A.

[0018] The intermediate transfer unit 6 includes an intermediate transfer belt 6A, a drive roller 6B, a driven roller 6C, and a belt cleaning device 6D. The intermediate transfer belt 6A carries a toner image composed of toner images of multiple colors (four colors in this embodiment). The intermediate transfer belt 6A is rotatably supported by the drive roller 6B and the driven roller 6C, allowing it to move while its surface contacts the surface of each photosensitive drum 21. When the intermediate transfer belt 6A is driven to rotate, its surface passes between the photosensitive drums 21 and the primary transfer device 24. At this time, the toner images of each color carried on the multiple photosensitive drums 21 are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6A in order so as to be superimposed on top of each other.

[0019] A toner supply unit 13 is provided above the intermediate transfer unit 6. The toner supply unit 13 supplies toner of the corresponding color to each of the image forming units 1 to 4.

[0020] The secondary transfer device 7 transfers the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6A onto printing paper transported from the paper feed tray 11. The printing paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing device 8 by a transport section (not shown). The fixing device 8 has a heating roller 8A and a pressure roller 8B. The fixing device 8 applies heat and pressure to the printing sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred while transporting it. This melts the toner image and fixes it to the printing sheet. The printing sheet with the fixed toner image is transported further downstream and ejected to and held on a tray-shaped paper output tray 12 located above the intermediate transfer unit 6.

[0021] The belt cleaning device 6D removes and collects the waste toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6A, and discharges the collected waste toner into a waste toner container 6E.

[0022] The control unit 9 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and EEPROM (registered trademark), all of which are not shown. The CPU is a processor that executes various arithmetic operations. The ROM is a non-volatile storage device that pre-stores information such as control programs for causing the CPU to execute various processes. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage device. The EEPROM is a non-volatile storage device. The RAM and EEPROM are used as temporary storage memory (work area) for various processes executed by the CPU. In the control unit 9, the CPU executes various control programs pre-stored in the ROM. This allows the control unit 9 to comprehensively control the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 9 may be configured with electronic circuits such as an integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be a control unit provided separately from a main control unit that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 100.

[0023] The operation display unit 10 has a display unit such as an LCD display that displays various information in response to control instructions from the control unit 9, and an operation unit such as operation keys or a touch panel that inputs various information to the control unit 9 in response to user operations.

[0024] [Configuration of toner supply unit 13] Next, the toner supply unit 13 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the toner supply unit 13 includes toner containers 200 (an example of a developer storage container of the present invention) corresponding to each of the colors black, yellow, cyan, and magenta, and a mounting unit 30 into which each toner container 200 is mounted.

[0026] 2 and 5, the toner supply unit 13 includes an insertion opening 31, a drive unit 32, and a lock cover 33.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 7, the toner supply unit 13 includes a locking mechanism 34 and an unlocking unit 35.

[0028] The toner container 200 contains toner to be replenished to the developing device 23. In this embodiment, four toner containers 200 corresponding to the colors of black, yellow, cyan, and magenta are provided in the toner replenishing unit 13. FIG. 2 shows only the yellow toner container 200, and the toner containers 200 of the other colors are omitted. FIG. 5 shows only the lock cover 33 and lock mechanism 34 corresponding to the yellow toner container 200, and the lock covers 33 and lock mechanisms 34 corresponding to the toner containers 200 of the other colors are omitted. The toner containers 200 of each color have a common configuration except that the black toner container 200 has a larger outer diameter than the toner containers 200 of the other colors. Unless otherwise specified, the following will describe the yellow toner container 200 shown in FIG. 2 and the configuration corresponding to that toner container 200.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the toner container 200 includes a container body 201 and a cap portion 202.

[0030] The container body 201 stores toner and transports the toner along a transport direction D5 (see FIG. 3). The transport direction D5 is the direction from the front surface (front) of the image forming apparatus 100 to the rear surface (rear). The container body 201 is integrally formed from a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET resin). For example, the container body 201 has a communication portion 214, a gear portion 215, and an opening 216 (see FIG. 4) formed by injection molding. The container body 201 also has a storage portion 211 and a grip portion 212 formed by injection blow molding.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the container body 201 includes a storage portion 211 , a grip portion 212 , a communication portion 214 , a gear portion 215 , and an opening 216 .

[0032] The storage section 211 is formed in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotation axis 203 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the toner container 200. Specifically, the storage section 211 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The storage section 211 stores replenishment toner.

[0033] In the toner container 200, the container body 201 is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 203. A protrusion 211A (an example of a first protrusion of the present invention) (see FIG. 4) is provided on the inner periphery of the storage section 211 in a spiral shape along the rotation axis 203. FIG. 4 also shows a spiral recess formed on the outer periphery of the storage section 211 in correspondence with the protrusion 211A. With the spiral protrusion 211A formed inside, the storage section 211 can rotate about the rotation axis 203 in a first direction D6 (an example of a specific direction of the present invention) (see FIG. 2), thereby conveying the toner contained therein in a conveying direction D5 along the rotation axis 203.

[0034] The grip portion 212 is provided at the upstream end of the container body 201 in the conveyance direction D5. The grip portion 212 is a portion that is gripped by the user's hand when the toner container 200 is pulled forward from the insertion opening 31 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). The toner container 200 is inserted into the insertion opening 31 with its leading end in the conveyance direction D5 at the front.

[0035] 4, gripping portion 212 is provided to protrude upstream in conveying direction D5 from end face 211B on the upstream side of storage portion 211 in conveying direction D5. Specifically, gripping portion 212 is provided to protrude in a cylindrical shape concentric with rotation shaft 203 from end face 211B. Grip portion 212 is hollow, and the internal space communicates with storage portion 211. Refill toner is stored inside gripping portion 212.

[0036] The grip portion 212 is formed so that the protruding tip expands more than the protruding base end in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 203. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 , the grip portion 212 has a small diameter portion 221 and a large diameter portion 222. The small diameter portion 221 is formed on the protruding base end side of the grip portion 212. The large diameter portion 222 is formed on the protruding tip end side of the grip portion 212. The large diameter portion 222 is provided adjacent to the small diameter portion 221. The large diameter portion 222 has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 221. Because the grip portion 212 is formed in this manner, a user can hook their finger on the large diameter portion 222 and pull out the toner container 200 from the insertion opening 31. Note that the size of the grip portion 212 in the radial direction may expand in any number of steps from the protruding base end to the protruding tip end. Furthermore, the size of the gripping portion 212 in the radial direction may be continuously increased from the protruding base end to the protruding tip end.

[0037] Opening 216 is provided at the downstream end of container body 201 in transport direction D5. Opening 216 opens toward transport direction D5 along rotation shaft 203. Toner inside container body 201 is discharged from opening 216 in transport direction D5.

[0038] The communicating portion 214 is provided so as to extend in the conveying direction D5 from the downstream end of the storage portion 211 in the conveying direction D5 in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotation axis 203. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the communicating portion 214 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter smaller than that of the storage portion 211. The communicating portion 214 communicates the internal space of the storage portion 211 with the opening 216. The opening 216 is formed to have the same size as the downstream end of the communicating portion 214 in the conveying direction D5. It can also be said that the opening 216 is the downstream end of the communicating portion 214 in the conveying direction D5.

[0039] The gear portion 215 is provided on the outer circumferential portion 241 (see FIG. 13 ) of the communication portion 214. The gear portion 215 receives a rotational driving force supplied from the driving portion 32. The container body 201 has each component including the gear portion 215 integrally formed. Therefore, when the gear portion 215 receives the rotational driving force supplied from the driving portion 32, the container body 201 rotates around the rotation axis 203.

[0040] The cap portion 202 is attached to the rear end portion of the container body 201, i.e., the opening 216. The cap portion 202 is sized to be able to cover a part of the communication portion 214 including the opening 216, and is formed in a cylindrical shape that is open on one side.

[0041] The cap portion 202 is located downstream of the opening 216 in the transport direction D5 and guides the toner discharged from the opening 216 downward. A guide space 202A (see FIG. 22) that guides the toner discharged from the opening 216 downward is formed inside the cap portion 202. The guide space 202A is formed by the inner periphery of the cap portion 202 and an inner wall surface facing the opening 216. Inside the cap portion 202, a gap formed between the opening 216 and the cap portion 202 is filled with a seal member 202B (see FIG. 22). A discharge port 202C (see FIG. 22) through which the toner is discharged to the outside of the cap portion 202 is formed at the bottom of the inner periphery of the cap portion 202.

[0042] The toner containers 200 are attached to the attachment portions 30. A corresponding attachment portion 30 is provided for each toner container 200. The attachment portions 30 form a storage space for the toner containers 200 that extends in the front-rear direction D2 inside the housing 14. The toner containers 200 are attached to the attachment portions 30 with the rotation shaft 203 aligned along a horizontal plane.

[0043] The insertion opening 31 is provided on a side surface of the housing 14 of the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, the insertion opening 31 is provided on the front surface (front face) of the housing 14. A lock frame 14A (see FIG. 5) that is long in the left-right direction D3 is provided on the front surface of the housing 14. The insertion opening 31 is formed in the lock frame 14A. The insertion opening 31 is provided corresponding to each mounting section 30. The insertion opening 31 is located at the front end of the mounting section 30 and communicates with the mounting section 30. The toner container 200 is inserted into the insertion opening 31.

[0044] The driving unit 32 rotates the container body 201 of the toner container 200. The driving unit 32 is provided corresponding to each mounting unit 30. The driving unit 32 is provided at the rear end of the mounting unit 30 (see FIG. 2).

[0045] 6, the drive unit 32 includes a motor 41, a first gear 42, a second gear 43, a shaft 44, and a third gear 45. The first gear 42 is fixed to the drive shaft of the motor 41. The second gear 43 is fixed to one end of the shaft 44 and meshes with the first gear 42. The shaft 44 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) inside the housing 14. The third gear 45 is fixed to the other end of the shaft 44 and meshes with a gear portion 215 of the container body 201.

[0046] In the drive unit 32, the rotational driving force generated by the motor 41 is transmitted to the gear unit 215 via the first gear 42, the second gear 43, the shaft 44, and the third gear 45. This causes the container body 201 to rotate around the rotation axis 203.

[0047] The lock covers 33 open and close the insertion openings 31. The lock covers 33 are provided corresponding to the respective insertion openings 31. As shown in Fig. 5, the lock covers 33 are provided on the front side of the lock frame 14A.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, the lock cover 33 includes a flat portion 51, a bearing portion 52, and a swing shaft 53. The flat portion 51 functions as a cover that covers the insertion opening 31. The bearing portion 52 supports the lock cover 33 so that it can be opened and closed. The bearing portion 52 is provided at the bottom of the flat portion 51, and a rotation shaft extending in the left-right direction D3 is inserted through the bearing portion 52. The rotation shaft is fixed to the bottom of the lock frame 14A. This allows the lock cover 33 to rotate about the rotation shaft, transitioning between a closed state in which the insertion opening 31 is closed and an open state in which the insertion opening 31 is opened. The swing shaft 53 protrudes from the inner surface (rear surface) of the flat portion 51 in the front-rear direction D2 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0049] The locking mechanism 34 restricts the transition of the lock cover 33 from the closed state to the open state. A locking mechanism 34 is provided for each lock cover 33. As shown in Fig. 5, the locking mechanism 34 is provided on the upper part of the lock frame 14A.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7, the locking mechanism 34 includes an arm support portion 61, an arm portion 62, an engaging portion 63, and an engaged portion 64. The arm support portion 61 is fixed to the upper portion of the lock frame 14A. The arm portion 62 protrudes forward from the arm support portion 61. The engaging portion 63 protrudes leftward from the tip of the arm portion 62 in the protruding direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the engaging portion 63 has an inclined surface 63A facing diagonally downward toward the front. The inclined surface 63A is formed so as to be inclined downward from the front end to the rear end of the engaging portion 63. The engaged portion 64 is provided so as to be swingable about the swing shaft 53 of the lock cover 33. The engaged portion 64 is formed so as to be engageable with the engaging portion 63. As shown in FIG. 8, the engaged portion 64 has an inclined surface 64A. The inclined surface 64A faces diagonally upward toward the rear when the lock cover 33 is in the closed state. When the lock cover 33 transitions from the open state to the closed state, the inclined surface 64A comes into contact with the inclined surface 63A of the engaging portion 63, causing the engaged portion 64 to swing downward. This guides the engaged portion 64 to the rear side of the engaging portion 63, and the engaging portion 63 and the engaged portion 64 engage with each other. The engagement between the engaging portion 63 and the engaged portion 64 limits the transition of the lock cover 33 from the closed state to the open state.

[0051] The unlocking portions 35 release the restriction imposed by the locking mechanisms 34 on the state transition of the locking cover 33. The unlocking portions 35 are provided corresponding to the respective locking mechanisms 34. The unlocking portions 35 are provided on the inner surface (rear surface) of the flat portion 51 of the locking cover 33.

[0052] 7 and 9, the unlocking portion 35 includes a first lever portion 71 and a second lever portion 72. The first lever portion 71 extends from a pivot shaft 53 (see FIG. 9) parallel to the rotation shaft 203 toward the rotation shaft 203, and its extending base end is pivotally supported by the pivot shaft 53. As shown in FIG. 9, the first lever portion 71 extends from the pivot shaft 53 toward the grip portion 212. As shown in FIG. 9, the first lever portion 71 includes a bearing portion 71A inserted into the pivot shaft 53, an extending portion 71B extending from the bearing portion 71A in a direction perpendicular to the pivot shaft 53, and a pressing portion 71C provided on the left side of the extending portion 71B. The second lever portion 72 is pivotally supported around the pivot shaft 53 and supports the engaged portion 64. The second lever portion 72 is provided between the first lever portion 71 and the inner surface (rear surface) of the flat plate portion 51. As shown in Fig. 9, the second lever portion 72 includes a bearing portion 72A into which the swing shaft 53 is inserted, a support portion 72B extending rightward from the bearing portion 72A to support the engaged portion 64, and a pressed portion 72C extending leftward from the bearing portion 72A.

[0053] The unlocking portion 35 releases the restriction on the state transition of the lock cover 33 imposed by the lock mechanism 34 in response to the swing of the first lever portion 71 in a second direction D7 (see FIG. 9) opposite to the first direction D6.

[0054] Specifically, the extension 71B of the first lever 71 is provided so as to be able to come into contact with the grip portion 212 of the toner container 200 attached to the attachment portion 30. When the container body 201 rotates in the second direction D7, the first lever 71 comes into contact with the grip portion 212 and is swung in the second direction D7. As a result, the pressing portion 71C of the first lever 71 presses the pressed portion 72C of the second lever 72 upward, causing the support portion 72B and the engaged portion 64 of the second lever 72 to swing downward, thereby disengaging the engaging portion 63 from the engaged portion 64. In other words, the lock provided by the locking mechanism 34 is released. When the container body 201 rotates in the first direction D6, the first lever 71 comes into contact with the grip portion 212 and is swung in the first direction D6, but the second lever 72 does not move in conjunction with the swing of the first lever 71. Therefore, even if the container body 201 is rotated in the first direction D6, the locking mechanism 34 does not release the lock.

[0055] Incidentally, an image forming device is known as a related technology that has a protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the gripping portion 212, protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface, rotating integrally with the storage portion 211 and coming into contact with the first lever portion 71.

[0056] However, in the image forming device according to the related technology described above, the protrusion is arranged to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the gripping portion 212, and therefore a collision sound is generated when the protrusion comes into contact with the first lever portion 71.

[0057] In contrast to this, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the collision noise that occurs when the toner container 200 is driven, as will be described below.

[0058] [Configuration of container body 201] The container body 201 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0059] The grip portion 212 includes a contact portion 224 that rotates integrally with the accommodating portion 211 and comes into contact with the first lever portion 71. The contact portion 224 is provided on the outer periphery of the grip portion 212.

[0060] Specifically, contact portion 224 has a curved surface 224A that curves from a first position P1 (see FIG. 12) on a reference circle 223 (see FIGS. 9 and 12) that is concentric with rotation axis 203 and does not intersect with first lever portion 71 toward a second position P2 (see FIG. 12) that faces first position P1 on reference circle 223 with rotation axis 203 in between, passing through the outside of reference circle 223. Curved surface 224A is formed so as to intersect with first lever portion 71, that is, so as to be able to come into contact with first lever portion 71.

[0061] 11 and 12, large diameter portion 222 of gripping portion 212 is formed in the shape of an elliptical cylinder concentric with rotation axis 203. Contact portion 224 is a bulge from a reference circle 223 included in large diameter portion 222. In other words, large diameter portion 222 is provided with a pair of contact portions 224 that face each other across rotation axis 203. Note that small diameter portion 221 of gripping portion 212 is also formed in the shape of an elliptical cylinder, similar to large diameter portion 222.

[0062] By providing the contact portion 224 described above, it is possible to lay down as much as possible the contact surface with the first lever portion 71 provided on the outer periphery of the grip portion 212. This makes it possible to suppress the collision noise that occurs when the contact portion 224 and the first lever portion 71 come into contact with each other. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100, it is possible to suppress the collision noise that occurs when the toner container 200 is driven.

[0063] The number of contact portions 224 provided on the outer periphery of grip portion 212 may be one or three or more. In this case, small diameter portion 221 may be formed in the same shape as large diameter portion 222 including contact portion 224, or may be formed in a cylindrical shape. Grip portion 212 may be formed so that its size in the radial direction does not increase from the protruding base end to the protruding tip end. Contact portion 224 may be provided on the outer periphery of accommodation portion 211.

[0064] Incidentally, a developer storage container is known as a related technology in which the downstream end of the storage section 211 in the transport direction D5 is tapered to connect to the communicating section 214, and the protrusion 211A is formed along the transport direction D5 up to the connecting section with the communicating section 214, thereby guiding the toner in the storage section 211 to the communicating section 214.

[0065] However, in the developer container according to the related art described above, the transport force applied to the toner by the protrusion 211A formed on the connecting portion is weak, so that toner remains in the communicating portion 214 when the container is replaced.

[0066] Furthermore, even if the communicating portion 214 is not provided with a structure for transporting toner, toner remains in the communicating portion 214 when the developer container is replaced.

[0067] In contrast to this, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of toner remaining in the toner container 200 when the container is replaced, as will be described below.

[0068] 13 and 14, a pumping section 231 and a guide section 234 are provided at the downstream end of the storage section 211 in the conveying direction D5. The inner periphery of the communication section 214 is tapered so as to expand radially along the conveying direction D5 (see FIG. 21). These features will be described below in order.

[0069] The pumping portion 231 is an end portion on the downstream side in the transport direction D5 of the storage portion 211, and has a pumping surface 231A (see FIGS. 14 and 15) that faces the first direction D6 and is radially outer than the communication portion 214. The pumping portion 231 pumps up toner that comes into contact with the pumping surface 231A in response to the rotation of the storage portion 211 in the first direction D6. In FIG. 15, an end portion 242A on the upstream side in the transport direction D5 of the inner circumferential portion 242 of the communication portion 214 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0070] 14, the pumping surface 231A is formed to be inclined toward the upstream side in the first direction D6 along the transport direction D5, so that the toner pumped up by the pumping surface 231A is guided toward the downstream side in the transport direction D5.

[0071] The pumping portion 231 is provided in an upright position in the first direction D6 at the downstream end of the pumping surface 231A in the transport direction D5, and has a wall portion 231B (see FIGS. 14 and 16) whose radially inner end is inclined more toward the transport direction D5 than the radially outer end. The wall portion 231B guides the toner pumped by the pumping surface 231A toward the radially inner side, i.e., toward the communication portion 214.

[0072] Guide portion 234 guides the toner pumped up by pumping portion 231 to communicating portion 214. Specifically, guide portion 234 guides the toner that slides down from pumping surface 231A, which slopes downward toward the inside in the radial direction as storage portion 211 rotates in first direction D6, to communicating portion 214.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the guide portion 234 is provided so as to be continuous with the pumping surface 231A and the inner circumferential surface of the communication portion 214 on the inner side of the pumping portion 231 in the radial direction.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the guide portion 234 is formed so as to be inclined along the inner circumferential surface of the communication portion 214 from the inner end portion in the radial direction of the pumping surface 231A.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 16, the guide portion 234 is formed so as to widen from the upstream end of the pumping surface 231A in the conveying direction D5 toward the communication portion 214.

[0076] The storage section 211 includes a pair of pumping sections 231 (see FIG. 15) facing each other across the rotation shaft 203. Of the pair of pumping sections 231, a first pumping section 232 is provided continuous with the downstream end of the protrusion 211A in the conveying direction D5 (see FIG. 14). Also, of the pair of pumping sections 231, a second pumping section 233 is not continuous with the protrusion 211A of the storage section 211 (see FIG. 13).

[0077] The storage section 211 also includes a pair of guide sections 234 (see FIG. 15) corresponding to the pair of pumping sections 231. Of the pair of guide sections 234, a first guide section 235 is provided corresponding to the first pumping section 232. Of the pair of guide sections 234, a second guide section 236 is provided corresponding to the second pumping section 233.

[0078] By providing the above-described pumping portion 231 and guide portion 234, it is possible to cause the toner in the storage portion 211 to slide down from a position above the rotation shaft 203 toward the communicating portion 214. This makes it possible to transport the toner to the communicating portion 214 with a stronger transport force than in a configuration in which the toner is transported to the communicating portion 214 using the protrusion 211A formed up to the connecting portion with the communicating portion 214. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of toner remaining in the toner container when replacing the toner container.

[0079] The number of pumping sections 231 provided in the storage section 211 may be three or more. In this case, the guide sections 234 may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of pumping sections 231. Furthermore, the pumping section 231 provided in the storage section 211 may be either one of the first pumping section 232 and the second pumping section 233.

[0080] Furthermore, the guide portion 234 may be formed to widen from a downstream side in the conveying direction D5 relative to an upstream end of the pumping surface 231A in the conveying direction D5 toward the communication portion 214. Furthermore, the wall portion 231B may not have an inner end in the radial direction that is inclined more toward the conveying direction D5 than an outer end in the radial direction. Furthermore, the pumping surface 231A may not have an inclination toward the upstream side in the first direction D6 along the conveying direction D5.

[0081] 21, the inner circumferential portion 242 of the communication portion 214 is formed so as to be inclined radially outward at a specific angle Z1 along the conveying direction D5. For example, the specific angle Z1 is an angle that is set arbitrarily within a range of up to 10 degrees.

[0082] Furthermore, the communication portion 214 includes a protrusion 243 (see FIG. 18) formed on the inner periphery 242 along the rotation axis 203.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, six protrusions 243 are provided at intervals along the inner periphery of the inner periphery portion 242.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 18, the protrusion 243 extends from an upstream end 242A of the inner circumferential portion 242 in the conveying direction D5 to the downstream end, that is, to the opening 216.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 19 , the protrusion 243 extends from the inner circumferential surface of the communication portion 214 in the transport direction D5 that intersects with the inner circumferential surface. That is, the protrusion 243 is provided radially outward of an upstream end 242A of the inner circumferential portion 242 in the transport direction D5. For example, the apex of the protrusion 243 is formed along a straight line that passes through the end 242A and is parallel to the rotation shaft 203 (see FIG. 19 ). In this case, the protrusion 243 gradually increases in amount of protrusion from the inner circumferential portion 242 along the transport direction D5. This makes it possible to prevent a step from occurring between the upstream end of the protrusion 243 in the transport direction D5 and the inner circumferential portion 242. That is, it is possible to prevent the step from interfering with the transport of toner.

[0086] 19, the protrusion 243 has a wall surface 243A facing downstream in the first direction D6. As the storage unit 211 rotates in the first direction D6, the wall surface 243A scoops up the toner in contact with the wall surface 243A and causes it to slide downward.

[0087] 19, the protrusion 243 is formed in a claw shape with its protruding tip facing downstream in the first direction D6. That is, the protrusion 243 has an inclined surface that slopes from the radially inner end of the wall surface 243A toward the upstream side in the first direction D6 toward the inner circumferential portion 242. This allows the size of the protrusion 243 to be reduced compared to a configuration in which the protrusion 243 has the wall surface 243A and a wall surface facing upstream in the first direction D6.

[0088] The provision of the inner peripheral portion 242 described above makes it possible to cause the toner in the communication portion 214 to slide downstream in the transport direction D5. In addition, the protrusion portion 243 scoops up the toner and causes it to fall, and by bringing the fallen toner into contact with the inner peripheral portion 242, it is possible to convert the energy of the fall into a transport force in the transport direction D5 and apply it to the toner.

[0089] The protrusions 243 may be provided in any section between the end 242A on the upstream side of the inner circumferential portion 242 in the conveying direction D5 and the opening 216. The protrusions 243 may be provided so as to extend along the conveying direction D5 with a constant amount of protrusion from the inner circumferential portion 242. The protrusions 243 may have any shape as long as they are formed along the rotation axis 203 on the inner circumferential portion 242. The number of protrusions 243 provided on the inner circumferential portion 242 may be any number, including zero.

[0090] Incidentally, an image forming apparatus equipped with an agitating member that extends from within the container body 201 beyond the opening 216 downstream in the conveying direction D5 in order to suppress coagulation of toner adhering to the cap portion 202 (see Figure 22) is known as related technology.

[0091] However, in the image forming apparatus according to the related art described above, the container body 201 and the stirring member are configured as separate members, and it is time-consuming to attach the stirring member to the container body 201 when manufacturing the developer container.

[0092] In contrast to this, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the labor involved in manufacturing the toner container 200, as will be described below.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 17, the container body 201 includes an extension 217 .

[0094] The extension portion 217 is formed integrally with the container body 201. The extension portion 217 extends from within the container body 201 beyond the opening 216 to the downstream side in the conveying direction D5.

[0095] 18 and 19, extending portion 217 is formed in a flat plate shape along the inner circumferential surface of communicating portion 214, and the extending base end portion is supported by inner circumferential portion 242 of communicating portion 214. This makes it possible to increase the support area of ​​the extending base end portion of extending portion 217 on inner circumferential portion 242. It is also possible to prevent extending portion 217 from interfering with the movement of toner in communicating portion 214.

[0096] 17 and 18, the exposed portion 261 of the extension portion 217 that is exposed to the outside of the container body 201 is formed so that the end surface 261A on the downstream side in the first direction D6 is inclined toward the upstream side in the first direction D6 along the conveying direction D5. For example, the exposed portion 261 is formed in a substantially triangular shape in a side view (see FIG. 17). This makes it possible to disperse the force acting on the extending base end of the extension portion 217 in the first direction D6 when the extension portion 217 comes into contact with toner adhering to the inner wall of the cap portion 202. This makes it possible to improve the durability of the extension portion 217.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the extension portion 217, like the protrusion portion 243, extends from the inner circumferential surface of the communication portion 214 in the transport direction D5 that intersects with the inner circumferential surface. That is, the extension portion 217 is provided radially outward of the upstream end 242A of the inner circumferential portion 242 in the transport direction D5. For example, the upper portion of the extension portion 217 is formed along a straight line that passes through the end 242A and is parallel to the rotation shaft 203 (see FIG. 19 ). The extension portion 217 also extends from the opening 216 downstream in the transport direction D5 with a predetermined thickness in a direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 203 (see FIGS. 19 and 20 ). This prevents a step from occurring between the upstream end of the extension portion 217 in the transport direction D5 and the inner circumferential portion 242. That is, the step does not interfere with the transport of toner.

[0098] By providing the extending portion 217 described above, it is possible to eliminate the effort required to attach the extending portion 217 during the manufacturing of the toner container 200. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the effort required during the manufacturing of the toner container 200.

[0099] The extension portion 217 may be provided so as to extend along the conveyance direction D5 with a constant protrusion amount from the inner circumferential portion 242. The exposed portion 261 may be formed in any shape. The extension portion 217 may be formed in a shape other than a flat plate shape that follows the inner circumferential surface of the communication portion 214.

[0100] Incidentally, in a conventional image forming apparatus, heat generated by driving the apparatus main body may be transferred to the storage unit 211 via the gear unit 215. In this case, the toner in the storage unit 211 is heated, and the toner tends to solidify.

[0101] In contrast to this, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the heat transfer from the main body side via the gear portion 215, as will be described below.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, the gear portion 215 includes a support portion 251, a tooth portion 252, and a rib 253.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, the support portion 251 is formed in a disk shape concentric with the rotation axis 203 at the outer circumferential portion 241 of the communication portion 214 .

[0104] 21 and 23, the toothed portion 252 is provided along the edge of a support surface 251A of the support portion 251 that is perpendicular to the conveying direction D5. The support surface 251A is the surface of the support portion 251 on the upstream side in the conveying direction D5. The toothed portion 252 has a support portion formed in an annular shape along the edge of the support surface 251A, and teeth formed on the outer circumferential surface of the support portion. The toothed portion 252 meshes with a third gear 45 of the drive unit 32.

[0105] 21 and 23, the ribs 253 are provided on the support surface 251A, extending in the radial direction from the outer circumferential portion 241 of the communicating portion 214. As shown in FIG. 21, the ribs 253 are formed so as to incline radially outward along the conveying direction D5. As shown in FIG. 23, the extending ends of the ribs 253 do not reach the tooth portions 252. This makes it possible to prevent heat from being transferred from the tooth portions 252 through the ribs 253 to the communicating portion 214 without passing through the support portion 251.

[0106] 23, the gear portion 215 has eight ribs 253 arranged at equal intervals along the outer circumferential surface of the communication portion 214. The number of ribs 253 provided on the gear portion 215 may be any number.

[0107] 12, 14, and 19, the gear portion 215 is provided with a tooth tip circle diameter that is larger than the diameter of the storage portion 211. This makes it possible to place the gear portion 215 in the path of the airflow that is generated in the conveying direction D5 by the rotation of the storage portion 211, as compared to a configuration in which the tooth tip circle diameter is smaller than the diameter of the storage portion 211, and to cool the gear portion 215 with the airflow. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the airflow from flowing downstream of the gear portion 215 in the conveying direction D5, causing problems such as toner leaking from the cap portion 202 to scatter.

[0108] Additionally, in the gear portion 215, the tooth portion 252 and the ribs 253 are provided on a support surface 251A, which is the surface of the support portion 251 on the upstream side in the conveying direction D5. This makes it possible to increase the contact area between the airflow and the gear portion 215, compared to a configuration in which the tooth portion 252 and the ribs 253 are provided on the surface of the support portion 251 on the downstream side in the conveying direction D5. In other words, it is possible to enhance the cooling effect of the gear portion 215 by the airflow. Furthermore, it is possible to guide the airflow that has reached the support surface 251A in the opposite direction to the conveying direction D5 along the shape of the gear portion 215, making it possible to more effectively prevent the airflow from flowing downstream of the gear portion 215 in the conveying direction D5.

[0109] By providing the gear portion 215 described above, it is possible to suppress heat transfer from the main body side via the gear portion 215.

[0110] The gear portion 215 may be provided with a tooth tip circle diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the storage portion 211. The support surface 251A may be a surface of the support portion 251 on the downstream side in the conveying direction D5. The ribs 253 may be provided on the support surface 251A, extending from the tooth portion 252 along the radial direction. The ribs 253 may be provided on both the tooth portion 252 and the outer circumferential portion 241 of the communication portion 214.

[0111] [Other embodiments] An image forming apparatus 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0112] Here, Fig. 24 is a side view showing the configuration of a container body 201 of an image forming apparatus 100 according to another embodiment. Fig. 25 is a side view showing the configuration of the container body 201 rotated 180 degrees about the rotation axis 203 from the state shown in Fig. 24. Fig. 26 is a perspective view showing the configurations of a first pumping unit 232, a first guide unit 235, and a protrusion 244 of an image forming apparatus 100 according to another embodiment. Fig. 27 is a view of the first pumping unit 232, the first guide unit 235, and the protrusion 244 shown in Fig. 26 as seen from inside the container body 201. Fig. 28 is a side view showing the configurations of a container body 201 and a gear unit 215 of an image forming apparatus 100 according to another embodiment.

[0113] 24 to 26 show the container body 201 with the gear portion 215 removed. Also, in Fig. 26 and Fig. 27, the boundary portion 231C is shown by a thick line. Also, in Fig. 27, the protruding portion 244 is shown by a thin dashed line. Also, in Fig. 27, the protruding apex 244A is shown by a dashed line.

[0114] An image forming apparatus 100 according to another embodiment includes a container body 201 having a different configuration from that of the above-described embodiment.

[0115] Specifically, the container body 201 of the other embodiment includes a protrusion 244 (an example of the second protrusion of the present invention) shown in Figs. 24 to 27 instead of the protrusion 243. In addition, in the container body 201 of the other embodiment, the gear portion 215 is not formed integrally with the container body 201. In addition, the container body 201 of the other embodiment does not include the extending portion 217. Note that the container body 201 of the other embodiment may be provided with the extending portion 217.

[0116] The protrusion 244 is formed in a spiral shape around the rotation axis 203 on the inner circumferential surface of the communicating portion 214. In other words, the communicating portion 214 has the protrusion 244 formed in a spiral shape around the rotation axis 203 on the inner circumferential surface. The protrusion 244 is formed in a shape that protrudes inward in the radial direction from the inner circumferential surface of the communicating portion 214 in an angular shape. FIGS. 24 to 26 show a spiral recess formed on the outer circumferential portion 241 of the communicating portion 214 in correspondence with the formation of the protrusion 244. The communicating portion 214 having the protrusion 244 can convey the toner therein in the conveying direction D5 (see FIG. 26) by rotating in the first direction D6 (see FIG. 26) around the rotation axis 203.

[0117] 24 and 25, the communication portion 214 includes one spirally continuous protrusion 244. Note that the communication portion 214 may include two or more protrusions 244. For example, the communication portion 214 may include a protrusion 244 that is continuous with the first pumping portion 232 and a protrusion 244 that is continuous with the second pumping portion 233.

[0118] The protrusions 244 are formed continuously along the inner circumferential direction of the communicating portion 214 from an upstream end 242A (see FIG. 27) of the inner circumferential portion 242 of the communicating portion 214 in the transport direction D5 to the opening 216. This allows the protrusions 244 to transport toner throughout the entire area of ​​the communicating portion 214 in the transport direction D5.

[0119] As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the protrusion 244 is provided continuous with the downstream end of the boundary 231C between the pumping surface 231A of the first pumping portion 232 and the first guide portion 235 in the transport direction D5.

[0120] Specifically, the protrusion 244 is provided such that the protruding apex 244A (see FIGS. 26 and 27) is continuous with the downstream end of the boundary 231C in the transport direction D5. This makes it possible to prevent the upstream end of the protrusion 244 in the transport direction D5 from interfering with the movement of toner from the first guide portion 235 to the communication portion 214, compared to a configuration in which the protruding apex 244A is formed upstream in the first direction D6 (see FIG. 26) of the connection position between the boundary 231C and the end 242A (see FIG. 27) of the inner circumferential portion 242. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a more unified appearance to the container body 201, compared to a configuration in which the protruding apex 244A is formed upstream or downstream in the first direction D6 of the connection position between the boundary 231C and the end 242A of the inner circumferential portion 242.

[0121] Here, in the container body 201 of another embodiment, the protrusion 211A of the storage section 211, the first pumping section 232, and the protrusion 244 of the communication section 214 are formed continuously along the outer circumferential direction of the container body 201. This makes it possible to give the container body 201 a more cohesive appearance than in a configuration in which the protrusion 211A, the first pumping section 232, and the protrusion 244 are not continuous.

[0122] The protrusion 244 does not have to be provided continuously with the downstream end of the boundary 231C in the conveying direction D5. The protrusion 244 may also be provided continuously with the boundary between the pumping surface 231A of the second pumping section 233 and the second guide section 236.

[0123] 28, the gear portion 215 includes a tubular portion 254 that is fitted around the communicating portion 214 of the container body 201. The tubular portion 254 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a size that allows the communicating portion 214 to be inserted therein. A support portion 251 is formed on the outer periphery of the tubular portion 254. For example, each portion of the gear portion 215, including the tubular portion 254, is integrally formed from a resin material such as a synthetic resin.

[0124] In addition, in the container body 201 of another embodiment, the outer circumferential portion 241 of the communicating portion 214 is not tapered, but is formed so that the radial size is constant along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 203. Note that the inner circumferential portion 242 of the communicating portion 214 may be formed so that the radial size is constant along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 203.

[0125] Gear portion 215 is attached to container body 201 by fitting cylindrical portion 254 around communicating portion 214. Gear portion 215 may be formed integrally with container body 201. In this case, outer circumferential portion 241 of communicating portion 214 may be formed in a tapered shape.

[0126] In this way, in the container body 201 of the other embodiment, the protrusion 244 transports the toner in the communication portion 214 to the opening 216. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of toner remaining in the toner container 200 when the container is replaced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1 to 4 Image forming units 5 Optical scanning device 6 Intermediate transfer unit 7 Secondary transfer device 8 Fixing device 9 Control Unit 10 Operation display section 11 Paper tray 12 Output tray 13 Toner supply unit 14. Case 31 Opening 32 Drive unit 33 Lock Cover 34 Locking mechanism 35 Unlocking section 71 First lever part 100 Image forming device 200 Toner container 201 Container body 202 Cap part 203 Rotation axis 211 Storage Unit 212 Control Department 214 Connecting parts 215 ギヤBU 216 Opening 217 Extended Section

Claims

1. A developer storage container used in a position where the rotation axis is along a horizontal plane, a container formed in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotation axis, which rotates in a specific direction around the rotation axis to transport the developer contained therein in a transport direction along the rotation axis; a communication portion that extends in the conveying direction from a downstream end of the storage portion on the conveying direction, has a cylindrical shape that is concentric with the rotation axis and has a diameter smaller than that of the storage portion, and that communicates the storage portion with an opening that opens in the conveying direction; a pumping portion having a pumping surface that is located at a downstream end of the container portion in the transport direction and faces the specific direction radially outward of the communication portion, and that pumps up the developer that comes into contact with the pumping surface in response to rotation of the container portion in the specific direction; a guide portion provided radially inward of the pumping portion, continuous with the pumping surface and an inner circumferential surface of the communicating portion, and configured to guide the developer pumped up by the pumping portion to the communicating portion; Equipped with the pumping surface is formed along the conveying direction and inclined toward the upstream side in the specific direction, The pumping portion is erected in the specific direction at the downstream end of the pumping surface in the transport direction, and has a wall portion whose radially inner end is inclined toward the transport direction more than the radially outer end.

2. the guide portion is formed to widen from an upstream end of the pumping surface in the conveying direction toward the communication portion. The developer container according to claim 1 .

3. the housing portion has a first spiral protrusion formed on an inner circumferential surface along the rotation axis, the pumping portion is provided continuously with a downstream end of the first protrusion in the conveying direction.

3. The developer container according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a pair of the pumping units facing each other across the rotation shaft, The pair of pumping portions includes a first pumping portion provided continuously with the first protrusion portion and a second pumping portion not continuously with the first protrusion portion. The developer container according to claim 3 .

5. the communication portion has a second protrusion formed in a spiral shape around the rotation axis on an inner circumferential surface thereof, and conveys the developer in the conveying direction by being rotated in the specific direction.

5. The developer storage container according to claim 1.

6. the second protrusion is provided continuously with an end portion on a downstream side in the conveying direction at a boundary portion between the pumping surface and the guide portion; The developer container according to claim 5 .

7. A developer container used with a rotation axis aligned along a horizontal plane, a container formed in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotation axis, which rotates in a specific direction around the rotation axis to transport the developer contained therein in a transport direction along the rotation axis; a communication portion that extends in the conveying direction from a downstream end of the storage portion on the conveying direction, has a cylindrical shape that is concentric with the rotation axis and has a diameter smaller than that of the storage portion, and that communicates the storage portion with an opening that opens in the conveying direction; a pumping portion having a pumping surface that is located at a downstream end of the container portion in the transport direction and faces the specific direction radially outward of the communication portion, and that pumps up the developer that comes into contact with the pumping surface in response to rotation of the container portion in the specific direction; a guide portion provided radially inward of the pumping portion, continuous with the pumping surface and an inner circumferential surface of the communicating portion, and configured to guide the developer pumped up by the pumping portion to the communicating portion; Equipped with the housing portion has a first spiral protrusion formed on an inner circumferential surface along the rotation axis, The developer container is configured such that the pumping portion is continuous with a downstream end of the first protrusion in the transport direction.

8. A pair of the pumping parts are provided opposite each other across the rotation shaft, The pair of pumping portions includes a first pumping portion provided continuously with the first protrusion portion and a second pumping portion not continuously with the first protrusion portion. The developer container according to claim 7 .

9. The communicating portion has a second protrusion formed in a spiral shape around the rotation axis on the inner circumferential surface, and conveys the developer in the conveying direction by rotating in the specific direction.

9. The developer storage container according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The second protrusion is provided continuously with the downstream end in the conveying direction at the boundary between the pumping surface and the guide portion. The developer container according to claim 9 .

11. A developer container used with its rotation axis aligned along a horizontal plane, a container formed in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotation axis, which rotates in a specific direction around the rotation axis to transport the developer contained therein in a transport direction along the rotation axis; a communication portion that extends in the conveying direction from a downstream end of the storage portion on the conveying direction, has a cylindrical shape that is concentric with the rotation axis and has a diameter smaller than that of the storage portion, and that communicates the storage portion with an opening that opens in the conveying direction; a pumping portion having a pumping surface that is located at a downstream end of the container portion in the transport direction and faces the specific direction radially outward of the communication portion, and that pumps up the developer that comes into contact with the pumping surface in response to rotation of the container portion in the specific direction; a guide portion provided radially inward of the pumping portion, continuous with the pumping surface and an inner circumferential surface of the communicating portion, and configured to guide the developer pumped up by the pumping portion to the communicating portion; Equipped with The communicating portion has a second protrusion portion formed spirally around the rotation axis on the inner surface, and the developer storage container conveys the developer in the conveying direction by rotating in the specific direction.

12. The second protrusion is provided continuously with the downstream end in the conveying direction at the boundary between the pumping surface and the guide portion. The developer container according to claim 11.

13. a developer storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 12; an image forming unit that forms an image using the developer supplied from the developer storage container; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images