Powder container and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A powder container includes a container body that is driven and rotated in a predetermined rotation direction. The container body conveys powder contained inside the container body from one end to another end of the container body. The container body includes a grip that is disposed at the one end of the container body and a container body main portion that has an interior communicating with an interior of the grip. The grip includes a plurality of interior walls, at least one of which includes a recess that is disposed at a downstream end of the at least one of the interior walls in the rotation direction of the container body. The recess is recessed to separate from a center of rotation of the container body in a state in which the grip is seen in an axial direction of the container body.

Description

FN202500404[DESCRIPTION] [Title of Invention] POWDER CONTAINER AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS [Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a powder container for containing powder such as toner inside the powder container and an image forming apparatus, such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction peripheral having copying, printing, and facsimile functions, that incorporates the powder container.[Background Art]

[0002] A related-art image forming apparatus such as a copier and a printer generally employs a powder container (e.g., a toner container and a developer container) that is removably installed in an apparatus body of the image forming apparatus. See Patent Literatures (PTL) 1 and 2, for example.Specifically, the powder container mainly includes a container body that is substantially tubular and a cap. The container body includes an opening disposed at a head of the container body and a spiral projection disposed on an inner circumferential face of the container body. The powder container is placed in the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus and the container body is driven and rotated. Accordingly, toner inside the container body is conveyed from a bottom (e.g., one end) of the container body to the head (e.g., another end) of the container body and is discharged through the opening. A toner supply device supplies the toner discharged through the opening of the container body to a developing device. The bottom of the container body of the powder container is provided with a grip held by an operator who attaches and detaches the powder container to and from the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus. The grip is hollow and communicates with an interior of the container body.[Citation List][Patent Literature]

[0003] [PTL 1] Japanese Patent No. 4380639 [PTL 2]Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-192075 [Summary of Invention] [Technical Problem]

[0004] With the related-art powder container, an entirety of the container body including the grip is replenished with toner when the powder container is manufactured. When the powder container installed in the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus is used, powderFN202500404 supplied to the grip may stagnate in the grip. Accordingly, the powder container having an increased remaining amount of a developer may be replaced. The powder that stagnates and aggregates in the grip may be conveyed and discharged from the powder container, causing a faulty image.

[0005] The present disclosure solves the problem described above and provides a powder container and an image forming apparatus that prevent powder from stagnating in a grip of a container body.[Solution to Problem]

[0006] The present disclosure described herein provides a powder container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that is removably installed in an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus. The powder container includes a container body that is driven and rotated in a predetermined rotation direction in a state in which the powder container is installed in the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus. The container body conveys powder contained inside the container body from one end to another end of the container body. A grip of the powder container is disposed at the one end of the container body. An interior of the grip communicates with an interior of a container body main portion. In a state in which the grip is seen in an axial direction of the container body, a recess is disposed at a downstream end, in the rotation direction of the container body, of at least one of a plurality of interior walls of the grip. The recess is recessed to separate from a center of rotation of the container body.[Advantageous Effects of Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the powder container and the image forming apparatus prevent the powder from stagnating in the grip of the container body. [Brief Description of Drawings]

[0008] A more complete appreciation of embodiments of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages and features thereof can be readily obtained and understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.FIG. 1 is a diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an entire construction of the image forming apparatus.FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming device.FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a toner container attached to a toner supply device.FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a container body of the toner container, illustrating one end of the container body.FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the toner container, illustrating one end thereof. FIG. 6 is a side view of the container body of the toner container.FN202500404FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the container body, illustrating an interior of a grip of the container body.FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of the grip depicted in FIG. 7, illustrating motion of toner inside the grip.FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of the grip depicted in FIG. 7, illustrating motion of the toner inside the grip.FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram of the grip depicted in FIG. 7, illustrating motion of the toner inside the grip.FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a toner container as a first modification example, illustrating one end of the toner container.FIG. 10A is a diagram of a container body of a toner container as a second modification example.FIG. 1 OB is a diagram of the container body of the toner container as the second modification example.FIG. IOC is a diagram of the container body of the toner container as the second modification example.FIG. 10D is a diagram of the container body of the toner container as the second modification example.FIG. 11 A is a schematic diagram of a grip of a toner container as a third modification example, illustrating an interior of the grip.FIG. 1 IB is a schematic diagram of a grip of a toner container as the third modification example, illustrating an interior of the grip.FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram of a grip of a toner container as the third modification example, illustrating an interior of the grip.The accompanying drawings are intended to depict embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be interpreted to limit the scope thereof. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Also, identical or similar reference numerals designate identical or similar components throughout the several views. [Description of Embodiments]

[0009] In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have a similar function, operate in a similar manner, and achieve a similar result.Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0010] FN202500404The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals are assigned to identical elements or equivalents and redundant descriptions of the identical elements or the equivalents are summarized or omitted properly.

[0011] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 and the like, a description is provided of an entire construction and operations of an image forming apparatus.FIG. 1 is a diagram of a printer as the image forming apparatus, illustrating a construction thereof. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of an image forming device. FIG. 3 is a diagram of a toner supply device and peripheral elements of the toner supply device, illustrating a construction thereof.As illustrated in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 includes a mount 31 (e.g., a toner container mount) that is disposed in an upper portion of an apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100. The mount 31 detachably or replaceably mounts toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K (see FIG. 5 and the like) serving as powder containers that contain toners in four colors, that is, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. Each of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K is substantially tubular. The toner supply devices include hoppers 81Y, 8 IM, 81C, and 8 IK that are disposed below the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K, respectively.The image forming apparatus 100 further includes an intermediate transfer unit 15 that is disposed below the mount 31. The intermediate transfer unit 15 includes an intermediate transfer belt 8 that is disposed opposite image forming devices 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K that are arranged along the intermediate transfer belt 8 and form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images, respectively.

[0012] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image forming device 6Y that forms the yellow toner image includes a photoconductive drum 1Y serving as an image bearer and a charger 4Y, a developing device 5Y, a cleaner 2Y, a discharger, and the like that surround the photoconductive drum 1Y. Image forming processes (e.g., a charging process, an exposure process, a developing process, a primary transfer process, a cleaning process, and a discharging process) are performed on the photoconductive drum 1Y, forming the yellow toner image on a surface of the photoconductive drum 1Y.

[0013] Although other three image forming devices 6M, 6C, and 6K use toners in different colors, respectively, the image forming devices 6M, 6C, and 6K have constructions that are equivalent to a construction of the image forming device 6Y that forms the yellow toner image, thus forming the magenta, cyan, and black toner images, respectively. The following describes the construction of the image forming device 6Y that forms the yellow toner image, properly omitting descriptions of the constructions of other three image forming devices 6M, 6C, and 6K, respectively.FN202500404

[0014] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 further includes a motor that drives and rotates the photoconductive drum 1Y clockwise in FIG. 2. The charger 4Y uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductive drum 1Y at a position where the photoconductive drum 1Y is disposed opposite the charger 4Y in the charging process.Thereafter, the surface of the photoconductive drum 1Y reaches an irradiation position where an exposure device 7 (e.g., a writer) irradiates the surface of the photoconductive drum 1Y with a laser beam L. The laser beam L scans and exposes the surface of the photoconductive drum 1Y at the irradiation position, forming an electrostatic latent image according to yellow image data in the exposure process.Thereafter, the surface of the photoconductive drum 1Y reaches an opposed position where the photoconductive drum 1Y is disposed opposite the developing device 5Y. The developing device 5Y develops the electrostatic latent images into a yellow toner image at the opposed position in the developing process.Thereafter, the surface of the photoconductive drum 1Y reaches an opposed position where the photoconductive drum 1Y is disposed opposite the intermediate transfer belt 8 and a primary transfer roller 9Y. At the opposed position, the primary transfer roller 9Y transfers the yellow toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum 1Y onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 in the primary transfer process. A slight amount of untransferred toner that is failed to be transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 remains on the photoconductive drum 1Y.Thereafter, the surface of the photoconductive drum 1Y reaches an opposed position where the photoconductive drum 1Y is disposed opposite the cleaner 2Y. At the opposed position, the cleaner 2Y collects the untransferred toner failed to be transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 and therefore remaining on the photoconductive drum 1Y in the cleaning process.Finally, the surface of the photoconductive drum 1Y reaches an opposed position where the photoconductive drum 1Y is disposed opposite the discharger. At the opposed position, the discharger removes residual potential on the photoconductive drum 1Y.Thus, a series of image forming processes performed on the photoconductive drum 1Y finishes.

[0015] Each of other image forming devices 6M, 6C, and 6K also performs the image forming processes described above similarly to the image forming device 6Y that forms the yellow toner image. For example, the exposure device 7 disposed below the image forming devices 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K emits laser beams L according to image data onto photoconductive drums IM, 1C, and IK of the image forming devices 6M, 6C, and 6K, respectively. For example, the exposure device 7 includes a light source, a polygon mirror, and a plurality of optical elements. The light source emits the laser beams L. The polygon mirror that is drivenFN202500404 and rotated causes the laser beams L to irradiate and scan the surfaces of the photoconductive drums 1Y, IM, 1C, and IK through the optical elements, respectively.Thereafter, the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images formed on the photoconductive drums 1Y, IM, 1C, and IK, respectively, in the developing process are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 such that the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 8. Thus, a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

[0016] The intermediate transfer unit 15 includes the intermediate transfer belt 8, four primary transfer rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K, a secondary transfer opposed roller 12, a cleaning opposed roller 13, a tension roller 14, and an intermediate transfer cleaner 10. The intermediate transfer belt 8 is stretched taut across and supported by three rollers, that is, the secondary transfer opposed roller 12, the cleaning opposed roller 13, and the tension roller 14. As one of the three rollers, that is, the secondary transfer opposed roller 12, is driven and rotated, the secondary transfer opposed roller 12 moves the intermediate transfer belt 8 endlessly in a direction indicated by arrow in FIG. 1.

[0017] The four primary transfer rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K and the photoconductive drums 1Y, IM, 1C, and IK sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 8 to form primary transfer nips between the photoconductive drums 1Y, IM, 1C, and IK and the intermediate transfer belt 8, respectively. Each of the primary transfer rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K is applied with a transfer bias having a polarity opposite to a polarity of toner.The intermediate transfer belt 8 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow and passes through the primary transfer nips formed by the primary transfer rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K successively. Accordingly, the primary transfer rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K primarily transfer the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images formed on the photoconductive drums 1Y, IM, 1C, and IK, respectively, onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 such that the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

[0018] Thereafter, the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images transferred and superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 reach an opposed position where the intermediate transfer belt 8 is disposed opposite a secondary transfer roller 19. At the opposed position, the secondary transfer opposed roller 12 and the secondary transfer roller 19 sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 8 to form a secondary transfer nip between the secondary transfer roller 19 and the intermediate transfer belt 8. The secondary transfer roller 19 transfers the toner images in four colors, that is, the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images, formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 onto a sheet P conveyed to the secondary transfer nip. Untransferred toner failed to be transferred onto the sheet P remains on the intermediate transfer belt 8.FN202500404Thereafter, the untransferred toner on the intermediate transfer belt 8 reaches an opposed position where the intermediate transfer belt 8 is disposed opposite the intermediate transfer cleaner 10. At the opposed position, the intermediate transfer cleaner 10 collects the untransferred toner from the intermediate transfer belt 8.Thus, a series of transfer processes performed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 finishes.

[0019] The sheet P conveyed to the secondary transfer nip is conveyed from a sheet feeder 26 disposed in a lower portion of the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100 through a feed roller 27, a registration roller pair 28, and the like.For example, the sheet feeder 26 loads a plurality of sheets P that is stacked in the sheet feeder 26. As the feed roller 27 is driven and rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 1, the feed roller 27 feeds an uppermost sheet P to a roller nip formed between rollers of the registration roller pair 28.

[0020] The registration roller pair 28 (e.g., a timing roller pair) that interrupts rotation temporarily halts the sheet P conveyed to the registration roller pair 28 at the roller nip of the registration roller pair 28. The registration roller pair 28 resumes rotation and conveys the sheet P to the secondary transfer nip at a time when the sheet P meets a color toner image formed by the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 at the secondary transfer nip. The secondary transfer roller 19 transfers the desired color toner image onto the sheet P.

[0021] Thereafter, the sheet P transferred with the color toner image at the secondary transfer nip is conveyed to a fixing device 20. The fixing device 20 includes a fixing roller and a pressure roller that fix the color toner image transferred on a surface of the sheet P thereon under heat and pressure.Thereafter, the sheet P is ejected onto an outside of the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100 through a roller nip of rollers of an output roller pair 29. The sheet P ejected onto the outside of the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100 by the output roller pair 29 is stacked on a stacker 30 successively as an output.Thus, a series of image forming processes performed by the image forming apparatus 100 finishes.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, a detailed description is provided of a construction and operations of the developing device 5Y of the image forming device 6Y.The developing device 5Y includes a developing roller 51, a doctor blade 52, developer containers 53 and 54, two conveying screws 55, and a density sensor 56. The developing roller 51 is disposed opposite the photoconductive drum 1Y. The doctor blade 52 is disposed opposite the developing roller 51. The developer containers 53 and 54 accommodate the conveying screws 55, respectively. The density sensor 56 detects a toner density of tonerFN202500404 contained in a developer. The developing roller 51 includes a magnet that is secured inside the developing roller 51 and a sleeve that rotates around the magnet. Each of the developer containers 53 and 54 contains a two-component developer G made of carriers and toner.

[0023] The following describes the operations of the developing device 5Y having the construction described above.The sleeve of the developing roller 51 rotates in a direction indicated by arrow in FIG. 2. The magnet generates a magnetic field that moves the developer G borne on the developing roller 51 thereon as the sleeve rotates.The developer G inside the developing device 5Y is adjusted such that a rate (e.g., the toner density) of the toner of the developer G is in a predetermined range. For example, as the toner inside the developing device 5Y is consumed, toner serving as powder contained in the toner container 32Y serving as the powder container placed on the mount 31 is supplied into the developer container 54 through a toner supply device 90 provided for each of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners.

[0024] Thereafter, while the two conveying screws 55 mix and agitate the toner supplied into the developer container 54 with the developer G, the conveying screws 55 circulate the toner and the developer G inside the two developer containers 53 and 54, moving the toner and the developer G in a longitudinal direction of the conveying screws 55, that is perpendicular to a paper surface of FIG. 2. The toner of the developer G is attracted to the carrier by triboelectric charging therebetween and borne on the developing roller 51 with the carrier by a magnetic force generated on the developing roller 51.The developing roller 51 conveys the developer G borne thereon in the direction indicated by arrow in FIG. 2 to a blade opposed position where the developing roller 51 is disposed opposite the doctor blade 52. The doctor blade 52 adjusts an amount of the developer G on the developing roller 51 to an appropriate amount at the blade opposed position. Thereafter, the developing roller 51 conveys the developer G to an opposed position (e.g., a developing region) where the photoconductive drum 1Y is disposed opposite the developing roller 51. The toner of the developer G is attracted to an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductive drum 1Y by an electric field generated in the developing region. Thereafter, as the sleeve of the developing roller 51 rotates, the developer G remaining on the developing roller 51 reaches an upper portion of the developer container 53 and separates from the developing roller 51.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, a brief description is provided of a construction and operations of the toner supply device 90.The toner container 32Y serving as the powder container includes a container body 33Y. The toner supply device 90 drives and rotates the container body 33Y of the toner container 32Y mounted on the mount 31 in a predetermined direction indicated by arrow in FIG. 3. TheFN202500404 toner supply device 90 discharges toner contained in the toner container 32Y to an outside of the toner container 32Y and guides the toner to the developing device 5Y through a sub hopper 99. Thus, the toner supply device 90 forms a toner supply path.In order to clarify the construction and the operations of the toner supply device 90, FIG. 3 illustrates the toner container 32Y, the toner supply device 90, and the developing device 5Y with orientations and the like that are changed. Practically, a longitudinal direction of the toner container 32Y and a part of the toner supply device 90 in FIG. 3 is perpendicular to a paper surface as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates conveyance tubes 95 and 96 with orientations and arrangements thereof, that are also simplified.

[0026] The toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K serving as the powder containers mounted on the mount 31 inside the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100 properly supply yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners serving as powder into developing devices of the image forming devices 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K through four toner supply devices 90 provided for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners according to amounts of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners consumed in the developing devices, respectively. Although the four toner supply devices 90 supply toners in different colors, respectively, that are used for the image forming processes, the four toner supply devices 90 have a substantially common construction.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the toner container 32Y includes a cap 34Y that is supported by the mount 31 such that the cap 34Y does not rotate. As the toner container 32Y is placed on the mount 31 inside the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100, a toner conveying nozzle 91 disposed in the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100 is inserted into the container body 33Y through the cap 34Y. Thus, the toner serving as the powder contained in the toner container 32Y is discharged through the toner conveying nozzle 91.As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7 and the like, the container body 33Y of the toner container 32Y includes a grip 33Yb that is disposed at one end (e.g., a left end in FIG. 3) of the container body 33Y. The grip 33Yb facilitates attachment and detachment of the toner container 32Y with respect to the toner supply device 90 or a waste toner collector.The one end of the container body 33Y of the toner container 32Y defines one end of the container body 33 Y in a longitudinal direction thereof and an upstream end of the container body 33Y in a toner conveyance direction. The one end of the container body 33Y of the toner container 32Y is a bottom of the toner container 32Y. Hence, the one end of the container body 33Y is hereinafter referred to as the bottom of the container body 33Y properly.While a user holds the grip 33Yb, the user attaches the toner container 32Y to the toner supply device 90 disposed in the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100 and detaches the toner container 32Y from the toner supply device 90 disposed in the apparatusFN202500404 body of the image forming apparatus 100 in an attaching -detaching direction, that is, an axial direction of the toner container 32Y as a horizontal direction.

[0027] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6, the toner container 32Y serving as the powder container includes the container body 33Y including a spiral groove 33a. The spiral groove 33a extends in the longitudinal direction of the toner container 32Y, that is parallel to the horizontal direction in FIGS. 3 and 6 or a direction in which a rotation axis M of the container body 33Y extends.Specifically, the spiral groove 33a extends from an outer circumferential face to an inner circumferential face of a container body main portion 33 Ya of the container body 33Y. For example, the inner circumferential face of the container body main portion 33 Ya of the container body 33Y mounts a spiral projection (e.g., a projection that projects inward) that extends in an axial direction of the container body 33Y (e.g., the direction in which the rotation axis M extends). As the container body 33Y rotates about the rotation axis M (e.g., a central axis), the spiral groove 33a (e.g., the projection) conveys toner inside the container body 33Y from left to right in FIG. 3. The toner conveyed from left to right in FIG. 3 inside the container body 33Y is discharged through an opening A to the outside of the toner container 32Y through the toner conveying nozzle 91 inserted into the cap 34Y.

[0028] The container body 33Y further includes a gear 33b that is mounted on the outer circumferential face of the container body 33Y at another end (e.g., a right end in FIG. 3 and a left end in FIG. 6) of the container body 33Y. The gear 33b meshes with a driving gear 110 disposed in the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100.The another end of the container body 33Y defines another end of the container body 33Y in the longitudinal direction thereof and a downstream end of the container body 33Y in the toner conveyance direction. The another end of the container body 33Y of the toner container 32Y is a head of the toner container 32Y. Hence, the another end of the container body 33Y is hereinafter referred to as a head of the container body 33Y properly.As the toner container 32Y is attached to the mount 31 of the toner supply device 90, the gear 33b of the container body 33Y meshes with the driving gear 110 disposed in the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a driving motor 115. As the driving motor 115 is driven, a driving force is transmitted from the driving gear 110 mounted on a motor shaft of the driving motor 115 to the gear 33b, driving and rotating the container body 33 Y in a predetermined rotation direction (e.g., a rotation direction depicted in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7 and the like).As described above in the description of the construction of the toner supply device 90, the toner container 32Y includes the container body 33Y that is driven and rotated and the cap 34Y that is supported by the toner supply device 90 such that the cap 34Y does not rotate. The container body 33Y communicates with the cap 34Y through the opening A disposed at the head (e.g., the another end) of the container body 33Y.FN202500404

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the toner supply device 90 further includes a conveying screw 92, a motor 93, and a hopper 81. The conveying screw 92 is disposed inside the toner conveying nozzle 91. As the motor 93 drives and rotates the conveying screw 92, the conveying screw 92 conveys the toner flown from the toner container 32Y into the toner conveying nozzle 91 from left to right in FIG. 3. The toner is discharged to the hopper 81 through a discharge port of the toner conveying nozzle 91.The toner supply device 90 further includes a fall path 82, a suction port 83, the conveyance tubes 95 and 96, a developer pump 98, and the sub hopper 99. The hopper 81 is disposed below the discharge port of the toner conveying nozzle 91 via the fall path 82. The suction port 83 is disposed at a bottom of the hopper 81. The suction port 83 is coupled with one end of the conveyance tube 95 (e.g., a tube). The conveyance tube 95 is made of a flexible rubber material having a decreased toner affinity. Another end of the conveyance tube 95 is coupled with the developer pump 98 (e.g., a diaphragm pump). The developer pump 98 is coupled with the developing device 5Y via the sub hopper 99 and the conveyance tube 96.With the toner supply device 90 having the construction described above, as the driving motor 115 (e.g., a driver) drives and rotates the container body 33Y of the toner container 32Y, the toner container 32Y discharges the toner contained in the toner container 32Y to the outside of the toner container 32 Y through the toner conveying nozzle 91. The toner discharged from the toner container 32Y falls through the fall path 82 and is stored into the hopper 81. As the developer pump 98 operates, the developer pump 98 sucks the toner stored in the hopper 81 with air through the suction port 83, conveying the toner from the developer pump 98 to the sub hopper 99 through the conveyance tube 95. The toner conveyed and stored into the sub hopper 99 is supplied into the developing device 5Y properly through the conveyance tube 96. Thus, the toner inside the toner container 32Y is conveyed in a direction indicated by broken arrow in FIG. 3.

[0030] The toner supply device 90 further includes a remaining toner sensor 86 that indirectly detects a toner end state or a toner near end state. The toner end state indicates a state in which the toner container 32Y for containing the toner is empty. The toner near end state indicates a state in which the toner container 32Y is almost empty. The remaining toner sensor 86 is disposed in proximity to the suction port 83. The toner supply device 90 discharges the toner from the toner container 32Y based on a detection result sent from the remaining toner sensor 86.

[0031] The following describes advantageous construction and operations of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K serving as the powder containers according to an embodiment of the present invention in detail.As described above with reference to FIG. 1 and the like, the toner container 32Y serving as the powder container according to the embodiment is detachably attached to the toner supplyFN202500404 device 90 disposed inside the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100 in the axial direction of the toner container 32Y as the horizontal direction.As described above with reference to FIG. 3 and the like, the toner container 32Y serving as the powder container according to the embodiment is driven and rotated in the predetermined rotation direction in a state in which the toner container 32Y is placed on the mount 31 of the toner supply device 90 disposed in the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100. The toner container 32Y includes the container body 33Y that conveys toner serving as powder contained inside the container body 33Y in the toner conveyance direction defining a direction directed from a bottom (e.g., one end) to the head (e.g., another end) of the container body 33Y, that is, a direction directed from left to right in FIG. 3.

[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7 and the like, the toner container 32Y serving as the powder container according to the embodiment includes the grip 33Yb that is disposed at the bottom (e.g., one end) of the container body 33Y. The container body 33Y includes the container body main portion 33 Ya and the grip 33 Yb. The inner circumferential face of the container body main portion 33Ya mounts the spiral projection (e.g., the spiral groove 33a) that extends in the axial direction of the container body 33Y.In a state in which the grip 33Yb is projected and seen in the axial direction of the container body 33Y, the grip 33Yb is disposed within a projected area of the container body main portion 33 Ya that is substantially tubular (see FIG. 7). The grip 33 Yb is a projection that projects from the container body main portion 33 Ya at the upstream end (e.g., a right end in FIG. 6 or the bottom) of the container body 33Y in the toner conveyance direction. An operator holds the grip 33Yb to attach and detach the toner container 32Y serving as the powder container to and from the toner supply device 90 disposed in the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0033] Specifically, the grip 33Yb has an exterior that is substantially drum-shaped in a state in which the grip 33Yb is seen in the axial direction of the container body 33Y. For example, the grip 33Yb includes a pair of constrictions B that sandwiches a center of rotation K (e.g., the rotation axis M) as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7. The pair of constrictions B defines an opposed distance therebetween, that increases gradually from a position being in proximity to the center of rotation K (e.g., the rotation axis M) to a position being away from the center of rotation K. The operator such as the user holds the pair of constrictions B such that fingers of the operator sandwich the pair of constrictions B. Thus, the operator attaches and detaches the toner container 32Y to and from the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100. An interior of the grip 33Yb (e.g., the projection) communicates with an interior of the container body main portion 33 Ya. For example, the container body 33 Y has a hollow structure that includes the container body main portion 33Ya and the grip 33Yb and has a substantially even thickness. The container body 33Y has a portion other than the opening A, as a closed space.FN202500404The container body 33Y is molded by blow molding or the like. For example, a preform part made of resin is heated within a mold and air is blown into the preform part to inflate the preform part into a bottle form, molding the container body 33Y having a bottle shape.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 7 and the like, according to the embodiment, the grip 33Yb includes a plurality of interior walls (e.g., four interior walls 33Ybl and 33Yb2 according to the embodiment). At least one of the interior walls (e.g., the interior wall 33Yb2 that is curved to recess toward the center of rotation K) includes a recess W. In a state in which the grip 33Yb is seen in the axial direction of the container body 33Y, the recess W is disposed at a comer (e.g., a boundary) where a downstream end of the interior wall 33Yb2 in the rotation direction of the container body 33Y (e.g., a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 7) abuts on the interior wall (e.g., the interior wall 33Ybl that is curved and projected in a separation direction that separates from the center of rotation K). The recess W is recessed to separate from the center of rotation K.For example, in a state in which the grip 33Yb is seen in the axial direction of the container body 33Y, the recessed interior wall 33Yb2 is gradually closer to the center of rotation K from an upstream end of the interior wall 33Yb2 in the rotation direction of the container body 33Y. The interior wall 33Yb2 is farther from the center of rotation K toward the downstream end of the interior wall 33Yb2 in the rotation direction of the container body 33Y. Thus, the interior wall 33Yb2 defines a recessed, curved face. The recessed interior wall 33Yb2 is recessed into a spoon shape (e.g., a recess shape) at a position immediately before the comer (e.g., an intersection) where the downstream end of the interior wall 33Yb2 abuts on the projecting interior wall 33Ybl. Thus, the interior wall 33Yb2 forms the recess W. For example, in a state in which the grip 33Yb is seen in the axial direction of the container body 33Y, the recessed interior wall 33Yb2 includes the recess W that is recessed to separate from the center of rotation K and is disposed at the downstream end of the interior wall 33Yb2 in the rotation direction of the container body 33Y.FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate long and short dash line that is a vertical line passing through the center of rotation K and is situated at a position identical to a center position H of the projecting interior wall 33Ybl depicted in FIG. 5 in the rotation direction of the container body 33Y. FIG. 7 further illustrates an alternate long and short dash line that is a horizontal line passing through the center of rotation K and is perpendicular to the alternate long and short dash line as the vertical line.

[0035] As described above, the toner container 32Y according to the embodiment includes the recess W that is disposed inside the grip 33Yb and disposed at the downstream end of at least one of the interior walls (e.g., the recessed interior wall 33Yb2) in the rotation direction of the container body 33Y. Accordingly, toner T (e.g., a developer) does not stagnate inside the grip 33Yb (e.g., the projection) easily.FN202500404For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8 A, the toner T accumulated on the bottom (e.g., the grip 33Yb) of the container body 33Y of the toner container 32Y (e.g., the toner T on the recessed interior wall 33Yb2) is lifted as illustrated in FIG. 8B such that the toner T disposed in proximity to the recess W is scooped with a spoon as the container body 33Y rotates. However, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, as a position of the toner T exceeds an angle of repose, the toner T may fall or slide down. Accordingly, the toner T is agitated and does not stagnate easily.Hence, the toner container 32Y reduces a failure that the user replaces the toner container 32Y at a toner end in a state in which an increased amount of the toner T remains in the toner container 32Y, a failure that the toner T stagnated and aggregated in the grip 33Yb is conveyed and discharged from the toner container 32Y, causing formation of a faulty toner image, and the like.

[0036] The plurality of interior walls 33Ybl and 33Yb2 (e.g., a plurality of interior walls that defines the pair of constrictions B of the grip 33Yb) includes four interior walls constructed of the two recessed interior walls 33Yb2 disposed opposite each other via the center of rotation K (e.g., the rotation axis M) and the two projecting interior walls 33Ybl disposed opposite each other via the center of rotation K (e.g., the rotation axis M). The interior walls 33Ybl and 33Yb2 are substantially drum-shaped in a state in which the container body 33Y is seen in the axial direction thereof.The recesses W are disposed at the downstream ends of the two recessed interior walls 33Yb2, respectively, in the rotation direction of the container body 33Y such that the center of rotation K is interposed between the recesses W. Hence, the recesses W agitate the toner T twice while the container body 33Y rotates once, reducing the above-described failure that the toner T stagnates inside the grip 33Yb more effectively.

[0037] According to the embodiment, an outer circumferential face of the grip 33Yb (e.g., the projection), that is defined by the two projecting interior walls 33Ybl, defines an identical face with an outer circumferential face of the container body main portion 33 Ya. For example, in a bottom portion (e.g., one end) of the container body 33Y, that abuts on the bottom of the container body 33Y, the pair of constrictions B and the groove 33a are recessed with respect to the tubular, outer circumferential face of the container body main portion 33Ya.With the above-described construction of the toner container 32Y, compared to a configuration in which a step is formed on the outer circumferential face of the container body main portion 33 Ya in a region other than the constrictions B of the grip 33 Yb to define a decreased diameter, the grip 33Yb of the container body 33Y secures an increased space replenished with the toner T.

[0038] FN202500404According to the embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the recessed interior wall 33Yb2 further includes a recess W1 that is disposed at the upstream end of the interior wall 33Yb2 in the rotation direction of the container body 33Y in addition to the recess W disposed at the downstream end of the interior wall 33Yb2 in the rotation direction of the container body 33Y. That is, the recesses W and W1 are disposed in proximity to four corners of the interior walls 33Yb2 (e.g., the upstream ends and the downstream ends of the interior walls 33Yb2 in the rotation direction of the container body 33Y).With the construction of the toner container 32Y, in addition to a control that conveys the toner T from the bottom to the head of the toner container 32Y as the toner container 32Y is driven and rotated counterclockwise in a direction indicated by arrow in FIG. 7, also under a control that conveys the toner T backward from the head to the bottom of the toner container 32Y as the toner container 32Y is driven and rotated clockwise in a direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow in FIG. 7, the toner container 32Y agitates the toner T inside the grip 33Yb.

[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 and the like, according to the embodiment, the spiral groove 33a (e.g., the projection) includes an origin 33al that is disposed at an upstream end of the groove 33a in the toner conveyance direction (e.g., a conveyance direction of the toner T). The origin 33al is disposed in proximity to the grip 33Yb and disposed at a position identical to a position of the projecting interior wall 33Ybl in the rotation direction of the container body 33Y.For example, in a state in which the interior of the grip 33Yb is seen in the axial direction of the container body 33Y, the origin 33al of the spiral projection (e.g., the groove 33a) is not disposed opposite the recessed interior wall 33Yb2 and is disposed opposite the projecting interior wall 33Ybl. The groove 33a defines a spiral that originates at the origin 33al and terminates at a terminus disposed at the head of the container body 33Y.The spiral groove 33a (e.g., the projection) extends to a position in proximity to the grip 33Yb as described above. Hence, the groove 33a serves as a rib that reinforces a strength of a portion of the grip 33 Yb, that is disposed in proximity to the projecting interior wall 33Ybl and is subject to degradation in mechanical strength compared to the recessed interior wall 33Yb2 structurally. As described above with reference to FIG. 8C, the spiral groove 33a (e.g., the projection) readily conveys the toner T that is scooped by the recess W and fallen in the toner conveyance direction. For example, the toner T scooped by the recess W falls onto the projecting interior wall 33Ybl. Hence, the origin 33al of the groove 33a (e.g., the projection), that is disposed in proximity to the projecting interior wall 33Ybl, conveys the toner T in the toner conveyance direction smoothly.

[0040] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, according to the embodiment, the origin 33al of the spiral groove 33a (e.g., the projection) is disposed upstream from the center position H of the projecting interior wall 33Ybl in the rotation direction of the container body 33 Y.FN202500404In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 6, in a state in which the container body 33Y is seen such that the center position H of the projecting interior wall 33Ybl overlaps the rotation axis M of the container body 33Y, the origin 33al of the spiral groove 33a is disposed upstream from the rotation axis M in the rotation direction of the container body 33Y and disposed above the rotation axis M in FIG. 6.With the construction of the toner container 32Y, compared to a configuration in which the origin 33al is disposed downstream from the center position H (e.g., the rotation axis M) in the rotation direction of the container body 33Y, the groove 33a (e.g., the projection), that has the origin 33al disposed in proximity to the projecting interior wall 33Ybl and disposed upstream from the center position H, conveys the toner T scooped by the recess W and fallen onto the projecting interior wall 33Ybl in the toner conveyance direction efficiently.

[0041] A description is provided of a construction of a toner container 32YA as a first modification example.As illustrated in FIG. 9, the toner container 32YA as the first modification example includes a container body 33YA including a spiral groove 33aA including an origin 33alA. The origin 33alA is disposed at an upstream end of the spiral groove 33aA (e.g., a projection) in the toner conveyance direction (e.g., the conveyance direction of the toner T). Unlike the origin 33al depicted in FIG. 5, the origin 33alA is not disposed opposite the projecting interior wall 33Ybl and is disposed at a position identical to a position of the recessed interior wall 33Yb2 in a rotation direction of the container body 33 YA.With the construction of the toner container 32YA, the groove 33aA serves as a rib that usefully reinforces a mechanical strength of the constrictions B of the recessed interior walls 33Yb2 of the grip 33Yb, that are exerted with a substantial force by the operator.With the toner container 32YA as the first modification example also, the recess W is disposed at the downstream end of the recessed interior wall 33Yb2 of the grip 33Yb (e.g., the projection) disposed on a bottom of the container body 33YA in the rotation direction of the container body 33YA. Accordingly, toner T does not stagnate inside the grip 33Yb easily.

[0042] A description is provided of a construction of a toner container as a second modification example.As illustrated in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, the toner container as the second modification example includes a container body 33YB including a grip 33YbB. Like the grip 33Yb depicted in FIGS. 4 to 7, in a state in which the grip 33YbB of the container body 33YB is seen in an axial direction of the container body 33YB, the grip 33YbB has an exterior that is substantially drum-shaped.In the toner container as the second modification example, the grip 33YbB includes constrictions that include depressions J, respectively. In a state in which the container body 33YB is seen in a direction depicted in FIG. 10A, that extends along the rotation axis M, such that a center of the recessed interior wall 33Yb2 (e.g., a center position depressed most)FN202500404 coincides with the rotation axis M, each of the depressions J is depressed on the interior wall 33Yb2 and is substantially drum-shaped. For example, the constriction of the container body 33YB that is different from the constriction B depicted in FIG. 5 does not define a curved face depressed inward straight to define a rectangle in a state in which the container body 33YB is seen in the direction extending along the rotation axis M. As illustrated in FIG. 10A, the constriction of the container body 33YB defines a curved face that is depressed inward and is substantially drum-shaped. The constriction of the container body 33YB defines the curved face having an amount of depression, that increases gradually toward the rotation axis M. Accordingly, as the operator such as the user pulls the toner container serving as the powder container out of the image forming apparatus 100, the fingers of the operator hook into the depressions J of the grip 33YbB. Thus, as the fingers of the operator hook into the depressions J, the operator pulls the toner container out of the toner supply device 90 disposed inside the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100 in the horizontal direction (e.g., the axial direction of the container body 33YB) readily.For example, in the toner container as the second modification example, in a state in which the container body 33YB is seen in the direction extending along the rotation axis M as illustrated in FIG. 10A, the amount of depression of the depression J increases gradually toward the rotation axis M (e.g., the center of rotation K). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 10B, 10C, and 10D, the depression J includes a depression portion JI disposed at a center of the depression J and disposed in proximity to the rotation axis M and a depression portion J2 disposed farther than the depression portion JI from the rotation axis M. FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the depression portion JI, taken on line E-E in FIG. 10A. FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view of the depression portion J2, taken on line F-F in FIG. 10A. An amount of depression ((V - Nl) / V) of the depression portion JI is greater than an amount of depression ((V - N2) / V) of the depression portion J2. As illustrated in FIG. 10C, V represents a length between outer edges of the depression portions JI in a diametrical direction of the container body 33YB. Nl represents a length of a trough between the depression portions JI in the diametrical direction of the container body 33YB. As illustrated in FIG. 10D, V represents a length between outer edges of the depression portions J2 in the diametrical direction of the container body 33YB. N2 represents a length of a trough between the depression portions J2 in the diametrical direction of the container body 33YB. The amount of depression of each of the depression portions JI and J2 decreases gradually from a center to both ends of the grip 33YbB.The depression portions JI and J2 configured as described above guide the fingers of the operator that hook into the depression portions JI and J2 closer to the center of rotation K naturally. Thus, the operator pulls the toner container out of the toner supply device 90 more readily.With the toner container as the second modification example also, the recess W is disposed at the downstream end of the recessed interior wall 33Yb2 of the grip 33YbB disposed on aFN202500404 bottom of the container body 33YB in the rotation direction of the container body 33YB. Accordingly, the toner T does not stagnate inside the grip 33YbB easily.

[0043] A description is provided of a construction of a toner container as a third modification example.As illustrated in FIG. 11 A, the toner container as the third modification example includes a container body including a grip 33YbC (e.g., a projection). The grip 33YbC includes four interior walls 33YblC and 33Yb2C that are not curved and are substantially planar. Compared to one of the interior walls 33YblC and 33Yb2C, that is, the interior wall 33YblC, another one of the interior walls 33YblC and 33Yb2C, that is, the interior wall 33Yb2C, has an increased length. The recess W is disposed at a downstream end of the interior wall 33Yb2C in a rotation direction of the container body of the toner container. With the abovedescribed construction of the toner container as the third modification example also, like the grip 33Yb depicted in FIG. 7, the recess W is disposed at a portion of the interior wall 33Yb2C, that abuts on a corner where the downstream end of the interior wall 33Yb2C in the rotation direction of the container body abuts on the interior wall 33YblC. The portion of the interior wall 33Yb2C is disposed at the downstream end of the interior wall 33Yb2C in the rotation direction of the container body. Accordingly, the recess W agitates the toner T, preventing the toner T from stagnating inside the grip 33YbC easily.FIG. 1 IB illustrates a toner container including a grip 33YbD (e.g., a projection). The grip 33YbD includes recessed interior walls 33Yb2D each of which is recessed and curved from an upstream end to a downstream end of the interior wall 33Yb2D in a rotation direction of a container body of the toner container in a curve amount (e.g., a curve amount in which the interior wall 33Yb2D is curved in a direction in which the interior wall 33Yb2D separates from the center of rotation K). The curve amount increases from the upstream end to the downstream end of the interior wall 33Yb2D. With the grip 33YbD configured as described above, the recess W disposed at the downstream end of the recessed interior wall 33Yb2D in the rotation direction of the container body scoops up the toner T in an increased amount. Accordingly, like the grip 33Yb depicted in FIG. 7, the recess W agitates the toner T, preventing the toner T from stagnating inside the grip 33YbD easily.FIG. 11C illustrates a toner container including a grip 33YbE (e.g., a projection) including two recessed interior walls 33Yb2E. Unlike the grip 33Yb depicted in FIG. 7, the recess W is disposed at a downstream end of one of the two recessed interior walls 33Yb2E in a rotation direction of the container body. With the grip 33YbE configured as described above also, although the recess W agitates the toner T with decreased efficiency compared to the recess W depicted in FIG. 7, the recess W agitates the toner T, preventing the toner T from stagnating inside the grip 33YbE easily.

[0044] As described above, the toner container 32Y according to the embodiments serves as the powder container that is removably installed in the apparatus body of the image formingFN202500404 apparatus 100. The toner container 32Y includes the container body 33Y that is driven and rotated in the predetermined rotation direction in a state in which the toner container 32Y is installed in the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100. The container body 33Y conveys the toner T (e.g., the developer) contained inside the container body 33Y from one end to another end of the container body 33Y. The grip 33Yb of the toner container 32Y is disposed at one end of the container body 33Y. The interior of the grip 33Yb communicates with the interior of the container body main portion 33Ya. In a state in which the grip 33 Yb is seen in the axial direction of the container body 33Y, the recess W is disposed at the downstream end of at least one of the interior walls 33Yb2 of the plurality of interior walls 33Ybl and 33Yb2 in the rotation direction of the container body 33 Y. The recess W is recessed to separate from the center of rotation K.Accordingly, the toner T (e.g., the developer) does not stagnate in the grip 33Yb of the container body 33Y easily.

[0045] According to the embodiments, the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K serving as the powder containers contain toner (e.g., a one-component developer) serving as powder. In a case that an image forming apparatus includes a powder container that supplies a two- component developer serving as powder containing toner and carriers to a developing device properly, the powder container may contain the two-component developer as a developer. According to the embodiments, the toner conveying nozzle 91 is inserted into the head of the toner container 32Y so that the toner supply device 90 supplies toner to the developing device 5Y. However, a toner supply method for supplying toner from the toner container 32Y is not limited to the above. For example, as disclosed by Patent Literatures (PTL) 1 and 2, a toner supply method for opening a shutter disposed in a bottom of a cap and discharging toner may be employed.According to the embodiments, the present invention is applied to the toner container 32Y serving as the powder container that employs the projection disposed at the bottom of the container body 33Y as the grip 33Yb. However, application of the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, the present invention may also be applied to a powder container that employs a projection disposed at a bottom of a container body as a driving force transmitter (e.g., a driven coupling).The above-described alternatives also achieve advantages similar to advantages achieved by the embodiments described above.

[0046] The technology of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The embodiments are modified properly to configurations or constructions other than those suggested in the embodiments described above within the scope of the technology of the present invention. The number, the position, the shape, and the like of the elements and the components described above are not limited to those suggested in the embodiments describedFN202500404 above and are modified to the number, the position, the shape, and the like that are appropriate to achieve the technology of the present invention.

[0047] The present invention may have aspects defined by combinations of Aspects 1 to 12 described below, for example.A description is provided of Aspect 1.A powder container is removably installed in an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus. The powder container includes a container body that is driven and rotated in a predetermined rotation direction in a state in which the powder container is installed in the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus. The container body conveys powder contained inside the container body from one end to another end of the container body. A grip of the powder container is disposed at the one end of the container body. An interior of the grip communicates with an interior of a container body main portion of the container body. In a state in which the grip is seen in an axial direction of the container body, a recess is disposed at a downstream end, in the rotation direction of the container body, of at least one of a plurality of interior walls of the container body. The recess is recessed to separate from a center of rotation of the container body.A description is provided of Aspect 2.According to Aspect 1 of the powder container, in a state in which the grip is projected and seen in the axial direction of the container body, the grip is within a projection area of the container body main portion.A description is provided of Aspect 3.According to Aspect 1 or 2 of the powder container, the one of the interior walls is a recessed interior wall that is curved in a direction toward the center of rotation. The interior wall that abuts on the one of the interior walls is a projecting interior wall that is curved in a direction away from the center of rotation.A description is provided of Aspect 4.According to Aspect 3 of the powder container, the plurality of interior walls includes two recessed interior walls that are disposed opposite each other via the center of rotation and two projecting interior walls that are disposed opposite each other via the center of rotation.A description is provided of Aspect 5.According to Aspect 4 of the powder container, the grip includes a depression. In a state in which the grip is seen in the axial direction of the container body such that a center of the recessed interior wall coincides with a rotation axis of the container body, the depression is depressed toward the interior wall.A description is provided of Aspect 6.According to Aspect 5 of the powder container, an amount of depression of the depression increases gradually toward the rotation axis of the container body.A description is provided of Aspect 7.FN202500404According to Aspect 5 or 6 of the powder container, as an operator pulls the powder container out of the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus, fingers of the operator hook into the depression.A description is provided of Aspect 8.According to any one of Aspects 4 to 7 of the powder container, an outer circumferential face of the grip, that is defined by the two projecting interior walls, defines an identical face with an outer circumferential face of the container body main portion.A description is provided of Aspect 9.According to any one of Aspects 3 to 8 of the powder container, the container body main portion has an inner circumferential face that mounts a spiral projection that extends in the axial direction of the container body. The spiral projection includes an origin that is disposed at an upstream end of the spiral projection in a conveyance direction of the powder. The origin is disposed at a position identical to a position of the projecting interior wall in the rotation direction of the container body.A description is provided of Aspect 10.According to Aspect 9 of the powder container, the origin of the spiral projection is disposed upstream from a center position of the projecting interior wall in the rotation direction of the container body.A description is provided of Aspect 11.According to any one of Aspects 3 to 8 of the powder container, the container body main portion has an inner circumferential face that mounts a spiral projection that extends in the axial direction of the container body. The spiral projection includes an origin that is disposed at an upstream end of the spiral projection in a conveyance direction of the powder. The origin is disposed at a position identical to a position of the recessed interior wall in the rotation direction of the container body.A description is provided of Aspect 12.An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body in which the powder container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11 is removably installed.

[0048] The above-described embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Thus, numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, elements and / or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and / or substituted for each other within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] This patent application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-092717, filed on June 7, 2024, in the Japan Patent Office, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.[Reference Signs List]FN202500404

[0050] 5Y : Developing device32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K: Toner container (Powder container, Developer container)33Y: Container body33 Ya: Container body main portion33Yb: Grip (Projection)33Ybl: Projecting interior wall33Yb2: Recessed interior wall33a: Spiral groove (Projection)33al: Origin34Y: Cap90: Toner supply device100: Image forming apparatus (Apparatus body)A: OpeningB: ConstrictionJ, JI, J2: DepressionM: Rotation axisK: Center of rotationT: Toner (Powder, Developer)W: Recess (Comer)

Claims

FN202500404[CLAIMS]

1. A powder container for being removably installed in an image forming apparatus, the powder container comprising a container body driven and rotated in a predetermined rotation direction in a state in which the powder container is installed in the image forming apparatus, the container body to convey powder contained inside the container body from one end to another end of the container body, the container body including: a grip disposed at the one end of the container body; and a container body main portion having an interior communicating with an interior of the grip, the grip including a plurality of interior walls, at least one of which includes a recess disposed at a downstream end of the at least one of the interior walls in the rotation direction of the container body, the recess recessed to separate from a center of rotation of the container body in a state in which the grip is seen in an axial direction of the container body.

2. The powder container according to claim 1, wherein the grip is within a projection area of the container body main portion in a state in which the grip is projected and seen in the axial direction of the container body.

3. The powder container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one of the interior walls includes a recessed interior wall curved in a direction toward the center of rotation of the container body, and wherein another one of the interior walls that abuts on the at least one of the interior walls includes a projecting interior wall curved in a direction away from the center of rotation of the container body.

4. The powder container according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of interior walls further includes: another recessed interior wall disposed opposite the recessed interior wall via the center of rotation of the container body; and another projecting interior wall disposed opposite the projecting interior wall via the center of rotation of the container body.

5. The powder container according to claim 4, wherein the grip further includes a depression depressed toward the recessed interior wall in a state in which the grip is seen in the axial direction of the container body such that a center of the recessed interior wall coincides with a rotation axis of the container body.

6. The powder container according to claim 5, wherein an amount of depression of the depression increases gradually toward the rotation axis of the container body.FN202500404

7. The powder container according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the depression is hooked to pull the powder container out of the image forming apparatus.

8. The powder container according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the grip has an outer circumferential face defined by the projecting interior wall and said another projecting interior wall, and wherein the container body main portion has an outer circumferential face defining an identical face with the outer circumferential face of the grip.

9. The powder container according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the container body main portion includes a spiral projection mounted on an inner circumferential face of the container body main portion, the spiral projection extending in the axial direction of the container body, wherein the spiral projection includes an origin disposed at an upstream end of the spiral projection in a conveyance direction of the powder, and wherein the origin is disposed at a position being identical to a position of the projecting interior wall in the rotation direction of the container body.

10. The powder container according to claim 9, wherein the origin of the spiral projection is disposed upstream from a center position of the projecting interior wall in the rotation direction of the container body.

11. The powder container according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the container body main portion includes a spiral projection mounted on an inner circumferential face of the container body main portion, the spiral projection extending in the axial direction of the container body, wherein the spiral projection includes an origin disposed at an upstream end of the spiral projection in a conveyance direction of the powder, and wherein the origin is disposed at a position being identical to a position of the recessed interior wall in the rotation direction of the container body.

12. The powder container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the grip further includes a pair of constrictions sandwiching the center of rotation of the container body in a state in which the grip is seen in the axial direction of the container body, and wherein the pair of constrictions defines an opposed distance between the constrictions, the opposed distance increasing gradually from a position being in proximity to the center ofFN202500404 rotation of the container body to a position being away from the center of rotation of the container body.

13. The powder container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the recess lifts the powder accumulated in the grip as the container body rotates.

14. The powder container according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the recess is disposed at a corner where the recessed interior wall abuts on the projecting interior wall.

15. An image forming apparatus comprising the powder container according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the powder container removably installed in the image forming apparatus.

Images