JP7806538B2 - Developer container and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a developer container and an image forming apparatus.

Image forming devices such as printers capable of forming images using an electrophotographic method include a developer container that contains a developer such as toner. The developer container includes a cylindrical storage section that is concentric with a horizontal rotation axis, and a communication section. The storage section has a spiral protrusion formed along the rotation axis on its inner 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 that is concentric with the rotation axis and has a smaller diameter than the storage section, and connects the storage section to an opening that opens in the transport direction.

In addition, a related technology known is a developer storage container 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).

JP 2018-101032 A

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

The 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.

A developer storage container according to one aspect of the present invention is used with its rotation axis aligned along a horizontal plane and includes a storage section, a communication section, a pumping section, and a guide section. The storage section 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 section extends from the downstream end of the storage section 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 section, and connects an opening opening in the transport direction with the storage section. The pumping section has a pumping surface that faces the specific direction at the downstream end of the storage section in the transport direction, radially outward of the communication section, and pumps up the developer that comes into contact with the pumping surface in response to the rotation of the storage section in the specific direction. The guide portion is provided radially inward of the pumping portion, continuous with the pumping surface and the inner circumferential surface of the communication portion, and guides the developer pumped up by the pumping portion to the communication portion.

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 forms an image using the developer supplied from the developer container.

This invention makes it possible to reduce the amount of developer remaining in a developer container when replacing the container.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 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. 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. 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. FIG. 5 is a front view showing the configuration of the insertion opening of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 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. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the lock mechanism and its surroundings in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 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. 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. 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. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the grip portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 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. 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. 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. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 of FIG. 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. 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. 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. 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. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an extension portion of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[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.

In the following description, the up-down direction D1 is defined based on the state in which the image forming device 100 is installed. The front-to-rear direction D2 is defined with the side of the image forming device 100 into which the toner container 200 is inserted as the near side (front side). The left-to-right direction D3 is defined when the image forming device 100 is viewed from the near side (front side).

The image forming device 100 is a device that has at least a printing function. The image forming device 100 prints an image on a sheet of paper using a developer containing toner (an example of a developer according to the present invention). For example, the image forming device 100 is a color printer. However, the image forming device 100 may also be a monochrome printer, a facsimile machine, a copier, a multifunction machine, or the like.

Image forming apparatus 100 is a so-called tandem color image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, image forming apparatus 100 includes multiple image forming units 1-4, 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 forms the external frame (not shown) and internal frame of image forming apparatus 100.

Image forming units 1-4 form different color toner images on each of the multiple photosensitive drums 21 arranged side by side using the so-called electrophotographic method. The toner images are transferred so that they are superimposed one on top of the other onto the intermediate transfer belt 6A while it is running (moving). As shown in Figure 1, image forming units 1-4 are arranged in a row in the following order from downstream in the movement 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.

Each of the image forming units 1 to 4 is located 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. This forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The developing device 23 develops the electrostatic latent image with toner. The toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 is then transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6A by the primary transfer device 24.

The intermediate transfer unit 6 has 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 multiple color toner images (four colors in this embodiment). The intermediate transfer belt 6A is rotatably supported by the drive roller 6B and the driven roller 6C, allowing its surface to move while contacting the surface of each photosensitive drum 21. When the intermediate transfer belt 6A is rotated, its surface passes between the photosensitive drums 21 and the primary transfer device 24. At this time, the toner images of each color carried by the multiple photosensitive drums 21 are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6A in order so that they are superimposed on top of each other.

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.

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 with the transferred toner image 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 with the transferred toner image 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 the tray-shaped paper output tray 12 located above the intermediate transfer unit 6.

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

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 that cause 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 the 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 composed of electronic circuits such as an integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be a control unit provided separately from the main control unit that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 100.

The operation and 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.

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

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

As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the toner supply unit 13 also includes an insertion opening 31, a drive unit 32, and a lock cover 33.

Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the toner supply unit 13 is equipped with a locking mechanism 34 and an unlocking unit 35.

The toner containers 200 contain toner to be replenished to the developing device 23. In this embodiment, four toner containers 200, one for each of the colors black, yellow, cyan, and magenta, are provided in the toner supply unit 13. In FIG. 2, only the yellow toner container 200 is shown, and the toner containers 200 of the other colors are omitted. In FIG. 5, only the lock cover 33 and lock mechanism 34 corresponding to the yellow toner container 200 are shown, 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 share 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 noted, the following description will focus on the yellow toner container 200 shown in FIG. 2 and the configuration corresponding to that toner container 200.

As shown in FIG. 3, the toner container 200 comprises a container body 201 and a cap portion 202.

The container body 201 stores toner and transports the toner along transport direction D5 (see Figure 3). 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 Figure 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.

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.

The storage section 211 is formed in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotation axis 203 (see Figures 3 and 4) of the toner container 200. Specifically, the storage section 211 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Refill toner is stored inside the storage section 211.

In the toner container 200, the container body 201 is rotatable around the rotation axis 203. The inner periphery of the storage section 211 is provided with a protrusion 211A (an example of a first protrusion of the present invention) (see FIG. 4) formed 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 corresponding to the protrusion 211A. With the formation of the spiral protrusion 211A inside, the storage section 211 can rotate around the rotation axis 203 in a first direction D6 (an example of a specific direction of the present invention) (see FIG. 2), thereby transporting the toner stored therein in a transport direction D5 along the rotation axis 203.

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

As shown in FIG. 4, the gripping portion 212 protrudes upstream in the transport direction D5 from the end face 211B of the storage portion 211 on the upstream side in the transport direction D5. Specifically, the gripping portion 212 protrudes from the end face 211B in the shape of a cylinder concentric with the rotation shaft 203. The gripping portion 212 is hollow, and the internal space is connected to the storage portion 211. Refill toner is stored inside the gripping portion 212.

The grip portion 212 is formed so that the protruding tip expands radially perpendicular to the rotation axis 203 beyond the protruding base end. 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 located 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 the toner container 200 out of 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. Additionally, the gripping portion 212 may have a continuously expanding radial size from the protruding base end to the protruding tip end.

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

The communication section 214 extends from the downstream end of the storage section 211 in the conveying direction D5 toward the conveying direction D5 in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotation axis 203. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the communication section 214 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the storage section 211. The communication section 214 connects the internal space of the storage section 211 with the opening 216. The opening 216 is formed to be the same size as the downstream end of the communication section 214 in the conveying direction D5. The opening 216 can also be said to be the downstream end of the communication section 214 in the conveying direction D5.

The gear portion 215 is provided on the outer periphery 241 (see Figure 13) of the communication portion 214. The gear portion 215 receives a rotational driving force supplied from the drive unit 32. The container body 201 is formed integrally with each component, including the gear portion 215. Therefore, when the gear portion 215 receives a rotational driving force supplied from the drive unit 32, the container body 201 rotates around the rotation axis 203.

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

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 Figure 22) is formed inside the cap portion 202 to guide the toner discharged from the opening 216 downward. The guide space 202A is formed by the inner periphery of the cap portion 202 and the inner wall surface facing the opening 216. Inside the cap portion 202, the gap formed between the opening 216 and the cap portion 202 is filled by a sealing member 202B (see Figure 22). A discharge port 202C (see Figure 22) is formed at the bottom of the inner periphery of the cap portion 202, through which the toner is discharged to the outside of the cap portion 202.

The toner container 200 is attached to the attachment portion 30. A attachment portion 30 is provided corresponding to each toner container 200. The attachment portion 30 forms a storage space for the toner container 200 inside the housing 14, extending in the front-to-rear direction D2. The toner container 200 is attached to the attachment portion 30 with the rotation axis 203 aligned along a horizontal plane.

The insertion opening 31 is provided on the side 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 elongated 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.

The drive unit 32 rotates the container body 201 of the toner container 200. A drive unit 32 is provided for each mounting unit 30. The drive unit 32 is provided at the rear end of the mounting unit 30 (see Figure 2).

As shown in FIG. 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 the gear portion 215 of the container body 201.

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.

The lock covers 33 open and close the insertion openings 31. A lock cover 33 is provided for each insertion opening 31. As shown in Figure 5, the lock covers 33 are provided on the front side of the lock frame 14A.

As shown in FIG. 7, the lock cover 33 includes a flat portion 51, a bearing portion 52, and a pivot 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 that closes the insertion opening 31 and an open state that opens the insertion opening 31. The pivot shaft 53 protrudes from the inner surface (back surface) of the flat portion 51 in the front-to-rear direction D2 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

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 Figure 5, the locking mechanism 34 is provided on the top of the lock frame 14A.

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 slope downward from the front end to the rear end of the engaging portion 63. The engaged portion 64 is formed so as to be pivotable about the pivot shaft 53 of the lock cover 33. The engaged portion 64 is formed so as to be able to engage 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 engaged portion 64 engage with each other. The engagement between the engaging portion 63 and engaged portion 64 limits the transition of the lock cover 33 from the closed state to the open state.

The unlocking unit 35 releases the restriction imposed by the locking mechanism 34 on the state transition of the locking cover 33. An unlocking unit 35 is provided for each locking mechanism 34. The unlocking unit 35 is provided on the inner surface (back surface) of the flat portion 51 of the locking cover 33.

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 extension 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 extension 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 (back surface) of the flat portion 51. As shown in FIG. 9 , the second lever portion 72 includes a bearing portion 72A that is inserted onto the pivot shaft 53, a support portion 72B that extends rightward from the bearing portion 72A and supports the engaged portion 64, and a pressed portion 72C that extends leftward from the bearing portion 72A.

The unlocking portion 35 releases the restriction on the state transition of the lock cover 33 imposed by the locking mechanism 34 in response to the swinging of the first lever portion 71 in a second direction D7 (see Figure 9), which is opposite to the first direction D6.

Specifically, the extension 71B of the first lever 71 is arranged 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 swung downward, disengaging the engaging portion 63 from the engaged portion 64. In other words, the lock provided by the locking mechanism 34 is released. Note that 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 will not be released.

However, image forming devices are known in the related art that include a protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the gripping portion 212, protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface, and rotating integrally with the storage portion 211 to come into contact with the first lever portion 71.

However, in the image forming device according to the related art described above, the protrusion protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the grip portion 212, generating a collision noise when the protrusion comes into contact with the first lever portion 71.

In contrast, the image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is able to suppress the collision noise that occurs when the toner container 200 is driven, as described below.

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

The grip portion 212 has a contact portion 224 that rotates integrally with the storage 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.

Specifically, the 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 the rotation axis 203 and does not intersect with the first lever portion 71 toward a second position P2 (see FIG. 12) on the reference circle 223 that faces the first position P1 across the rotation axis 203, passing through the outside of the reference circle 223. The curved surface 224A is formed so as to intersect with the first lever portion 71, i.e., so as to be able to come into contact with the first lever portion 71.

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

By providing the contact portion 224 described above, it is possible to lay flat the contact surface with the first lever portion 71, which is provided on the outer periphery of the grip portion 212, as much as possible. 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. Therefore, in the image forming device 100, it is possible to suppress the collision noise that occurs when the toner container 200 is driven.

The number of contact portions 224 provided on the outer periphery of the gripping portion 212 may be one or three or more. In this case, the small diameter portion 221 may be formed in the same shape as the large diameter portion 222 including the contact portion 224, or may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The gripping portion 212 may also be formed so that its radial size does not expand from the protruding base end to the protruding tip end. The contact portion 224 may also be provided on the outer periphery of the accommodating portion 211.

Incidentally, a related technology is a developer storage container in which the downstream end of the storage section 211 in the transport direction D5 is tapered to connect to the communication section 214, and the protrusion 211A is formed along the transport direction D5 up to the connection with the communication section 214, thereby guiding the toner in the storage section 211 to the communication section 214.

However, in the developer storage container according to the related art described above, the transport force applied to the toner by the protrusion 211A formed on the connection part is weak, so toner remains in the communication part 214 when the container is replaced.

Furthermore, even if the communication section 214 is not provided with a structure for transporting toner, toner will remain in the communication section 214 when the developer container is replaced.

In contrast, the image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to reduce the amount of toner remaining in the toner container 200 when the container is replaced, as described below.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 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. Furthermore, the inner periphery of the communication section 214 is tapered, expanding radially along the conveying direction D5 (see Figure 21). These features will be explained below in order.

The pumping portion 231 is the downstream end of the storage portion 211 in the transport direction D5, and has a pumping surface 231A (see Figures 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 rotation of the storage portion 211 in the first direction D6. Note that in Figure 15, the upstream end 242A of the inner periphery 242 of the communication portion 214 in the transport direction D5 is indicated by a dashed line.

As shown in FIG. 14, the pumping surface 231A is formed at an angle along the transport direction D5 toward the upstream side in the first direction D6. As a result, the toner pumped up by the pumping surface 231A is guided downstream in the transport direction D5.

The pumping portion 231 is erected 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 Figures 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.

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

As shown in Figures 13 to 16, the guide portion 234 is located radially inward of the pumping portion 231 and is continuous with the pumping surface 231A and the inner circumferential surface of the communication portion 214.

As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the guide portion 234 is formed at an angle from the radially inner end of the pumping surface 231A along the inner circumferential surface of the communication portion 214.

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.

The storage section 211 has a pair of pumping sections 231 (see Figure 15) that face each other across the rotation shaft 203. Of the pair of pumping sections 231, the first pumping section 232 is provided continuous with the downstream end of the protrusion 211A in the conveying direction D5 (see Figure 14). Furthermore, of the pair of pumping sections 231, the second pumping section 233 is not continuous with the protrusion 211A of the storage section 211 (see Figure 13).

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

By providing the pumping portion 231 and guide portion 234 described above, 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 a configuration in which the protrusion 211A formed up to the connection with the communicating portion 214 is used to transport the toner to the communicating portion 214. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of toner remaining in the toner container 200 when replacing the container.

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 the first pumping section 232 or the second pumping section 233.

The guide portion 234 may be formed so as to widen from the downstream side of the upstream end of the pumping surface 231A in the conveying direction D5 toward the communicating portion 214. The radially inner end of the wall portion 231B may not be inclined more toward the conveying direction D5 than the radially outer end. The pumping surface 231A may not be inclined upstream in the first direction D6 along the conveying direction D5.

As shown in FIG. 21, the inner peripheral 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 can be set arbitrarily within a range of up to 10 degrees.

The communication portion 214 also has a protrusion 243 (see Figure 18) formed along the rotation axis 203 on the inner periphery 242.

As shown in Figures 18 and 19, six protrusions 243 are provided at intervals along the inner circumference of the inner periphery 242.

As shown in FIG. 18, the protrusion 243 extends from the upstream end 242A of the inner circumferential portion 242 in the conveying direction D5 to the downstream end, i.e., the opening 216.

As shown in FIG. 19 , the protrusion 243 extends from the inner circumferential surface of the communication portion 214 in the transport direction D5, which intersects with the inner circumferential surface. In other words, the protrusion 243 is located radially outward of the 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 protrusion amount 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. In other words, it is possible to prevent the step from interfering with the transport of toner.

As shown in FIG. 19, the protrusion 243 has a wall surface 243A facing downstream in the first direction D6. As the storage section 211 rotates in the first direction D6, the wall surface 243A scoops up toner that comes into contact with the wall surface 243A and causes it to slide downward.

As shown in FIG. 19, the protrusion 243 is formed in a claw shape with its protruding tip facing downstream in the first direction D6. In other words, 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 periphery 242. This allows the size of the protrusion 243 to be reduced compared to a configuration in which the protrusion 243 has a wall surface facing both the wall surface 243A and the upstream side in the first direction D6.

By providing the inner peripheral portion 242 described above, it is possible to cause the toner in the communication portion 214 to slide downstream in the transport direction D5. Furthermore, by using the protrusion portion 243 to scoop up the toner and cause it to fall, and then bringing the fallen toner into contact with the inner peripheral portion 242, the energy of the fall can be converted into a transport force in the transport direction D5 and applied to the toner.

The protrusions 243 may be provided in any section of the inner circumferential portion 242 between the upstream end 242A in the conveying direction D5 and the opening 216. The protrusions 243 may be provided so that they 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.

Incidentally, a related technology is known in which an image forming apparatus is 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 prevent toner adhering to the cap portion 202 (see Figure 22) from coagulating.

However, in the image forming apparatus according to the related art described above, the container body 201 and the agitating member are separate components, which means that the developer container requires the laborious task of attaching the agitating member to the container body 201 during manufacturing.

In contrast, the image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can reduce the labor required when manufacturing the toner container 200, as described below.

As shown in Figure 17, the container body 201 has an extension portion 217.

The extension portion 217 is formed integrally with the container body 201. The extension portion 217 extends from within the container body 201, past the opening 216, and downstream in the conveying direction D5.

As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the extension portion 217 is formed in a flat plate shape that conforms to the inner circumferential surface of the communication portion 214, and the extension base end is supported by the inner circumferential portion 242 of the communication portion 214. This makes it possible to increase the support area of the extension base end of the extension portion 217 on the inner circumferential portion 242. It also makes it possible to prevent the extension portion 217 from interfering with the movement of toner in the communication portion 214.

As shown in Figures 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 downstream end surface 261A in the first direction D6 is inclined toward the upstream side of the first direction D6 along the conveying direction D5. For example, the exposed portion 261 is formed in a roughly triangular shape when viewed from the side (see Figure 17). This makes it possible to disperse the force acting in the first direction D6 on the extension base end of the extension portion 217 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.

19 and 20, the extension portion 217, like the protrusion portion 243, extends from the inner circumferential surface of the communicating portion 214 in the transport direction D5 that intersects with the inner circumferential surface. In other words, the extension portion 217 is located radially outward of the upstream end 242A of the inner circumferential portion 242 in the transport direction D5. For example, the upper part of the extension portion 217 is formed along a straight line that passes through the end 242A and is parallel to the rotation axis 203 (see FIG. 19). Furthermore, the extension portion 217 extends from the opening 216 downstream in the transport direction D5 with a predetermined thickness in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 203 (see FIG. 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. In other words, this prevents the step from interfering with toner transport.

By providing the extension portion 217 described above, it is possible to eliminate the labor required to attach the extension portion 217 during the manufacturing of the toner container 200. This reduces the labor required during the manufacturing of the toner container 200.

The extension portion 217 may be provided so that it protrudes a constant amount from the inner peripheral portion 242 and extends along the conveying direction D5. The exposed portion 261 may be formed in any shape. The extension portion 217 may also be formed in a shape other than a flat plate that follows the inner peripheral surface of the communicating portion 214.

In conventional image forming devices, heat generated by driving the device main body can be transferred to the storage section 211 via the gear section 215. In this case, the toner in the storage section 211 becomes warm, making it more likely to solidify.

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

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

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

As shown in Figures 21 and 23, the toothed portion 252 is provided along the edge of the support surface 251A of the support portion 251, which 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 peripheral surface of the support portion. The toothed portion 252 meshes with the third gear 45 of the drive unit 32.

As shown in Figures 21 and 23, the ribs 253 are provided on the support surface 251A, extending radially from the outer periphery 241 of the communicating portion 214. As shown in Figure 21, the ribs 253 are formed so as to incline radially outward along the conveying direction D5. As shown in Figure 23, the extending ends of the ribs 253 do not reach the tooth portions 252. This prevents heat from being transferred from the tooth portions 252 along the ribs 253 to the communicating portion 214 without passing through the support portion 251.

As shown in FIG. 23, the gear portion 215 has eight ribs 253 arranged at equal intervals along the outer peripheral surface of the communication portion 214. Note that the number of ribs 253 provided on the gear portion 215 may be any number.

Here, as shown in Figures 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 generated in the conveying direction D5 by the rotation of the storage portion 211, 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 this airflow. It is also 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 scattering.

In addition, the gear portion 215 has teeth 252 and ribs 253 provided on the 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 teeth 252 and 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 reaches the support surface 251A in the opposite direction from 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.

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.

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

Other Embodiments
An image forming apparatus 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

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

Note that Figures 24 to 26 show the container body 201 with the gear portion 215 removed. Also, in Figures 26 and 27, the boundary portion 231C is indicated by a thick line. Also, in Figure 27, the protruding portion 244 is indicated by a thin dashed line. Also, in Figure 27, the protruding apex 244A is indicated by a dashed line.

An image forming apparatus 100 according to another embodiment has a container body 201 configured differently from the embodiment described above.

Specifically, the container body 201 of the other embodiment has a protrusion 244 (an example of the second protrusion of the present invention) shown in Figures 24 to 27 instead of the protrusion 243. Furthermore, in the container body 201 of the other embodiment, the gear portion 215 is not formed integrally with the container body 201. Furthermore, the container body 201 of the other embodiment does not have an extension portion 217. Note that the container body 201 of the other embodiment may be provided with an extension portion 217.

The protrusion 244 is formed spirally around the rotation axis 203 on the inner circumferential surface of the communicating portion 214. In other words, the communicating portion 214 has a protrusion 244 formed spirally around the rotation axis 203 on its inner circumferential surface. The protrusion 244 is formed in a shape that protrudes radially inward in an angular manner from the inner circumferential surface of the communicating portion 214. Figures 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 transport the toner inside in the transport direction D5 (see Figure 26) by rotating in the first direction D6 (see Figure 26) around the rotation axis 203.

As shown in Figures 24 and 25, the communication portion 214 has one protrusion 244 that is continuous in a spiral shape. Note that the communication portion 214 may have two or more protrusions 244. For example, the communication portion 214 may have 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.

The protrusions 244 are formed continuously along the inner periphery of the communicating portion 214, from the upstream end 242A (see Figure 27) of the inner periphery 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.

As shown in Figures 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 section 232 and the first guide section 235 in the conveying direction D5.

Specifically, the protrusion 244 is provided so 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 prevents the upstream end of the protrusion 244 in the transport direction D5 from impeding 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, 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, the appearance of the container body 201 can be more cohesive.

Here, in another embodiment of the container body 201, 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 periphery of the container body 201. This allows the container body 201 to have a more cohesive appearance than a configuration in which the protrusion 211A, the first pumping section 232, and the protrusion 244 are not continuous.

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

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

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

The gear portion 215 is attached to the container body 201 by fitting the cylindrical portion 254 around the communicating portion 214. The gear portion 215 may be formed integrally with the container body 201. In this case, the outer periphery 241 of the communicating portion 214 may be tapered.

In this way, in the container body 201 of another 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 replacing the container.

1 to 4 Image forming section 5 Optical scanning device 6 Intermediate transfer unit 7 Secondary transfer device 8 Fixing device 9 Control section 10 Operation display section 11 Paper feed tray 12 Paper discharge tray 13 Toner supply section 14 Housing 31 Opening 32 Driving section 33 Lock cover 34 Lock mechanism 35 Lock release section 71 First lever section 100 Image forming device 200 Toner container 201 Container body 202 Cap section 203 Rotating shaft 211 Storage section 212 Grip section 214 Communication section 215 Gear section 216 Opening 217 Extension section

Claims (13)

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, and rotated 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, concentric with the rotation axis, and has a cylindrical shape with 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 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. 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 7 . 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.
9. The developer storage container according to claim 7 or 8. 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 9 . 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 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. 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 11. 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: