Powder container and image forming apparatus incorporating same

摘要

A powder container includes a rotatable powder chamber for containing powder used for forming images, having an opening on a first side in an axial direction of the powder container, a conveyor to transport powder contained in the powder chamber to the first side from a second side in the axial direction, a protrusion radially projecting from an outer circumferential surface of the powder chamber, disposed in a circumferential area of the powder chamber, and a facing member disposed facing the outer circumferential surface of the powder chamber. The protrusion contacts the facing member as the powder chamber rotates.

主权项

1. A powder container comprising:
a cylindrical powder chamber for containing powder used for forming images, including an opening on a first side in an axial direction of the powder container; a conveyor disposed within the cylindrical powder chamber to transport powder contained in the cylindrical powder chamber to the first side from a second side in the axial direction; an end cover to rotatably hold the cylindrical powder chamber; and a protrusion radially projecting from an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical powder chamber at the first side, the protrusion disposed in a circumferential area of the cylindrical powder chamber, wherein the protrusion protrudes such that a radius of revolution of the protrusion is across a first facing member in a rotational direction of the powder chamber and the protrusion contacts the first facing member as the powder chamber rotates, the first facing member extends towards and faces the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical powder chamber and serves as a retainer to retain the end cover at a predetermined position, and wherein an axial end portion on the first side of the powder chamber comprises a scooping portion to scoop up powder inside the powder chamber by rotation of the powder chamber, an inner circumferential surface of the scooping portion extends inward in the powder chamber, and the protrusion projects outward from an outer circumferential surface of the scooping portion.