Title of Invention

DEVELOPER SUPPLY CONTAINER

Abstract When an inexperienced user installs/operates a developer supply container, rotary operation of the developer supply container may be insufficient for bringing it to a predetermined operational position and subsequent developer supply may not be carried out normally. The developer supply container (1) set in a developer receiver (10) is rotated toward a supply position by increasing the rotational load of a second gear (6) coupled with the drive gear member (12) of the developer receiver (10) through action of a lock member (7). After the developer supply container (1) is rotated to the supply position, locking by the lock member (7) is released so as to reduce the rotational load applied to the second gear (6), thereby facilitating subseque...
Full Text

DESCRIPTION
Developer supply container
[TECHNICAL FIELD]
The present invention relates to a developer supply container for supplying a developer into a developer receiving apparatus. Examples of the developer receiving apparatus includes an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a printer, an image forming unit detachably mountable to such an image forming apparatus -
[BACKGROUND ART]
Conventionally, a developer (toner) in the form of fine powder is used for image formation in the image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and/or printer of an electrophotographic type. In such an image forming apparatus, the developer is supplied from a developer supply container exchangeably set in the image forming apparatus with consumption of the developer.
Since the developer comprises extremely fine particles, there is a liability that developer scatters depending on the handling upon developer supply operation. Therefore, a type has been proposed

and put into practice wherein the developer supply container is installed in the image forming apparatus, and the developer is discharged gradually through a small opening.
As for such a developer supply container, many types using a cylindrical container including a feeding member for stirring and feeding the developer therein have been proposed.
For example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Hei 7-1999623 (U.S. Patent No. 5579101) discloses a developer supply container having a coupling member for driving the feeding member therein. The coupling member of the developer supply container receives a driving force by engagement with a coupling member provided in the image forming apparatus side.
After such a developer supply container is inserted and mounted to the image forming apparatus, the user rotates the developer supply container through a predetermined angle, by which the developer supply container (developer supply) becomes operable. More particularly, by the rotation of the developer supply container, an opening provided in an outer surface of the developer supply container is brought into communication with an opening provided in the image forming apparatus side, thus enabling the supply of the developer.
However, in the case of the structure of the

developer supply container of Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Hei 7-1999623 (U.S. Patent No. 5579101) , the rotating operation for the developer supply container is carried out by the user, and therefore, there is a possibility that following inconvenience may arise.
If the user is not familiar with the operation for the developer supply container, the rotating operation for the developer supply container may be insufficient, so that developer supply container does not reach a predetermined operating position, with the result of abnormal developer supply.
[DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION]
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a developer supply container having an improved operationality.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a developer supply container wherein the structure for improving the operationality is simplified.
The present invention is capable of attaining the object.
The present invention provides a developer supply container detachably mountable to a developer receiving apparatus, said developer supply container comprising an accommodating portion for accommodating

a developer; a discharging member for discharging a developer from said containing portion; a drive transmission member, engageable with a driving member of said developer receiving apparatus, for transmitting a driving force to said discharging member; suppressing means having a variable suppressing force for suppressing a relative rotation between said developer supply container and said drive transmission member.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon a consideration of the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]
Figure 1 is a sectional view illustrating a general arrangement of an image forming apparatus.
Figure 2 is a partially sectional view illustrating a structure of a developing device.
Figure 3 illustrates a developer supply container according to the present invention wherein (a) , (b) and (c) are a perspective view, a sectional view, and a side view, respectively, and (d) is perspective views of a second gear and a third gear.
Figure 4 illustrates a structure of the

developer supply container according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a sectional view of a torque generating portion, and (b) is an exploded view of the torque generating portion.
Figure 5 illustrates a developer receiving apparatus according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a perspective view.
Figure 6 illustrates an inside of a developer receiving apparatus according to the present invention wherein (a) is a perspective view showing a state when a supply opening is unsealed.
Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating a state when the development supply container is mounted to the developer receiving apparatus.
Figure 8 illustrates a state after the developer supply container is mounted to the developer receiving apparatus, wherein (a) is a perspective view, and (b) - (d) are sectional side views.
Figure 9 illustrates a state after completion of container rotation after the developer supply container according to the present invention is mounted to the developer receiving apparatus, wherein (a) is a perspective view, and (b) - (d) are sectional side views.
Figure 10 is side views of the developer supply container according to the present invention after the

mounting (a), after the completion of drive connection (b), and after completion of the rotation (c), respectively.
Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating a locking member according to the present invention.
Figure 12 shows a model for illustrating a pulling force in the present invention.
Figure 13 deals with switching of a torque load according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a perspective view illustrating a state of a large torque load, (b) is a perspective view illustrating a state of a small torque load.
Figure 14 is a perspective view of the developer supply container (a) according to the present invention, a perspective view (b) illustrating an inside of the developer receiving apparatus, a sectional view (c) illustrating a release state, and a perspective view (d) of a locking member.
Figure 15 is a perspective view illustrating a developer supply container according to the present invention.
Figure 16 is a perspective view (a) illustrating a developer supply container according to the present invention, and a side view (b).
Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating a developer supply container according to the present invention.

Figure 18 is a perspective view illustrating a developer supply container according to the present invention.
Figure 19 is a perspective view (a) and a perspective view (b) illustrating a developer supply container according to the present invention.
Figure 20 is a perspective view illustrating a developer supply container according to the present invention.
Figure 21 is a sectional side view (a) illustrating a snap fit portion according to the present invention, and a perspective view (b) thereof.
Figure 22 is a sectional side view illustrating a state of a drive connecting portion of the developer supply container, including a large gear.
Figure 23 is a perspective view (a) of the developer supply container according to the present invention, perspective view (b) illustrating a structure for load switching, and a perspective view (c) illustrating a structure for the load switching.
Figure 24 is a perspective view (a) of a developer supply container according to the present invention, a perspective view (b) of a stirring gear called locking member, a sectional side view (c) illustrating a locking state, and a sectional side view (d) illustrating an unlocking state.
Figure 2 5 is a perspective view (a) of the

developer supply container according to the present invention and a sectional side view (b) thereof.
Figure 26 is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to the present invention.
Figure 27 is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to the present invention.
Figure 28 is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to the present invention.
Figure 29 is a perspective view of a coupling member for the developer supply container.
Figure 30 is a perspective view of the developer supply container of Figure 30 as seen from a flange portion.
Figure 31 is a perspective view of a coupling portion provided in the developer reception side, wherein (a) illustrates a state where coupling phases are not aligned, and (b) illustrates a state where they are aligned.
[BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION]
Examples of a developer supply container according to the present invention will be described. Various structures of the developer supply container may be replaced with other structures having the similar functions within the spirit of invention without particular a statement otherwise. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the

structures of the developer supply container which will be described with the embodiments without a particular statement otherwise.
iEmbodiment 1]
The structure of the image forming apparatus will first be described, and then, the structure of the developer supply container will be described. (Image forming apparatus)
Referring to Figure 1, a structure of a copying machine employing an electrophotographic type process, will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus comprising a developer receiving apparatus which can be loaded with a developer supply container
(so-called toner cartridge).
In the Figure, designated by 100 is a main assembly of the electrophotographic copying machine
(main assembly of the apparatus 100). Designated by 101 is an original placed on an original supporting platen glass 102. A light image is formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member 104
(photosensitive drum) as the image bearing member in accordance with the image information through an optical portion 103 including a plurality of mirrors M and a lens Ln, so that electrostatic latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image is visualized with a developer by the developing device 201. The developer in this example is toner.

Therefore, the developer supply container accommodates the toner to be supplied. In the case of the image forming apparatus using the developer containing toner particles and carrier particles, the developer supply container may accommodate both of the toner and the carrier and may supply the mixture.
Designated by 105 - 108 are cassettes accommodating the recording materials (sheets) S. Among the cassettes 105 - 108, a proper cassette is selected on the basis of the sheet size of the original 101 or information inputted by the user on a liquid crystal operating portion of the copying machine. Here, the recording material is not limited to the sheet of paper, but may be an OHP sheet or the like.
One sheet S fed by a feeding and separating device 105A-108A is fed to the registration roller 110 through a feeding portion 109 and is then supplied in synchronism with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 104 and the scanning timing of the optical portion 103.
Designated by 111, 112 are a transfer discharger and a separation discharger. The image of the. developer formed on the photosensitive drum 104 is transferred onto the sheet S by the transfer discharger 111. The separation discharger 112 separates the sheet S having the transferred developed

image from the photosensitive drum 104.
The sheet S received by the feeding portion 113 is subj ected to the heat and the pressure in the fixing portion 114 so that developed image on the sheet is fixed, and then the sheet S is passed through the discharging/reversing portion 115 and is discharged to the discharging tray 117 by the discharging roller 116, in the case of one-sided copy formation. In the case of superimposed copy, it is fed to the registration roller 110 through re-feeding portions 119, 120, and then is discharged to the discharging tray 117 through the path similar to the case of the one-sided copy.
In the case of the duplex copy, the sheet S is partly discharged to an outside of the apparatus by the discharging roller 116 temporarily through a discharging/reversing portion 115. Thereafter, the sheet S is fed into the apparatus by controlling the flapper 118 and by reverse rotation of the discharging roller 116, at proper timing when a terminal end of the sheet S has passed the flapper 118 but is still nipped by the discharging rollers 116. After it is fed to the registration roller 110 through the re-feeding portions 119, 120, it is discharged to the discharging tray 117 through the path similar to the case of the one-sided copy.
In the structure of the main assembly of the

apparatus 100, image forming process equipment such as a developing device 201 as developing means, a cleaner portion 202 as cleaning means and a primary charger 203 as charging means are provided around the photosensitive drum 104, The cleaner portion 202 has a function of removing the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 104. The primary charger 203 is to charge uniformly the surface of the photosensitive drum to prepare for desired electrostatic image formation on the photosensitive drum 104.
The developing device will be described.
The developing device 201 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 by the optical portion 103 in accordance with the information of the original, by depositing the developer onto the electrostatic latent image. A developer supply container 1 for supplying the developer into the developing device 201 is detachably mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus 100 by the operator.
The developing device 201 comprises a developer receiving apparatus 10 for demountably mounting the developer supply container 1, and a developing device 201a, and the developing device 201a includes a developing roller 201b and a feeding member 201c. The developer supplied from the developer supply container 1 is fed to a developing roller 201b by a feeding

member 201c and then is supplied to the photosensitive drum 104 by the developing roller 201b. The developing roller 201b is contacted by a developing blade 201d for regulating an amount of developer coating on the roller and contacted by a leakage preventing sheet 201e to prevent leakage of the developer.
As shown in Figure 1, there is provided an exchange cover 15 for exchange of the developer supply container as a part of the outer casing of the copying machine, when the developer supply container 1 is mounted to or demounted from the main assembly of the apparatus 100 by the operator , the cover 15 is opened in the direction of arrow W.
(Developer receiving apparatus)
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a structure of the developer receiving apparatus 10 will be described
The developer receiving apparatus 10 comprises a containing portion 10a for demountably mounting the developer supply container 1, and a developer receiving opening 10b for receiving the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1. The developer supplied from the developer receiving opening is supplied to the developing device and is used for image formation,
There is provided a developing device shutter 11 having a semi-cylindrical configuration along the peripheral surface configurations of the developer

supply container 1 and the containing portion 10a. The developing device shutter 11 is engaged with a guide DOmion 10c provided at a lower edge of the containing portion 10a and is slidable along a circumferential direction to open and close the developer receiving opening 10b.
The guide portion 10c is formed at each of the opposite edge portions of the developer receiving opening 10b which can be unsealed by movement of the developing device shutter 11.
When the developer supply container 1 is not mounted to the containing portion 10a , the developing device shutter 11 is at a sealing position sealing the developer receiving opening 10b by contacting one end thereof to a stopper lOd provided in the developer receiving apparatus 10 to prevent the developer from flowing back from the developing device to the containing portion 10a.
When the developing device shutter 11 is unsealed, the lower end of the developer receiving opening 10b and the upper end of the developing device shutter 11 are aligned with each other with high accuracy to completely open the developer receiving opening 10b. To accomplish this, a stopper lOe is provided to regulate an end position of the unsealing movement of the developing device shutter 11.
The stopper lOe functions also as a stop

pcrrion for stopping rotation of the container body a: the position where the developer discharge opening lb is opposed to the developer receiving opening 10b. Thus, the rotation of the developer supply container engaged with the developing device shutter 11 by an opening projection which will be described hereinafter is stopped by the stopper lOe stopping the unsealing movement of the developing device shutter 11.
One longitudinal end of the containing portion 10a is provided with a drive gear member 12 as a driving member for transmitting a rotational driving force from a driving motor provided in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100. As will be described hereinafter , the drive gear member 12 applies, to the second gear 6, a rotating force in the same direction as the rotating direction of the developer supply container for unsealing the developing device shutter , thereby to drive the feeding member 4.
In addition, the drive gear member 12 is connected with a driving gear train for rotating the feeding member 201c of the developing device, the developing roller 201b, and the photosensitive drum 104. The drive gear member 12 used in this example has a module of 1 and a teeth number of 17.
(Developer Supply Container)

Next, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the structure of the developer supply container 1 in this embodiment will be described.
The container body la, as a portion of the developer supply container 1, in which developer is stored, is roughly cylindrical. The cylindrical wall of this container proper la is provided with a developer discharge opening lb, which is in the form of a slit which extends in the direction parallel to the lengthwise direction of the container body la.
It is desired that this container body lb is rigid enough to protect the developer therein and prevent the developer from leaking, before the developer supply container 1 is used for the first time, more specifically, during the shipment of the developer supply container 1. Thus, in this embodiment, the container body la is formed of polystyrene by injection molding. Incidentally, the choice of the resinous substance to be used as the material for the container body la does not need to be limited to polystyrene; other resinous substances, such as ABS, may be used.
The container body la is also provided with a handle 2, which is the portion of the container body b la, by which the developer supply container 1 is to be held by a user when the user mounts or dismounts the developer supply container 1. It is also desired that

this handle 2 be rigid to a certain degree as is the container body la. The handle 2 is formed of the same material as the material for the main structure of the container body la, and is formed by injection molding.
As for the method for fixing the handle 2 to the container body la, the handle 2 may be mechanically coupled with the container body la, or may be attached to the container body la with the' use of screws. Further, it may be fixed to the container body la by gluing or welding. All that is required of the method for fixing the handle 2 to the container body la is that the method is capable of securing the handle 2 to the container body la so that the handle 2 does not become loose or separated from the container body la when the developer supply container 1 is mounted or dismounted. In this embodiment, the handle 2 is fixed to the container body la by being mechanically coupled with the container body la.
Incidentally, the handle 2 may be structured differently from the above described one. For example, the handle 2 may be fixed to the container body la as shown in Figure 18. In this case, the developer supply container 1 is provided with gears 5 and 6, which are attached to the rear end of the container body la in > terms of the direction in which the developer supply container 1 is inserted into the main assembly of an image forming apparatus, and the handle 2 is attached

to the container body la so that only the portion of the gear 6, by which the gear 6 engages with a driving gear member 12, remains exposed. This setup may be said to be superior'to the above described one in that the drive transmitting means (gears 5 and 6) are protected by the handle 2.
In this embodiment, the handle 2 is attached to one of the lengthwise ends of the container body la. However, the developer supply container 1 may be shaped as shown in Figure 19 (a), that is, long enough to reach from one lengthwise end of the container body la to the other, and is attached to the container body la at both lengthwise ends. In this case, the developer supply container 1 is mounted into the developer receiving device 10 from above, as shown in Figure 19(b). The direction in which the developer supply container 1 is mounted into the developer receiving device 10 or dismounted therefrom is optional. All that is necessary is that it is chosen according to such factors as the apparatus structure.
The opposite end wall of the container body la (in terms of lengthwise direction of container body 1) from where the first gear is attached is provided with an opening 1c through which the container body la is filled with developer. This opening lc is sealed with a sealing member (unshown) or the like after the filling of the container body la with developer.

Further, the developer discharge opening lb is positioned so that when the developer supply container 1 is in its operative position, into which the developer supply container 1 is rotated by being rotated by a preset angle (position in which developer supply container is after completion of operation for setting developer supply container), the developer discharging opening lb faces roughly sideways, as will be described later. By the way, the developer supply container is structured so that it is to be mounted into the developer receiving device, with the developer discharge opening lb facing roughly upward. (Container Shutter)
Next, the container shutter will be described.
Referring to Figure 3(a), the developer supply container 1 is provided with a container shutter 3, the curvature of which roughly matches that of the cylindrical wall of the developer supply container 1, and the developer discharge opening lb remains covered with this container shutter 3. The container shutter 3 is in engagement with a pair of guide portions Id with which the lengthwise ends of the container body la are provided one for one. Not only does the guide portion Id guide the container shutter 3 when the container shutter 3 slides in the direction to be opened or closed, but also, prevent the container shutter 3 from dislodging from the container body la.

In order 10 prevent the developer frem leaking fro™ the developer supply container 1, it is desired •char the area of the surface of the container shutter 3, which opposes the developer discharge opening lb when the container shutter 3 is in the closed position, is provided with a sealing member (unshown). Instead, the area of the cylindrical wall of the container body la, which is next to the developer discharge opening lb, may be provided with a sealing member. Obviously, both the container shutter 3 and container body la may be provided with a sealing member. In this embodiment, however, only the container body la is provided with the sealing member.
Further, instead of providing the developer supply container 1 with a container shutter, such as the container shutter 3 in this embodiment, the developer discharge opening lb may be hermetically sealed by welding a piece of sealing film formed of resin, to the area of the wall of the container body la, which surrounds the developer discharge opening lb. In this case, this sealing film is peeled away to unseal the developer discharge opening lb (developer supply container 1).
In the case of this structural arrangement, however, it is possible that when a developer supply container 1, which has become depleted of developer, is replaced, a small amount of developer which is

still regaining in the developer supply container 1 will corr.e out of the developer discharge opening lb and scatter. Therefore, it is desired to provide the developer supply container 1 with the container shutter 3, as in this embodiment, so that the developer discharge opening lb can be resealed.
Needless to say, there are various developer supply containers, which are different in the shape of the developer discharge opening lb, developer capacity, etc. Therefore, if there is the possibility that because of the unusual shape of the developer discharge opening lb, large developer capacity, etc., the developer will leak before the developer supply container 1 is used for supplying an image forming apparatus with developer, more specifically, while the developer supply container 1 is shipped, the developer supply container 1 may be provided with both the sealing film and container shutter described above, in order to ensure that the developer discharge opening lb remains satisfactorily sealed. (Conveying Member)
Next, the conveying member mounted in the developer supply container 1 will be described.
The developer supply container 1 is provided with a conveying member 4 , which is located in the hollow of the container body la. The conveying member 4 is a discharging member which is rotated for

conveying, while stirring, the developer in the container body la, upward toward the developer discharge opening lb from the bottom portion of the container body la. Referring to Figure 3(b), the conveying member 4 is made up of primarily a stirring shaft 4a and stirring wing 4b.
The stirring shaft 4a is rotatably supported by the container body la, at one of its lengthwise ends, so that it is virtually impossible for the stirring shaft 4a to move in its lengthwise direction. The other lengthwise end of the stirring shaft 4a is connected to the first gear 5 so that the stirring shaft 4a and gear 5 are coaxial. More concretely, the other lengthwise end of the stirring shaft 4a and the first gear 5 are connected to each other by fitting the shaft portion of the first gear 5 into the receptacle-like recess with which the lengthwise end of the stirring shaft 4a is provided. Further, in order to prevent the developer from leaking through the gap next to the circumferential surface of the shaft portion of the first gear 5, this portion of the shaft portion of the first gear 5 is fitted with a sealing member.
Incidentally, instead of directly connecting the first gear 5 to the stirring shaft 4a, the two may be indirectly connected to each other, with the placement of another member capable of transmitting

driving force from the first gear 5 to the stirring shaft 4a.
It is possible that the developer in the developer supply container 1 will agglomerate and solidify. Thus, it is desired that the stirring shaft 4a is rigid enough to loosen the agglomerated developer to convey the developer, even if the developer in the developer supply container 1 agglomerates and solidifies. Further, it is desired that the stirring shaft 4a be as small as possible in its friction relative to the container body la. In this embodiment, therefore, polystyrene is employed as the material for the stirring shaft 4a, from the standpoint of the above described desires. Of course, the material for the stirring shaft 4a does not need to be limited to polystyrene; other substances, such as polyacetal, may be employed.
The stirring wing 4b is firmly secured to the stirring shaft 4a. It is for conveying the developer in the developer supply container 1 toward the developer discharge opening lb, while stirring the developer, as the stirring shaft 4a is rotated. In order to minimize the amount of the developer which cannot be discharged from the developer supply container 1, the dimension of the stirring wing 4b, in terms of the radius direction of the developer supply container 1, is rendered large enough for a proper

artcunt of contact pressure to be generated between the edge of the stirring wing 4b and the internal surface of the developer supply container 1 as the former slides on the latter.
Referring to Figure 3(b), the leading end portions (portions a in Figure 3 (b)) of the stirring wing 4b is formed roughly in the shape of letter L. Thus, as the conveying member 4 is rotated, these portions a fall slightly behind the rest of the conveying member 4, nudging thereby the developer toward the developer discharge opening lb. In other words, the conveying member 4 also has the function of conveying the developer toward the developer discharge opening lb using these roughly L-shaped portions. In this embodiment, the stirring wing 4b is formed of a sheet of polyester. Needless to say, the material for the stirring wings 4b does not need to be limited to a sheet of polyester; other resinous substances may be employed, as long as a sheet formed of a selected substance is flexible.
The structure of the conveying member 4 does not need to be limited to the above described one, as long as the conveying member 4 can fulfil its required function of conveying the developer to discharge the developer from the developer supply container 1 by being rotated; various structures may be employed. For example, the above described conveying member 4 may be

r.odified m :he material, shape, etc., of the stirring wing 4b. Further, a conveying mechanism different from the above described one may be employed. In this embodiment, the first gear 5 and conveying member 4 are two components which are independently formed each other, and are integrated into a single piece by being coupled with each other. However, the first gear 5 and the stirring shaft 4a may be integrally molded of resin.
(Mechanism for Opening or Closing Developer Container Shutter)
Next, the mechanism for opening or closing the developer container shutter will be described.
Referring to Figure 3 (c), the container body la is provided with an unsealing projection le and a sealing projection If, which are for moving the developing device shutter 11. The unsealing and sealing projections le and If are on the circumferential surface of the container body la.
The unsealing projection le is a projection for pressing down the developing device shutter 11 (Figure 6) to unseal the developer receiving opening 10b (Figure 6) during the setup operation (which is for rotating developer supply container into operative position (replenishment position) by rotating developer supply container by preset angle) which is carried out after the mounting of the developer supply

container 1 into the developer receiving device 10 (image forming apparatus).
The sealing projection If is for pushing up the developing device shutter 11 (Figure 6) to seal the developer receiving opening 10b (Figure 6) during the developer supply container removal operation (which is for reversely rotating developer supply container by preset angle from its operative position (replenishment position) to position into which developer supply container is mountable, or from which developer supply container is dismountable)-
In order to cause the developing device shutter 11 to be opened or closed by the operation for rotating the developer supply container 1, the positional relationship between the unsealing projection le and sealing projection If are set as follows:
That is, they are positioned so that when the developer supply container 1 is in the proper position in the developer receiving device 10 (Figure 6), the unsealing projection le is on the upstream side of the developing device shutter 11 in terms of the direction in which the developing device shutter 11 is opened, and the sealing projection If is on the downstream side.
In this embodiment, the developer supply container 1 and developer receiving device 10 are

structured so that the developing device shutter 11 is ccened or closed with the use of the unsealing projection le and sealing projection llf. However, they may be structured as shown in Figure 21.
More concretely,, the container body la is provided with a snap-fitting claw Ik, which is a hook (which moves with developing device shutter 11) which can be engaged with, or disengaged from, the developing device shutter 11. The snap-fitting claw Ik is on the outward circumferential surface of the container body la (it is the same in position as unsealing projection le).
To describe in more detail, the developer supply container 1 and developer receiving device 10 are structured so that this snap-fitting claw Ik snaps into the engaging portion (recess) of the developing device shutter 11 from above, and as the container body la is rotated, the snap-fitting claw Ik presses down, or pulls up, the developing device shutter 11 engaged therewith, to open, or close, the developing device shutter 11. The connective portion 11a of the developing device shutter 11, which engages with the snap-fitting claw Ik, matches in shape to the snap-fitting claw Ik so that two sides properly engage with each other.
Further, the developer supply container 1 and developer receiving device 10 are structured so that

once r.ne Developing device snutter -- is pullea up by "he roiarion of the container body la by a distance large enough to satisfactorily reseal the developer discharge opening lb, the developing device shutter 11 cannot be rotated further, as will be described later. If the developer supply container 1 is further rotated after the developing device shutter 11 has reached the location at which it can keep the developer discharge opening lb satisfactorily sealed, the snap-fitting claw portion Ik becomes disengaged from the developing device shutter 11, and therefore, the developer supply container 1 allowed to rotate relative to the developing device shutter 11, causing the developer discharge opening lb to be resealed. As described above, the snap-fitting claw portion Ik is adjusted in resiliency so that it is allowed to become disconnected from the developing device shutter 11. (Drive Transmitting Means)
Next, the structure of the drive transmitting means for transmitting the rotational driving force received from the developer receiving device 10, to the conveying member 4, will be described.
The developer receiving device 10 is provided with a driving gear member 12, which is a driving member for providing the developer supply container 1 with rotational force.
On the other hand, the developer supply

container 1 is provided with a drive transmitting r.eans, which engages with the driving gear member 12 and transmits to the conveying member 4 the rotational driving force received from the driving gear member 12.
In this embodiment, the drive transmitting means has a gear train, the rotational shaft of each of the gears of which is directly and rotatably supported by the walls of the developer supply container 1, as will be described later.
Also in this embodiment, after the mounting of the developer supply container 1, the developer supply container 1 is to be rotated by the preset angle into its operative position (replenishment position), with the use of the handle 2. Prior to this setup operation, the drive transmitting means and driving gear member 12 are not in engagement with each other (disengaged state); there is a certain amount of distance between the two in terms of the circumferential direction of the developer supply container 1. Then, as the developer supply container 1 is rotated with the use of the handle 2, the drive transmitting means and the driving gear member 12 meet and engage with each other (engaged state).
More concretely, the first gear 5 (driving force relaying member), as the drive transmitting means, which is in connection with the conveying member 4, is supported by its shaft portion by one of

rhe lengthwise ends of the container body la so that the first gear 5 is rotatable about the rotational axis (approximate rotational axis) of the developer supply container 1. The first gear 5 is coaxially rotatable with the conveying member 4.
The first gear 5 is attached so that its rotational axis roughly coincides with the rotational axis of the developer supply container 1, about which the developer supply container 1 is rotated by the preset angle during the setup operation.
The second gear 6 (driving force transmitting member, or driving force transmitting eccentric member), as a part of the drive transmitting means, is attached to the container body la by a shaft so that the second gear 6 is orbitally rotated about the rotational axis of the developer supply container 1. The second gear 6 is attached to the container body la so that it can be engaged with the driving gear member 12 of the developer receiving device 10 to receive rotational driving force from the driving gear member 12. Further, the second gear 6 is structured as a step gear, as shown in Figure 3(d). That is, the second gear 6 is provided with a third gear 61, which meshes with the first gear 5, so that it can transmit rotational driving force to the first gear 5.
The second gear 6 and driving gear member 12 mesh with each other so that as the second gear 6 is

driven by zhe driving gear member 12 in the opposite direction from the direction in which the container body la is rotated in the setup operation, the second gear 6 rotates in the same direction as the direction in which the container body la is rotated in the setup operation.
Incidentally, the direction in which the container body la is rotated in the setup operation is the same as the direction in which the developing device shutter 11 is rotated to unseal the developer discharge opening lb.
As described above, as rotational driving force is inputted from the driving gear member 12 to the second gear 6, the third gear 6', which is an integral part of the second gear 6, and the first gear 5 which is in mesh with the second gear 6 and drivable by the second gear 6, rotate, whereby the conveying member 4 in the container body la is rotated.
As described before, immediately after the mounting of the developer supply container 1 into the developer receiving device 10, there is a certain amount of distance between the second gear 6 and the driving gear member 12 of the developer receiving device 10, in terms of the circumferential direction of the container body la.
Then, as the operation for rotating the developer supply container 1 is carried out by a user,

~he second gear 6 becomes engaged with the driving gear member 12, being readied to be driven by the driving gear member 12. At this point in the operation, there is no passage between the developer discharge opening lb and developer receiving opening 10b (developing device shutter 11 remains closed).
Thereafter, driving force is inputted into the driving gear member 12 of the developer receiving device 10, as will be described later.
As described above, the position of the second gear 6 relative to the developer supply container 1 (relative to unsealing projection le or developer discharge opening lb), in terms of the circumferential direction of the container body la is adjusted so that the second gear 6 and driving gear member 12 begin to mesh with each other at the abovementioned time to transmit driving force. Therefore, the second gear 6 and first gear 5 are attached to the container body la so that they are different in the position of their rotational axes.
In this embodiment, the container body la is a hollow cylinder. Therefore, the rotational axis of the conveying member 4 and that of the container body la coincide (roughly), and the rotational axis of the first gear 5 which is in direct connection with the conveying member 4 coincides (roughly) with the rotational axis of the container body la, whereas the

rotational axis of the second gear 6 is deviated from that of the first gear 5 so that as the developer supply container 1 is rotated, the second gear 6 orbitaily rotates about the rotational axis of the first gear 5 and meshes with the driving gear member 12 of the developer receiving device 10. Thus, the rotational axis of the second gear 6 is offset from the rotational axis of the container body la.
Incidentally, the rotational axis of the conveying member 4 may be offset from that of the rotational axis of the container body la. For example, the rotational axis of the conveying member 4 may be offset toward the developer discharge opening lb (in diameter direction). In this case, it is desired that the first gear 5 is reduced in diameter, and is attached by its rotational shaft to the portion of the container body la, which is different from the portion of the container body la, which coincides with the rotational axis of the container body la. Otherwise, the structure arrangement may be the same as the preceding structural arrangement.
Further, if the rotational axis of the conveying member 4 is offset from the rotational axis of the container body la, the drive transmitting means may be made up of the second gear 6 alone, that is, without the first gear 5. In such a case, the second gear 6 is supported by a shaft attached to the portion


of 'he container body la, which is offset from the rotational axis of the container body la. Also in such a case, the second gear 6 is connected to the conveying member 4 so that it coaxially rotates with the conveying member 4.
Also in such a case, the rotational direction of the conveying member 4 is opposite to that in the preceding example described above. That is, the developer is conveyed downward toward the developer discharge opening lb from the top portion of the container body la. Therefore, the conveying member to be used in this setup is desired to have such a function that it lifts the developer in the container body la upward by rotating about its own axis, and then, guides the body of developer, which it has lifted, toward the developer discharge opening lb, which is at a lower level than the level at which the lifted body of developer is.
It is desired that the first and second gears 5 and 6 have the function of satisfactorily transmitting the driving force transmitted thereto from the developer receiving device 10. In this embodiment, polyacetal is employed as their material, and they are made by injection molding.
To describe in more detail, the first gear 5 is 0.5 in module, 60 in tooth count, and 30 mm in diameter. The second gear 6 is 1 in module, 20 in

teeth count:, and 2 0 mm in diameter. The third gear 6' is 0.5 in module, 20 in tooth count, and 10 mm in diameter. The rotational axis of the second gear 6 and the rotational axis of the third gear are offset by 20 mm from the rotational axis of the first gear in the diameter direction of the first gear.
Incidentally, all that is necessary here is that the module, tooth count, and diameter of each of these gears are set in consideration of their performance in terms of driving force transmission. In other words, they do not need to be limited to those described above.
For example, the diameters of the first and second gears 5 and 6 may be 20 mm and 40 mm, respective, as shown in Figure 15. In this case, however, the points of the container body la, in terms of the circumferential direction of the container body la, to which they are attached, need to be adjusted so that the operation for setting up the developer supply container 1, which will be described later, can be satisfactorily carried out.
In the case of the above described modified version of this embodiment, the speed at which the developer is discharged from the developer supply container 1 (rotational speed of conveying member) is higher (rotational speed of driving gear member 12 of developer receiving device 10 remains the same) than

that in "his embodiment, because of the change in gear ratio. Further, it is possible that the amount of torque necessary to convey the developer while stirring the developer is higher than that in this embodiment. Therefore, it is desired that the gear ratio is set in consideration of the type (difference in specific weight, for example, which is affected by whether developer is magnetic or nonmagnetic) of the developer in the developer supply container 1, amount by which developer supply container 1 is filled with developer, etc., as well as the amount of the output of the driving motor.
If it is desired to further increase the developer discharge speed (rotational speed of conveying member), all that is necessary is to reduce the diameter of the first gear 5 and/or increase the . diameter of the second gear 6. On the other hand, if the torque is the primary concern, all that is necessary is to increase the diameter of the first gear 5 and/or reduce the diameter of the second gear 6 In other words, the diameters of the first and second gears 5 and 6 may be selected according to the desired specifications.
Incidentally, in this embodiment, the developer supply container 1 is structured so that if the developer supply container 1 is viewed from the direction parallel to its lengthwise direction, the

second: gear 6 partially protrudes beyond the outer circumferer.ee of the container body la, as shown in Figure 3. However, the developer supply container 1 may be structured to position the second gear 6 so that the second gear 6 does not protrude beyond the outer circumference of the container body la. This structural arrangement is superior to the structural arrangement in this embodiment, in terms of how efficiently and securely the developer supply container 1 can be packaged. Therefore, this structural arrangement can reduce the probability with which an accident such as the developer supply container 1 is damaged because the package which contains the developer supply container 1 is accidentally dropped during shipment or in the like situation, occurs. (Method for Assembling Developer Supply Container)
The method for assembling the developer supply container 1 in this embodiment is as follows: First, the conveying member 4 is inserted into the container body la. Then, after the first gear 5 and container shutter 3 are attached to the container body la, the second gear 6, and the third gear 61 which is integral with the second gear 6, are attached to the container body la. Thereafter, developer is filled into the container body la through the developer filling opening lc, and the developer filling opening lc is

sealed wi~h "he sealing member. Lastly, the handle 2
The above described order in which the operation for filling the developer into the container body la, and the operations for attaching the second gear 6, container shutter 3, and handle 2, are carried cur, is optional; it may be changed for the ease of assembly.
Incidentally, in this embodiment, a hollow cylinder which is 50 mm in internal diameter and 320 mm in length, is used as the container body la, and therefore, the container body la is roughly 60 cc in volumetric capacity. Further, the amount of the developer filled into the developer supply container 1 is 300 g. (Torque Generating Mechanism)
Next, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the torque generating mechanism as the suppressing means for rotating the developer supply container 1 toward its operative position (refilling position) using the above described drive transmitting means, will be described.
In this embodiment, for structural simplification, the drive transmitting means for transmitting rotational driving force to the conveying means is used as the mechanism for automatically rotating the developer supply container 1 toward its

That is, in this embodiment, the drive "transmitting means is utilized to generate the force for pulling the container body la to automatically rotate the container body la toward its operative position-More concretely, the rotational load (which hereafter will be referred to as torque) of the second gear 6 relative to the container body la is increased by increasing the rotational load of the first gear 5 relative to the container body la.
Therefore, as the driving force from the driving gear member 12 is inputted into the second gear 6, which is in mesh with the driving gear member 12, rotational force is generated in the container body la, because the second gear 6 is in the state in which it is prevented (restrained) from rotating relative to the container body la. As a result, the container body la automatically rotates toward its operative position.
That is, in order to automatically rotate the developer supply container 1, the second gear 6 is kept under the suppressive force from the torque generating mechanism so that the drive transmitting means and developer supply container 1 are prevented (restrained) from rotating relative to each other. In other words, the second gear 6 is kept in the state in

wr. ich the roraiicnal load of the drive transmitting means relative ro the developer supply container 1 is greater ihan the amount of force necessary to automatically rotate the developer supply container 1.
Incidentally, although, hereafter, the structural arrangement for making the torque generating mechanism on the first gear 5 will be described, the same structural arrangement may be used to make the torque generating mechanism act on the second gear 6.
Referring to Figure 4, the first gear 5 is provided with a locking member 9, as a suppressing means (means for increasing rotational load), which is in the form of a ring and is fitted in the groove with which the peripheral surface 5c of the first gear 5 is provided. The locking member 9 is enabled to rotate relative to the first gear 5 about the rotational axis of the first gear 5. The entirety of the outer circumferential portion of the locking member 9 constitutes a hooking (catching) portion 9a, which is made up of multiple teeth like the teeth of a saw.
There is a ring 14 (so-called O-ring) as the suppressing means (rotational load increasing means), between the outer circumferential surface 5c of the shaft portion of the first gear 5 and the inner circumferential surface 9b of the locking member 9. The ring 14 is kept in the compressed state. Further,

~he ring 14 is secured to the outer circumferential surface 5 c of the first gear 5. Therefore, as the locking member 9 is rotated relative to "he first gear 5, torque is generated due to the presence of friction between the inner circumferential surface 9b of the locking member 9 and the compressed ring 14. This is how the torque is generated.
Incidentally, in this embodiment, the saw-toothed catching portion 9a makes up the entirety of the outer circumferential portion of the locking member 9 in terms of its circumferential direction. In principle, the catching portion 9a may make up only a part of the outer circumferential portion of the locking member 9. Further, the catching portion 9a may be in the form of a projection or a recess.
It is desired that an elastic substance, such as rubber, felt, foamed substance, urethane rubber, elastomer, etc., which is elastic, is used as the material for the ring 14. In this embodiment, silicon rubber is used. Further, a member which is not in the form of a full ring, that is, a member which appears as if it were formed by removing a part from a full ring, may be employed in place of the ring 14.
In this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface 5c of the first gear 5 is provided with a groove 5b, and the ring 14 is secured to the first gear 5 by being fitted in the groove 5b. However, the

me~hod for securing the ring 14 does not need to be limited re rhe method used in this embodiment. For example, rhe ring 14 may be secured to the locking member 9 instead of the first gear 5. In such a case, the outer circumferential surface 5c of the first gear 5 and the inner surface of the ring 14 slide relative to each other, and the friction between the two surfaces generates the torque. Further, the ring 14 and first gear 5 may be two portions of a single component integrally formed by so-called two color injection molding.
Referring to Figure 3 (c), the container body la is provided with a shaft lh which protrudes from the end surface of the container body la, which is on the side where the abovementioned gears are. A locking member 7 as a suppressing means (rotational load increasing means) for regulating the rotation of the locking member 9 is fitted around the shaft lh as the locking member supporting member so that the locking member 7 is displaceable. Referring to Figure 11, the locking member 7 is made up of a locking member disengaging portion 7a and a locking member engaging portion 7b. Incidentally, the locking member 7 functions as the means for changing (switching) the rotational load of the second gear 6 relative to the container body la. This function will be described later in detail. That is, the locking member 7 also

f cr. "ior.s as the leans for changing the amount of force which suppresses the rotation of the developer supply container 1 relative to the drive transmitting means.
Next, referring to Figures 13(a) and 13(b), the relationship between the locking member 7 and locking member 9 will be described.
Referring to Figure 13 (a), while the engaging portion 7b is in engagement with the catching portion 9a of the locking member 9, the locking member 9 is prevented from rotating relative to the container body la. Thus, if driving force is inputted into the first gear 5 from the driving gear member 12 through the second gear 6 while these components are in the state shown in Figure 13 (a), the rotational load (torque) of the first gear 5 is greater, because the ring 14 remains compressed between the inner circumferential surface 9b of the locking member 9 and the shaft portion of the first gear 5.
On the other hand, referring to Figure 13(b), while the engaging portion 7b is not in engagement with the catching portion 9a of the locking member 9, the locking member 9 is not prevented from rotating relative to the container body la. Thus, if driving force is inputted into the first gear 5 from the driving gear member 12 through the second gear 6 while these components are in the state shown in Figure

12 .b! r the locking r.ember 9 roiaies with the first gear 5. Ir. other words, the amount by which the roraclonal load of the first gear 5 is increased by the locking member 9 and ring 14 is cancelled, and therefore, the rotational load (torque) of the first gear 5 is sufficiently smaller to allow the locking member 9 to rotate with the first gear 5.
incidentally, in this embodiment, the torque is generated by increasing the friction between the first gear 5 and locking member 9 by sandwiching the ring 14 between the first gear 5 and locking member 9. However, the friction between the first gear 5 and locking member 9 may be increased with the employment of the structural arrangement other than the structural arrangement used in this embodiment. For example, a structural arrangement which uses the magnetic attraction (magnetic force) between the magnetic S and N poles, a structural arrangement which uses the changes in the internal and external diameters of a spring, which occur as the spring is twisted, or the like, may be employed. (Mechanism for Switching Rotational Load)
Next, the mechanism for switching the rotational load of the drive transmitting means relative to the developer supply container 1 will be described.
The first gear 5 is provided with a

di ^engagement projection 5a (Figures 4, 9, etc.) as an unlocking portion, which protrudes from the end surface of the first gear 5. The disengagement projection 5a is structured so that as the first gear 5 rotates relative to the developer supply container 1 while the developer supply container 1 is in the operative position (refilling position), it collides
with the disengaging portion 7a of the locking member
7 .
That is, as the first gear 5 rotates, the disengagement projection 5a pushes up the disengaging portion 7a, causing the engaging portion 7b to disengage from the catching portion 9a of the locking member 9. In other words, the disengagement projection 5a has the function of instantly dissolving the state in which the first gear 5 is under the rotational load.
That is, the state in which the drive transmitting means is prevented (restrained) from rotating relative to the developer supply container 1 after the automatic rotation of the developer supply container 1 is dissolved. In other words, the rotational load borne by the drive transmitting means relative to the developer supply container 1 is sufficiently reduced.
As described above, the torque generating mechanism in this embodiment does not completely lock the first gear 5, that is, does not completely prevent

the firs" gear 5 from rotating relative tc the container body la. Rather, it increases the rotational load to such an amount that allows the first gear 5 to rotate relative to the developer supply container 1 once the operation for rotating the developer supply container 1 into its operative position is completed.
Incidentally, in this embodiment, the locking members 7 and 9 are disengaged from each other so that the rotational load which the torque generating mechanism generates is cancelled. However, all that is necessary is that after the disengagement, the amount of the rotational load is smaller than at least the amount of the rotational load necessary to automatically rotate the developer supply container 1.
Also in this embodiment, the first gear 5 is provided with the disengagement projection 5a for disengaging the locking member 9 from the locking member 7. However, the disengaging mechanism may be structured as shown in Figure 14(c).
More concretely, the developer receiving device 10 is provided with a disengagement projection lOf, which is attached to such a portion of the developer receiving device 10 that after the rotation of the developer supply container 1 into its operative position, the disengagement projection lOf is in the position in which it acts on (disengages) the disengaging portion 7a of the locking member 7.

Ihaz ;s, at the same rime as the rotation of *he container body la causes the developer discharge opening lb and developer receiving opening 10b to align with each other, the disengaging portion 7a of the locking member 7 collides with the disengagement projeerion lOf of the developer receiving device 10, and is pushed in the direction indicated by an arrow nark B. As a result, the first gear 5 is released from the rotational load.
However, in the case of a modification of this embodiment such as the above described one, the timing with which the developer discharge opening lb becomes aligned with the developer receiving opening 10b sometime does not synchronize with the timing with which the disengaging portion 7a of the locking member 7 becomes disengaged, for the following reason. That is, there are errors in the measurements and positioning of the various components of the developer supply container 1 and developer receiving device 10, and therefore, it is possible that the two timings do not synchronize. Thus, in the case of a modification of this embodiment, such as the above described one, it is possible that the locking member 7 is disengaged before the developer discharge opening lb completely aligns with the developer receiving opening 10b. Therefore, the structural arrangement in this embodiment, which is less likely to allow the above

described problem TIC occur, is preferable.
Operation. for Setting up Developer Supply Container)
Next, referring to Figures 7-9, the operation for setting up the developer supply container 1 will be described. Figures 8(b) and 9(b) are sectional views of the developer supply container 1 and developer receiving device 10, which are for describing the relationship among the developer discharge opening lb, developer receiving opening 10b, and developing device shutter 11. Figures 8 (c) and 9(c) are sectional views of the developer supply container 1 and developer receiving device 10, which are for describing the relationship among the driving gear member 12, first gear 5, and second gear 6. Figures 8(d) and 9(d) are sectional views of the developer supply container 1 and developer receiving device 10, which are for describing primarily the relationship among the developing device shutter 11 and the portions of the container body la, which move with the developing device shutter 11.
The abovementioned operation for setting up the developer supply container 1 is the operation for rotating the developer supply container 1, which is in its mounting and dismounting position in the developer receiving device 10, by the preset angle in order to rotate the developer supply container 1 into its operative position. The abovementioned mounting and

.^isrttuntinq oosirion is the position in the develooer receiving device 10, into which the developer supply container 10 is mountable, and from which the developer supply container 1 is removable from the developer receiving device 10. Further, the operative position means the refilling position (set position), or the position which enables the developer supply container 1 to carrying out the operation for refilling the developing device with developer (operation for discharging developer into developer receiving device 10). As the developer supply container 1 is rotated slightly from the abovementioned mounting and dismounting position, a locking mechanism is activated to preventing developer supply container 1 from being removed from the developer receiving device 10; once the developer supply container 1 is rotated beyond this point, the developer supply container 1 cannot be removed from the developer receiving device 10. In other words, while the developer supply container 1 is in the abovementioned operative position, the developer supply container 1 cannot be removed from the developer receiving device 10.
Next, the steps in the operation for setting up the developer supply container 1 will be sequentially described.
(1) A user is to open the cover 15 for the

Eve leper receiving device 10, and insert the developer supply container 1 into the develooer receiving device 10 in the direction indicated by an arrow mark A in Figure 8(a), through the opening of the developer receiving device 10, which was exposed by the opening of the cover 15. In this step, there is a certain amount of distance between the driving gear member 12 of the developer receiving device 10 and the second gear 6 of the developer supply container 1, making it impossible for driving force to be transmitted from the driving gear member 12 to the second gear 6, as shown in Figure 8(c).
(2) After the mounting of the developer supply container 1 into the developer receiving device 10, the user is to rotate the handle 2 in the direction iopposite direction from rotation direction of conveying member) indicated by an arrow mark B in Figures 8(b), 8(c), and 8(d). As the handle 2 is rotated, the developer supply container 1 becomes connected to the developer receiving device 10 so that the driving force can be transmitted from the developer receiving device 10 to the developer supply container 1.
To describe in more detail, as the container body la rotates, the second gear 6 orbitally rotates about the rotational axis of the developer supply container 1 (which coincides with rotational axis of

Typeying merrier), and engages with the driving gear member 12, making it possible for the driving force to be transmitted from the driving gear member 12 to the second gear 6 after this point in time of engagement between the driving gear member 12 and second gear 6.
Figure 10(b) shows the developer supply container 1 which has been rotated by the preset angle by the user. When the developer supply container 1 is in the condition shown in Figure 10 (b), the developer discharge opening lb is practically entirely covered with the container shutter 3 (leading edge of developer discharge opening lb is opposing container shutter stopper portion lOd of developer receiving device 10) . The developer receiving device 10b is also completely closed by the developing device shutter 11, making it impossible for the developer receiving device 10 from being supplied with developer.
(3) The user is to close the cover 15 for exchanging the developer supply container 1.
(4) As the cover 15 is closed, the driving force from the driving motor is inputted into the driving gear member 12.
As the driving force is inputted into the driving gear member 12, the developer supply container 1 automatically rotates toward its operative position (refilling position), because the rotational load of the second gear 6 which is in mesh with the driving

member 12 is reign kept at a higher level by the ::rque generating mechanism through the first gear 5.
In "his embodiment, incidentally, the amount cf the rotational force which is generated in the developer supply container 1 using the drive transmitting means is set to be greater than the amount of the rotational resistance (friction) which the developer supply container 1 receives from the developer receiving device 10. Therefore, the developer supply container 1 automatically and properly rotates.
Further, in this step, the operation for rotating the developer supply container 1 and the operation for opening the developing device shutter 11 are coordinately carried out by the unsealing projection le. More concretely, as the container body la is rotated, the developing device shutter 11 is pushed down by the unsealing projection le of the developer supply container 1, being thereby slid in the direction to unseal the developer receiving opening 10b. As a result, the developer receiving opening 10b is unsealed (Figure 8(d) - 9(d)).
On the other hand, the unsealing movement of the developing device shutter 11, which is caused by the rotation of the container body la, the container shutter 3 collides with the engaging portion of the developer receiving device 10, being thereby

revert are from rotating further. As a result, the developer discharge opening lb is unsealed.
As a result, the developer discharge opening lb, which has become exposed due to the movement of the container shutter 3, directly opposes the developer receiving opening 10b, which has become exposed due to the movement of the developing device shutter 11; the developer discharge opening lb and developer receiving opening 10b become connected to each other (8(b) - 9(b)).
The developing device shutter 11 stops (Figure 10(c)) as it collides with the stopper lOe (Figure 9(b)) for regulating the developing device shutter 11 in terms of the point at which the unsealing movement of the developing device shutter 11 is ended. Therefore, the bottom edge of the developer receiving opening 10b precisely aligns with the top edge of the developing device shutter 11. Incidentally, the automatic rotation of the developer supply container 1 ends in coordination with the ending of the unsealing movement of the developing device shutter 11 which is in connection to the developer supply container 1.
Incidentally, in this embodiment, in order to ensure that the developer discharge opening lb becomes precisely aligned with the developer receiving opening 10b at the exact point in time when the developer supply container 1 reaches its operative position, the

of the developer discharge opening lb relative to the container body la is adjusted (in terms of the circumferential direction of the container body la).
(5) The process of inputting driving force into the driving gear member 12 is continued. In this step, the developer supply container 1, which is in its operative position, is prevented from rotating further, through the developing device shutter 11. Thus, as the driving force is inputted to the driving gear member 12, the first gear 5 begins to rotate, against the rotational load generated by the torque generating mechanism, relative to the developer supply container 1, which is prevented from rotating. As a result, the disengagement projection 5a of the first gear 5 collides with the disengaging portion 7a of the locking member 7 (Figure 10(d)). Then, as the first gear 5 rotates further, the disengagement projection 5a pushes up the disengagement portion 7a in the direction indicated by an arrow mark A (Figure 10(e)). As a result, the engaging portion 7b of the locking member 7 becomes disengaged (unhooked) from the catching portion 9a of the locking member 9 (Figure 13(b)).
As a result, the rotational load which has been borne by the first gear 5 becomes substantially small.

Thus, the amount of force required :c rotate the drive transmitting means (first - third gears) by the developer receiving device 10 (driving gear member 12} in the immediately following process, that is, the process for supplying the developer receiving device 1C with developer, is small. Therefore, the driving gear member 12 is not subjected to a large amount of rotational load, and therefore, can reliably transmit driving force.
Also in this embodiment, the developer supply container 1 and developer receiving device 10 are structured so that a certain length of time is provided between when the automatic rotation of the developer supply container 1, which aligns the developer discharge opening lb with the developer receiving opening 10b, ends, and when the rotational load borne by the first gear 5 is removed. In other words, it is ensured that the developer discharge opening lb and developer receiving opening 10b are properly aligned with each other.
Incidentally, if the rotational load applied to the drive transmitting means is not changed (switched), that is, maintained at the same level, it is possible that the following problems will occur. Therefore, the structural arrangement in this embodiment, which changes (switches) the rotational load, is preferable.

That is, in "he case of the structural arrangers", in which the amount of the rotational load is kept ai the same level, the first gear 5 remains under the influence of the torque generating mechanism for a long time even after the developer discharge opening lb aligns with the developer receiving opening 10b and the rotation of* the developer supply container 1 ends. Therefore, the rotational load continuously applies to the driving gear member 12 through the second gear 6, possibly affecting the durability of the driving gear member 12 reliability of the driving gear member 12 in terms of driving force transmission, etc. It is also possible thar the ring 14 will be excessively heated by the rotational friction, which lasts a substantial length of time, and this heat will deteriorate the drive transmitting means, and the developer in the developer supply container 1.
In comparison, in the case of the structural arrangement in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of the electric power which is required to drive the drive transmitting means by the developer receiving device 10. Further, it is unnecessary to increase in strength and durability of the components, for example, the driving gear member 12 to begin with, of the gear train of the developer receiving device 10 beyond the ordinary levels.

7 - -■:■ •== f :re, ;:.:s er^codiment can contribute to the cost recucticn for one developer receiving device 10, and also, can prevent the drive transmitting means and developer from being thermally deteriorated.
As described above, in this embodiment, the operation for properly positioning the developer supply container 1 to carrying out the process of supplying zhe developer receiving device 10 with developer is automated with the use of the simple structure and operation, that is, the structure and operation in which the driving force is inputted into the drive transmitting means of the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 10.
That is, the developer supply container 1 can be automatically rotated to its operative position, with the use of the simple structural arrangement, that is, the structural arrangement in which instead of the provision of a combination of a driving motor and a gear train, which is separate from the combination of a driving motor and a gear train, which is for driving the developer conveying member 4, the drive transmitting means is utilized. Therefore, not only is the structural arrangement in this embodiment, is superior in terms of the usability of the recording apparatus, but also, in terms of the process of supplying the developer receiving device 10 with developer.

Therefore, it can prevents the formation of .defective images, such as an image which is nonuniform . t image density and an image which is insufficient in density, which is attributable to the insufficiency in the amount by which the developing apparatus is supplied with developer.
In addition, the employment of the structural arrangement in this embodiment can prevent the problems, which are possible to occur to the structural arrangement in which the drive transmitting means is utilized to automatically rotate the developer supply container 1 into its operative position. (Operation for Removing Developer Supply Container)
The operation for taking out the developer supply container 1, which is carried out for a certain reason, for example, for replacing the developer supply container 1, will be described.
(1) First, a user is to open the cover 15 (for replacing developer supply container 1).
(2) Then, the user is to rotate the developer supply container 1 from the operative position to the mounting and dismounting position by rotating the handle 2 in the opposite direction from the direction indicated by the arrow mark B in Figure 8. As the handle 2 is rotated in the abovementioned direction, the developer supply container 1 is returned to the

~ .r.^ir.c ar.o discounting position, and the condition ?f :r.e developer supply container 1 turns into the one sr.cwn in Figure 8 (c) .
In this step, the developing device shutter 11 is moved again by being pushed up by the sealing projection If of the developer supply container 1, and the developer discharge opening lb rotates, being thereby resealed by the container shutter 3 (Figure 9(b) - Figure 8(b)).
More concretely, the container shutter 3 collides with the stopper portion (unshown) of the developer receiving device 10, being thereby prevented from rotating further. Then, in this state, the developer supply container 1 is rotated further. As a result, the developer discharge opening lb is resealed by the container shutter 3.
The rotation of the developer supply container 1, which is for closing the developing device shutter 11 is stopped by the abovementioned stopper portion (unshown), which is a part of the guiding portion Id of the container shutter 3, as the stopper portion collides with the container shutter 3.
Further, the rotation of the developer supply container 1 causes the second gear 6 to disengage from the driving gear member 12. Thus, by the time when the developer supply container 1 rotates back into the mounting and dismounting position, the second gear 6

(3) Lastly, the user is to take out the developer supply container 1, which is in the mounting and dismounting position in the developer receiving device 10, from the developer receiving device 10.
Thereafter, the user is to place a brand-new developer supply container (1) prepared in advance into the developer receiving device 10. This operation for mounting the brand-new developer supply container (1) is the same as the above described "Operation for Setting up Developer Supply Container". (Principle of Rotation of Developer Supply Container)
Next, referring to Figure 12, the principle of the rotation of the developer supply container 1 will be described- Figure 12 is a drawing for describing the principle of the automatic rotation of the developer supply container 1, which is caused by the pulling force.
As the second gear 6 receives the driving force from the driving gear member 12 while remaining in mesh with the driving gear member 12, the shaft portion P of the second gear 6 is subjected to a rotational force f as the second gear 6 is rotated. This rotational force f acts on the container body la. If the rotational force f is greater than the rotational resistive force F (friction to which

■■■-.. ~ ~; r^ .£- _r S U C C ■ "' CC""^ 8I"Sr 1 i S ^UO^ected 3C;
peripheral surface cf developer supply container 1 " 1 ices against: developer receiving device 10) which the developer supply container 1 receives from the developer receiving device 10, the container body la rotates.
Therefore, it is desired that the rotational lead to which the second gear 6 is subjected relative to the developer supply container 1, as the torque generating mechanism is made to act on the first gear 5r is made to be greater than the rotational resistive force F which the developer supply container 1 receives from the developer receiving device 10.
On the other hand, it is desired that after the influence of the torque generating mechanism is removed, the rotation load of the second gear 6 relative to the developer supply container 1 be no greater than the amount of the rotational resistive force F which the developer supply container 1 receives from the developer receiving device 10.
It is desired that the above described relationship between the two forces in terms of magnitude holds for the duration between the point in time when the second gear 6.begins to mesh with the driving gear member 12, and the point in time when the developing device shutter 11 finishes completely unsealing the developer discharge opening lb.

The vilue :--f the rotational force f rar. be -ctainec by .measuring the amount of torque necessary ~ c relate .'manually) the driving gear member 12 in the direction to open the development device shutter 11 while keeping the driving gear member 12 in mesh with the second gear 6, as will be described later. More concretely, a shaft or the like is connected to the rotational shaft of the driving gear member 12 so that its rotational axis aligns with that of the rotational axis of the rotational shaft of the driving gear member 12. The value of the rotational force f can be obtained by measuring the amount of the torque necessary to rotate this shaft with the use of a torque measuring device. The thus obtained amount of torque is the amount of rotational load obtained when there is no toner in the developer supply container 1.
The amount of the rotational resistive force F can be obtained by measuring the amount of rotational load at the rotation axis of the container body la while rotating (manually) the container body la in the direction to open the developing device shutter 11, as will be described later. This process of measuring the amount of .the rotational resistive force F is to be carried out by rotating the container body la in the period between the point in time when the second gear 6 begins to mesh with the driving gear member 12 and the point in time when the developing device shutter

_ s completely shut . More concretely, ihe driving rear member 12 is removed from the developer receiving :ev;ce 10, and a shaft or the like is attached :o the container body la so that the rotational axis of this shaft or the like aligns with the rotational axis of the container body la and the shaft or the like rotates with the container body la. Thus, the amount of the rotational resistive force F can be obtained by measuring the amount of torque necessary to rotate this shaft with the use of a torque measuring device.
As the torque measuring device, a torque gauge (3TG90CM) made by TONICH1 SEISAKUSHO Co., Ltd. was used. Incidentally, the amount of the rotational resistive force F may be automatically measured using a torque measuring device made up of a rotational motor and a torque converting device.
Next, referring to Figure 12, the principle of the model shown in Figure 12, will be described in detail. In the drawing, "a, b, and c" stand for the radii of the pitch circles of the driving gear member 12, second gear 6, and first gear 5, respectively. "A, B, and C" stand for the rotational loads of the driving gear member 12, second gear 6, and first gear 5 at their rotational axes, respectively (A, B, and C also designate the axial lines of these gears, respective, shown in Figure 12). "E" stands for the force necessary to pull in the developer supply

' * --::er 1 after the second gear 6 meshes wit:~: the driving gear verier 12, and "D" stands for the resistive torque at the rotational axis of the container body la.
In order for the container body la to be rotated, f > F, and F = D/(b + c), f = (c + 2b)/(c + b; x E = (c + 2b)/(c + b) x (C/c + B/b),
Therefore, (c + 2b)/(c + b) x (C/c + B/b) > D/(b + c), and (C/c + B/b) > D/(c + 2b).
Therefore, in order to reliably generate the pulling force to rotate the developer supply container 1, it is desired that the formulas given above are satisfied. As the means for satisfying the formulas, it is possible to increase C or B, or reduce D.
That is, if the first gear 5 and second gear 6 are increased in the amount of the torque necessary to rotate them, while reducing the rotational resistance of the container body la, the container body la can be rotated.
In this embodiment, the objective of increasing the amount of the torque C, that is, the torque necessary to rotate second gear 6, is accomplished by increasing the amount of torque B, that is, the torque necessary to rotate the first gear 5, with the use of the above described torque generating mechanism. The torque B, that is, the torque necessary to rotate the first gear 5, is

.-. .Trasea with the use of the above descricea torque t-neratmg mechanism, increasing consequentially the t:rque C, that is, the torque necessary to rotate the second gear 6.
In consideration of the fact that the developer supply container 1 is rotated by generating the pulling force, the greater the amount of torque necessary to rotate the first gear 5, the better. However, the increase in the mount of torque necessary to rotate the first gear 5 increases the amount of electric power consumed by the driving motor of the developer receiving device 10, and also, requires each gear to be increased in strength and durability. In other words, excessive increase in the amount of torque necessary to rotate the first gear 5 makes excessive the amount of electric power consumed by the driving motor of the developer receiving device 10, and requires each gear to be excessively increased in strength and durability. Further, the excessive increase in the amount of the torque necessary to rotate the first gear 5 is also undesirable in consideration of the effect of heat upon the developer. Therefore, it is desired that the ring 14 is adjusted in the amount of pressure it generates by being compressed by the inner circumferential surface 9b of the locking member 9 to optimize the amount of torque necessary to rotate the first gear 5. Further, the

"-*-:■: al for the ring 14 should be carefully selected ■ ~ cptirtize the air.cuni of torque necessary to rotate ~ r.e firsi gear 5.
As for the rotational resistance which the developer supply container 1 receives from the developer receiving device 10 (friction between peripheral surface of developer supply container 1 and the developer supply container supporting surface of the developer receiving device 10), it is desired to be as small as possible. In this embodiment, in consideration of the concerns described above, such measures as making as small as possible the portion •peripheral surface) of the container body la, which will be in contact with the developer receiving device 10, and making as slippery as possible the sealing member, which is placed on the peripheral of the container body la, was taken.
Next, the method for setting the amount of torque necessary to rotate the second gear 6 will be concretely described.
It is desired that the value for the mount of torque required to rotate the second gear 6 is set in consideration of the amount of force necessary to be applied (at peripheral surface of developer supply container 1) to rotate the container body la, diameter of the developer supply container 1, and amount of eccentricity and diameter of the second gear 6. There

■~ following re.arionship among the amoun" of r _' er ior.al resistance F' of the developer supply : : :.tamer 1, diameter D' of the developer supply rmtainer, amount of eccentricity e (distance between rotational axis of developer supply container 1 and point at which second gear 6 is supported by its rotational shaft), and diameter of the second gear
*
Amount of torque necessary to rotate second gear 6 - F' x dT x D!/(2 x (2e + d1)).
The rotational resistance F' of the developer supply container 1 is affected by the diameter of the developer supply container 1, size of sealing surface of the sealing member, and structure of sealing member. However, it is reasonable to think that an ordinary developer supply container is roughly 30 mm - 2 00 mm in diameter. Accordingly, the rotational resistance F' is set to a value within the range of 1 N - 200 N. Further, in consideration of the diameter of the developer supply container 1, the diameter d' and amount of eccentricity e of the second gear 6 should be in the range of 4 mm - 100 mm, and the range of 4 mm - 100 mm, respectively. Needless to say, optimal values are to be selected according to the size and specifications of an image forming apparatus. Thus, in the case of an ordinary developer supply container 1, the amount of torque required to rotate the second

: - - : -: : s se~ zz a value within the range of 3. C x!0~^ * - rr. - 15.5 N -m, in consideration of the MIN and MAX of *ne abovemenuioned ranges.
For example, it is reasonable to think that if a developer supply container such as the above described one is 60 mm in diameter, the rotational resistance ?' is no less than roughly 5 N and no more than IOC N, in consideration of the nonuniformity in the seal structure or the like.
Therefore, if the amount of eccentricity and diameter of second gear 6 are 20 mm and 20 mm, respectively, in this embodiment, it is desired that the amount of torque required to rotate the second gear 6 is set to be no less than 0.05 N"m and no more than 1 N*m, in consideration of the rotational resistance F1. Further, in consideration of various losses, the amount of deviation in the measurements of che components, margin of safety, etc., which will be described later, the top limit value is desired to be roughly 0.5 N■m in consideration of the strength of the torque generating mechanism of the developer supply container 1. That is, the amount of torque required to rotate the second gear 6 is set to be no less than 0.1 N*m and no more than 0.5 N*m.
In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is structured so that the rotational load for the second gear 6, including the amount (roughly

'. N * ::.' :: :-:rqur necessary to stir the developer in "~e neveleper supply container 1, is set to be no less - nan 1.15 N"m and no more than 0.34 N•m, in consideration of the nonuniformity in the various components. However, the' amount of torque necessary to stir "he developer is affected by the amount of developer in the developer supply container 1 and the structural setup for stirring the developer. Therefore, the rotational load for the second gear 6,should be set in anticipation of this change.
Further, after the automatic rotation of the developer supply container 1, the locking member 7 is disengaged, and therefore, the contribution of the torque generating mechanism to the rotational load for the second gear 6 becomes zero. At this point, the amount of torque necessary to drive the developer supply container 1 is roughly equal to the amount of torque necessary to stir the developer.
In this embodiment, after the disengagement of the locking mechanism, the rotational load of the second gear 6 is roughly 0.05 N• m, which is the same as the amount of toque necessary to rotate the conveying member 4 to stir the developer.
In consideration of the amount of load to which the developer supply container 1 is subjected and the amount of power consumption, the amount of this torque necessary to rotate the second gear 6

-.:*-: the disengagement cf the locking mechanise is ■>? f i red no be as small as possible. Further, assuming ■ ".r. an image forming apparatus is structured as in "his embodiment, if the amount by which the torque generating mechanism contributes to the rotational load of the second gear 6 is no less than 0.05 N • m after the disengagement of the locking mechanism, heat is generated in the torque generating portion, and as this heat accumulates, it is possible that it will affect the developer in the developer supply container 1 by transmitting thereto.
Therefore, it is desired that an image forming apparatus be structured so that the amount by which the torque generating mechanism contributes to the rotational load of the second gear 6 after the disengagement of the torque generating means is no more than 0.05 N#m.
Further, it is important to take into consideration as one of the important factors, the direction of the force E which is generated as the second gear 6 receives rotational force from the driving gear member 12.
Referring to Figure 12, this factor will be concretely described. The amount f of the rotational force generated in the shaft portion of the second gear 6 is equivalent to a component of the amount of the force F which the second gear 6 receives from the

-. ■ , -:. -z gear r.errer 12. Therefore, It is possible that "'-? rotational force f will not be generated, because ■: "he positional relationship between the second gear - and driving gear member 12. In the case of the model shown in Figure 12, the straight line connecting the point C, or the rotational axis of the container body la .which in this embodiment coincides with rotational axis of first gear 5}, and the point B, or the rotational axis of the second gear 6, is the referential line. It is desired that the image forming apparatus be structured so that the angle 0 (clockwise angle relative to referential line (0°) ) between this referential line and the straight line connecting the point B, and the point A, or the rotational axis of the driving gear member 12, is no less than 90 °and no more than 250 ° .
In particular, it is desired that the f component (component generated at the contact point between the second gear 6 and driving gear member 12, and parallel to line tangential to container body la) of the force E generated by the meshing between the second gear 6 and driving gear member 12 be efficiently utilized. Thus, the angle 0 is desired to be set to be no less than 120°and no more than 240°. Incidentally, from the standpoint of more effectively utilize the component f of the force E, the angle 0 is desired to be set to be close to 180° . In this model,

In this e:tbodiment, each of the abovemenrioned >:-.:5 was positioned in consideration of the above ^escribed factors.
In reality, a certain amount of force is lost when driving force is transmitted from one gear to another. However, this model was described ignoring these losses. Thus, in reality, the developer supplying container and the components related thereto should be structured in consideration of these losses so that the developer supply container is automatically and properly rotated, which is needless to say.
In the first embodiment described above, the first and second gears 5 and 6 are used as the means for transmitting rotational force. Therefore, driving force can be reliably transmitted in spite of the simplicity in the driving force transmitting structure.
The developer supply container 1 in this embodiment was tested for the replenishment performance, and there was no problem regarding the developer replenishment; the image forming apparatus was reliably supplied with developer, and therefore, satisfactory images were continuously formed.
The structure of the developer receiving device does not need to be limited to the above described one. For example, the developer receiving

.-:- - - may te structured so that it can be removably -" ..'table ir. ar: image forming apparatus, that is, it ~'-: be structured as an image formation unit. As the examples of an image formation unit, a process cartridge having image forming processing means, such as a photosensitive member, a charging device, a cleaner, etc., a development cartridge having a developing device such as a development roller, can be listed.
In this embodiment, the container body of the developer supply container is cylindrical. However, the shape of the container body does not need to be limited to the cylindrical one. For example, the container body of the developer supply container may be shaped as shown in Figure 20, in which the cross section of the container body appears as if a small segment has been cut away from a circle. In such a case, the rotational axis of the developer supply container coincides with the center of the arc of the cross section near the developer discharge opening, which also roughly coincides with the rotational axis of each of the abovementioned shutters.
The material for each of the abovementioned components, the method for forming each of the components, the shape of each component, etc., do not need to be limited to those mentioned above. They are optional; they can be modified within a range in which

-- .v-L. :eicribec effects are obtainable.
Eimbcdinent 2 will be described. This example : * different frcrr: embodiment 1 in the structure of a driver transmission means for the developer supply container. The other structures of this embodiment are similar to those of embodiment 1, and therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted.
Referring to Figure 16, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is structured so that four gears 5, 6a, 6b, and 6c are used to transmit driving force to the conveying member 4.
The number of the gears for transmitting driving force to the first gear 5 is an odd number, and the rotational direction of the gear 6a, which is in mesh with the driving gear member 12, is the same as the direction in which the developer supply container 1 is automatically rotated.
Even if the image forming apparatus is structured as in this embodiment, the force which automatically rotated the container body la through the gear 6a as driving force is inputted into the driving gear member 12 which is in mesh with the gear 6a, can be generated as in the first embodiment.
Using multiple gears to transmit driving gear to the second gear 6 results in cost increase. Thus, it is desired that the gears 6a, 6b, and 6c are made

Frcrr. the standpoint of preventing cost .- ■ r~a.se, the first embodiment is preferable. ' F.rtoodiment 3 ]
Embodiment 3 will be described. This example is different from embodiment 1 in the structure of a ariver transmission means for the developer supply container. The other structures of this embodiment are similar to those of embodiment 1, and therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted.
Referring to Figure 17, in this embodiment, a first friction wheel 5, a second friction wheel 6, and a third friction wheel are employed as the drive transmitting means. Each friction wheel is formed of a suestance which is high in friction, so that the friction wheel is substantial in the friction of its i-?ripheral surface, or the contact surface. The third friction wheel is an integral part of the second f riction wheel 6 and is coaxial with the second friction wheel 6. Further, the driving gear member 12 of the developer receiving device is also a friction wheel.
Even in the case of the structure, such as the above described, the developer supply container can be automatically rotated as in the first embodiment.
From the standpoint of properly transmitting driving force, the structure, such as the one in the

*. .,-_ - _* w ., _ / /-. ' w...^ _ w'y b d. -wi-L — v c ^1 dilbllti L u .-j
--.-" made up of cc^po^ents having teeth, is : : - :-arable .
Z- ■»— f-% ^ ■—t -r TT". ^i i"i """*" A
Embodiment 4 will be described. This example is different from embodiment 1 in the structure of a driver transmission means for the developer supply container. The orher structures of this embodiment are similar to those of embodiment 1, and therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted.
Referring to Figure 22, this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the structure in this embodiment is provided with a large gear L, that is, an additional gear, as one of the driving force transmitting members, which meshes with the driving gear member 12 of the developer receiving device 10.
Ficrure 22 is schematic sectional view of the crivmg force transmitting portion of the developer supply container, which shows how the gears are in resh among them to transmit driving force. Although some of the gears in the drawing appear as if they do not have a full circle of teeth, they actually have a full circle of teeth.
Not only does the large gear L have external teeth La, or the teeth on the outer side of the gear, which mesh with the driving gear member 12, but also,

" ■ r - -. Teeth lb , cr the teeth en the inward side of --■■■-■: :ea:, whicn mesh w::h the second gear D. Itis r ". ' ::e:ly attached to "he container body la.
More concretely, the large gear L is attached alter the first and second gears 5 and 6 are attached. In other words, itis attached to one of the end walls of the container body la. In order to make it easier co understand how driving force is transmitted, Figure 22 was drawn to show the inward side of the large gear L, showing the manner in which the gears are in mesh among themselves, and the directions in which the gears rotate.
In this embodiment, because of the employment of the large gear A, the developer supply container 1 and developer receiving device 10 are become connected, in terms of driving force transmission, at the end of 'he process of inserting (mounting) the developer supply container 1 into the developer receiving device
Therefore, all that is necessary to be done by the user at the completion of the process of inserting (mounting) the developer supply container 1 is to close, the cover for mounting or removing the developer supply container.
Thereafter, as driving force is inputted into the driving gear member 12, the large gear L rotated in the opposite direction from the rotational

""~ ^::-a . gear 6, which is in mesh with the inward -. -- - ". ~i tne iarge gear L rotates in the same c;:e::ion as the rotational direction of the larae gear L. Therefore, the developer supply container 1 automatically rotates from the mounting and dismounting position to the operative position, based on the same principle as the principle based on which the developer supply container 1 automatically rotates in the first embodiment. As a result, the opening of the developing device shutter 11 and the alignment between the developer discharge opening lb and developer receiving opening 10b coordinately occur.
Further, if it is necessary to remove the developer supply container 1, all that is necessary is to input into the driving gear member 12 such driving force that is opposite in direction from the driving force inputted to unsealing the developer supply container 1. As such driving force is inputted, the developer supply container 1 is automatically rotated from the operative position to the mounting and dismounting position, and therefore, the process of closing the developing device shutter 11 and the process of closing the container shutter 3 are coordinately carried out.
As will be evident from the description of this embodiment given above, the structural

Referring tc Figure 23, a developer supply container 1 according to embodiment 5 will be described. The structure of the container of this embodiment is fundamentally the same as that of embodiment 1, and therefore, the description will be made as to the structure different from that of embodiment 1. The same reference numerals are assigned to the elements having the corresponding functions.
The developer supply container 1 in this embodiment is different in torque generating mechanism from the developer supply container 1 in the first
err-, »-\ More concretely, the first gear 5 is provided with a projection 5c as a suppressing means .rotational load switching means), whereas the container body la is provided with a hole 1j as a suppressing means (rotational load switching means). The projection 5c is on the side of the first gear 5, which contacts the container body la, and the hole Ij is on the side of the container body la, which contacts the first gear 5.
When the first gear 5 is attached to the container body la, the projection 5c is to be inserted into the hole 1j to lock the first gear 5 to the

Therefore, the first gear 5 is prevented from r:" - *:no relative to the container body la. In this err:oiment, this structural arrangement is employed to automatically rotate the developer supply container 1.
Further, in the case of this structural arrangement, driving force is continuously inputted ir.tc the driving gear member 12 even after the completion of the automatic rotation of the developer supply container 1. Thus, the strength of the projection 5c is set so that the projection 5c will be broken by the driving force inputted to the driving gear member 12 after the completion of the automatic rotation of the developer supply container 1. Thus, after the completion of the automatic rotation of the developer supply container 1, the projection 5c is br zken, allowing thereby the first gear 5 to rotate relative to the container body la.
Incidentally, in this embodiment, the rotational load for the second gear 6 is set to 0.3 N-m, and the projection 5c is designed so that it breaks off as the amount of torque transmitted to the second gear 6 reaches 0.6 N * m.
In the case of the structural arrangement in this embodiment, not only can the same effects as those obtained in the first embodiment be obtained, but also, the components, such as the locking member 7,

• . - : --rirber ?, ring 14 vhicn are employed in the :: r~~ ericdir.eni, are unnecessary, making it possible i: /-- :: .:e the cost of the developer supply container 1.
However, rhe structural arrangement in this embodiment is such that the rotational load for the first gear 5 is eliminated by breaking off the projection 5c of the first gear 5. Therefore, it is possible that after the projection 5c is broken off (separated from: developer supply container 1), it will fail into the developer receiving device 10. Therefore, the structural arrangement in the first embodiment, which does not have such a possibility/ is preferable.
Incidentally, the mechanism employed as the torque generating mechanism does not need to be limited to the mechanism in the preceding embodiments. For example, the rotational load may be created by locking the drive transmitting means (first and second gears 5 and 6) to the container body la with the use of a piece of adhesive tape, a small amount of adhesive, etc. In such a case, as the amount of load to which the abovementioned piece of adhesive tape or small amount of adhesive is subjected exceeds a preset value after the completion of the automatic rotation of the developer supply container 1, the drive transmitting means (first and second gears 5 and 6) are released from the container body la, as in the preceding embodiments. Incidentally, in consideration

* ' ■■' :-l:^rili~v in the Generation and elimination
— _»■
:: * ~- rotational load, the structural arranaement in ::.- ::st embodiment is preferable to those in these
Further, a torque generating mechanism, such as *r.e one shown in Figures 25(a) and 2 5(b), which gradually reduces the rotational load of the drive transmitting means as driving force is continuously inputted, may be employed.
More concretely, the torque generating mechanism is provided with the ring 14 as a suppressing means, which is placed, in the compressed state, between the peripheral surface 5a of the first gear 5 and one of the lengthwise end walls lm of the container body la. Further, the ring 14 is locked to the peripheral surface 5a of the first gear 5. In this embodiment, the ring 14 is formed of a substance which is substantially stronger than the substance used as the material of the rina 14 in the first embodiment. The rotational load is generated by the friction which occurs as the lengthwise end wall lm of the container body la and compressed ring 14 slide against each other.
Therefore, until the ring 14 deteriorates,'the developer supply container 1 is automatically rotated, as in the first embodiment, as driving force is inputted into the driving gear member 12.











































A. developer supply container according to
Claim 1,developer comprising a reducing portion for
reducing are suppressing force of said suppressing
means.
5. A developer supply container according to Claim 4, further comprising drive relaying member for relaying a drive transmission between said drive transmission member and said feeding member, wherein said reducinc Dortion is orovided on said drive relaying member which is rotatable relative to said developer supply container rotated to an operating position by the suppressing force of said suppressing means.
6. A developer supply container according to Claim 5, further comprising a drive relaying member for relaying a drive transmission between said drive transmission member and said feeding member, wherein said applying portion applies a rotation load to said drive transmission member through said drive relaying member.
7. A developer supply container according to Claim 1, wherein said suppressing means includes a locking portion for locking said drive transmission

a . A developer supply supply container according to Claim 6, where in when said developer supply container rotates re the operating position, said drive transmission member is released by releasing means of
said developer receiving apparatus.
9. A developer supply container according to Claim 7, further comprising drive relaying member for relaying a drive transmission between said drive transmission member and said feeding member , wherein said locking portion locks said drive transmission member through said drive relaying member.
10. A developer supply container according to Claim 1, wherein a rotation load of said drive transirissicr. member in a state of being suppressed by said suppressing means is larger than a rotation resisting force received from said developer receiving apparatus by said developer supply container, and a rotation load of said drive transmission member after the suppressing force of said suppressing means is changed is smaller than the rotation resisting force received from said developer receiving apparatus by said developer supply container.







Documents:

2803-CHENP-2007 AMENDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION 11-05-2011.pdf

2803-CHENP-2007 AMENDED CLAIMS 11-05-2011.pdf

2803-chenp-2007 form-3 11-05-2011.pdf

2803-CHENP-2007 OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT 11-05-2011.pdf

2803-CHENP-2007 EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED 11-05-2011.pdf

2803-CHENP-2007 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 29-06-2010.pdf

2803-chenp-2007-abstract.pdf

2803-chenp-2007-claims.pdf

2803-chenp-2007-correspondnece-others.pdf

2803-chenp-2007-description(complete).pdf

2803-chenp-2007-drawings.pdf

2803-chenp-2007-form 1.pdf

2803-chenp-2007-form 26.pdf

2803-chenp-2007-form 3.pdf

2803-chenp-2007-form 5.pdf

2803-chenp-2007-form18.pdf

2803-chenp-2007-pct.pdf


Patent Number 248391
Indian Patent Application Number 2803/CHENP/2007
PG Journal Number 28/2011
Publication Date 15-Jul-2011
Grant Date 11-Jul-2011
Date of Filing 25-Jun-2007
Name of Patentee CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Applicant Address 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501 (JP)
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 NAKAJIMA, NOBUO 30-1 OKA, HIGASHIMATSUYAMA-SHI, SAITAMA-KEN, JAPAN
2 OKINO, AYATOMO 2-10-3 MISONO, MORIYA-SHI, IBARAKI-KEN , JAPAN
3 MURAKAMI, KATSUYA 3-4-21-102 SHINMACHI, TORIDE-SHI, IBARAKI-KEN, JAPAN
4 BAN, YUTAKA 4-10-11-104, Minamimagome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo
5 NAGASHIMA, TOSHIAKI 4-19-11, KEYAKIDAI, MORIA-SHI, IBARAKI 302-0128, JAPAN
PCT International Classification Number G03G 15/08
PCT International Application Number PCT/JP05/22030
PCT International Filing date 2005-11-24
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2004-339391 2004-11-24 Japan