Developer supply container and developer supplying system

FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

0001The present invention relates to a developer container for supplying a developer to a developer receiving apparatus and a developer supplying system comprising the developer receiving apparatus and the developer supply container. Such a developer receiving apparatus is usable with a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer or other image forming apparatuses, and an image forming unit detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus.

0002Conventionally, toner in the form of fine powder is used as a developer for image formation in the image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine, a printer or the like. It is also conventional that toner is supplied from a toner supply container exchangeably set in the image forming apparatus with consumption of the toner in the image forming apparatus.

0003Since the toner is very fine powder, the toner may scatter around if the handling in the toner supplying operation is not proper. For this reason, it is proposed and implemented to keep the toner supply container set within the image forming apparatus, and the toner is discharged gradually through a small opening.

0004With respect to such a conventional toner supply container, it has been proposed that toner supply container is mounted in the image forming apparatus such that toner discharge opening faces up, and then, the toner supply container is rotated so that toner discharge opening faces sideways.

0005For example, Japanese Laid open Patent Application Hei 8-185034 discloses that toner supply container is inserted into the image forming apparatus, and then, the toner supply container is rotated through approx. 90°, thus setting the toner supply container. As a result of the setting operation, the toner discharge opening of the toner supply container is aligned with the toner supply opening of the image forming apparatus side, thus enabling the toner supply.

0006With such a structure, the scattering of the toner remaining in the toner supply container is prevented when the operator is removing the used toner supply container to replace it with a fresh container.

0007However, in such conventional structures, the direction of rotation in the setting operation of the toner supply container is the same as the rotational direction of an agitator provided in the toner supply container. Therefore, the agitator has to rotate downwardly relative to the toner discharge opening which faces laterally, and the toner feeding performance and toner discharging property is likely to deteriorate. As a result, the amount of the toner supplied into the image forming apparatus decreases, and insufficient image density occurs, and/or the amount of the unusably remaining toner in the toner supply container is large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0008It is a further object of the present invention to provide a developer supply container wherein a discharging property of the developer is high, and the developer scattering is suppressed.

0009It is a further object of the present invention to provide a developer supply container wherein a developer discharging property is improved while suppressing rotation of the developer supply container in a direction opposite a predetermined direction.

0010It is a further object of the present invention to provide a developer supplying system wherein the developer discharging property is improved while suppressing the developer scattering.

0011According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer supply container detachably mountable to a developer receiving apparatus and settable in a developer receiving apparatus by a setting operation including at least a rotation toward a setting position, said developer supply container comprising a containing portion for containing the developer; a rotatable discharging member for discharging the developer out of said containing portion; drive transmitting means, engageable with a driving gear provided in said developer receiving apparatus and rotatable in a direction opposite the setting direction, for transmitting a rotating force from said driving gear to said discharging member.

0012According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer supplying system for supplying a developer from a developer supply container to a developer receiving apparatus, said system comprising said developer receiving apparatus including, a mounting portion for detachably mounting said developer supply container, wherein said mounting portion permits said developer supply container to rotate in a setting direction, and a driving gear rotatable in a direction opposite the setting direction; said developer supply container including, a containing portion for containing the developer, a rotatable discharging member for discharging the developer out of said containing portion, and drive transmitting means, engageable with said driving gear, for transmitting a rotating force to said discharging member, wherein the rotating force causes said discharging member to rotate in a direction opposite said setting direction.

0013These 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

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a sectional view illustrating a general arrangement of an image forming apparatus.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a partially sectional view of a developing device.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates a toner supply container, wherein (a) is a perspective view thereof, and (b) is a side view thereof.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a structure of a feeding member in the toner supply container.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a toner receiving apparatus, wherein (a) is a perspective view thereof upon sealing a toner receiving opening, and (b) is a perspective view thereof upon unsealing of the toner receiving opening.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a toner supply container having a non-cylindrical shape, wherein (a) is a perspective view thereof, and (b) is a sectional view thereof.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates a second gear <b>6</b>, wherein, (a) is a perspective view thereof, and (b) is a sectional view of a supporting structure therefor.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates a locking structure for a developing device shutter, wherein (a) is a perspective view thereof in a locking state, and (b) is a perspective view thereof in a release state.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a perspective view illustrating a relation between the locking member for the developing device shutter and an exchange cover.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a toner supply container when it is at a mounting position, wherein (a) is a perspective view thereof, (b)-(d) are sectional side views thereof.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates the toner supply container when it is at a set position thereof, wherein (a) is a perspective view, and (b)-(d) are sectional side views thereof.

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> illustrates the toner supply container when it is at a supplying position, wherein (a) is a perspective view thereof, and (b)-(d) are sectional side views.

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> shows a model illustrating a principle of automatic rotation of the toner supply container.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> illustrates a toner supply container, wherein (a) is a perspective view thereof, and (b) is a side view thereof.

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a perspective view of a toner supply container which is being mounted to a toner receiving apparatus.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a sectional view of a toner receiving apparatus.

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> illustrates a snap fit portion of a toner supply container, wherein (a) is a sectional view when the snap fit portion is in a non-engagement state, and (b) is a sectional view when the snap fit portion is in an engagement state.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> illustrates a toner supply container having a non-cylindrical shape, wherein (a) is a perspective view thereof, and (b) is a sectional view thereof.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> illustrates sectional side views ((a)-(c)) of a toner supply container placed at the mounting position.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is sectional side views ((a)-(c)) of a toner supply container placed at the set position.

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is sectional side views ((a)-(c)) of a toner supply container placed at the supplying position.

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> illustrates a toner supply container having a dual cylindrical structure, wherein (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a perspective view of an inner cylinder.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a sectional view of the toner supply container (a) of the dual cylindrical type placed at the mounting position, a sectional view (b) thereof placed at the set position, and a sectional view (c) thereof placed at the supplying position.

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> illustrates a toner supply container having a stepped gear, wherein (a) is a perspective view thereof, and (b) is a perspective view of the stepped gear.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a perspective view illustrating a toner supply container provided with a drive transmission belt.

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a perspective view (a) and a sectional view (b) of a toner supply container in which the sizes of the drive transmission gears are different.

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a sectional view of a toner supply container provided with four drive transmission gears.

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> is a sectional view of a toner supply container provided with a friction wheel.

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> is a sectional view of a toner supply container wherein the sizes of the drive transmission gears are different, and the positions are different.

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> is a sectional view of a supporting structure for the second gear <b>6</b>.

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> is a perspective view of a toner supply container most of the drive transmission gears are covered with a grip member.

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> is a schematic view illustrates rotational directions of gears of the toner supply container.

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> is a perspective view of a toner supply container of a comparison example.

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref> is a sectional side view of a driving force transmitting means of the toner supply container of the comparison example after it is mounted to the toner receiving apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0048The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. Kimari2.

Embodiment 1

Image Forming Apparatus

0049A toner supply container of Embodiment 1 (so-called toner cartridge) is loaded into a toner receiving apparatus of an image forming apparatus which is a copying machine of an electrophotographic type in the embodiment.

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates such a copying machine.

0051In this Figure, designated by <b>100</b> is a main assembly of the electrophotographic copying machine. Designated by <b>101</b> is an original placed on an original supporting platen glass <b>102</b>. A light image indicative of image information is projected on an image bearing member in the form of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum <b>104</b> through mirrors M and a lens Ln of an optical portion <b>103</b>. Designated by reference numerals <b>105</b>-<b>108</b> are sheet cassettes. A proper sheet is selected from sheet size information of the cassettes <b>105</b>-<b>108</b>, correspondingly to the sheet size of the original <b>101</b> or to the information inputted by the user at the operating portion, and proper sheet is picked up from one of the cassettes <b>105</b>-<b>108</b>. The recording material is not limited to a sheet, but may be an OHP sheet or the like.

0052One sheet S picked up and fed out by the feeding and separating device <b>105</b>A-<b>108</b>A is fed to a registration roller <b>110</b> through a feeding portion <b>109</b>, and is fed in synchronizm with the timing of the scanning operation of the optical portion <b>103</b> and the rotation of the photosensitive drum <b>104</b>. Designated by <b>111</b>, <b>112</b> are a transfer discharger, and a separation discharger. The image of toner formed on the photosensitive drum <b>104</b> is transferred onto a sheet S by the transfer discharger <b>111</b>. The separation discharger <b>112</b> functions to separate the sheet S having the toner image transferred thereto from the photosensitive drum <b>104</b>.

0053Thereafter, the sheet S fed by the feeding portion <b>113</b> is subjected to the heat and the pressure at the fixing portion <b>114</b> by which the toner image is fixed on the sheet. In the case of a simplex copy (one side copy), the sheet S is discharged onto the discharging tray <b>117</b> by discharging rollers <b>116</b> through a discharging/reversing portion <b>115</b>. In the case of a superimposed copy mode, the sheet S is fed back to the registration roller <b>110</b> by way of re feeding portions <b>119</b>, <b>120</b> by controlling a flapper <b>118</b> of a discharging/reversing portion <b>115</b>, and then, the sheet is discharged to the discharging tray <b>117</b> through the path along which the sheet is fed in the case of the one-sided copy.

0054In the case of the duplex copy, the sheet S is once discharged partly by the discharging rollers <b>116</b> through the discharging/reversing portion <b>115</b>. Then, after the terminal end of the sheet S passes by way of the flapper <b>118</b>, and while the sheet S is still nipped by the discharging rollers <b>116</b>, the flapper <b>118</b> is controlled, and simultaneously, the discharging roller <b>116</b> is rotated in the opposite direction to feed the sheet S back into the apparatus. Thereafter, the sheet S is fed to the registration roller <b>110</b> by way of the re-feeding feeding portion <b>119</b>, <b>120</b>, and then, the sheet S is discharged to the discharging tray <b>117</b> along the same path as with the one-sided copy.

0055In the main assembly of the apparatus <b>100</b>, there are provided, around the photosensitive drum <b>104</b>, process means including a developing device <b>201</b> (developing means), a cleaner portion <b>202</b> (cleaning means), a primary charger <b>203</b> (charging means) and the like. The cleaner portion <b>202</b> functions to remove the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum <b>104</b>. The primary charger <b>203</b> functions to electrically charge the surface of the photosensitive drum to a uniform potential in preparation for the formation of the electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum <b>104</b>.

(Developing Device)

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows a developing device <b>201</b> and the photosensitive drum <b>104</b>.

0057The developing device <b>201</b> functions to develop with toner the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum <b>104</b> through the optical portion <b>103</b> corresponding to the information of the original <b>101</b>. In order to supply the toner into the developing device <b>201</b>, there is provided a toner supply container <b>1</b> which is detachably mountable by the user.

0058The developing device <b>201</b> comprises a toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> to which the toner supply container <b>1</b> is demountably mounted, and a developing device <b>201</b><i>a</i>. The developing device <b>201</b><i>a </i>comprises a developing roller <b>201</b><i>b </i>and a feeding member <b>201</b><i>c</i>. The toner supplied from the toner supply container <b>1</b> is fed to the developing roller <b>201</b><i>b </i>by a feeding member <b>201</b><i>c</i>, and is supplied onto the photosensitive drum <b>104</b> by the developing roller <b>201</b><i>b</i>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, there are provided a developing blade <b>201</b><i>d </i>which is a regulating member for regulating an amount of toner coating on the developing roller <b>201</b><i>b</i>, and a tone blow preventing sheet <b>201</b><i>e </i>(toner leakage preventing member) contacted to the developing roller to prevent the toner leakage through the gap between the developing device <b>201</b><i>a </i>and the developing roller <b>201</b><i>b. </i>

0059As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, there is provided a cover <b>15</b>, which is a part of an outer casing, for exchange of the toner supply container. When the user mounts the toner supply container <b>1</b> to the main assembly of the apparatus <b>100</b> or when the user dismounts the toner supply container <b>1</b> from the main assembly of the apparatus <b>100</b>, the cover <b>15</b> is opened by rotation in the direction of an arrow Win <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

(Toner Supply Container)

0060Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the structure of the toner supply container <b>1</b> of this embodiment will be described. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, (a), the toner supply container is shown in a perspective view, and (b) is a view as seen from the outside of a filling port of the toner supply container.

0061The container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>functioning to accommodate the toner (containing portion) is generally cylindrical. In the peripheral surface of the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>, a toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>is formed in the form of a slit extending in the longitudinal direction of the container <b>1</b>.

0062The toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b</i>, as will be described hereinafter, is directed in a horizontal direction when the toner supply container is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and is rotated through a predetermined angle, that is, when the rotation of the toner supply container to the toner supply position is completed where the toner supply is enabled.

0063The container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>is required to have a certain degree of rigidity from the standpoint of protecting the toner therein during transportation and the prevention of the leakage of the toner therefrom, and therefore, it is molded through an injection molding from polystyrene material.

0064The outer surface of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>is provided with a handle <b>2</b> (grip member) for facilitating the supplying operation of the user (operator) from the toner supply container <b>1</b> into a toner receptor. The handle <b>2</b> is required to have a sufficient rigidity from the same standpoint, and therefore, is also molded through the injection molding from the same material as the container body <b>1</b><i>a. </i>

0065The handle <b>2</b> may be fixed to the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>by mechanical engagement, screwing, bonding, welding or any other way if the sufficient strength is assured so that it is secured against the force applied upon the supplying operation. The integral molding of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>and the handle <b>2</b> is desirable from the standpoint of the strength and the manufacturing cost.

0066The end of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>opposite from the end where a second gear <b>5</b> is provided, a toner filling opening <b>1</b><i>c </i>is formed, and is sealed by a cap (sealing member) after the toner filling into the container body. The second gear <b>5</b> will be described in detail hereinafter.

0067One end surface of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>is provided with a regulated projection <b>100</b> (member to be regulated) as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> to regulate the mounting attitude (angle) of the toner supply container relative to the toner receiving apparatus. On the other hand, the toner receiving apparatus is provided with a regulating recess <b>10</b><i>f </i>(regulating member) for guiding the regulated projection, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, to regulate the mounting attitude of the toner supply container. The recess is such that it does not interfere with the projection at the time when the toner supply container is properly mounted, in the toner receiving apparatus.

(Feeding Member in the Toner Supply Container)

0068Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, a structure of a feeding member <b>4</b> will be described. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a lateral view of an inside of the toner supply container.

0069In the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>, the feeding member <b>4</b> (discharging member) is provided to feed the toner from the lower part to the upper part toward the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>while stirring the toner in the container by rotation relative to the container body <b>1</b><i>a. </i>

0070As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the feeding member <b>4</b> mainly comprises a stirring shaft <b>4</b><i>a </i>and stirring blades <b>4</b><i>b</i>. One longitudinal end of the stirring shaft <b>4</b><i>a </i>is rotatably supported by the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>so that it is not movable in the axial direction of the stirring shaft <b>4</b><i>a</i>. On the other hand, the other longitudinal end of the stirring shaft <b>4</b><i>a </i>is coaxially connected with a first gear <b>5</b> which will be described in detail hereinafter. More particularly, they are connection with each other by engaging a shaft portion of the first gear <b>5</b> with the other end of the stirring shaft <b>4</b><i>a </i>in the container body.

0071Around the shaft portion, there is provided a sealing member to prevent leakage of the toner to an outside of the container around the shaft portion of the first gear <b>5</b>. The first gear <b>5</b> and the stirring shaft <b>4</b><i>a </i>may not directly be connected with each other, but they may be co-axially connected through another member or other members.

0072The stirring shaft <b>4</b><i>a </i>is required to have a sufficient rigidity to particulate, when the toner is agglomerated, the toner and to feed and discharge it, and therefore, in this embodiment, it is made of polystyrene and polyacetal material which is desirable.

0073The stirring blades <b>4</b><i>b </i>are fixed on the stirring shaft <b>4</b><i>a</i>, and with the rotation of the stirring shaft <b>4</b><i>a</i>, the toner in the container is particulated, stirred and fed toward the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b</i>. In order to reduce the amount of toner remaining in the toner supply container, the stirring blade <b>4</b><i>b </i>slides on the inner surface of the container. In other words, the length of the extensions of the stirring blades from the stirring shaft is selected in consideration of the inner diameter of the container.

0074As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the stirring blades have L shaped portions which are provided with inclined portions X which provides a function to feed the toner in the longitudinal direction of the container. More particularly, the inclined portion is effective to feed the toner existing adjacent the end of the container toward the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>which is disposed in the longitudinally central portion. The stirring blades are made of a polyester sheet.

0075The structures and materials of the feeding member <b>4</b> is not limited to the above-described structure, but may be any if the toner can be stirred and fed by rotation thereof. For example, the material and/or the configuration of the stirring blades may be modified, or a different feeding mechanism is usable.

(Shutter of Toner Supply Container)

0076As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> at (a), the container shutter <b>3</b> for opening and closing the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>has a curvature so that it extends along the outer surface of the toner supply container <b>1</b>. The container shutter <b>3</b> is engaged with two guide portions <b>1</b><i>d </i>provided at the opposite longitudinal ends of the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b</i>. The guide portions <b>1</b><i>d </i>function to guide a slide movement of the container shutter along the outer surface of the container when the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>a </i>is to be opened and closed. The guide portion <b>1</b><i>d </i>is provided with a stopper portion <b>1</b><i>d</i>′ for determining the closing position of the container shutter <b>3</b>.

0077The container shutter has a leading end portion with respect to an unsealing rotational direction, and the leading end portion abuts a stopper portion provided in the toner receiving apparatus upon the setting operation of the toner supply container, thus preventing a further integral rotation of the toner supply container and the container shutter. After abutting the stopper, the toner supply container rotates relative to the container shutter which is stopped to open the toner discharge opening, thus unsealing the toner supply container.

0078Furthermore, upon the dismounting operation of the toner supply container which will be described hereinafter, a leading end portion of the container shutter with respect to a closing direction abuts a stopper portion of the toner receiving apparatus, by which a further integral rotation of the toner supply container and the container shutter is prevented. Therefore, by rotation of the toner supply container relative to the container shutter which is stopped, the toner discharge opening moves back to the position where it is closed by the container shutter. Thus, the toner discharge opening is resealed.

0079In order to prevent the leakage of the toner, it is preferable to provide a sealing member on a surface of the container shutter <b>3</b> opposed to the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b</i>, or the neighborhood of the edges of the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>may be provided with a sealing member. These sealing members may be provided on the container shutter <b>3</b> and the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>, respectively. Such a sealing member is compressed by a predetermined degree between the container shutter and the outer surface of the container body.

0080In this embodiment, the use is made with structure employing the container shutter <b>3</b> capable of closing and opening the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b</i>. The container shutter <b>3</b> is not inevitable, and in an alternative structure, a sealing film of resin material may be welded, for example, on the container body portion around the edge of the toner discharge opening to hermetically seal the opening, and upon the toner supply, the sealing film is peeled off.

0081With such an alternative structure, the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>cannot be resealed when the container is exchanged after the end of the toner supply, and therefore, there is a liability that toner scattering may occur. For this reason, the provision of the container shutter <b>3</b> as in this embodiment is desirable, and then the toner discharge opening can be resealed.

0082In the case that, there is a possibility that toner leaks out during transportation before the toner supply operation depending on the configuration of the discharge opening of the container and/or on the amount contained in the container, both of the sealing film and the container shutter may be used to further assure the sealing performance. In such a case, it is desirable that part of the sealing film is stuck on the container shutter, and the sealing film is removed with the unsealing movement of the container shutter.

(Developing Device Shutter Interrelating Mechanism of Toner Supply Container)

0083On the peripheral surface of the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>, there are provided an opening projection <b>1</b><i>e </i>(interrelating portion (engaging portion)) and a sealing projection <b>1</b><i>f </i>(interrelating portion (engaging portion)) to open and close a developing device shutter <b>11</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) with the rotating operation of the toner supply container.

0084More particularly, upon the setting operation of the toner supply container <b>1</b> which will be described hereinafter, the opening projection <b>1</b><i>e </i>lowers the developing device shutter <b>11</b> to unseal or open the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b </i>(<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>). Upon the dismounting operation of the toner supply container which will be described hereinafter, the sealing projection <b>1</b><i>f </i>raises the developing device shutter <b>11</b> to reseal or close the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b</i>. The portions of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> against which the opening projection <b>1</b><i>e </i>and the sealing projection <b>1</b><i>f </i>abut function to interrelate the rotation of the toner supply container with the opening and closing moving operation of the developing device shutter.

0085The opening projection <b>1</b><i>e </i>is disposed at a relatively upstream side with respect to an unsealing moving direction of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> when the toner supply container <b>1</b> is mounted to the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>), and the sealing projection <b>1</b><i>f </i>is disposed at a relatively downstream side.

(Drive Transmitting Means of Toner Supply Container)

0086Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the description will be made as to a structure of drive transmitting means of the toner supply container for a driving connection with a driving gear <b>12</b> (driving member, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) provided in the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> and for transmitting the rotational driving force from the driving gear <b>12</b> to the feeding member <b>4</b>.

0087In this embodiment, the drive transmitting means comprises a gear train including juxtaposed gears, and the rotation shafts of the gears are rotatably supported directly on the end surface of the toner supply container.

0088When the toner supply container <b>1</b> is mounted into the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> by the user operation (mount position) ((C) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>), the drive transmitting means is at a position away, in the circumferential direction, from the driving gear <b>12</b>, and therefore, is not in driving connection with the driving gear <b>12</b>, more particularly, not engaged therewith. The toner supply container at the mount position can be removed form the toner receiving apparatus.

0089With such a structure, the abutment between the driving gear <b>12</b> and the drive transmitting means of the toner supply container (second gear <b>6</b> which will be described hereinafter) can be avoided upon the mounting of the toner supply container, and therefore, the deterioration or damage due to the abutment can be avoided.

0090Then, the toner supply container <b>1</b> is manually rotated through a predetermined angle to a set position ((C) in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>) from the mount position. At the set position, the drive transmitting means and the driving gear <b>12</b> are in driving connection or engagement with each other (engagement state).

0091As will be described hereinafter, the toner supply container is automatically rotated from the set position to a supplying position where the toner supply is enabled, using the drive transmitting means.

0092The drive transmitting means of this example is constituted by the first gear <b>5</b> and the second gear <b>6</b> disposed on one longitudinal end surface of the container body <b>1</b><i>a. </i>

0093As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the rotation shaft of the first gear <b>5</b> (reversing member) is rotatably supported on the end surface of the container body and is in co axial engagement with the feeding member <b>4</b>. The center of rotation of the first gear <b>5</b> substantially aligned with the rotational center of the toner supply container about which the toner supply container is rotated through a predetermined angle by the handle <b>2</b> driven by the user during the setting operation from the mount position toward the set position.

0094As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the second gear <b>6</b> (drive transmission member, driving force receiving member) has a rotation shaft which is rotatably supported on the end surface of the container body at a position away from the rotational center of the toner supply container <b>1</b> (eccentric position), and is in meshing engagement with the first gear <b>5</b>. Thus, the center of rotation of the second gear <b>6</b> is eccentric from the center of rotation of the toner supply container.

0095The first gear <b>5</b> and the second gear <b>6</b> are sufficient if they can sufficiently transmits the driving force from the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b>, and in this embodiment, they are gears made of polyacetal resin material through injection molding. In this embodiment, the first gear <b>5</b> has a diameter of 40 mm, and the number of teeth thereof is 40; the second gear has a diameter of 20 mm, and the number of teeth is 20. The driving gear <b>12</b> has a diameter of 17 mm, and the number of teeth is 17. The diameters, the modules, the numbers of teeth of the gears are selected so that drive transmission is properly accomplished, and these values are not inevitable.

0096Around that shaft portion of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>which is rotatably supported on the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>, an oil seal (sealing member) is mounted to prevent toner leakage from the inside of the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>. On the other hand, since the second gear <b>6</b> is rotatably supported in the outer casing member of the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>, no such oil seal is provided.

0097Since the second gear <b>6</b> is supported at a position away from the rotational center of the toner supply container <b>1</b>, it is away from the driving gear <b>12</b> in the circumferential direction when the toner supply container <b>1</b> is at the mount position.

0098The second gear <b>6</b> is brought into meshing engagement with the driving gear <b>12</b> provided in the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> by the rotation of the toner supply container. In other words, when the toner supply container <b>1</b> is rotated to the set position by the user operation, the meshing engagement or the driving connection between the second gear <b>6</b> and the driving gear <b>12</b> begins ((c) in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>).

0099In this example, this is accomplished by the determined position of the second gear <b>6</b> on the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>in the rotational direction.

0100Then, when the toner supply container is at the supplying position, the second gear <b>6</b> receives a rotating force from the driving gear <b>12</b>, by which the first gear <b>5</b> which is in a driving connecting relation with the second gear <b>6</b>, rotates. As a result, the feeding member <b>4</b> rotates relative to the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>which is substantially non-rotatably set in the toner receiving apparatus, thus discharging the toner. During the toner supply operation, the second gear <b>6</b> rotates in the rotational direction B (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>) which is the same direction as the rotational direction of the toner supply container <b>1</b> during the setting operation, by the driving gear <b>12</b> which rotates in the direction C in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>.

0101In this example, the container has a substantially cylindrical configuration, the center of rotation of the feeding member is substantially the same as the center of rotation of the container body, and therefore, the center of rotation of the first gear <b>5</b> directly connected with the feeding member <b>4</b> is also substantially the same as the center of rotation of the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>. The second gear <b>6</b> has a center of rotation which is different from that of the first gear <b>5</b>, and with the rotation of the toner supply container <b>1</b>, to circulate or revolve about the center of rotation of the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>, so that it is brought into engagement with the driving gear portion <b>12</b> of the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b>.

0102In this manner, the second gear <b>6</b> is rotated relative to the toner supply container by the driving force received from the driving gear <b>12</b> in the toner supply step, that is, it rotates about its rotational axis, in this embodiment. In addition, the second gear <b>6</b>, in the setting step of the toner supply container, is rotated together with the toner supply container about the rotational axis of the toner supply container by the driving force received from the driving gear <b>12</b>.

0103The center of rotation of the feeding member may be made different from the center of rotation of the container. For example, the center of rotation of the feeding member may be shifted toward the toner discharge opening shifting. In such a case, the first gear <b>5</b> is supported at a position different from the center of rotation of the container body, correspondingly to the center of rotation of the feeding member, and similarly to the foregoing example, with the rotation of the container, the second gear <b>6</b> circulates or revolves about the center of rotation of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>to be brought into engagement with the driving gear <b>12</b> of the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b>.

0104When the center of rotation of the feeding member is different from the center of rotation of the container body, the first gear <b>5</b> may be omitted, that is, the drive transmitting means is constituted by the second gear <b>6</b>. More particularly, the second gear <b>6</b> is provided co-axially with the feeding member <b>4</b>, and shaft portion of the second gear <b>6</b> and the shaft portion of the feeding member <b>4</b> are connected to each other. In the case of such a structure, the rotational direction of the feeding member <b>4</b> is opposite from that in the foregoing example, the toner is fed from the upper part to the lower part toward the toner discharge opening which is laterally oriented, more particularly, in the direction of about 3 o'clock in the Figure. That is, the toner discharging performance deteriorates.

0105Then, the feeding member in this case preferably has the following structure. The feeding member comprises a resin material plate having a high hardness effective to raise the toner in the container by the rotation thereof, and a plurality of guide projections on each of the sides of the resin material plate, the guide projections being effective to guide the raised toner toward the lower toner discharge opening. With such a structure, a rotation shaft is provided at each of the opposite longitudinal ends of the resin material plate, and one end of the rotation shaft is directly or indirectly connected with the second gear <b>6</b>.

0106In the case of such a feeding member constituted by the resin material plate, the remaining toner amount in the container (the amount of the toner remaining at the end of life of the toner container). From such a standpoint, the structure using the first gear <b>5</b> and the second gear <b>6</b> as in this embodiment is preferred.

0107In other words, as will be described hereinafter, the rotational direction of the feeding member is opposite from the direction B in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> in consideration of the toner feeding and discharging performance.

0108On the other hand, as will be described hereinafter, in order to accomplish the automatic rotation of the toner supply container using the drive transmitting means of the toner supply container, it is desirable that rotational direction of the second gear <b>6</b> is B in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, and the rotational direction of the driving gear <b>12</b> is opposite the direction B.

0109In this embodiment, in order to satisfy the dual function (toner feeding and discharging performance and the automatic rotation of the toner supply container), the drive transmitting means is constituted by the first gear <b>5</b> and the second gear <b>6</b> (two gears). In other words, the first gear <b>5</b> functions as a rotational direction converting mechanism for converting the rotating force provided by the second gear <b>6</b> to the rotating force in the rotational direction of the feeding member.

0110The rotational direction converting mechanism (reversing mechanism) is not limited to the first gear <b>5</b>, but may be as follows. In place of the first gear <b>5</b>, the use is made with a combination of a drive transmission belt and a pulley (supporting member) which rotates co-axially with the feeding member (the center of rotation thereof is aligned with the center of rotation of the toner supply container). The pulley is directly or indirectly connected with the feeding member. The rotation shaft of the second gear <b>6</b> is extended in the longitudinal direction of the container (frontwardly of the sheet of the drawing of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, (c), and between the portion of the extended rotation shaft and the pulley, the drive transmission belt is trained around them in the form of “8”

0111In this example, the configuration of the container is cylindrical, and the configuration of the container is not limited to such a configuration. For example, in order to prevent rolling of the toner supply container when it is placed on the desk or floor, the toner supply container may have a cross section in a “D” shape as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. In such a case, the center of rotation of the toner supply container is the center of the arcuation adjacent the toner discharge opening is substantially the rotational centers of the shutters. By doing so, the shutters and so on can be moved with high accuracy when the container is rotated.

(Rotation Resistance Applying Means)

0112As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the shaft portion <b>6</b><i>a </i>of the second gear <b>6</b> is engaged with a projected portion <b>1</b><i>a</i>′ provided on the end surface of the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>. The second gear <b>6</b> is in the form of a cup in which a ring member <b>64</b> (sliding member, elastic member) of silicone rubber as a rotation resistance applying means is provided and is compressed to a predetermined degree. In more detail, the ring member <b>64</b> of silicone rubber is compressed between a pressing member <b>63</b> and the bottom surface of the cup portion of the second gear <b>6</b> by a spring (urging member). The pressing member <b>63</b> is fixed on the projected portion <b>1</b><i>a</i>′. A cap-like member <b>61</b> (urging member) is fixed to the projected portion <b>1</b><i>a</i>′ so that spring <b>62</b> is compressed between the pressing member <b>63</b> and the cap-like member <b>61</b>.

0113In this manner, in this embodiment, the second gear <b>6</b> is in surface contact with the ring member <b>64</b>, so that second gear <b>6</b> is not easily rotated relative to the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>. In other words, the rotation resistance of the second gear <b>6</b> relative to the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>is set to be sufficiently large.

0114On the other hand, the first gear <b>5</b> is not provided with such a rotation resistance applying means, and therefore, when only the first gear <b>5</b> is taken, the rotation resistance relative to the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>is sufficiently small.

0115The first gear <b>5</b> and the second gear <b>6</b> function to transmit the rotating force to the feeding member, and therefore, are not easily rotated relative to the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>due to the provision of the rotation resistance applying means. This is used to accomplish the automatic rotation of the toner supply container which will be described hereinafter.

0116The rotation resistance applying means is not limited to the above-described structure, but may be any known one. For example, a urethane rubber is usable in place of the silicone rubber. In place of the silicone rubber, and elastomer resin material is usable. Alternatively, the rotation resistance applying means may be the stirring blade which is rigid and long enough to provide sufficient sliding resistance relative to the inner surface of the container against the rotation. Further alternatively, a sealing property of a sealing member such as an oil seal, provided for the first gear <b>5</b>, for preventing toner leakage may be enhanced to function as the rotation resistance applying means, too.

0117The position where the rotation resistance applying means is provided may be other than the second gear <b>6</b>. The rotation resistance applying means may be provided to the first gear <b>5</b> or the like, if the drive transmitting means is effective to retard or impede the rotation thereof relative to the toner supply container. For example, the rotation resistance applying means may be provided to the portion (bearing) of the container for rotatably supporting the filling port side end of the stirring shaft <b>4</b><i>a. </i>

0118The specific structure or position of the rotation resistance applying means are not limited to the examples described in the foregoing, if the automatic rotation of the toner supply container which will be described hereinafter is accomplished.

0119If the rotation resistance applied to the first gear <b>5</b> and the second gear <b>6</b> by the rotation resistance applying means is too large, the torque required for the driving motor to feed and discharge the toner through the feeding member is too large. In this embodiment, this is taken into account, and the rotation resistance applied to the first gear <b>5</b> and the second gear <b>6</b> by the rotation resistance applying means is determined so as to accomplish the automatic rotation of the toner supply container.

(Assembling Method of Toner Supply Container)

0120The toner supply container <b>1</b> is assembled through the following steps.

0121First, the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>is prepared. Then, the feeding member <b>4</b> is fixed in the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>. Thereafter, the first gear <b>5</b> is mounted to one end surface of the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>, and then the second gear <b>6</b> is mounted. Furthermore, a container shutter <b>3</b> and the handle <b>2</b> are assembled on the container body.

0122Then, the toner is filled through the filling port <b>1</b><i>c</i>, and finally, the filling port is sealed by a sealing member.

0123The order of the toner filling, the mounting of the second gear <b>6</b>, the assembly of the container shutter <b>3</b> and the handle <b>2</b> may be changed for the convenience of the assemblying.

0124In this embodiment, the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>is a cylindrical container having an outer diameter of 60 mm and a length of 320 mm. The inner volume of the container is approx. 600 cc in which 300 g of the toner is filled.

(Toner Receiving Apparatus)

0125Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> will be described. The toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> comprising a mounting portion <b>10</b><i>a </i>for demountably mounting the toner supply container <b>1</b>, and a toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b </i>for receiving the toner discharged from the toner supply container <b>1</b>. The toner supplied from the toner receiving opening is supplied into the developing device and is used for image formation.

0126The toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> is further provided with a developing device shutter <b>11</b> having a substantially semi-cylindrical surface in a nesting relation with the peripheral surface configuration of the mounting portion <b>10</b><i>a </i>and with the toner supply container <b>1</b>. The developing device shutter is engaged with a guide portion <b>10</b><i>c </i>provided at the lower edge of the mounting portion <b>10</b><i>a </i>to make sliding motion along the circumference to open and close the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b. </i>

0127Furthermore, the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> is provided with a stopper <b>10</b><i>e </i>((a) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>) for stopping, at an end position, the opening movement of the developing device shutter <b>11</b>. By doing so, when the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is opened, the lower end of the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b </i>and the upper end of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> are aligned with high accuracy to completely open the toner receiving opening <b>10</b>. The stopper <b>10</b><i>e </i>functions also as a stop portion for stopping rotation of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>at the position where the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>is opposed to the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b</i>. In other words, the rotation of the toner supply container <b>1</b> engaged with the developing device shutter <b>11</b> through the opening projection (interrelating portion) is stopped with the stop of the unsealing movement of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> by the stopper <b>10</b><i>e. </i>

(Locking Mechanism for Developing Device Shutter)

0128The developing device shutter <b>11</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, (a), when the toner supply container <b>1</b> is not mounted to the mounting portion <b>10</b><i>a</i>, is locked at the position to seal the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b</i>. More particularly, one end of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is abutted to the stopper <b>10</b><i>d </i>of the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b>, and the other end is abutted to the locking member <b>13</b> (locking means), so that movement thereof is blocked at the position sealing the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b. </i>

0129By doing so, the possible introduction of dust or foreign matter into the developing device <b>201</b> and the possible leakage of the toner from the developing device <b>201</b> to the mounting portion <b>10</b><i>a </i>are effectively prevented.

0130The locking member <b>13</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, is abutted to a part of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> at the locking portion <b>13</b><i>a</i>, so that movement of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> in the unsealing direction is prevented. In addition, the locking member <b>13</b> is slidable in the direction A (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>).

0131In this embodiment, the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is released only when the exchange cover <b>15</b> is closed.

0132More particularly, with the closing operation of the exchange cover <b>15</b> by the user, a release member <b>15</b><i>a </i>(releasing means) provided on the exchange cover <b>15</b> is brought into engagement with a receiving portion <b>13</b><i>b </i>of the locking member <b>13</b> to slide the locking member <b>13</b> in the longitudinal direction (arrow A in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>). Then, the locking portion <b>13</b><i>a </i>moves to a release position where it does not interfere with the developing device shutter <b>11</b> to permit the movement, in the unsealing direction, of the developing device shutter <b>11</b>.

0133As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, a spring member <b>14</b> (urging member) is provided at a rear side with respect to the longitudinal direction of the locking member <b>13</b>. The locking member <b>13</b> is normally urged by the spring member <b>14</b> toward the front side in the longitudinal direction (opposite to the direction A in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>). In other words, the locking member is urged so as to restore to the locking position with retraction of the release member <b>15</b><i>a. </i>

(Driving Gear of Toner Receiving Apparatus)

0134As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, at one longitudinal end of the mounting portion <b>10</b><i>a</i>, there is provided a driving gear <b>12</b> (driving member) for transmitting a rotational driving force from a driving motor disposed in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus <b>100</b>. The driving gear <b>12</b> is stationary in the toner receiving apparatus, that is, is not movable even if the driving gear <b>12</b> is interfered with the end of a tooth of the second gear <b>6</b> of the toner supply container, and therefore, they are not brought into meshing engagement with each other, as contrasted to a well known structure wherein the driving gear <b>12</b> is retractable by abutment by the second gear <b>6</b>.

0135The driving gear <b>12</b>, as will be described hereinafter, functions to apply the rotating force to the toner supply container to rotate the toner supply container during the setting operation. Namely, the rotational direction of the driving gear <b>12</b> by the driving motor is as indicated by C in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> (opposite to the rotational direction of the toner supply container during the setting operation). In this example, the driving gear <b>12</b> is operatively engaged with a driving gear train for rotating the photosensitive drum <b>104</b>, the developing roller <b>201</b><i>b</i>, the feeding member <b>201</b><i>c </i>of the developing device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

(Setting Operation of Toner Supply Container)

0136Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, the setting operation of the toner supply container will be described.

0137<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a state in which the toner supply container is mounted, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates a state in which it is rotated to the set position. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> shows a state in which the toner supply container is rotated to the supplying position.

0138In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, (a) are a schematic views of the toner supply container and the toner receiving apparatus. In these Figures, (b) are sectional views illustrating a relation among the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b</i>, the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b </i>and the developing device shutter <b>11</b>. In these Figures, (c) are sectional view illustrating relations among the driving force transmitting means. In these Figures, (d) are sectional views illustrating the relation between the developing device shutter <b>11</b> and the interrelating portion of the container body.

0139The setting operation of the toner supply container comprises a manual step which is carried out by the user and an automatic step which is carried out by the toner receiving apparatus.

0140The manual step includes a mounting operation in which the user mounts the toner supply container to the mount position of the toner receiving apparatus (the position where the mounting and demounting of the toner supply container are permitted), and a rotation in which the user rotates the toner supply container from the mount position to the set position (the position where the second gear <b>6</b> is in meshing engagement with the driving gear <b>12</b>). At the set position, the opening projection of the toner supply container is engaged with the developing device shutter. When the user rotates the container through a predetermined angle (approx. 2-3°), the interrelating portion (opening projection) is stopped by the toner receiving apparatus, by which the toner supply container is prevented from being removed. Therefore, when the toner supply container is at the set position or supplying position, the dismounting of the toner supply container is prohibited.

0141The rotation of the toner supply container from the set position to the supplying position (the position where the toner supply is possible) is the automatic step. These rotations of the toner supply container are all in the same direction (arrow B in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>). When the toner supply container is at the supplying position, too, the toner supply container is prevented from being dismounted.

0142The angle of rotation of the toner supply container between the mount position and the set position is approx. 60°, and the angle of rotation thereof between the set position and the supplying position is approx. 12°.

(Mounting Step for Setting Operation)

0143First, the user opens the exchange cover <b>15</b>, and inserts the toner supply container <b>1</b> into the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> in the direction of the arrow A in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, (a) (the direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner supply container).

0144At this time, the mounting attitude of the toner supply container <b>1</b> in the rotational direction is regulated. More particularly, the user inserts the toner supply container <b>1</b> into the toner receiving apparatus while aligning the regulated projection <b>100</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) of the toner supply container with the regulation recess <b>10</b><i>f </i>(<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) of the toner receiving apparatus. As a result, the toner supply container is mounted with the toner discharge opening thereof faces up (the direction of 12 o'clock). By doing so, when the toner supply container is taken out of the toner receiving apparatus, as will be described hereinafter, the toner remaining in the toner supply container does not leak between the peripheral surface of the container body and the container shutter.

0145The orientation of the toner discharge opening during this mounting operation by the user is not limited to the strict upward, but may be generally upward. More particularly, the orientation of the toner discharge opening is preferably within a range of ±30° from the vertical line (between 11 o'clock direction and 1 o'clock direction). The direction of the toner discharge opening is the direction of a line connecting the center of the toner discharge opening in the rotational direction of the toner supply container and the center of rotation of the toner supply container. The angle formed between such a line and the vertical line is preferably in the range of ±30°.

0146As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, (c), the driving gear <b>12</b> in the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> side and the second gear <b>6</b> in the toner supply container <b>1</b> side are out of engagement from each other, and more particularly, they are away from each other in the rotational direction of the container <b>1</b>.

(Manual Rotation Step for Setting Operation)

0147Then, the user manipulates the handle <b>2</b> to rotate the toner supply container <b>1</b> placed at the mount position in-the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> in-the direction B as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, that is, the direction opposite the rotational direction of the feeding member <b>4</b>. Then, with the rotation of the toner supply container <b>1</b>, the second gear <b>6</b> revolves about the center of rotation of the toner supply container <b>1</b> (the center of rotation of the feeding member <b>4</b>) toward the driving gear <b>12</b> of the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b>. Then, when the toner supply container <b>1</b> is rotated to the set position, the toner supply container is prevented from further rotation, and therefore, stops (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>). More particularly, the opening projection <b>1</b><i>e </i>of the toner supply container abuts against the developing device shutter <b>11</b> which is prevented from movement by the locking member <b>13</b>, and therefore, the photo rotation of the toner supply container is prevented. In this manner, the opening projection <b>1</b><i>e </i>functions to stop the manual rotation of the toner supply container.

0148With the rotation of the toner supply container from the mount position to the set position, the second gear <b>6</b> is brought into engagement with the driving gear <b>12</b> of the toner receiving apparatus. Thereafter, the drive transmission from the driving gear <b>12</b> to the second gear <b>6</b> is enabled.

0149On the other hand, the toner discharge opening and the toner receiving opening have not yet been unsealed when the toner supply container is at the set position. That is, the toner discharge opening and the toner receiving opening are closed by the container shutter and the developing device shutter.

(Automatic Rotation Step of Setting Operation)

0150With the toner supply container set at the set position, the user closes the exchange cover <b>15</b>. In interrelation therewith, the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is released from the locking member <b>13</b>. In interrelation with the closing operation of the exchange cover <b>15</b>, the driving gear <b>12</b> starts to rotate by the driving motor.

0151With the rotation of the driving gear <b>12</b>, the toner supply container receives a rotational force (pulling force) in the direction D by the second gear <b>6</b> engaged with the driving gear <b>12</b>, so that toner supply container is automatically rotated from the set position to the supplying position. The mechanical principle of the automatic rotation of the toner supply container will be described hereinafter.

0152When the toner supply container <b>1</b> reaches the supplying position, further rotation of the toner supply container is prevented. This is because the developing device shutter <b>11</b> abuts the stopper <b>10</b><i>e </i>(<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, (b)) for defining the end position of the unsealing movement of the developing device shutter <b>11</b>. The further rotation of the toner supply container is prevented through the opening projection <b>1</b><i>e </i>abutting against the developing device shutter <b>11</b>. Namely, the opening projection <b>1</b><i>e </i>functions also to stop the automatic rotation of the toner supply container.

0153In interrelation with the rotation of the toner supply container from the set position to the supplying position, the toner discharge opening and the toner receiving opening is unsealed, and the toner discharge opening and the toner receiving opening are completely aligned with each other. That is, at a time when the toner supply container reaches the supplying position, the toner supply from the toner supply container to the toner receiving apparatus is enabled.

0154More specifically, in interrelation with the rotation of the toner supply container from the set position to the supplying position, the container shutter <b>3</b> abuts the stopper portion of the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b>, so that further rotation is prevented, and the toner supply container is gradually opened. When the toner supply container is rotated to the supplying position, the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>is completely opened.

0155On the other hand, in interrelation with the rotation of the toner supply container from the set position to the supplying position (opening or unsealing operation of the container shutter), the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is lowered to the opening projection <b>1</b><i>e </i>of the toner supply container <b>1</b> so that toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b </i>gradually opens. Since the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is stopped by the stopper <b>10</b><i>e </i>which determines the end position of the opening movement thereof (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, (b)), the lower end of the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b </i>and the upper end of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> are aligned correctly. Thus, when the toner supply container rotates to the supplying position, the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b </i>is completely opened.

0156As a result, when the toner supply container is rotated to the supplying position, both of the toner discharge opening and the toner receiving opening are opened while they are aligned with each other.

0157Thereafter, when the driving gear <b>12</b> is rotated, the rotating force is transmitted from the second gear <b>6</b> to the feeding member <b>4</b> through the first gear <b>5</b>, and the toner supply is carried out from the toner supply container to the toner receiving apparatus.

0158In this embodiment, the positions, in the circumferential direction, of the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b</i>, the opening projection <b>1</b><i>e</i>, the second gear <b>6</b> and so on relative to the toner supply container <b>1</b> are adjusted so that above-described operations are carried out at the correct timing in proper interrelations.

0159In this manner, this embodiment accomplishes the automatic rotation of the toner supply container to the supplying position which is important in carrying out the toner supply step, that is, to the final rotational position of the toner supply container, without using another driving system for such a rotation. As a result, the usability is improved with a simple structure of the toner supply container.

0160Namely, the second gear <b>6</b> for the feeding member driving is utilized for the automatic rotation of the toner supply container to determine and assure the final position, in the rotational direction, of the toner supply container, the final position being one of the important factors in the subsequent toner supply step. According to the above-described structure utilizing the second gear <b>6</b> which is for driving the toner feeding member, for the automatic rotation of the toner supply container, the deterioration, damage or the like of the second gear <b>6</b> due to the teeth abutment with the driving gear <b>12</b> upon mounting of the toner supply container can be avoided.

0161The same applies to the driving gear <b>12</b> of the toner receiving apparatus in that deterioration, damage or the like of the driving gear <b>12</b> due to the teeth abutment can be avoided. In other words, using the structure of the toner supply container of this embodiment, the contribution to the suppression of the deterioration, damage or the like of the driving gear <b>12</b> of the toner receiving apparatus is accomplished.

0162Therefore, the subsequent toner supply operation is smoothly carried out, and the occurrence of image defects such as non-uniform image density, insufficient image density and so on can be avoided.

0163In addition, according to the embodiment, the driving gear <b>12</b> is rotated also in the toner supply step, and therefore, the toner supply container receives a rotational force X (inward pushing force) in the direction B through the second gear <b>6</b>. In the toner supply step, the toner supply container receives at the inner surface thereof a rotational force in the rotational direction Y opposite the direction B by the sliding friction between the feeding member and the toner supply container, and the inward pushing force B is selected to be sufficiently larger than the rotational force Y.

0164For this reason, even if the rotation of toner supply container stopped immediately) (1-2° before the supplying position in the automatic rotation step, the positional error (insufficient rotation) could be automatically corrected. More particularly, with start of the toner supply step, the toner supply container is rotated gradually to the correct supplying position. In this manner, the insufficient opening of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> can be automatically corrected.

(Principle of Automatic Rotation of Toner Supply Container)

0165The principle of the automatic rotation of the toner supply container will be described in detail. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> illustrates the principle of the automatic rotation of the toner supply container through the second gear <b>6</b> by the rotation of the driving gear <b>12</b> which is in meshing engagement with the second gear <b>6</b>.

0166In this embodiment, the ring member of silicone rubber is disposed between the second gear <b>6</b> and the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>and is compressed by a predetermined degree, by which the rotations of the first gear <b>5</b> and the second gear <b>6</b> relative to the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>are retarded or impeded, the first gear <b>5</b> and the second gear <b>6</b> being for transmitting the rotating force to the feeding member. thus, a load is applied to the second gear <b>6</b> against the rotation relative to the container body <b>6</b>, and the second gear <b>6</b> is kept in the loaded condition.

0167When the driving gear <b>12</b> rotates, the rotational force f is applied to the second gear <b>6</b>, about an axis P thereof, which is in meshing engagement with the driving gear <b>12</b>. The rotational force f is, therefore, applied to the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>. On the other hand, when the toner supply container tends to rotate from the set position to the supplying position, the toner supply container receives an anti-rotational force F from the mounting portion of the toner receiving apparatus, namely, the anti-rotational force by the friction between the toner receiving apparatus and the outer surface of the toner supply container. In this example, since the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is slid through an opening projection of the toner supply container, the anti-rotational force F is also provided by the sliding movement resistance of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> relative to the toner receiving apparatus.

0168In this embodiment, the rotational force f applied to the toner supply container by the driving gear <b>12</b> is selected be larger than the anti-rotational force F applied to the toner supply container from the toner receiving apparatus.

0169Therefore, the toner supply container placed at the set position is rotated toward the supplying position with the rotation of the driving gear <b>12</b> to the final supplying position.

0170Thus, in this embodiment, automatic rotation of the toner supply container from the set position to the supplying position is accomplished by the relation (F<f) between the forces f and F. An instantaneous occurrence of F>f in the toner supply container is permissible, if the toner supply container reaches the supplying position finally.

0171The rotational force f can be measured or determined in this manner. The driving gear <b>12</b> in meshing engagement with the second gear <b>6</b> is rotated in the direction indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, and the rotational torque of the driving gear <b>12</b> is measured at this time by an automatic torque measuring device. More particularly, a measurement shaft is co-axially fixed to the rotation shaft of the driving gear <b>12</b>, and torque converter and the driving motor (stepping motor) are connected in series to the measurement shaft. The electric power supply to the driving motor is controlled so as to maintain the rotational speed of the measurement shaft at 30 rpm. The rotational speed of the measurement shaft is the same as that during the actual automatic rotation step of the toner supply container and the actual toner supply step. When the rotational speed in the actual steps is different, the rotational speed in the measurement is changed correspondingly. In this example, the rotational torque of the driving gear <b>12</b> is 0. 29N_Em.

0172The rotational torque of the driving gear <b>12</b> corresponds to A which will be described hereinafter, and the rotational force f is determined using a formula which will be described hereinafter. In the case that data obtained from the torque converter periodically varies, a plurality of such data are properly averaged to determine A.

0173For the measurement, a torque converter (PP-2-KCE) available from Kyowa Dengyo Kabushiki Kaisha was used.

0174On the other hand, the anti-rotational force F is measured in a similar manner. More particularly, the toner supply container which is in engagement with the developing device shutter is rotated from the set position toward the supplying position. The rotation torque about the rotational center of the toner supply container is measured using the automatic torque measuring device. Even more particularly, the driving gear <b>12</b> is removed from the toner receiving apparatus, and a measurement shaft is co-axially fixed to the toner supply container at the rotational center, and the automatic torque measuring device is connected to the measurement shaft similarly to the foregoing measurement. The electric power supply to the driving motor is controlled so as to maintain the rotational speed of the measurement shaft at 6.4 rpm. The rotational frequency or speed of the measurement shaft corresponds to 30 rpm rotation of the driving gear <b>12</b> during the automatic rotation step of the toner supply container. When the rotational speed in the automatic rotation step is different from this value, the rotational speed of the measurement shaft is changed correspondingly. In this embodiment, the rotation torque about the rotational center of the toner supply container was 0.58N_Em.

0175The rotation torque about the rotational center of the toner supply container corresponds to D which will be described hereinafter, and the anti-rotational force F is determined using a formula which will be described hereinafter. In the case that data obtained from the torque converter periodically varies, a plurality of such data are properly averaged to determine D.

0176Using <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, the principle will be described in a further detail. Radii of pitch circles of the driving gear <b>12</b>, the second gear <b>6</b> and the first gear <b>5</b> are a, b, c, and torques of these gears about the respective axes are A, B, C. The centers of the gears are indicated by A, B and C, too. Here, the rotational force (inward pushing force) applied to the toner supply container by the rotation of the driving gear <b>12</b> is E, and the anti-rotation torque of the toner supply container about the rotational center is D.

0177For the automatic rotation of the toner supply container, f>F is required.

0000<br />Anti rotational force: <i>F=D</i>/(<i>b+c</i>)

0000<br />rotational force: <i>f</i>={(<i>c+</i>2<i>b</i>)/(<i>c+b</i>)}×<i>E </i>

0000<br />={(<i>c+</i>2<i>b</i>)/(<i>c+b</i>)}×(<i>A/a</i>)

0000<br />={(<i>c+</i>2<i>b</i>)/(<i>c+b</i>)}×(<i>C/c+B/b</i>)

0000<br />Therefore,

0000<br />(<i>c+</i>2<i>b</i>)/(<i>c+b</i>)×(<i>C/c+B/b</i>)><i>D</i>/(<i>b+c</i>)

0000<br />(<i>C/c+B/b</i>)><i>D</i>/(<i>c+</i>2<i>b</i>)

0178From this, for the automatic rotation of the toner supply container by the inward pushing force, the formula is satisfied. For example, radius C or B or both of them are made larger, and/or D is made smaller.

0179More particularly, the rotational torque or torques of the first gear <b>5</b> which is in direct connection with the feeding member and/or the second gear <b>6</b> are made larger, and the anti rotational force for the toner supply container due to the friction relative to the mounting portion <b>10</b><i>a </i>of the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> is made smaller, by which the automatic rotation of the toner supply container is accomplished.

0180The anti-rotational force of the toner supply container can be adjusted by decreasing the sliding area of the toner supply container relative to the mounting portion <b>10</b><i>a </i>or by providing the outer surface of the toner supply container with a low sliding resistance member or material. Alternatively, the inner surface of the accommodating portion <b>10</b><i>a </i>of the toner receiving apparatus may be provided with a roller or rollers (low sliding resistance member or rotation resistance suppression member).

0181As another effective factor, there is a direction E of the force which the second gear <b>6</b> receives the rotating force from the driving gear <b>12</b>.

0182rotational force f about the shaft portion P of the second gear <b>6</b> is a component force of the force E which the second gear <b>6</b> receives from the driving gear <b>12</b>.

0183In the model of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, a reference line is drawn by connecting the rotational center C of the toner supply container (which is also the center of rotation of the first gear <b>5</b> in the shown model) and the center of rotation B of the second gear <b>6</b>. An angle θ formed between the reference line and a line connecting the point B and the center of rotation An of the driving gear <b>12</b> (the angle is positive in the clockwise direction from the reference line (0 degree)) is preferably larger than 90° and smaller than 270°. From the standpoint of efficient utilization of the component (the component force in the direction of a tangent line of the container body at the engagement portion between the second gear <b>6</b> and the driving gear <b>12</b>), in the f direction, of the force E by the engagement between the second gear <b>6</b> and the driving gear <b>12</b>, the angle θ is preferably not less than 120° and not more than 240°. For a further efficient utilization of the component force, the angle θ is about 180° which is the case in this embodiment.

0184In this embodiment, the positions and structures of the gears are determined taking the foregoing into consideration.

0185In the actual structures, there is a loss or the like in the drive transmission between the gears, but they are omitted for the sake of simplicity in the model. The structures of the toner supply containers may be determined in consideration of the loss or the like so as to provide a proper inward pushing force in the automatic rotation of the toner supply container.

0186As described in the foregoing, during the toner supply operation by rotating the feeding member, the second gear <b>6</b> always receives the inward pushing force (opposite from the direction D). During the toner supply operation by rotating the feeding member, the toner supply container also receives a force in a reverse direction (the direction D (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>)) by the sliding contact between the feeding member <b>4</b> and the inner surface of the toner supply container.

0187In this embodiment, the selection is made so that inward pushing force to the toner supply container is larger than the force in the reverse direction, and therefore, the rotation of the toner supply container from the supplying position toward the set position is prevented during the toner supply step operation.

0188In this manner, during the toner supply step operation, the toner discharge opening and the toner receiving opening are maintained at respective proper open states.

0189More particularly, during the toner supply operation, as shown in (c) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, the driving gear <b>12</b> rotates in the direction C; the second gear <b>6</b> in the direction B; and the first gear <b>5</b> in the direction A. At this time, the toner supply container receives a force in the inward direction (E in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, (c)), and therefore, the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>and the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b </i>are kept alignment with each other so that toner supply is stable.

(Dismounting of Toner Supply Container)

0190The description will be made as to dismounting of the toner supply container from the toner receiving apparatus for some reason or another.

0191First, the user opens the exchange cover <b>15</b>. Then, the user operates the handle <b>2</b> to rotate the toner supply container in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow B in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>. More particularly, the toner supply container placed at the supplying position is rotated back to the mount position through the set position by the user operation.

0192At this time, the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is closed (raised) by the sealing projection <b>1</b><i>f </i>of the toner supply container <b>1</b>, thus closing the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b</i>. Concurrently, the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>rotates back to the position where it is closed by the container shutter <b>3</b>.

0193More particularly, the container shutter abuts against the stopper portion of the toner receiving apparatus and is at rest there, and from this state, the toner supply container is rotated so that toner discharge opening is closed or resealed by the container shutter. The resealing rotation of the toner supply container is stopped by the stopper portion provided in the guide portion <b>1</b><i>d </i>of the container shutter <b>3</b> abutting the container shutter <b>3</b>.

0194With such a rotation of the toner supply container, the second gear <b>6</b> revolves to release from the driving gear <b>12</b> and becomes non-engageable with the driving gear <b>12</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, (c).

0195Then, the toner supply container <b>1</b> at the mount position is taken out of the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> by the user.

0196This is the end of the dismounting operation of the toner supply container. Thereafter, the user mounts a prepared new toner supply container to the mounting portion of the toner receiving apparatus. The above-described manual rotation step is only up to the set position, and then the exchange cover <b>15</b> is closed.

0197The backward rotation of the toner supply container from the supplying position to the set position can be carried out automatically.

0198More particularly, when the toner supply container is at the supplying position, the driving gear <b>12</b> is rotated in the direction opposite to that in the setting operation, so that opposite force is applied to the toner supply container.

0199By doing so, the toner supply container is rotated back to the position where the developing device shutter closes the toner receiving opening. At this time, the toner discharge opening is resealed by the container shutter.

0200In this case, too, the force applied to the toner supply container (in the direction opposite the direction of the inward pushing force) is selected to be larger than the anti-rotational force of the container body <b>1</b><i>a. </i>

0201When the rotations of the toner supply container between the set position and the supplying position in both directions are made automatic, the usability is further improved.

0202The supply tests were carried out with the toner supply container of this embodiment, and the results were satisfactory, and image forming operations were proper for a long term.

0203The material, the molding method, the configuration and so on of the members are not limited to those described in the foregoing, but may be properly modified by one skilled in the art.

0204The toner receiving apparatus for receiving the toner supply container may be an image forming unit of a stationary type in which the toner receiving apparatus is fixed to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus or may be an image forming unit of a detachable type in which the toner receiving apparatus is easily detachably mountable to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. Examples of the image forming unit include a process cartridge comprising as a unit image forming process means such as a photosensitive member, a charger, a developing device and so on, and a developing cartridge comprising a developing device.

Embodiment 2

0205Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, a toner supply container <b>1</b> according to Embodiment 2 will be described. The basic structures of the container are the same as the embodiment, and therefore, the description of the detail structures thereof is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

0206In Embodiment 1, the interrelating portion of the toner supply container uses the opening projection and the sealing projection. In Embodiment 2, a snap fit type engagement is used. In Embodiment 1, the toner supply container is mounted substantially in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner supply container. In Embodiment 2, however, the toner supply container is mounted to the toner receiving apparatus substantially in the longitudinal direction of the toner supply container.

0207This is the main difference of the toner supply container from that of Embodiment 1. In the Figures, the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 are assigned to the element having a corresponding function.

0208As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14 and 17</figref>, the peripheral surface of the toner supply container <b>1</b> is provided with a snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>which functions as an interrelating portion (engaging portion) for releasable engagement with the developing device shutter <b>11</b>. The snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>is brought into a hook engagement with the developing device shutter <b>11</b> by an overlapping operation relative to the developing device shutter <b>11</b> when the toner supply container is manually rotated from the mount position to the set position. At this time, the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is kept non-movable by a locking member <b>13</b>.

0209With the manual rotation of the toner supply container, the claw portion disposed at the free end portion of the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>abuts the developing device shutter, by which the claw portion deforms, and then, elastically restores to establish a hook engagement therebetween (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, (a) to (b)).

0210In order to simply accomplish the deformation and restoration of the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e</i>, the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>is made of resin material capable of elastic deformation.

0211With the automatic rotation of the toner supply container in the setting operation, the developing device shutter <b>11</b> which is in integral engagement with the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>is lowered, and the toner receiving opening is opened.

0212With the manual rotation of the toner supply container during the dismounting operation, the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is raised by the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e</i>, and the toner receiving opening is closed again.

0213The snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>functions to interrelate the opening operation and closing operation of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> with the rotation of the toner supply container.

0214The portion of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> which is hook-engaged with the free end claw of the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>is a snap fit receiving portion <b>11</b><i>a </i>and has a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the free end claw. They are so constituted that they are not disengaged from each other when the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is raised.

0215On the other hand, they are so constituted that after the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is re-closed or resealed, the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>and the developing device shutter <b>11</b> are easily released from each other with the rotation of the toner supply container.

0216The snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>accomplished these two functions.

0217In this example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, toner supply container is provided with a handle <b>2</b> for easy insertion thereof into the toner receiving apparatus substantially along the longitudinal direction, on an end surface of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>longitudinally opposite from the surface having the gears <b>5</b> and <b>6</b>.

0218As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, an exchange cover <b>15</b> for exchanging the toner supply container is opened and closed in a front side of the main assembly of the apparatus. The toner supply container <b>1</b> is inserted to the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus <b>100</b> along the longitudinal direction (the axial direction of the feeding member), by the user gripping the handle <b>2</b>, with the gear (<b>5</b>, <b>6</b>) side at the leading side.

0219The leading side end of the toner supply container <b>1</b> in the inserting direction is provided with a positioning guide projection <b>1</b><i>g </i>(regulating member), and the toner receiving apparatus is provided with a guide portion <b>10</b><i>g </i>in the form of a recess corresponding to the positioning guide projection <b>1</b><i>g</i>. The structure is to regulate the mounting attitude (mounting angle) of the toner supply container <b>1</b> in the rotational direction.

0220The regulating member for regulating the mounting attitude in the rotational direction of the toner supply container <b>1</b> is not limited to such a guide projection <b>1</b><i>g</i>. For example, the described guide portion <b>1</b><i>d </i>of the container shutter <b>3</b> or the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>may be used to regulate the mounting attitude of the toner supply container. In such a case, a cross sectional configuration of the inlet of the mounting portion of the toner receiving apparatus may correspond to the configuration of the guide portion <b>1</b><i>d </i>of the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>or the container shutter <b>3</b>.

0221The toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, has substantially the same structure except for the portion of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> which is engaged with the toner supply container (snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e</i>).

0222As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, the shape of the container may be a cylindrical from which a part is removed.

0223The setting operation and the dismounting operation of the toner supply container will be described as to the case using the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e. </i>

(Setting Operation of Toner Supply Container)

0224Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>, the setting operation of the toner supply container <b>1</b> will be described. In this embodiment, the rotation of the toner supply container <b>1</b> from the mount position to the set position is carried out by the user, and the rotation of the toner supply container <b>1</b> from the set position to the supplying position is automatically carried out by the toner receiving apparatus.

0225<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> shows a state in which the toner supply container is at the mount position, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> shows a state in which the toner supply container is at the set position, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> shows a state in which the toner supply container is at the supplying position.

0226<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10-12</figref> show the positional relation among the container shutter <b>3</b>, the developing device shutter <b>11</b>, the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>and the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b </i>at (a) of this Figure. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10-12</figref> show a positional relation between the second gear <b>6</b> and the driving gear <b>12</b> of the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> at (b) of this Figure. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10-12</figref> show a positional relation between the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>and the snap fit receiving portion <b>11</b><i>a </i>at (c) of this Figure.

(Mounting Step in Setting Operation)

0227First, the user opens the exchange cover <b>15</b>. The user inserts the toner supply container <b>1</b> toward the mounting portion of the toner receiving apparatus while aligning the positioning guide projection <b>1</b><i>g </i>with the guide portion <b>10</b><i>g. </i>

0228At this time, as shown in (a) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>is closed by the container shutter <b>3</b>, and the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b </i>is closed by the developing device shutter <b>11</b>. The developing device shutter <b>11</b> is locked by the locking member <b>13</b> so that opening movement thereof is prevented. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, (b), the driving gear <b>12</b> of the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> and the second gear <b>6</b> of the toner supply container <b>1</b> are spaced apart, so that driving connection is disabled. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, (c), the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>of the toner supply container is away from the snap fit receiving portion <b>11</b><i>a </i>of the developing device shutter, so that engagement therebetween is disabled.

(Manual Rotation Step in Setting Operation)

0229The toner supply container <b>1</b> placed at the mount position is rotated toward the set position in the direction indicated by arrow R in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> (the direction opposite the rotational direction of the feeding member <b>4</b>).

0230With the manual rotation of the toner supply container <b>1</b>, the second gear <b>6</b> is brought into meshing engagement with the driving gear <b>12</b>. At this time when the toner supply container reaches the set position, the second gear <b>6</b> begins to engage with the driving gear <b>12</b>, so that drive transmission from the driving gear <b>12</b> to the second gear <b>6</b> is enabled. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> shows the end of the rotation using the handle by the user, and at (b) of this Figure, the second gear <b>6</b> is brought into meshing engagement with the driving gear <b>12</b>, and therefore, the drive-transmission is enabled.

0231With the manual rotation of the toner supply container <b>1</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, (a), the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>deforms in the direction of an arrow B to engage into the snap fit receiving portion <b>11</b><i>a</i>, thus establishing the hook engagement (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, (b)).

0232By the user operation, the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>further pushes the developing device shutter <b>11</b> (C at (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>). At this time, however, the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is locked by the locking member <b>13</b>, and therefore, any further rotation of the toner supply container is prevented. This is the end of the user operation.

0233In this embodiment, as described in the foregoing, since the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is locked, the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>is prevented from lowering the developing device shutter <b>11</b> before the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>is engaged into the snap fit receiving portion <b>11</b><i>a</i>. Therefore, an interrelation defect between the toner supply container and the developing device shutter can be prevented.

0234When the toner supply container is at the set position, the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>and the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b </i>are still closed (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, (a)).

0235Then, the user closes the exchange cover <b>15</b>. On the other hand, the exchange cover <b>15</b> is provided with a release member <b>15</b><i>a </i>(regulation releasing member) in the form of a projection, and the developing device shutter is released in interrelation with the closing operation of the cover.

0236More particularly, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, when the user closes the cover <b>15</b>, the release member <b>15</b><i>a </i>of the covering member <b>15</b> pushes the receiving portion <b>13</b><i>b </i>of the locking member <b>13</b> of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> toward the rear side in the longitudinal direction. At this time, the locking member <b>13</b> is urged by the spring member <b>14</b>, but the release member <b>15</b><i>a </i>pushes the locking member <b>13</b> against the urging force, and therefore, the developing device shutter is released from the locking. Thereafter, the movement of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> in the unsealing or opening direction is permitted.

(Automatic Rotation Step in Setting Operation)

0237The driving gear <b>12</b> starts to rotate by the driving motor in interrelation with the user's closing operation of the exchange cover <b>15</b>.

0238Then, the toner supply container placed at the set position receives an inward pushing force (E, in (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>) through the second gear <b>6</b>, and the toner supply container starts the automatic rotation toward the supplying position.

0239With the automatic rotation of the toner supply container, the movement of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> in the opening direction is started by the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e. </i>

0240Finally, when the toner supply container reaches the supplying position, the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>is completely uncovered by the developing device shutter <b>11</b>, and the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b </i>is completely uncovered by the container shutter, and the positions of the openings are aligned with each other ((a) in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>).

0241The automatic rotation of the toner supply container <b>1</b> is stopped by the developing device shutter abutting against the stopper <b>10</b><i>e </i>((a), in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>).

0242Thereafter, with further rotation of the driving gear <b>12</b>, the feeding member <b>4</b> is rotated relative to the thus stopped toner supply container, by which the toner is fed and discharged.

(Dismounting Operation of Toner Supply Container)

0243The description will be made as to dismounting of the toner supply container from the toner receiving apparatus for some reason or another.

0244First, the user opens the exchange cover <b>15</b>. Then, the user operates the handle <b>2</b> to rotate the toner supply container in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow R in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>. More particularly, the toner supply container placed at the supplying position is rotated back to the mount position through the set position by the user operation.

0245At this time, the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is raised by the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>of the toner supply container <b>1</b>, and the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b </i>is closed. Concurrently, the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>rotates back to the position where it is closed by the container shutter <b>3</b> ((a) in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>). More particularly, the container shutter abuts the stopper portion of the toner receiving apparatus and is stopped thereby, and the toner supply container is rotated from this state by which the toner discharge opening is re-closed or resealed by the container shutter.

0246When the toner supply container is rotated from the set position to the mount position, the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>is released from the developing device shutter <b>11</b>, and thereafter, the toner supply container is rotated relative to the developing device shutter.

0247Furthermore, with the rotation of the toner supply container from the set position to the mount position, the second gear <b>6</b> revolves to release the engagement with the driving gear <b>12</b>, and becomes not engageable with the driving gear <b>12</b> ((b) in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>).

0248The rotation of the toner supply container from the supplying position to the mount position is stopped by the stopper portion provided on the guide portion <b>1</b><i>d </i>of the container shutter <b>3</b> abutting the container shutter <b>3</b>.

0249Then, the toner supply container <b>1</b> at the mount position is taken out of the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> by the user.

0250This is the end of the dismounting operation of the toner supply container.

0251The backward rotation of the toner supply container from the supplying position to the set position can be carried out automatically, also in this embodiment.

0252More particularly, when the toner supply container is at the supplying position, the driving gear <b>12</b> is rotated in the direction opposite to that in the setting operation, so that opposite force is applied to the toner supply container.

0253By doing so, the toner supply container is rotated back to the position where the developing device shutter closes the toner receiving opening. At this time, the toner discharge opening is resealed by the container shutter.

0254In this case, too, the force applied to the toner supply container (in the direction opposite the direction of the inward pushing force) is selected to be larger than the anti-rotational force of the container body <b>1</b><i>a. </i>

0255When the rotations of the toner supply container between the set position and the supplying position in both directions are made automatic, the usability is further improved.

0256The similar advantage effects as with Embodiment 1 are provided even when the interrelating mechanism between the toner supply container and the developing device shutter and the mounting direction of the toner supply container are different.

Embodiment 3

0257Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 22 and 23</figref>, Embodiment 3 will be described. The basic structures of this embodiment are the same as Embodiments 1 and 2, and therefore, the detailed description of the common parts are omitted. In the Figures, the same reference numerals as in Embodiments 1 and 2 are assigned to the element having a corresponding function. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, (a) is a perspective view of the entirety of the toner supply container, and (b) is a perspective view of an inner cylinder. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, (a) shows the state when an outer cylinder is at a mount position, and (b) shows the state when the outer cylinder is at a set position, and (c) shows the state when the outer cylinder is at a supplying position.

0258In the Embodiments 1 and 2, the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>containing the toner is rotated, but in the present embodiment, a portion not functioning as the toner accommodating portion is rotated.

0259As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, the toner supply container comprises an inner cylinder <b>800</b> containing the toner and an outer cylinder <b>300</b> rotatable around the inner cylinder (dual cylindrical structure).

0260The inner cylinder is provided with a toner discharge opening <b>900</b> for permitting discharging of the toner, and the outer cylinder is provided with a toner discharge opening <b>400</b> for permitting discharging of the toner. The inner cylinder is provided with a locking portion for locking engagement with the toner receiving apparatus substantially to prevent rotation thereof.

0261The toner discharge opening provided in the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are not aligned with each other at least positionally before the mounting of the toner supply container, and therefore, the openings are not in fluid communication with each other. In other words, in this example, the outer cylinder functions as the container shutter <b>3</b> described in the foregoing.

0262The toner discharge opening <b>900</b> of the inner cylinder is hermetically sealed by sealing film <b>600</b> welded to the outer surface of the inner cylinder around the toner discharge opening <b>900</b>. The sealing film <b>600</b>, when the toner supply container is at the mount position (before the toner supply container is rotated), is peeled off by the user.

0263In order to prevent the toner leakage into between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, an elastic sealing member is provided around the toner discharge opening <b>900</b> of the inner cylinder (inside of a welded portion of the sealing film), and the elastic sealing member is compressed by the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder in a predetermined degree.

0264Gears <b>5</b> and <b>6</b> (drive transmitting means) and a snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>are provided on the outer cylinder having a closed bottom. More particularly, the gears <b>5</b> and <b>6</b> are provided on one longitudinal end of the outer cylinder (bottom surface of the cylindrical portion), and the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>is provided on the outer surface of the outer cylinder.

0265The container of this embodiment is assembled by engagement between the projection <b>500</b> (member to be guided or guided member) provided on the inner cylinder and a recess (elongated hole) <b>700</b> (guiding member) provided on the outer cylinder. This is effective to regulate the position of the outer cylinder relative to the inner cylinder in the longitudinal direction of the toner supply container. The relation of the recess and projection may be reversed in the guiding member and the guided member.

0266Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, the setting operation and the dismounting operation of the toner supply container will be described.

(Setting Operation of Toner Supply Container)

0267First, the user opens the exchange cover <b>15</b>, and inserts the toner supply container into the toner receiving apparatus.

0268At the time when the toner supply container is at the mount position, the toner discharge opening of the inner cylinder is at a position opposed to the toner receiving opening with the developing device shutter therebetween, and on the other hand, the toner discharge opening of the outer cylinder is not opposed to the toner receiving opening, but substantially faces up. The second gear <b>6</b>, similarly to Embodiments 1 and 2, is not engaged with the driving gear <b>12</b> and is at a position away from it (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, (a)).

0269Then, the sealing film is peeled off the container by the user.

0270Thereafter, the outer cylinder is rotated to a set position by the user relative to the inner cylinder locked with the toner receiving apparatus (not rotatable relative thereto).

0271When the toner supply container is at the set position, the snap fit portion of the toner supply container is in hook engagement with the developing device shutter. Since the developing device shutter is locked, the toner receiving opening is closed. At this time, the toner discharge opening of the outer cylinder is not in fluid communication with the toner discharge opening of the inner cylinder (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, (b)).

0272Thereafter, the exchange cover <b>15</b> is closed by the user.

0273In interrelation with the closing operation of the exchange cover <b>15</b>, the driving gear <b>12</b> starts rotation, and then, the outer cylinder (toner discharge opening) automatically rotates toward the supplying position relative to the inner cylinder locked to the toner receiving apparatus by the principle similar to the case of Embodiments 1 and 2. With the automatic rotation of the toner supply container, the developing device shutter is lowered by the snap fit portion.

0274When the toner supply container reaches the supplying position (toner discharge opening of the outer cylinder), the toner receiving opening is opened or unsealed, and the toner discharge opening of the outer cylinder is aligned with the toner discharge opening of the inner cylinder. As a result, the toner discharge opening of the inner cylinder, the toner discharge opening of the outer cylinder and the toner receiving opening are all positionally aligned to enable the toner supply (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, (c)).

0275As regards the dismounting operation of the toner supply container, the user directs the outer cylinder placed at the supplying position is rotated toward the mount position in the direction opposite to the directing during the setting operation, by which the second gear <b>6</b> revolves to a position away from the driving gear <b>12</b>. At this time, the resealing operation for the toner discharge opening of the inner cylinder and for the toner receiving opening is carried out interrelatedly.

0276At this time when the toner supply container moves from the supplying position to the mount position, the toner discharge opening <b>400</b> of the outer cylinder is kept open, but the toner discharge opening <b>900</b> of the inner cylinder is resealed by the outer cylinder. And, the toner discharge opening <b>400</b> of the outer cylinder faces up, the amount of toner scattering is very small, if any.

0277As described in the foregoing, with the structure of this example, the similar advantageous effects are provided as with Embodiments 1 and 2.

0278In the foregoing, the outer cylinder is rotatable relative to the inner cylinder, but alternatively, the inner cylinder having a closed end may be rotatable relative to the outer cylinder non-rotatably locked relative to the toner receiving apparatus. More particularly, a snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e </i>is provided on the peripheral surface of the inner cylinder, and the first gear <b>5</b> and the second gear <b>6</b> are provided on the end surface (bottom surface of the cylindrical portion) of the inner cylinder. On the other hand, the outer cylinder is provided with a guide hole for guiding the movement of the snap fit portion while penetrating the snap fit portion <b>1</b><i>e</i>. With such a structure, when the toner supply container is at the mount position, the toner discharge opening of the outer cylinder is aligned with the toner receiving opening, and the toner discharge opening of the inner cylinder faces up. Thereafter, the user manually rotates the toner supply container (inner cylinder), and then, the automatic rotation of the toner supply container (inner cylinder) by the rotation of the driving gear <b>12</b> is carried out, and the toner discharge opening of the inner cylinder is aligned with the toner discharge opening of the outer cylinder and with the toner receiving opening. When the toner supply container is taken out, similarly to the foregoing embodiments, the user rotates the toner supply container from the supplying position to the mount position, and then, the toner supply container can be taken out.

Embodiment 4

0279Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>, a toner supply container <b>1</b> according to Embodiment 4 will be described. The basic structures of the container are the same as the embodiment, and therefore, the description of the detail structures thereof is omitted for the sake of simplicity. In the Figures, the same reference numerals as in the foregoing embodiments are assigned to the element having a corresponding function.

0280As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>, the second gear <b>6</b> is a stepped gear as is different from Embodiments 1 and 2. The second gear <b>6</b> has a gear <b>6</b>′, too at the lower position. The gear <b>6</b>′ is fixed to co-axially rotate integrally with the second gear <b>6</b>. The gear <b>6</b>′ is in meshing engagement with the first gear <b>5</b>.

0281By doing so, the rotational speed of the feeding member can be set at a relatively lower level, without changing the rotational speed of the driving gear <b>12</b>, since the first gear <b>5</b> directly engaged with the feeding member is made larger (the number of the teeth is also large) as compared with Embodiment 1. On the other hand, the diameter of the second gear <b>6</b> is not made smaller in consideration of the amount of the automatic rotation of the toner supply container during the setting operation, or the number of the teeth is not made smaller, either, and the second gear <b>6</b> has the similar structure as in Embodiments 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the second gear <b>6</b> has a stepped gear structure, and the gear <b>6</b>′ is provided to transmit the rotating force from the second gear <b>6</b> to the first gear <b>5</b>.

0282The first gear <b>5</b> has a diameter of 31 mm and a number of teeth of 62; the second gear <b>6</b> has a diameter of 23 mm and a number of the teeth of 23; and the gear <b>6</b>′ has a diameter of 11 mm and a number of teeth of 22. The driving gear <b>12</b> is the same as Embodiments 1 and 2.

0283The same advantageous effects as with Embodiments 1 and 2 can be provided by this embodiment.

Embodiment 5

0284Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, Embodiment 5 will be described. The basic structures of this embodiment are the same as Embodiments 1 and 2, and therefore, the detailed description of the common parts are omitted. In the Figures, the same reference numerals as in Embodiments 1 and 2 are assigned to the element having a corresponding function.

0285In the foregoing embodiments, the drive transmitting means of the toner supply container for engagement with the driving gear <b>12</b> is a gear (second gear <b>6</b>), but in this embodiment, the drive transmitting means for engagement with the driving gear <b>12</b> is a drive transmission belt <b>1000</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>. The gear <b>5</b> in meshing engagement with the drive transmission belt is rotatable co-axially with the feeding member <b>4</b> similarly to the foregoing embodiments.

0286The drive transmission belt <b>1000</b> is provided with outer teeth for engagement with the teeth of the driving gear <b>12</b> on the outer surface thereof. The drive transmission belt <b>1000</b> is trained around two pulleys <b>1100</b> and <b>1200</b> (rotatable supporting member) with a predetermined tension. The shaft portions of the pulleys are rotatably supported on an end surface of the toner supply container.

0287To prevent sliding motion between the drive transmission belt and each of the pulleys during the automatic rotation step of the toner supply container, it is preferable that at least one of the inner surface of the drive transmission belt and the outer surface of each of the pulley is treated for high friction. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the drive transmission belt and the outer surfaces of the pulleys are subjected to a surface roughening treatment. In order to prevent the sliding between the drive transmission belt and each of the pulleys, the drive transmission belt and the pulleys may be made of high friction property material with which the high friction treatment is not necessary. Alternatively, the inner surface of the drive transmission belt may be provided with teeth, and correspondingly, the outer surface of each of the pulleys may be provided with teeth to prevent the slippage therebetween with high reliability.

0288Since the center of rotation of the outside pulley <b>1200</b> supporting the drive transmission belt <b>1000</b> is eccentric from the center of rotation of the toner supply container, the automatic rotation of the toner supply container is possible similarly to Embodiments 1 and 2.

0289In this embodiment, the gear <b>5</b> is provided to reverse the rotational direction of the drive transmission belt in consideration of the toner feeding and discharging properties of the feeding member, but they may be omitted. More particularly, the position of the pulley <b>1200</b> (center of rotation) is not changed, and the position of the pulley <b>1100</b> (center of rotation) is aligned with the center of rotation of the toner supply container. The pulley <b>1100</b> is co-axially connected with the feeding member <b>4</b>, and further, the drive transmission belt <b>1000</b> is trained on the valleys in the form of “8”.

0290With such trained arrangement of the drive transmission belt <b>1000</b>, the toner feeding and discharging properties can be made satisfactory without necessity of providing another gear <b>5</b> (reversing mechanism). In other words, the automatic rotation of the toner supply container is accomplished without deteriorating the toner feeding and discharging properties.

0291In addition, this embodiment employs a drive transmission belt <b>1000</b> in place of the second gear <b>6</b>, but a drive transmission belt <b>1000</b> may be used in place of the first gear <b>5</b>, for example. In such a case, the second gear <b>6</b> may be the same as with Embodiments 1 and 2.

Embodiment 6

0292Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>, a toner supply container <b>1</b> according to Embodiment 6 will be described. The basic structures of the container are the same as Embodiments 1 and 2, and therefore, the description of the detail structures thereof is omitted for the sake of simplicity. In the Figures, the same reference numerals as in the foregoing embodiments are assigned to the element having a corresponding function.

0293As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>, the toner supply container <b>1</b> has a first gear <b>5</b> and a second gear <b>6</b> wherein the relation between the diameters thereof are opposite to the cases of Embodiments 1 and 2, more particularly, the first gear <b>5</b> has a diameter of 20 mm, and the second gear <b>6</b> has a diameter of 40 mm.

0294In this embodiment, the mounting position, with respect to the circumferential direction, of the second gear <b>6</b> relative to the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>is selected to provide the similar advantageous effects as with Embodiments 1 and 2.

0295More particularly, when the toner supply container <b>1</b> is at the mount position, the second gear <b>6</b> is not in meshing engagement with the driving gear <b>12</b>, and when the toner supply container <b>1</b> is at the set position, the second gear <b>6</b> is brought into meshing engagement with the driving gear <b>12</b>.

0296In this embodiment, as compared with Embodiment 1, the rotational speed of the first gear <b>5</b> driven by the rotating force of the second gear <b>6</b> provided from the driving gear <b>12</b> is twice that of Embodiment 1 because of the gear ratio. Thus, the rotational speed of the feeding member can be made larger, and the toner discharging speed of the discharge from the toner supply container <b>1</b> can be made larger.

0297On the other hand, there is a possibility that torque required to stir and feed the toner is larger, and therefore, the gear ratio between the two gears is selected in consideration of the kind of the contained toner (difference in the specific gravity depending on whether the toner is magnetic or non-magnetic), the amount of the contained toner, the output of the driving motor or the like.

0298In order to further raise the toner discharging speed, the diameter of the first gear <b>5</b> is made further smaller, and the second gear is made larger.

0299If the torque requirement is important, the diameter of the first gear <b>5</b> is made large, and the diameter of the second gear is made small as in Embodiments 1 and 2.

Embodiment 7

0300Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref>, a toner supply container <b>1</b> according to Embodiment 7 will be described. The basic structures of the container are the same as Embodiments 1 and 2, and therefore, the description of the detail structures thereof is omitted for the sake of simplicity. In the Figures, the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 are assigned to the element having a corresponding function.

0301In this embodiment, the number of the drive transmission gears (drive transmitting means) is larger than in Embodiments 1 and 2.

0302More particularly, in Embodiments 1 and 2, the driving force is transmitted to the feeding member <b>4</b> by two gears <b>5</b> and <b>6</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref>, the driving force is transmitted to the feeding member <b>4</b> by four gears <b>5</b>, <b>6</b><i>a</i>, <b>6</b><i>b </i>and <b>6</b><i>c. </i>

0303With the larger number gear case, the similar advantageous effects as with said Embodiments 1 and 2 can be provided. The gears <b>6</b><i>a</i>, <b>6</b><i>b </i>and <b>6</b><i>c </i>are rotatably supported on the container.

0304As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref>, the number of the gears which transmit the driving to the first gear <b>5</b> is odd, the rotational direction of the gear <b>6</b><i>a </i>(drive transmission member, driving force receiving member) for directly receiving the rotational drive from the driving gear <b>12</b> is opposite from the rotational direction of the first gear <b>5</b>. Therefore, the rotational direction of the feeding member <b>4</b> can be made couterclockwise in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>. This permits the upward feeding of the toner toward the toner discharge opening disposed at a side of the feeding member <b>4</b>, and therefore, the toner feeding and discharging efficiencies can be enhanced.

0305When the toner supply container receives the rotational driving force from the driving gear <b>12</b>, the rotational direction of the gear <b>6</b><i>a </i>that is rotatably supported at a position remotest from the rotational center of the toner supply container, among the gears <b>6</b><i>a</i>-<b>6</b><i>c</i>, is the same as the automatic rotational direction of the toner supply container.

0306Therefore, in this embodiment, similarly to Embodiments 1 and 2, the automatic rotation in the setting operation of the toner supply container can be properly carried out.

0307As described in the foregoing, when the toner supply container is provided with three or more drive transmission gears, the number of the gears is selected properly in consideration of the toner feeding and discharging properties, that is, the rotational direction of the feeding member. In this embodiment, the number of the drive transmission gears provided on the toner supply container is even.

0308From the standpoint of reducing the manufacturing cost by reducing the number of the constituent elements of the toner supply container, Embodiments 1 and 2 are preferable since only one gear is used to transmit the driving force to the first gear <b>5</b>.

Embodiment 8

0309Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>, a toner supply container <b>1</b> according to Embodiment 8 will be described. The basic structures of the container are the same as Embodiments 1 and 2, and therefore, the description of the detail structures thereof is omitted for the sake of simplicity. In the Figures, the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 are assigned to the element having a corresponding function.

0310Embodiments 1 and 2 use gears as the drive transmitting means (first gear <b>5</b> and second gear <b>6</b>). In this embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>, the drive transmitting means comprises a first friction wheel <b>5</b>′ and a second friction wheel <b>6</b>′ which have engaging or contacting surfaces engageable or contactable with each other for drive transmission, the surfaces being made of material exhibiting a high frictional resistance. The driving gear <b>12</b> of the toner receiving apparatus is similar to the embodiment.

0311Examples of the material X exhibiting a high frictional resistance include rubber, sand paper, adhesive tape or the like. In this embodiment, an elastic member of rubber material is used which has high frictional resistance. In order to properly transmit the driving force, a predetermined degree of pressure is imparted between the friction wheels. In order to prevent slippage between the friction wheels, the pressure to be imparted therebetween is properly adjusted depending on the resistance level of the frictional resistance material.

0312The rubber surface of the second friction wheel <b>6</b>′ is engaged with the driving gear <b>12</b>, and therefore, the teeth of the driving gear <b>12</b> bites into the rubber surface so that engagement is like a meshing engagement between gears. With this structure of this embodiment, the rotational driving force from the toner receiving apparatus to the toner supply container is properly transmitted.

0313This embodiment using the friction wheels as the drive transmitting means also accomplish the automatic rotation in the setting operation of the toner supply container similarly to Embodiments 1 and 2.

0314In the sense that inward pushing force is efficiently produced, the use of the gears is preferable.

Embodiment 9

0315Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref>, a toner supply container <b>1</b> according to Embodiment 9 will be described. The basic structures of the container are the same as the Embodiments 1 and 2, and therefore, the description of the detail structures thereof is omitted for the sake of simplicity. In the Figures, the same reference numerals as in the foregoing embodiment are assigned to the element having a corresponding function.

0316In Embodiments 1 and 2 (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>), the second gear <b>6</b> is beyond the outer periphery of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>as seen in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref>, the second gear <b>6</b> is not beyond the outer periphery of the toner supply container as seen in the longitudinal direction of the toner supply container. The sizes of the first gear <b>5</b> and the second gear are different.

0317The driving gear <b>12</b> is more inside toward the inside of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>beyond the outer periphery of the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>, as compared with the foregoing embodiments.

0318The center of rotation of the second gear <b>6</b> is away from the center of rotation of the toner supply container in the radial direction, so that shaft portion thereof is eccentric. With this structure, the automatic rotation of the toner supply container is accomplished similarly to Embodiments 1 and 2.

0319The structure of this embodiment wherein the first gear <b>5</b> and the second gear <b>6</b> are not projected beyond the outer periphery of the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>, is preferable from the standpoint that packaging property of the toner supply container <b>1</b> is good, and therefore, the occurrence probability of damage during transportation or supplying operation can be lowered.

Embodiment 10

0320Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>, a toner supply container <b>1</b> according to Embodiment 10 will be described. The basic structures of the container are the same as Embodiments 1 and 2, and therefore, the description of the detail structures thereof is omitted for the sake of simplicity. In the Figures, the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 are assigned to the element having a corresponding function.

0321In Embodiments 1 and 2, the rotation shaft of the second gear <b>6</b> is rotatably supported on the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>, but in this embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>, the hole portion of the second gear <b>6</b> is supported on the container body <b>1</b><i>a. </i>

0322More particularly, the second gear <b>6</b> is provided at the center of rotation with a bearing portion (bearing hole), and a cap-like member <b>61</b> is engaged into the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>and penetrates the bearing portion.

0323More particularly, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>, the bearing portion for the second gear <b>6</b> is locked and secured in the hole portion formed in an end surface of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>by an engagement shaft member <b>65</b>. The second gear <b>6</b> is in the form of a cup in which a ring member <b>64</b> (sliding member, elastic member) of silicone rubber as a rotation resistance applying means is provided and is compressed to a predetermined degree. The ring member <b>64</b> of silicone rubber is compressed between the spring (urging member) <b>62</b> and the bottom surface of the cup portion of the second gear <b>6</b> through a pressing member <b>63</b> (urging member). The pressing member <b>63</b> is fixed on the engagement shaft member <b>65</b>. The cap-like member <b>61</b> (urging member) is fixed to the engagement shaft member <b>65</b> so that the spring <b>62</b> is compressed between the cap like member <b>61</b> and the pressing member <b>63</b>.

0324Thus, the rotation resistance of the second gear <b>6</b> relative to the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>is set to be sufficiently large.

0325With such a structure, the resistance against the sliding between the ring member <b>64</b> and the second gear <b>6</b> is enhanced, so that second gear <b>6</b> is not easily rotated relative to the container body <b>1</b><i>a. </i>

0326The hole portion of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>in which the engagement shaft member <b>65</b> is inserted, is disposed at a position away from the rotational center of the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>. That is, the center of rotation of the second gear <b>6</b> is disposed eccentrically from the rotational center of the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>, and is supported on the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>through the engagement shaft member <b>65</b>. The first gear <b>5</b> has structures similar to those of Embodiments 1 and 2. The structure of the rotation resistance applying means can be properly modified similarly to Embodiment 1.

0327With such a structure of this embodiment, the advantage effects similar to those of Embodiments 1 and 2 can be provided.

Embodiment 12

0328Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref>, a toner supply container <b>11</b> according to Embodiment 2 will be described. The basic structures of the container are the same as Embodiments 1 and 2, and therefore, the description of the detail structures thereof is omitted for the sake of simplicity. In the Figures, the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 2 are assigned to the element having a corresponding function.

0329In the Embodiment 2 described above, the toner supply container <b>1</b> is inserted into the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> with the gears <b>5</b> and <b>6</b> at the leading side, but in this embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref>, the toner supply container <b>1</b> is inserted into the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> with the gears <b>5</b> and <b>6</b> at the trailing side.

0330More particularly, the gears <b>5</b> and <b>6</b> are provided on a trailing edge of the toner supply container <b>1</b> with respect to the inserting direction, and the operation handle <b>2</b> is mounted such that connecting portion between the gear <b>6</b> and the driving gear <b>12</b> is exposed.

0331With such a structure, the drive transmitting means (gears <b>5</b><b>6</b>) can be protected by the handle <b>2</b>, and therefore, is advantageous in this respect.

0332The structure of the toner reception apparatus side is different correspondingly to the toner supply container, and for example, the driving gear <b>12</b> and so on are provided at front.

Embodiment 12

0333Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>, Embodiment 12 will be described. The basic structures of the container are the same as Embodiments 1 and 2, and therefore, the description of the detail structures thereof is omitted for the sake of simplicity. In the Figures, the same reference numerals as in Embodiments 1 and 2 are assigned to the element having a corresponding function.

0334In the embodiment, the rotation of the toner supply container from the mount position to the set position is carried out by the user operation. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the rotation of the toner supply container from the mount position to the set position is carried out automatically by the toner receiving apparatus, utilizing the feeding member driving gear train. In this embodiment, there is no set position in the foregoing embodiments.

0335This embodiment will be described in detail.

0336In this embodiment, there is provided a large gear L (drive transmission member) for meshing engagement with the driving gear <b>12</b> of the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> is a partially sectional view of the gears which are engaged, in which only a part of the teeth is shown, and the other is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

0337The large gear L comprises an outer teeth, on the outer periphery thereof, for meshing engagement with the driving gear <b>12</b>, and an inner teeth Lb, on the inner surface thereof, for meshing engagement with the second gear <b>6</b>, the large gear L being rotatable relative to the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>. More particularly, after the first gear <b>5</b> and the second gear <b>6</b> are mounted, the large gear L is mounted on one end surface of the container body <b>1</b><i>a</i>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>, the inside of the large gear L is shown to illustrate the drive transmission path, and the rotational directions of the gears are depicted.

0338As will be understood, the second gear <b>6</b> is not directly engaged with the driving gear <b>12</b>, but receives the rotating force from the driving gear <b>12</b> through the large gear L.

0339Therefore, in this embodiment, at the time when the toner supply container <b>1</b> is inserted and mounted into the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b>, the driving connection is established between the drive transmitting means of the toner supply container <b>1</b> and the driving gear <b>12</b> of the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b>.

0340As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>, the large gear L rotates in the direction opposite the rotational direction of the driving gear <b>12</b>, and the second gear <b>6</b> engaged with the inner teeth rotates also in the same direction as the large gear L, so that rotational direction of the second gear <b>6</b> is the same as with the other embodiments.

0341Similarly to Embodiment 1, in interrelation with the closing operation of the exchange cover <b>15</b> by the user, the driving gear <b>12</b> rotates, and toner supply container placed at the mount position automatically rotates toward the supplying position. At this time, the unsealing movement of the developing device shutter <b>11</b> is carried out by the automatic rotation of the toner supply container, by which the toner receiving opening is opened or unsealed, and the toner discharge opening is uncovered to open. When the toner supply container reaches the supplying position, the toner discharge opening and the toner receiving opening are aligned with each other, thus enabling the toner supply.

0342On the other hand, upon the dismounting operation of the toner supply container, the driving gear <b>12</b> of the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> rotates in the direction opposite that during the setting operation of the toner supply container. Then, the toner supply container receives a rotational force in the direction opposite that during the setting operation, and therefore, the toner supply container automatically rotates from the supplying position to the mount position. With the automatic rotation of the toner supply container in the opposite direction, the resealing of the developing device shutter and the resealing of the container shutter are interrelatedly carried out.

0343As described in the foregoing, in this embodiment, what is required to the user is simply insert and mount the toner supply container into the toner receiving apparatus, and therefore, the operativity is further enhanced.

Embodiment 13

0344Embodiment 13 will be described. The basic structures of the toner supply container are similar to those of the toner supply container of the foregoing embodiments.

0345In this embodiment, as is different from the above-described embodiments, the rotating operation of the toner supply container from the mount position to the final position (supplying position) is carried out by the user. Therefore, the above-described locking mechanism of the developing device shutter is not provided.

0346With such a structure, the discharging property of the toner is improved while preventing the reverse rotation of the toner supply container placed at the supplying position toward the mount position, during the toner supply.

0347The description has been made as to Embodiments 1-13. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the toner supply container of the Embodiment 2 may be such that it is mounted from the top side of the toner receiving apparatus similarly to Embodiment 1. The drive transmitting means provided on the outer cylinder of the toner supply container in Embodiment 3 may be replaced with the drive transmitting means for the toner supply container in Embodiment 4.

Comparison Example

0348The toner supply container <b>1</b> of Embodiment 1 will be compared with a toner supply container of comparison example (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>) which has only the gear <b>5</b> (without the gear <b>6</b>) of Embodiment 1.

0349As contrasted to Embodiment 1, the gear <b>5</b> of the toner supply container <b>1</b> of the comparison example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> is engaged with the driving gear <b>12</b> of the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b> at the time when it is inserted into the main assembly of the image forming apparatus <b>100</b>. The rotating direction of the toner supply container required for the setting operation of the toner supply container is indicated by an arrow B, and the rotational direction of the gear <b>5</b> (feeding member <b>4</b>) is indicated by an arrow A.

0350In the case of such a structure, the teeth of one of the gears may abut the teeth of the other gear during the mounting operation of the toner supply container, with the result of deterioration or damage of the gear <b>5</b> of the toner supply container and the driving gear of the toner receiving apparatus.

0351In the case of the structure of the comparison example, the rotational direction B of the toner supply container and the rotational direction A of the gear <b>5</b> (feeding member <b>4</b>) are opposite to each other. Therefore, if the degree of rotation of the toner supply container by the user is insufficient, the insufficiency cannot be dealt with as in Embodiment 1.

0352Even if the rotation of the toner supply container is properly carried out, the toner supply container may be rotated in the direction opposite from the rotational direction of the toner supply container during the setting operation due to the load provided by the rotation of the feeding member <b>4</b>, during the toner supply step. If this occurs, the amount of toner supply may be short which leads to various problems. Particularly, when the flowability of the toner is low, depending on the ambient condition of high temperature and high humidity ambience or the like, or the property of the toner, the decrease of the amount of the toner supply is remarkable. The reason is considered as follows.

0353In the case of the structure of the comparison example, during the toner supply step (during the transmission of the rotational driving force to the gear <b>5</b> in the rotational direction A in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref>), the feeding member <b>4</b> and the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>is imparted with the forces (arrow C in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref>), in the direction same as the direction of the force received from the driving gear <b>12</b>, through the friction between the stirring shaft <b>4</b><i>a </i>and the bearings of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>therefor and through the friction between the stirring blade <b>4</b><i>b </i>and the inner surface of the container body <b>1</b><i>a. </i>

0354In order to solve this problem, a mechanism is required to regulate the rotation of the container body <b>1</b><i>a </i>in the direction A, with the result of increase in cost.

0355In the case of the comparison example, the drive transmission is possible even when the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>and the toner receiving opening <b>10</b><i>b </i>are not yet unsealed, or are not aligned with each other. If the drive transmission occurs in this state, the toner is not supplied into the toner receiving apparatus <b>10</b>. Since the toner discharge opening <b>1</b><i>b </i>is sealed by the container shutter <b>3</b>, the toner is unable to move with the result that toner in the container is unnecessarily frictioned with the feeding member <b>4</b>, and coarse particles of toner are generated.

0356While the invention has been described with reference to the structures disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set forth and this application is intended to cover such modifications or changes as may come within the purpose of the improvements or the scope of the following claims.