Patent ID: 7130566
Filing Date: 2006-10-31
Classification: G03G,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A developer container, comprising: a container main body, configured to be detachably provided in an image forming apparatus, containing a developer for use in image formation, the container main body having a cylindrical shape and an axis of rotation; and a supporting member which supports the container main body in such a manner that the container main body is freely rotatable relative thereto in a predetermined direction about said axis of rotation, wherein: the container main body has an outer peripheral surface, a recess portion on that outer peripheral surface, the recess portion being inwardly depressed and having a discharging opening therein positioned to discharge contained developer into the recess portion upstream of the direction of rotation of the container main body about the axis of rotation; the developer contained in the container main body being sent to the discharging opening in response to rotation of the container main body around the axis of rotation; the supporting member supports the container main body by wholly covering at least that portion of the container main body which includes the recess portion in such a manner that the container main body is freely rotatable about the axis of rotation; the supporting member includes a through opening for leading discharged developer from the recess portion to the outside of the supporting member; and a regulating member is provided in the discharging opening for regulating the amount of developer discharged through said discharging opening.