Patent ID: 7672622

Claim:
A support element for supporting a coil spring that rotates to transport toner, comprising: an end inserting member with a recess in which an end portion of the coil spring is inserted; a plurality of support members for supporting non-end portions of the coil spring; and a joint member for joining the end inserting member and the support members, wherein the support element is arranged to transmit a rotational force from driving means to the coil spring, wherein the coil spring has a longitudinal section that is rectangular in shape with (i) a first side parallel to an axis of the coil spring and situated on an inner side of the coil spring, (ii) a second side parallel to the axis of the coil spring and situated on an outer side of the coil spring, and (iii) third sides perpendicular to the axis of the coil spring, and wherein the support members are in contact with the first side and one of or both of the third sides.