Abstract: A toner cartridge of the present invention is provided with toner storage box 201 having opening 202 to supply toner particles stored therein outside, and toner supply roller 208, provided at a position such that the roller covers opening 202 in the vicinity of opening 202, of which a surface is made of a soft porous material.

Abstract: A toner cartridge is provided that includes an agitator provided in a toner hopper. An agitator gear is coupled with the agitator in such a way that the agitator always has the same positional relationship with the agitator gear. The agitator gear is provided with a mark indicating the orientation of the agitator and an agitation blade fixed thereto. A method of feeding toner using the toner cartridge is also provided, in which the agitator and the agitation blade are withdrawn from the vicinity of a toner feeding hole by turning the agitator gear by hand while watching this mark, and toner is refilled through the toner feeding hole. Feeding toner in this manner enables feeding a predetermined amount of toner.

Abstract: The toner cartridge includes a coupling plate provided with a first support section that supports the axis of a photosensitive drum and a seconds support section that supports the axis of the magnet roller. The toner cartridge mounts this coupling plate so that the first support section supports the axis of the photosensitive drum provided in a first part of the toner cartridge and the second support section supports the axis of the magnet roller provided in the second part of the toner cartridge, thus maintaining a predetermined distance between the axis of the photosensitive drum and the axis of the magnet roller.

Abstract: A mechanism for opening and closing an openable apparatus has a body consisting of a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion is rotated about a pivotal axis between the closed position and the fully opened position. An arcuated gear portion having a center falling on the pivotal axis is provided. A one-way damper mechanism is connected to the gear portion directly or via a transmission gear and comprises a rotary gear rotated in cooperation with the opening and closing movements of the first body portion and a rotational speed control device for controlling the rotational speed of the first body portion when the first body portion is closed. In cooperation with the movement of the first body portion between the closed position and the fully opened position, the rotary member is rotatable about the pivotal axis between a first position at which the first body portion is closed and a second position at which the first body portion is fully opened.