Image forming apparatus selectively operating one of a plurality of developing units and a method for controlling a switching operation for the developing units
US6292641A · kind A · utility
27Cited by
11References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0119
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus is provided which can selectively drive a plurality of developing units by a simple structure accommodated in a small space. Two image stations are arranged along a direction of movement of an intermediate transfer belt. Each of the image stations is provided with a plurality of developing units arranged around a photosensitive drum. A developing unit driving system drives the plurality of developing units. A switching mechanism switches a transmission path of a power generated by the developing unit driving system so that the power is selectively transmitted to one of the developing units.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.