Tandem image forming device, image forming apparatus and method for using the same
US6757512B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 29, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0141
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tandem image forming device and method for an image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming sections arranged side by side along an intermediate image transfer belt. The image forming sections each include a developing device and a cleaning device arranged around an image carrier. One of nearby image forming sections has its cleaning device positioned above the developing device of the other image forming sections, e.g., an agitating section forming part of the image forming section. This configuration ensures smooth circulation of developer and therefore obviates an irregular developer distribution while reducing the overall size of the image forming device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.