Patent · US Active

Image forming apparatus that prevents displacement of rotary member

US7457567B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
4References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateApr 24, 2006
Grant dateNov 25, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 3, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG03G2215/0177
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An image carrier is adapted such that an electrostatic latent image is formed thereon. A rotary member has a plurality of loading sections each of which is adapted to accommodate a developing device which is operable to develop the electrostatic latent image. A motor is operable to rotate the rotary member so that each of the loading sections is sequentially opposed to the image carrier, and operable to exert a detent torque when no power is supplied thereto. A home position is defined, in a case where only one of the loading sections accommodates the developing device, such that the one of the loading sections is placed in a position lower than any other loading sections. The motor rotates the rotary member to the home position at least when the development of the electrostatic latent image is not performed. The rotary member is retained in the home position with the detent torque exerted by the motor.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.