Image forming apparatus that performs a refreshing operation
US9817340B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/1661
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes an intermediate transfer body, a plurality of image bearers, a plurality of developing devices, a plurality of primary transfer devices, a secondary transfer device, and a cleaner. The plurality of image bearers are disposed side by side along the intermediate transfer body. In a refreshing mode, the plurality of developing devices form toner images on the plurality of image bearers during a non-image-formation period and the cleaner cleans a surface of the intermediate transfer body. In the refreshing mode, a toner image formed on one image bearer of the plurality of image bearers, which differs from a most downstream image bearer of the plurality of image bearers in a direction of conveyance of the intermediate transfer body, reaches the cleaner first of the toner images formed on the plurality of image bearers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.