US 7,680,426 B2 · Image forming apparatus with air flow blocking mechanism

Abstract

In a configuration with a plurality of developing units, an influx of air into one developing unit from another developing unit can be blocked with a simple configuration. An operation section for a developing unit that is not in operation rotates a developer roll in the reverse direction to move developer accumulated on a pickoff pole, and fills a clearance formed between a housing and the developer roll with the developer so that the air flow of the developing unit that is not in operation is blocked. Accordingly, even if a difference in pressure between a developing unit that is in operation and a developing unit that is not in operation occurs, an air flow from the developing unit in operation to the developing unit not in operation is not apt to be formed, and an influx of air into the developing unit that is not in operation is blocked.

Claims14

Dependent claims

An image forming apparatus comprising:

a plurality of developing units for developing a latent image with developer;
a connection path for connecting with the interiors of the plurality of developing units;
a control unit for controlling the operation of the plurality of developing units;
and,
an air flow blocking mechanism for blocking an air flow of a developing unit that is not in operation by filling a clearance formed in the developing unit that is not in operation with the developer when both a developing unit that is in operation and a developing unit that is not in operation are present among the plurality of developing units.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Image forming apparatus with air flow blocking mechanism

Life of this patent

Image forming apparatus with air flow blocking mechanism

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14