Patent ID: 7292812
Filing Date: 2007-11-06
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a first image bearing member and a second image bearing member; a first developing unit connected to a first clutch drive and a second developing unit connected to a second clutch drive; a selection unit that selects any one developing unit to be used, from among the first developing unit to thereby form an image on the first image bearing member, and the second developing unit to thereby form an image on the second image bearing member; a transferring unit that makes physical contact with both the first image bearing member and the second image bearing member; a first lubricant applying unit that applies a lubricant to the first image bearing member; and a second lubricant applying unit that applies a lubricant to the second image bearing member, wherein if the selection unit selects the first developing unit, the transferring unit remains in physical contact with the second image bearing unit and if the selection unit selects the second developing unit, the transferring unit remains in physical contact with the first image bearing unit, and wherein the first clutch drive is configured to drive the first developing unit when the selection unit selects the first developing unit and not when the selection unit selects the second developing unit, and the second clutch drive is configured to drive the second developing unit when the selection unit selects the second developing unit and not when the selection unit selects the first developing unit.