Patent ID: 6567637
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: G03G,Y10S

Abstract:
A multicolor image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system, comprising:a plurality of developing devices configured to develop a latent image with different mono color toners; a plurality of toner storing devices configured to store the different mono color toners, respectively; and a toner replenishing device configured to replenish the plurality of developing devices with applicable mono color toner; wherein said toner replenishing device includes a plurality of toner conveyance paths extending from the plurality of toner storing devices to the plurality of developing devices, respectively, a toner conveying device configured to convey the different mono color toners from the plurality of toner storage containers to the plurality of developing devices, respectively, along an applicable toner conveyance path, and an air supplying device configured to supply the plurality of toner storing devices with air from bottoms of the plurality of toner storing devices; wherein said air supplying device is connected to the plurality of toner conveyance paths via a plurality of air supply paths and includes an air supply control device configured to control supplying of air to the plurality of toner storing devices and a smaller number of air generation sources than said plurality of toner storing devices.