Patent ID: 6611672
Filing Date: 2003-08-26
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus, comprising monocolor image forming unit including a developing device and an image carrier cleaning device arranged around an image carrier, for transferring a toner image formed on the image carrier in the monocolor image forming unit once to an intermediate transfer member then transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer member to a recording medium to form an image thereon, wherein a plurality of the monocolor image forming unit is arrayed along the rotary transport direction of the intermediate transfer member to configure a tandem image forming device for forming a multicolor image on the intermediate transfer member, and wherein among the plurality of monocolor image forming unit contained in the tandem image forming device at least two monocolor image forming unit each include a toner recycling device for conveying toner collected at the image carrier cleaning device to the developing device, the toner recycling device comprising a screw adapted to receive toner from the image carrier cleaning device, an axis of rotation of the screw extending about perpendicular to a direction of travel of the toner from the image carrier cleaning device to the developing device, and a conveying belt adapted to receive toner from the screw and to deliver toner to the developing device.