Patent ID: 6721522
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus comprising:transferring means for transferring, after a first color developer image is transferred onto an image receiving material in a first image forming station, a second color developer image onto the image receiving material in a second image forming station; wherein the first image forming station includes a first image bearing member, first charging means for electrically charging the first image bearing member, and a first developer carrying member configured and positioned to carry the first color developer to develop an electrostatic image formed on the first image bearing member with the first color developer; wherein the second image forming station includes a second image bearing member, second charging means for electrically charging the second image bearing member, and a second developer carrying member configured and positioned to carry the second color developer to develop an electrostatic image formed on the second image bearing member with the second color developer; wherein the second developer carrying member is capable of collecting a residual developer from the second image bearing member simultaneously with the performing of a developing operation therewith; wherein the second color developer carried on the second developer carrying member is contacted to the second image bearing member; wherein a moving direction of the second developer carrying member is opposite to a moving direction of the second image bearing member at a development position; and wherein the second charging means includes a second charging member contactable to the second image bearing member, the second charging member triboelectrically charges the residual developer on the second image bearing member to a regular polarity, and the second charging member electrically charges the second image bearing member using electric discharge.