Patent ID: 7469118
Filing Date: 2008-12-23
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a plurality of photosensitive members; wherein the plurality of photosensitive members comprises a first photosensitive member and a second photosensitive member; a corresponding plurality of developing devices; wherein each of the plurality of developing devices is disposed proximate to a perimeter of a corresponding photosensitive member; wherein the plurality of developing devices comprises a first developing device and a second developing device; a plurality of position changing devices corresponding to the plurality of developing devices; wherein each of the plurality of position changing devices causes a corresponding developing device to change positions between a developing position adjacent to the photosensitive member and a separated position apart from the photosensitive member; wherein developer from each of the plurality of developing devices is transferable to a common image bearing member opposing the plurality of photosensitive members; a first position established when a position on the first photosensitive member opposes the first developing device when the first developing device has changed to the developing position; a second position established when a position on the second photosensitive member opposes the second developing device when the second developing device has changed to the developing position; a first corresponding portion on the common image bearing member established when a portion of the common image bearing member opposes the first position; a second corresponding portion on the common image bearing member established when a portion of the common image bearing member opposes the second position; a control device for controlling a timing of the plurality of position changing devices; wherein the timing for changing a position of the first developing device and a position of the second developing device is provided such that a distance between the first corresponding portion and the second corresponding portion is less than a reference distance between the first corresponding portion and the second corresponding portion established when the first developing device and the second developing device simultaneously change to the developing positions.