Patent ID: 7620339
Filing Date: 2009-11-17
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a first image forming station including a first image bearing member and developing means for developing an electrostatic image formed on said first image bearing member with toner, wherein the toner remaining on said first image bearing member after a developed image is transferred, is collected by said developing means; a transfer rotatable member; a first cleaning member for removing toner from said transfer rotatable member; a second image forming station including a second image bearing member and developing means for developing an electrostatic image formed on said second image bearing member with toner, a second cleaning member for removing the toner remaining on said second image bearing member after a developed image is transferred, wherein said second image forming station is disposed downstream of said first image forming station and upstream of said first cleaning member with respect to a peripheral moving direction of rotation of said transfer rotatable member; and collection control means for performing a control operation to collect, by said second cleaning member of said second image forming station, the toner discharged to said transfer rotatable member from said first image forming station during a non-image-formation period.