Patent ID: 7415227
Filing Date: 2008-08-19
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A color image forming apparatus comprising: a plurality of image forming stations, each including a photo conductor on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a developing member which develops the latent image as a visible toner image, and a single motor pinion which drives both of the photo conductor and the developing member, and a transfer belt, onto which the toner image is transferred, and which is driven by the single motor pinion of a first one of the image forming stations, wherein each of the image forming stations includes a cartridge housing the photo conductor and the developing member; and the color image forming apparatus further comprises: a first gear provided outside the cartridge and driven by the motor pinion, the first gear being connected to the photo conductor by coupling; a second gear provided outside the cartridge and driven by the motor pinion; a third gear provided inside the cartridge and adapted to drive the developing member, the third gear being connected to the second gear by gearing.