Patent ID: 7359651
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a first developing apparatus for developing an electrostatic image formed on a first image bearing member with a developer; a second developing apparatus for developing an electrostatic image formed on a second image bearing member disposed downstream of said first image bearing member with respect to a direction in which a transfer medium to which a developer image is transferred is conveyed, with a developer; a first developer container containing therein a developer to be supplied to said first developing apparatus; first supplying means for supplying said developer to be supplied in said first developer container to said first developing apparatus; a second developer container containing therein a developer to be supplied to said second developing apparatus; second supplying means for supplying said developer to be supplied in said second developer container to said second developing apparatus; driving means for generating a driving force for driving said first supplying means and said second supplying means; changeover means capable of changing a driving force of said driving means over in at least two states including a first state and a second state during one image forming operation, the first state transmitting the driving force of said driving means to said first supplying means, said second state transmitting the driving force of said driving means to said second supplying means; and control means for changing the time of said first state and the time of said second state during said one image forming operation, in conformity with an image to be formed.