| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve efficiency in returning of developer, while meeting the demands for size reduction of an apparatus and freedom in the layout of a cleaner and developing unit, and to effectively avoid image quality defects, such as scumming. <P>SOLUTION: In a mode in which a developer return mechanism 4 is disposed between the cleaner 3 and the developing unit 2, the developer return mechanism 4 includes a return conveyance path 5, including a lateral conveyance path 5a and a vertical conveyance path 5b; and a forcible conveyance mechanism 6, having a lateral conveyance member 7a movable forward and backward along the lateral conveyance path 5a and a vertical conveyance member 7b movable along the vertical conveyance path 5b in synchronization with the lateral conveyance members 7a, and used to forcibly move the developer by these conveyance members 7. The forcible conveyance mechanism 6 remains in contact with the developer conveyance face 5c of the conveyance path 5, to which each conveyance member 7 corresponds. At least under the condition, where the lateral conveyance member 7a is in contact with the developer conveyance face 5c, the vertical conveyance member 7b is disposed so as to be set temporarily in a non-contact state from the developer conveyance face 5c. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT |
