DEVELOPMENT APPARATUS HAVING MEANS FOR TRANSLATING DEVELOPMENT UNITS IN PRODUCING MULTICOLOR IMAGES

摘要

A development apparatus for applying toner of different colors to electrostatic images at a single development position moves translationally to align each of a series of development units with the development position. The development units (10, 20, 30, 40) are supported in a movable carriage (50) which carriage includes a translation plate (101). A pinion (110) supported by the translation plate engages a stationary rack (130) to move said translation plate while the plate is supported by rollers (60) resting on the floor of the apparatus. To maintain alignment of the translation plate and pinion with the rack, a pair of rollers (136, 138) engage one (132) of opposite rails integral with the rack while a third roller (137) is spring-urged toward the opposite rail (133) urging the plate and pinion into alignment with the rack.