Abstract: By using a black-image forming device, an abrasive pattern is formed on a sheet conveying belt so that toner is input to a contact section where a cleaning blade is in contact with the sheet conveying belt. After the toner is input to the contact section where the cleaning blade is in contact with the sheet conveying belt and then the sheet conveying belt makes one or more revolutions, a process control is performed in which Y, M, and C toner patterns and B toner pattern are transferred onto the sheet conveying belt.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first image carrier, a second image carrier, an intermediate transfer member disposed facing the second image carrier, a conveyance belt to transport a transfer sheet, disposed facing both the first image carrier and the intermediate transfer member, a first transfer member to transfer a first toner image formed on the first image carrier onto the transfer sheet, a second transfer member to transfer a second toner image formed on the second image carrier onto the intermediate transfer member, and a third transfer member disposed downstream from the second image carrier in a rotation direction of the intermediate transfer member, to transfer the second toner image from the intermediate transfer member onto the transfer sheet transported by the conveyance belt. The first image carrier and the intermediate transfer member inflect the conveyance belt at a first inflection angle and a second inflection angle, respectively.

Abstract: A developing device including a developer container configured to store a developer and a developing unit provided below the developer container. The developer container includes a first developer agitation member, and a developer guide member extending along a rotation path of the first developer agitation member, configured to conform to a shape of the rotation path. The developing unit includes a developer bearing member and a restriction member. The developer guide member prevents the developer from being directly supplied to a restriction nip formed between the developer bearing member and the restriction member and guides the developer to the developer bearing member. An edge of the developer guide member is positioned between the restriction nip and a center of rotation of the first developer agitation member.

Abstract: A lubricant applying device includes: a solid lubricant; an applying member that applies lubricant powder scraped off from the solid lubricant to an application target; a holding member that holds the solid lubricant; a biasing unit that biases the holding member to bring the solid lubricant on the holding member into contact with the applying member; and a regulating unit that regulates, when a force of a direction orthogonal to an endless movement direction of the applying member is applied from the applying member to the solid lubricant at a frictional surface therebetween, movement of the solid lubricant and the holding member in the orthogonal direction.

Abstract: By using a black-image forming device, an abrasive pattern is formed on a sheet conveying belt so that toner is input to a contact section where a cleaning blade is in contact with the sheet conveying belt. After the toner is input to the contact section where the cleaning blade is in contact with the sheet conveying belt and then the sheet conveying belt makes one or more revolutions, a process control is performed in which Y, M, and C tone patterns and B tone pattern are transferred onto the sheet conveying belt.

Abstract: The invention provides a developing device, a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus that allow preventing abrupt variations in toner charge on a developing roller, caused by intrusion, into a nip, of toner accumulated above a regulating member of the developing device. A developing device using a one-component developer includes: a supply roller to which one-component developer is replenished, by natural motion, from a developer storing section. The bottom of the developing device is of a size that allows the supply roller to rotate. The developing device further comprises a filling member for filling a space above the regulating member, in order to prevent the toner located above the regulating member from intruding into a nip formed between the supply roller and a developing roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first image carrier, a second image carrier, an intermediate transfer member disposed facing the second image carrier, a conveyance belt to transport a transfer sheet, disposed facing both the first image carrier and the intermediate transfer member, a first transfer member to transfer a first toner image formed on the first image carrier onto the transfer sheet, a second transfer member to transfer a second toner image formed on the second image carrier onto the intermediate transfer member, and a third transfer member disposed downstream from the second image carrier in a rotation direction of the intermediate transfer member, to transfer the second toner image from the intermediate transfer member onto the transfer sheet transported by the conveyance belt. The first image carrier and the intermediate transfer member inflect the conveyance belt at a first inflection angle and a second inflection angle, respectively.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes a latent image bearing member; a charging device charging the surface of the latent image bearing member; a latent image forming device forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image bearing member; a developing device supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image; a cover film supplying device supplying a cover film to the surface of the latent image bearing member at a cover film supplying position located on an upstream side from the development position so that the toner image is formed on the cover film covering the surface of the latent image bearing member; and a cover film separating device separating the cover film bearing the toner image thereon from the surface of the image bearing member before the cover film bearing the toner image thereon reaches the cover film supplying position.

Abstract: A developing device including a developer container configured to store a developer and a developing unit provided below the developer container. The developer container includes a first developer agitation member, and a developer guide member extending along a rotation path of the first developer agitation member, configured to conform to a shape of the rotation path. The developing unit includes a developer bearing member and a restriction member. The developer guide member prevents the developer from being directly supplied to a restriction nip formed between the developer bearing member and the restriction member and guides the developer to the developer bearing member. An edge of the developer guide member is positioned between the restriction nip and a center of rotation of the first developer agitation member.

Abstract: The invention provides a developing device, a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus that allow preventing abrupt variations in toner charge on a developing roller, caused by intrusion, into a nip, of toner accumulated above a regulating member of the developing device. A developing device using a one-component developer includes: a supply roller to which one-component developer is replenished, by natural motion, from a developer storing section. The bottom of the developing device is of a size that allows the supply roller to rotate. The developing device further comprises a filling member for filling a space above the regulating member, in order to prevent the toner located above the regulating member from intruding into a nip formed between the supply roller and a developing roller.