A tandem image forming device and method for an image forming apparatus
includes a plurality of image forming sections arranged side by side along
an intermediate image transfer belt. The image forming sections each
include a developing device and a cleaning device arranged around an image
carrier. One of nearby image forming sections has its cleaning device
positioned above the developing device of the other image forming
sections, e.g., an agitating section forming part of the image forming
section. This configuration ensures smooth circulation of developer and
therefore obviates an irregular developer distribution while reducing the
overall size of the image forming device.
