Patent ID: 9417568
Filing Date: 2016-08-16
CPC Classification: G03G

Claim Text:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image carrier configured to carry toner images; an electrically conductive intermediate transfer belt movable in an endless manner to which toner images are primary transferred from the image carrier; first and second stretch members configured to stretch the intermediate transfer belt; a secondary transfer member that contacts with the intermediate transfer belt, configured to secondary transfer the toner images from the intermediate transfer belt to recording materials; a contact member that contacts with the intermediate transfer belt; and a voltage maintenance element that is connected to the contact member, wherein the image carrier contacts with the intermediate transfer belt in between the first stretch member and the second stretch member with respect to a moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt, the contact member is disposed on the intermediate transfer belt side to which the image carrier is disposed and contacts with the intermediate transfer belt in between the first stretch member and the second stretch member with respect to a moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt, and a potential of the contact member is kept to be equal to or higher than a predetermined potential according to a current that flows from the secondary transfer member to the intermediate transfer belt.