Patent ID: 6035158
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A color image forming apparatus comprising:a conductive intermediate transfer belt onto which images of charged toner of a plurality of colors are transferred so as to be superimposed;a plurality of belt support shafts for rotatably supporting said intermediate transfer belt;a cleaner roller energized at a first electrical potential opposite in polarity to a charge applied to the toner, said cleaner roller being brought into contact with said intermediate transfer belt in order to remove toner on said intermediate transfer belt and being separated from and brought into contact with said intermediate transfer belt when a toner image is being transferred onto said intermediate transfer belt;collection means for removing toner from said cleaner roller;separation and contact means for separating and bringing into contact said cleaner roller from and with said intermediate transfer belt; andan opposed electrode having a flexible member which is energized at a second electrical potential closer to the polarity of the charge of the toner than the first electrical potential of said cleaner roller said member being brought into contact with said intermediate transfer belt so as to oppose said cleaner roller.