Patent ID: 7221887
Filing Date: 2007-05-22
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus that transfers a toner image on a photosensitive element to a recording medium, the image forming apparatus comprising: a transfer unit that includes a transfer member in a form of an endless belt pressed against an outer surface of the photosensitive element, and that is detachable from a main unit of the image forming apparatus; a first cleaning unit that cleans residual toner on the transfer member; and a waste toner receptacle that collects the residual toner cleaned by the first cleaning unit, wherein the waste toner receptacle is arranged in an inner circumference of the transfer member, and the waste toner receptacle is held inside the main unit, so that the transfer unit is detachable from the main unit, and wherein the transfer member is a recording-medium conveying belt that conveys the recording medium while having the recording medium pressed against the outer surface of the photosensitive element.