Patent ID: 8768199
Filing Date: 2014-07-01
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a latent-image carrier that is rotatable and carries a latent image on an outer peripheral surface of the latent-image carrier; a transfer unit that transfers a developer image obtained by developing the latent image with developer onto a transfer medium; a cleaning unit disposed downstream of the transfer unit in a rotational direction of the latent-image carrier, the cleaning unit removing the developer that remains on the outer peripheral surface of the latent-image carrier after the developer image is transferred; a light source disposed between the transfer unit and the cleaning unit, the light source emitting light for removing electric charge from the latent-image carrier; a guiding member disposed below the cleaning unit and above a transport path of the transfer medium onto which the developer image is transferred, the guiding member being arranged to receive the developer that falls from the cleaning unit directly on an upper surface of the guiding member and guiding the light from the light source to the outer peripheral surface of the latent-image carrier; and a suction unit that sucks the developer from the upper surface of the guiding member.