Patent ID: 8977171
Filing Date: 2015-03-10
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an endless transfer belt that is rotatable; a plurality of image bearing members that bear toner images; and a plurality of transfer members arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of image bearing members through the transfer belt, wherein the plurality of transfer members transfers the toner images from the corresponding image bearing members to the transfer belt and is movable so as to contact the transfer belt during image formation and is separated from the plurality of image bearing members during non-image formation, wherein one of the plurality of transfer members is a regulating transfer member configured to regulate a position of the transfer belt by moving to a first separating position at which the regulating transfer member is separated from the corresponding image bearing member much more than during the image formation, and a second separating position located at a position closer to the image bearing member than the first separating position, and when the regulating transfer member is located at the second separating position, the corresponding image bearing member and the transfer belt are separated, the transfer belt and the regulating transfer member contact each other, and the other transfer members are separated from the transfer belt.