Patent ID: 9037035
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a plurality of image bearing members adapted to carry toner images; an endless and rotatable intermediate transfer belt secondary transferring the toner images, which are primary transferred from the image bearing members to the intermediate transfer belt; a plurality of stretching members around which the intermediate transfer belt is stretched; a secondary transfer member secondary transferring the toner images from the intermediate transfer belt to a transfer material; and a toner charging member charging residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt without being transferred to the transfer material, wherein the residual toner charged by the toner charging member is moved from the intermediate transfer belt to the image bearing members, wherein the toner charging member contacts the intermediate transfer belt at a position where the toner charging member opposes one of the stretching members, which is placed farther away from the secondary transfer member than the other stretching members, with the intermediate transfer belt being disposed therebetween, and wherein the toner charging member contacts the intermediate transfer belt at a position upstream of at least an area where the intermediate transfer belt is bent by the one stretching member.