Patent ID: 6314264
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus comprising:a plurality of image bearing members for bearing a plurality of images; andan intermediate transfer member onto which the plurality of images on the plurality of image bearing members are sequentially and electrostatically transferred at respective transfer positions, the plurality of images on the intermediate transfer member being transferred onto a recording material,wherein the following relationship is satisfied:.tau..ltoreq.Tin which T (second) is a time taken in order for the intermediate transfer member to move from one transfer position to an adjacent transfer position when the plurality of images are transferred from the plurality of image bearing members onto the intermediate transfer member, and .tau. (second) is a charge relaxation time of the intermediate transfer member, andwherein the charge relaxation time .tau. is defined as a time taken until a potential of the intermediate transfer member charged to a potential V by charging means lowers to V/e (e is a base of natural logarithm and is 2.71828 . . . ).