Patent ID: 7020431
Filing Date: 2006-03-28
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: image bearing means for bearing a toner image; transfer means for transferring the toner image on the image bearing means onto a sheet; fixing means for fixing to the sheet the toner image transferred by the transfer means; and sheet transport guide means for transporting a sheet placed along a sheet transport path between the transfer means and the fixing means, wherein a sheet transport speed in the fixing means is set lower than a sheet transport speed in the transfer means; and wherein the sheet transport guide means is capable of forming a plurality of curves on the sheet between the transfer means and the fixing means in such a manner that: in a downstream side of the transfer means, an upward curve protruding upwardly from a tangential line to a nip portion of the transfer means is formed; and in an upstream side of the fixing means, a downward curve downwardly protruding from the tangential line to the nip portion of the fixing means is formed, wherein the transfer means comprises: an intermediate transfer member onto which the toner image on the image bearing means is primary-transferred; and secondary transfer means for secondary-transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer member onto the sheet, the secondary transfer means being a transfer roller that is applied with a high pressure and is in contact with the intermediate transfer member when transferring the toner image to the sheet.