Patent ID: 6026268
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus for transferring a toner image formed on a photosensitive member onto an intermediate transfer member and then transferring the toner image onto a transfer material, comprising:cleaning means for removing residual toner remaining on said photosensitive member after the toner image on said photosensitive member is transferred to said intermediate transfer member;transfer electrode means for transferring the toner image transferred to said intermediate transfer member onto the transfer material; andelectrode means for charging toner remaining on said intermediate transfer member to return the toner remaining on said intermediate transfer member to said photosensitive member by re-transferring, after the toner image on said intermediate transfer member has been transferred;wherein a longitudinal dimension of an effective cleaning width of said cleaning means is greater than a longitudinal dimension of said intermediate transfer member, the longitudinal dimension of said intermediate transfer member is greater than a longitudinal dimension of said transfer electrode means for transferring the toner image on said intermediate transfer member, and the longitudinal dimension of said intermediate transfer member is greater than a longitudinal direction of said electrode means for charging the residual toner on said intermediate transfer member.