Patent ID: 9063474
Filing Date: 2015-06-23
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A transfer device comprising: an intermediate transfer belt opposed to a plurality of image bearing members configured to bear toner images of different colors on circumferential surfaces thereof, and configured to cause the toner images of different colors to be transferred from the plurality of image bearing members to a surface thereof and superimposed together; a housing configured to rotatably support the intermediate transfer belt; a plurality of transfer members each configured to be pressed against a corresponding one of the plurality of image bearing members with the intermediate transfer belt being interposed therebetween, thereby transferring the toner images from the plurality of image bearing members to the intermediate transfer belt; and a switch section configured to, in a first state, cause the plurality of transfer members to be pressed against the plurality of image bearing members, and in a second state, cause a first one of the plurality of transfer members opposed to a first one of the plurality of image bearing members to be pressed against the first image bearing member, wherein the first state is a state in which the toner images of different colors are transferred from the plurality of image bearing members to the intermediate transfer belt and superimposed together, the second state is a state in which a single-color toner image is transferred from the first image bearing member to the intermediate transfer belt, the second state in which the switch section separates a second one of the plurality of transfer members opposed to a second one other than the first one of the plurality of image bearing members from the second image bearing member, the switch section includes a pressing force adjuster configured to change a pressing force of the first transfer member to the first image bearing member between the first and second states, the pressing force adjuster sets the pressing force of the first transfer member to be greater in the second state than in the first state, the transfer device further comprises a plurality of support members each configured to support a corresponding one of the plurality of transfer members for rotation, and slidable relative to the housing so that the pressing force of a corresponding one of the plurality of transfer members to a corresponding one of the plurality of image bearing members is varied, the switch section includes a plurality of guide members each engaged with a corresponding one of the plurality of support members, the plurality of guide members each include the first position is where the corresponding one of the plurality of support members is opposed to a corresponding one of the plurality of image bearing members, and the second position is where the corresponding one of the plurality of support members is further separated from a corresponding one of the plurality of image bearing members than when located at the first position.