Patent ID: 8965257
Filing Date: 2015-02-24
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image carrier configured to carry an image while being rotationally driven; a transfer unit rotationally disposed with respect to the image carrier and capable of being brought into contact with or separate from the image carrier, the transfer unit being configured to transfer the image onto a recording medium transported by being sandwiched between the transfer unit and the image carrier; a torque limit unit disposed on a drive mechanism configured to transmit drive force to rotate the transfer unit, and configured to transmit drive force to the transfer unit at a torque less than a torque for transmitting drive force, the drive force transmitted to the transfer unit driving the transfer unit to rotate at a circumferential velocity higher than a circumferential velocity of the image carrier in a state where the image carrier and the transfer unit are in contact with each other; and a drive unit configured to output drive force to drive the transfer unit such that the transfer unit rotates at a circumferential velocity lower than the circumferential velocity of the image carrier when the image carrier and the transfer unit are separate from each other, and output drive force to drive the transfer unit such that the transfer unit rotates at a circumferential velocity higher than the circumferential velocity of the image carrier when the image carrier and the transfer unit are in contact with each other.