Patent ID: 6122475
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus comprising:an image carrier configured to hold thereon a developed image;an intermediate transfer element configured to receive said developed image from said image carrier; andan electrode having a bias of a predetermined polarity to be applied to said intermediate transfer element, said electrode exposing said intermediate transfer element to an electric field, whereinsaid intermediate transfer element having a polarity controlling material applied thereto, said intermediate transfer element having an adhering force acting on toner of said developed image that is greater than or equal to an adhering force acting between said toner and said image carrier, said adhering force being at least 5.59.multidot.10.sup.-8 N; andsaid adhering force being present as a result of a frictional charging polarity of charge on a portion of said toner having a same polarity as the bias voltage applied to said intermediate transfer element from said electrode, said charge stemming from said toner rubbing against said intermediate transfer element, and said polarity controlling material being configured to change a polarity of another portion of said toner that is of a different polarity than said predetermined polarity.