Patent ID: 7848692
Filing Date: 2010-12-07
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A neutralization unit for use in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a support member made of an insulating material; an electric-charge removing member made of an electrically conductive material and fixed on the support member, the electric-charge removing member configured to remove electric charge from a back face of a recording medium after a toner image is transferred to a front face of the recording medium at a transfer nip, the electric-charge removing member comprising a plurality of exposed areas arranged along a longitudinal direction of the electric-charge removing member, the longitudinal direction of the electric-charge removing member is perpendicular to a transport direction of the recording medium; and a rib provided on the support member, said rib having a convex rounded surface extending from the support member, said convex rounded surface being rounded in a direction of transportation of the recording medium from the transfer nip, said rib being made of an insulating material, said rib protruding above an upper surface of the electric-charge removing member, said rib being disposed to be contactable with the back face of the recording medium when the recording medium is transported from the transfer nip.