Patent ID: 7840148
Filing Date: 2010-11-23
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus having a structure in which a toner image formed in an electrophotographic process is transferred from an image carrier to a member to be transferred, the apparatus comprising: a transfer member that becomes a pressed state with respect to the image carrier to make the same perform a transfer process and can move between the pressed state and a separated state; a press and separation driving device for driving the transfer member to become the pressed state and the separated state; a press and separation detecting device for detecting the pressed state and the separated state of the transfer member; and a voltage applying portion for applying a voltage between the image carrier and the transfer member, wherein the press and separation detecting device includes a current detecting portion for detecting a current that flows between the image carrier and the transfer member when the voltage is applied by the voltage applying portion, and a determination portion for determining the pressed state and the separated state of the transfer member in accordance with the current detected by the current detecting portion, wherein the determination portion determines the separated state when a gradient of decrease in the value of the current during a predetermined time period is larger than a predetermined value.