Patent ID: 8824924
Filing Date: 2014-09-02
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A transfer device incorporated in an image forming apparatus for performing a primary transfer of developer images from a plurality of image bearing members arranged side by side onto an intermediate transfer belt and then performing a secondary transfer of the developer images from the intermediate transfer belt onto a recording medium, the transfer device comprising: the intermediate transfer belt entrained about first and second entraining rollers to form a loop-shaped moving path opposed to the plurality of image bearing members; a plurality of transfer members opposed to the respective image bearing members across the intermediate transfer belt for performing the primary transfer of the developer images born on the respective image bearing members onto the intermediate transfer belt when the transfer members are applied with voltage; and a transfer member moving mechanism configured to move the plurality of transfer members between their respective pressing positions for pressing the intermediate transfer belt against the plurality of image bearing members and their respective separating positions for separating the intermediate transfer belt from the plurality of image bearing members, wherein a most upstream side transfer member which is a most upstream one of the plurality of transfer members in a moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt within a region opposed to the plurality of image bearing members has a rotational axis arranged downstream from a rotational axis of a most upstream side image bearing member which is a most upstream one of the plurality of image bearing members in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt when the most upstream side transfer member is in its pressing position, while a most downstream side transfer member which is a most downstream one of the plurality of transfer members in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt within the region opposed to the plurality of image bearing members has a rotational axis arranged upstream from a rotational axis of a most downstream side image bearing member which is a most downstream one of the plurality of image bearing members in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt when the most downstream side transfer member is in its pressing position, and the pressing positions of the most upstream side transfer member and the most downstream side transfer member are set closer to the plurality of image bearing members than those of the other transfer members in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction.