Patent ID: 9052677
Filing Date: 2015-06-09
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a plurality of image bearing members configured to bear toner images; a rotatable endless intermediate transfer belt configured to secondarily transfer onto a transfer material the toner images primarily transferred from the plurality of image bearing members; a plurality of supporting members configured to support the intermediate transfer belt; a current supply member configured to contact the intermediate transfer belt; and a power supply configured to apply a voltage to the current supply member, wherein the intermediate transfer belt is provided with electrical conductivity capable of passing a current from a contact position of the current supply member in the rotational direction of the intermediate transfer belt to the plurality of image bearing members via the intermediate transfer belt, wherein the power supply applies a voltage to the current supply member to pass a current from the current supply member to the plurality of image bearing members via the intermediate transfer belt to generate electric discharge between the intermediate transfer belt and the image bearing members at a position on the upstream side of the upstream end of a contact region between the intermediate transfer belt and the image bearing member at each of a plurality of primary transfer sections in the rotational direction of the intermediate transfer belt, such that a potential difference between the intermediate transfer belt and the image bearing members at the contact region is smaller than a Paschen discharge threshold voltage value, and wherein a constant voltage element for maintaining a surface potential of the intermediate transfer belt to a predetermined potential or higher is connected to the plurality of supporting members.