Patent ID: 6957033

Claim:
An image formation apparatus comprising: image formation means for forming toner images on an image holding member; primary transfer means for transferring toner images formed on the image holding member onto an intermediate transfer member at a primary transfer portion; secondary transfer means for transferring toner images on the intermediate transfer member onto a recording medium at a secondary transfer portion; and a contact member which is electrically grounded and first contacts the intermediate transfer member downstream of the primary transfer portion in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer member, wherein the following relation is satisfied: −2.0 ≦ln ( Vtr )− L /( s ×logρ)≦−1.0 where: L (mm) represents a distance from the primary transfer portion to a position where the contact member first contacts the intermediate transfer member, Vtr (V) represents an absolute value of a voltage applied to the primary transfer means, s (mm/sec) represents a moving speed of the intermediate transfer member, and ρ (Ω/□) represents a surface resistivity of the intermediate transfer member.