Patent ID: 8280283

Claim:
An image forming apparatus, comprising: at least two image bearers configured to carry toner images; an endless intermediate transfer member rotating in a prescribed direction; at least two semiconductive primary transfer members arranged inside the intermediate transfer member opposing the at least two image bearers, said at least two semiconductive primary transfer members transferring and superimposing the toner images on the endless intermediate transfer member in a primary transfer in a primary electric field created between the at least two image bearers and the at least two semiconductive primary transfer members, respectively; a facing member arranged inside the intermediate transfer member, a secondary transfer member configured to execute a secondary transfer from the intermediate transfer member to a printing medium in a secondary electric field created between the printing medium and the secondary transfer member; a heat generating member arranged inside the intermediate transfer member and configured to generate heat, and a heat transfer member that is nonrotatable inside the intermediate transfer member and configured to transfer the heat generated by the heat generating member to the at least two semiconductive primary transfer members by either approximating contact with or contacting the at least two semiconductive primary transfer members.