Method and apparatus for image forming performing improved cleaning and discharging operations on image forming associated members
US6269228A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 31, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/0005
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrying member, an intermediate transfer member, a charging member, a transfer mechanism, a discharging member, a direct current voltage source, and a direct current voltage controller. The intermediate transfer member is deposited at a position facing and in contact with the image carrying member rotatably carrying a toner image on a rotating surface, and receives the toner image therefrom during a first transfer operation. The charging member applies a charge to the intermediate transfer member to cause an electric field around a region where the image carrying member and the intermediate transfer member contact with each other, where the electric field generates a force for initiating the first transfer operation. The transfer mechanism performs a second transfer operation for transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer member to a transfer sheet. The discharging member performs a discharging operation for discharging the charge remaining on the intermediate transfer member with contacting the intermediate transfer member after a completion of the second transfer operation. The direct current voltage source applies a …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.