Method and apparatus for image forming performing improved cleaning and discharging operations on image forming associated members
US6654574B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2022 |
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 charger, a transfer mechanism, a discharger, a direct current (d.c.) voltage source, and a d.c. voltage controller. The intermediate transfer member faces and contacts the image carrying member carrying a toner image, and receives the toner image therefrom during a first transfer. The charger charges the intermediate transfer member to cause an electric field around where the image carrying member and the intermediate transfer member contact each other, the electric field initiating the first transfer. The transfer mechanism transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer member to a transfer sheet. The discharger discharges charge remaining on the intermediate transfer member. The d.c. voltage source applies a d.c. voltage to the discharger to cause the discharging. The d.c. voltage controller controls the d.c. voltage in accordance with a volume resistivity of the intermediate transfer member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.