Image forming apparatus
US7313343B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/0089
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electrostatic latent image is formed on a rotary image carrier. A developer is provided with at least one developing roller which is separatably abutted on the image carrier at a developing position to supply toner onto the image carrier to make the latent image visible as a toner image. An intermediate transfer member is adapted to temporarily hold the toner image. A transferer applies a transfer bias to primarily transfer the toner image on the image carrier to the intermediate transfer member. A first cleaner is always abutted on the image carrier to remove toner remaining thereon. A second cleaner is separatably abutted on the intermediate transfer member to remove toner remaining thereon. The toner image includes a first toner image which is not to be transferred onto the recording medium and a second toner image which is to be secondarily transferred onto a recording medium. The second cleaner is separated from the intermediate transfer member so as to avoid the first toner image.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.