Image forming apparatus and image carrier unit
US7840157B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/161
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
To improve the user maintainability and cost performance with respect to replacing replaceable components in an image forming apparatus using a tandem type intermediate transfer member. In an image forming apparatus provided with: primary transfer rollers that successively transfer toner images formed on a plurality of photosensitive members to an intermediate transfer belt on a surface of which the images are moved; and a secondary transfer roller that transfers in one operation the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt to a recording medium, and the plurality of photosensitive members are formed as a plurality of image carrier units that are removable with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus, a belt cleaning member that cleans secondary transfer residual toner from the intermediate transfer belt is disposed upstream, relative to the direction of movement of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt, of the image carrier unit that is disposed uppermost in the upstream direction, and the belt cleaning member is capable of being integrally removed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.