Image forming apparatus having a toner collecting mechanism

摘要

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of collecting a toner remaining on a photoconductive element after image transfer. A developing device develops a latent image electrostatically formed on the surface of a photoconductive element. A paper and paper dust, paper fibers and other impurities produced from the paper before, after and during image transfer are caused to electrostatically adhere to a transfer belt included in a contact type transferring device. After the developed image has been transferred to the paper, a cleaning device associated with the photoconductive element removes a toner remaining thereon. The toner so collected by the cleaning device is conveyed to the developing device by a transporting device. Impurities deposited on the transfer belt are not conveyed to the developing device. <IMAGE>