| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer body of a two-component development system, the apparatus being designed so as to achieve a reduction in the size of the apparatus and an improvement in the durability of the intermediate transfer member by preventing damage to the surface of the intermediate transfer member. SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus of the two-component development system, an intermediate transfer belt 5 supported and rotated by a plurality of rollers 21, 22, and 23 are bent from the image formation surface side by a pressure roller 25, thereby changing a conveyance path. The pressure roller has, for use as a surface layer, a layer of sponge that has a cell diameter greater than a carrier diameter. When carrier transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer member is sandwiched between the intermediate transfer member 5 and pressure roller 25 forming a contact face, the carrier enters sponge cells or the layer of sponge elastically deformed by the tension of the intermediate transfer member, and thereby increases a contact area between the pressure roller and intermediate transfer member. As a result, load applied to the intermediate transfer member per unit area and hence friction of the carrier are reduced. This prevents the carrier from damaging the surface of the intermediate transfer member. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
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