COLOR IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an innovative color image forming apparatus which has a mechanical separation mechanism, securely separates a transfer material from an intermediate transfer member and securely forming an image of high image quality and to provide an image forming method.

SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus comprises the intermediate transfer member which conveys a color toner image to a transfer area while holding it thereon, and the separating mechanism disposed downstream of the transfer area in the direction of the movement of the intermediate transfer member. The separating mechanism has a separating member disposed so as to be brought into contact with the image holding face of the intermediate transfer member and separated therefrom. In the separating mechanism, when the edge of the leading end of a transfer material in the direction of the movement of the intermediate transfer member reaches a specific position in relation to the position of the contact of the separating member with the intermediate transfer member, the edge of the leading end is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer member or separated from it. The image forming method is carried out in the image forming apparatus. The intermediate transfer member is in the form of an endless belt.

COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO