Apparatus and method for cleaning a transfer device of an image forming apparatus

摘要

A contact type image transferring system and method, incorporated in an image forming apparatus, for cleaning a residual toner on a transfer roller. The transfer roller is in contact with a photoconductive drum and forms a nip between the roller and the drum. A sheet of paper passes through the nip and a toner image on the drum is transferred to the sheet of paper. When the sheet of paper is not at the nip, not only a transfer voltage but also a charging voltage is applied at a same time. The polarities of the voltages applied to the charger and to the transfer roller cause the toner on the transfer roller to be removed.