Abstract:

An image forming apparatus includes an image transfer unit that transfers a reversed image onto an image bearing member as a toner image, a secondary transfer roller that transfers the toner image onto a recording medium, a contact and separation unit that brings the secondary transfer roller into contact with and separates the secondary transfer roller from the image bearing member, a secondary-transfer-roller housing unit that houses the secondary transfer roller, a lubricant applying brush that applies a lubricant thereto, a lubricant-applying-brush housing unit that houses the lubricant applying brush and is configured to be movable along a groove, and an lifting and lowering member that lifts and lowers the lubricant-applying-brush housing unit, wherein the secondary transfer roller and the lubricant applying brush come into contact with and separate from each other in response to a contact and separation operation of the secondary transfer roller and the image bearing member.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including, in a secondary transfer unit having a mechanism for bringing a secondary transfer roller into contact with and separating the secondary transfer roller from an image bearing member, a mechanism for further bringing the secondary transfer roller into contact with and separating the secondary transfer roller from a fur brush and an image forming method therefor.

2. Description of the Related Art

A transfer device includes a contact and separation mechanism for bringing a secondary transfer roller into contact with an image bearing member when the transfer device transfers a toner image formed on the image bearing member onto a sheet and separating the secondary transfer roller from the image bearing member when the transfer device does not transfer the toner image onto th ...

Post passivation interconnection schemes on top of IC chip