Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.

Tsuyoshi Doubata

Norio Ogawahara

Ryouichi Tsuruoka

Iwao Kuriki

Kouji Hamabe

Takeshi Fukuda

In an image forming apparatus, such as an electrophotography-basis copying machine or laser printer, ribs are provided on and along both side ends of the inner surface of an intermediate transfer belt. Rib guides are provided on both ends of a drive roll. The ribs are brought into contact with the rib guides, whereby the intermediate transfer belt is guided. The diameter of each rib guide is slightly larger than the diameter of the drive roll, to thereby form a gap between the drive roll and the intermediate transfer belt. In a region including the gap and its vicinity, a friction created between the drive roll and the intermediate transfer belt is reduced. Therefore, thrust of each rib against each rib guide, caused by the walk, is reduced.

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Saitama, Japan

Tsuyoshi Doubata