Transfer device for an image forming machine

Abstract

A transfer device for an image forming machine has a belt unit including a driving roller, a driven roller disposed at a distance from the driving roller, a transfer belt looped between the driving roller and the driven roller, and a transfer roller disposed opposite an image bearing member with the transfer belt interposed therebetween; a contacting/separating device for moving the belt unit between a transfer position and a non-transfer position; and a voltage source for applying a predetermined voltage onto the transfer roller. The transfer roller is disposed apart from the transfer belt, and when the belt unit is brought to the transfer position by the contacting/separating device, the transfer roller presses the transfer belt against the image bearing member. Another embodiment includes a cleaning blade disposed apart from the transfer belt, and which in the transfer position contacts the transfer belt.