Image forming device having image transfer component cleaning means

Abstract

An image transfer roller cleaning system for operation in conjunction with a retractable image transfer roller in an image forming apparatus. A transfer belt extends through a gap between the transfer areas of a group of photoreceptor drums and corresponding image transfer rollers from an upstream side to a downstream side. The photoreceptor drums are arranged in parallel to one another. The transfer rollers urge the transfer belt into engagement with the respective transfer areas of the photoreceptor drums during the transport of a printing medium through the gap. A cleaning brush located upstream from the gap acts to clean the inner side of the belt prior to its entry into the gap. Cleaning blades also clean the outer surfaces of the transfer rollers when predetermined transfer voltages are not being applied thereto. In addition, the cleaning system may include features such as checking sensors and/or circuits for monitoring purposes. Applied voltage variation controllers for optimizing the quantity of toner carried by the photoreceptor drums also may be included. Further, image formation prohibiting controllers for preventing the formation of an image in those cases where the portions of the system checked by the checking devices register signal readings outside of predetermined ranges may be included. In addition, apparatus for moving the transfer rollers and/or the transfer belt wholly, or partially, out of their normal image transfer positions for cleaning purposes may be included.