Sheet transport apparatus with minimized load between electrostatic generating device and transport belt

A sheet transport apparatus comprising:

• a transport belt for transporting a sheet member, said transport belt having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the sheet member contacting the first surface;
• and
• electrostatic attraction force generation means for generating an electrostatic force for attracting the sheet member to the first surface of said transport belt, said electrostatic attraction force generation means being disposed adjacent the second surface of said transport belt;
• wherein an electrostatic attraction force generated at at least one portion of said transport belt by said electrostatic attraction force generation means is smaller than an electrostatic attraction force generated at another portion of said transport belt.

A sheet transport apparatus comprising:

• a transport belt for transporting a sheet member, the transport belt having an inner surface and an outer surface and the sheet member contacting the outer surface;
• electrostatic attraction force generation means for generating an electrostatic force for attracting the sheet member to the outer surface of said transport belt, said electrostatic attraction force generation means being disposed adjacent the inner surface of said transport belt;
• and
• reducing means for reducing a load between the inner surface of said transport belt and said electrostatic attraction force generation means.