Image forming apparatus having mechanism for scraping away deteriorated layer of transfer roller

Abstract

An image forming apparatus having a mechanism for removing a deteriorated layer of the transfer roller is disclosed, by which the critical surface tension of the transfer roller can be suitably maintained. The apparatus includes primary transfer roller, a fixing roller, a backup roller, a belt-like photosensitive body, an isolating plate, a first cleaning roller, a polishing roller, a second cleaning roller, a brush roller, and a cleaner case. The toner image on the belt-like photosensitive body is transferred to the primary transfer roller according to the rotation of the backup roller. The toner image is then pressed and fixed by the fixing roller, and the image is further transferred to a paper which is moved and output. A deteriorated layer of the transfer roller is scraped away by the polishing roller, and remaining polishing dust is removed by the second cleaning roller. Additionally, polishing dust remaining on the polishing roller is removed by the brush roller. Accordingly, suitable critical surface tension of the primary transfer roller can be maintained.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.