Transfer device and image forming apparatus comprising the same

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• an image bearing member configured to bear a toner image;
• an endless transfer belt movable while being in contact with the image bearing member;
• a transfer device configured to transfer the toner image from the image bearing member to the transfer belt, and including a plurality of conductive fibers having one-end sides in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the transfer belt;
• and
• a support device configured to support the other-end sides of the plurality of conductive fibers,
• wherein the plurality of conductive fibers is supported by the support device in a pressed state between the support device and the transfer belt,
• wherein each of the conductive fibers is configured in such a manner that a tilt amount of the one-end side of the conductive fiber, which is generated as the transfer belt moves from a stopped state, is smaller than a length of a region where the image bearing member and the transfer belt are in contact with each other in a movement direction of the transfer belt, and
• wherein the support device moves the transfer device about a rotational shaft in a direction toward and a direction away from the transfer belt.