Abstract: A recording material transporting device includes a first transport unit that transports a recording material as a target to be transported and a second transport unit that has a transport belt, the transport belt receiving the recording material from the first transport unit and performing transport of the recording material toward a reader that reads an image on the recording material, the transport belt having a transport surface having different friction coefficients in a transport direction that is a direction of the transport and in an intersection direction that is a direction intersecting the transport direction, the friction coefficient in the intersection direction being smaller than the friction coefficient in the transport direction.

Abstract: A printer includes a controller that operates an actuator of a transfer assist blade (TAB) mechanism with reference to an actuator profile. The actuator profile identifies an actuator waveform and a plurality of pulse trains for the actuator waveform. The actuator profile and the data associated with it are developed with reference to the drive train for the TAB mechanism. The actuator profiles enable the TAB mechanism drive train to achieve optimal operation over a wide range of media types, substrate speeds, pitch modes, and other print job parameters.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a conveying unit configured to convey a long paper sheet; an image forming unit configured to form an image on the long paper sheet, the image forming unit including a transferring unit configured to transfer toner onto the long paper sheet with a transfer belt; a fixing unit configured to fix the image onto the long paper sheet having the image formed thereon by the image forming unit; and a control unit configured to control a sheet feed path of the long paper sheet with respect to the transfer belt in accordance with state information about the long paper sheet, the long paper sheet being conveyed to the transferring unit by the conveying unit.

Abstract: A detection device detecting a state of a toner image, an image forming apparatus including a detection device and method of detection are provided. The detection device includes a detector having a light window where light passes through and detecting a state of a toner image formed on an image bearing member via the light window, and a cleaner removing a pollutant attached to a surface of the light window. The cleaner includes an adsorption unit formed of a conductive material and reciprocating while being in contact with the surface of the light window and a voltage applying unit applying a voltage for adsorbing the pollutant to the adsorption unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a transfer unit that is detachably attachable to a housing of the image forming apparatus and includes: a transfer member configured to contact the image carrier; a movable frame that supports the transfer member and configured to rotate around a fulcrum shaft; a driving input member coaxially arranged with the fulcrum shaft and configured to connect to a first driving transmitting member, and a second driving transmitting member supported by the movable frame and configured to transmit a driving force inputted by the driving input member to the transfer member. The image forming apparatus further includes a contact/separation unit configured to press the transfer member against the image carrier and to separate the transfer member from the image carrier by moving the movable frame around the fulcrum shaft while the transfer unit is attached to the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: In a transfer device, a flexible guide plate is disposed in a position upstream relative to a transfer position along a medium conveyance path, such that a first side of the guide plate faces to a recording medium being conveyed along the medium conveyance path. The guide plate has a downstream end portion that is angled by bending the guide plate. A support frame supports an upstream end portion of the guide plate and extends in a downstream direction beyond the downstream end portion to form an extension portion which is disposed opposite to a second side of the guide plate and toward which the downstream end portion extends obliquely downstream. The extension portion has a recess/hole formed in a position separated in an upstream direction from a first edge of the extension portion, to allow the downstream end portion to be moved without being blocked by the extension portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a conveyance unit to convey a transfer medium, a first image forming unit to form a monochrome image transferred at a first transfer position onto the transfer medium, and a second image forming unit disposed downstream from the first image forming unit in a direction of conveyance of the transfer medium, including an intermediate transfer body to form a multi-colored toner image on the intermediate transfer body. The multi-colored toner image is transferred onto the transfer medium at a second transfer position. The conveyance unit is separated from the intermediate transfer body at the second transfer position in a monochrome mode to form the monochrome image using only the first image forming unit, and contacts the intermediate transfer body at the second transfer position in a full-color mode to form a full-color image using both the first and second image forming units.

Abstract: In a transfer device, a first side of a flexible guide plate faces to a recording medium being conveyed along a medium conveyance path to guide the recording medium toward an image carrying member. A support frame supports an upstream end portion of the guide plate, and includes an opposite portion disposed from and opposite to a second side (reverse to the first side) of the guide plate and a rib configured to protrude from the opposite portion toward the medium conveyance path. The rib has a first edge which is positioned at an upstream side and beyond which the guide plate protrudes downstream. The rib has an inclined surface extending from the first edge in a direction obliquely downstream toward the image carrying member. The guide plate includes an indentation to allow the guide plate to be deflected without being blocked by the rib.

Abstract: A transfer device includes a plurality of rollers, a rotatable intermediate transfer belt wound around and stretched between the rollers, a transfer member disposed in the inner loop of the belt and facing an image bearing member of an image forming apparatus disposed at an outer circumference of the belt, to transfer an image formed onto the surface of the image bearing member when contacting the intermediate transfer belt, and a position adjuster to adjust the position of the intermediate transfer belt at different positions relative to the image bearing member. The positions include a contact state in which the intermediate transfer belt applied with a predetermined tension contacts the image bearing member, a first separation state in which the tensioned intermediate transfer belt separates from the image bearing member, and a second separation state in which the intermediate transfer belt separates further away from the image bearing member.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a transfer roller which transfers developer on an image carrier onto a conveyed recording medium at a transferring portion, a supporting frame, a flexible guide member attached to the supporting frame to guide the record medium to the transferring portion, and a inflexible protrusion supporting member which is provided on the supporting frame between the transferring portion and the guide member and protrudes to support a trailing edge of the record medium after passing the guide member. The guide member includes a swing portion which is provided at one end side at a downstream thereof. The protrusion supporting member is provided to abut the guide member while the guide member does not protrude from the protrusion supporting member to a side of the transferring portion when the swing portion of the guide member swings by abutting the record medium.

Abstract: Disclosed are a transfer unit and an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a main body frame on which one or more image carrying bodies are is supported and a transfer unit coupled to the main body frame.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a first image carrier; a first image forming unit that forms an image; an intermediate transfer belt; a primary transfer unit that primarily transfers the image onto the intermediate transfer belt; a secondary transfer unit that secondarily transfers the image transferred further onto a recording medium; a second image carrier that transfers the image onto the recording medium; a second image forming unit that forms an image on the second image carrier; a direct transfer unit that directly transfers the image onto the recording medium; a recording medium carriage belt, and a driving roller that drives the recording medium carriage belt; a speed fluctuation detecting unit; and a drive control unit that controls driving of the driving roller so as to reduce the cyclic speed fluctuation of the carriage belt based on a detection result of the speed fluctuation detecting unit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a photoreceptor belt, a fixed transfer roller positioned on the inside of the photoreceptor belt, and a movable transfer roller positioned on the outside of the photoreceptor belt. The fixed transfer roller and the movable transfer roller are positioned to form a nip, and the photoreceptor belt and a web of print media are positioned in the nip. Also, a support roller and a compensation roller contact the web of print media. The support roller is positioned between the compensation roller and the nip. A physical link is connected to the support roller and the compensation roller. The physical link moves the support roller and the compensation roller so as to keep a constant tension on the web of print media.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a belt member which bears a toner image, a transfer portion for forming a transfer nip portion, a changing unit for changing an advancing angle of the belt member advancing into the transfer nip portion, a guide member which is arranged at an upstream side of the transfer nip portion in a recording material conveying direction and face to a untransfered face of the recording material and guide a recording material to the transfer nip portion, and a controller for controlling the changing unit so that a belt face advancing into the transfer nip portion and conveying a recording material having a first thickness is at a position farther from the guide member than the belt face advancing into the transfer nip portion and conveying a recording material having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness.

Abstract: At a time for resetting a transfer voltage after a predetermined time period from the performance of ATVC in both a color mode and a monochrome mode, ATVC is performed only in a currently running mode. A transfer voltage in another mode that the ATVC has not been performed at that time is set based on results of the ATVC performed in both the color and monochrome modes and a result of the ATVC performed in the other mode at that time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a chassis; an image carrier on whose surface a toner image is formed; a transfer roller configured to transfer the toner image formed on the image carrier onto to a recording medium and including a roller shaft and a transfer roller main body; a frame disposed inside the chassis; a transfer-roller supporting part configured to support the transfer roller and to move the transfer roller to a contact position and a spacing position; a terminal member configured to contact an end surface of the roller shaft and supply a voltage; and a terminal supporting member configured to rotatably support the terminal member with respect to the frame, wherein the terminal member rotates while following the movement of the transfer roller between the contact position and the spacing position, and wherein the terminal member maintains a contact state with the end surface of the roller shaft.

Abstract: A transfer device includes a plurality of rollers, a rotatable intermediate transfer belt wound around and stretched between the rollers, a transfer member disposed in the inner loop of the belt and facing an image bearing member of an image forming apparatus disposed at an outer circumference of the belt, to transfer an image formed onto the surface of the image bearing member when contacting the intermediate transfer belt, and a position adjuster to adjust the position of the intermediate transfer belt at different positions relative to the image bearing member. The positions include a contact state in which the intermediate transfer belt applied with a predetermined tension contacts the image bearing member, a first separation state in which the tensioned intermediate transfer belt separates from the image bearing member, and a second separation state in which the intermediate transfer belt separates further away from the image bearing member.

Abstract: Disclosed are a transfer unit and an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a main body frame on which one or more image carrying bodies are is supported and a transfer unit coupled to the main body frame.

Abstract: An electrophotographic marking apparatus and an automatic method for automatically scanning and correcting TAB pressure non-uniformity using a cross-process uniformity controller and a closed loop system. The TAB is contacted with an image on a photoreceptor surface to leave its imprint or footprint on the image, which are analyzed for TAB performance and pressure. This method uses a CPUC full width array in conjunction with a software version for assessing TAB performance. This method continuously monitors the TAB performance during the running of a marking apparatus.

Abstract: An electrostatographic printing apparatus that includes a charge receptor endless belt; a transfer nip including a BTR roll in contact with the charge receptor at a transfer zone, a continuous media supplied to the transfer zone, and the transfer nip adapted for systematic engagement and disengagement with the continuous media for synchronization of image transfer from the charge receptor to the media. More specifically, in response to recognition of imaging inconsistencies such as belt seams, test patches, or label format pitches, the endless belt disengages from the continuous media at the BTR roll. The BTR roll is appropriately turned on and off and the continuous media reversed in direction commonly known as a ‘Pilgrim step’, then returned to normal direction to synchronize the transfer of images to the continuous media.

Abstract: Methods and devices detect a first lateral measure of an edge of a belt loop supported by rollers within an apparatus using a first sensor to find an amount of misalignment of the edge of the belt loop relative to a known alignment position. The first sensor is positioned at a first location within the apparatus. The methods and devices also detect a second lateral measure of the edge of the belt loop within the apparatus relative to the known alignment position using a second sensor. The second sensor is positioned at a second location within the apparatus that is different than the first location. The methods and devices use a processor to determine the non-linear shape of the edge of the belt loop based on the second lateral measure of the edge of the belt loop detected by the second sensor. The methods and devices correct the amount of misalignment detected by the first sensor based on the non-linear shape of the edge of the belt loop to generate a corrected misalignment value, using the processor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a direct transfer control unit that controls a direct transfer unit and a first image forming unit so as to directly transfer an image onto a transfer sheet, an indirect transfer control unit that controls an intermediate transfer unit and a second image forming unit so as to transfer images onto the intermediate transfer unit, a secondary transfer control unit that controls contact/separation between the direct transfer unit and the intermediate transfer unit, a first alignment control unit that corrects an amount of misalignment among the images formed on the intermediate transfer unit, thereby performing a first alignment control process, and a second alignment control unit that corrects an amount of misalignment of an image directly transferred onto the transfer sheet with respect to the image on which the first alignment control process has been performed, thereby performing a second alignment control process.

Abstract: At a time for resetting a transfer voltage after a predetermined time period from the performance of ATVC in both a color mode and a monochrome mode, ATVC is performed only in a currently running mode. A transfer voltage in another mode that the ATVC has not been performed at that time is set based on results of the ATVC performed in both the color and monochrome modes and a result of the ATVC performed in the other mode at that time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image transfer section configured to transfer a reversed image based on a read original image onto an image carrier as a toner image, a secondary transfer roller configured to come into contact with the image carrier and transfer the toner image onto a recording medium, a secondary transfer roller housing section configured to house the secondary transfer roller, a lubricant coating brush configured to come into contact with the secondary transfer roller and coat lubricant on the secondary transfer roller, a lubricant coating brush housing section configured to house the lubricant coating brush and be movable along a groove formed on the secondary transfer roller housing section, a solid lubricant configured to be housed in the lubricant coating brush housing section and supply lubricant to the lubricant coating brush, and a lubricant holding member configured to elastically hold the solid lubricant.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a secondary transfer roller that is supported by a secondary-transfer-unit supporting unit and transfers a toner image onto a recording medium, a lubricant applying brush that comes into contact with the secondary transfer roller and applies a lubricant to the secondary transfer roller, a lubricant-applying-brush housing unit that houses the lubricant applying brush, a solid lubricant that is housed in the lubricant-applying-brush housing unit and supplies the lubricant to the lubricant applying brush, a lubricant holding member that elastically holds the solid lubricant, a driving gear that transmits rotational force from the outside to the lubricant applying brush, and a lubricant unit that supports at least the lubricant applying brush, the lubricant-applying-brush housing unit, the solid lubricant, the lubricant holding member, and the driving gear in an integral state and is formed to be detachably attachable to the secondary-transfer-unit supporting unit.

Abstract: A transferring unit of an image forming apparatus that includes: a contacted member; a rotating body that contacts and is spaced away from the contacted member; a rotating body transporting member where a supporting part to rotatably support the rotating body, a contacting external force receiving part to receive a contacting external force that contacts the rotating body with the contacted member, and a spacing external force receiving part to receive a spacing external force that spaces the rotating body away from the contacted member are formed in a single body; and a driver that drives the rotating body transporting member.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a pre-transfer guide (50) is provided immediately before a transfer nip portion formed by an intermediate transferring belt (12) and a transferring roller (18b). The pre-transfer guide (50) extends in a width direction of a sheet conveying path, and projections (50b) are formed on opposite end portions of the pre-transfer guide (50) on sides outer than an area on which a sheet is conveyed. The intermediate transferring belt (12) is driven in a state where a tension is applied to some extent, so that it may bow in a thickness direction on a running path. However, in an area immediately before the transfer nip portion, the projections (50b) retains a distance between the sheet and the intermediate transferring belt (12) to be greater than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An endless belt is supported by a plurality of rollers. A transfer roller comes in contact with an outer surface of the belt to form a transfer nip. An auxiliary member makes contact with a recording medium on an upstream side of the transfer nip in a movement direction of the belt, to cause the recording medium to be in close contact with the outer surface of the belt. A bias applying unit applies to the auxiliary member a bias for electrostatically transferring a toner adhered to the auxiliary member to the outer surface of the belt.

Abstract: A xerographic printing system and method of printing that includes two photoreceptor drums, each configured to enable printing with a different type of toner, a first pathway that connects the two photoreceptor drums, a second pathway that bypasses either of the photoreceptor drums, and an intermediate transfer belt, configured for either a one or two pass architecture, for transferring an image created by the toner to print media. This system and method of printing is specially adapted to enable efficient use of different combinations of toners within one printing system. In one embodiment, this system is able to limit use of a special toner to situations where one photoreceptor drum is not in bypass mode, thus conserving the more expensive special toner.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes a casing, a photosensitive drum, a transfer roller, a first guide member, and a second guide member. The first guide member is disposed upstream of the transfer point between the photosensitive drum and the transfer roller in a conveying direction of the recording medium and selectively movable between a first position and a second position. The second guide member is disposed between the first guide member and the transfer point and selectively movable between a third position and a fourth position farther from the photosensitive drum than the third position. The second guide member is movable in association with the movement of the first guide member in such a manner that when the first guide member is disposed in the first position, the second guide member is disposed in the third position for guiding the recording medium received from the first guide member to move toward the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: In an image-forming device including a photosensitive drum, a transfer roller, and a guide plate for guiding a recording sheet toward the photosensitive drum, a sponge is disposed between the guide plate and a transfer position where a developer image on the photosensitive drum is transferred to the recording sheet. The sponge can receive the trailing edge of the paper leaving the guide plate to suppress flapping of the trailing edge.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes a photosensitive drum, a transfer roller, a guide plate for guiding the paper toward the photosensitive drum, and a seat for supporting one end portion of the guide plate, for allowing another end portion of the guide plate to be deformable. A sponge is fixed to the bottom surface of the guide plate to expose at least the deformation part, so that the sponge can reduce the occurrence of paper jams. The sponge absorbs vibrations in the guide plate.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes a photosensitive drum, a transfer roller, a guide plate for guiding the paper toward the photosensitive drum, and a sponge fixed to the bottom surface of the guide plate. The sponge is softer than the guide plate, so that it can absorb vibrations in the guide plate when the trailing edge of the paper leaves the guide plate.

Abstract: A first guide member and a second guide member, which are flexible, are disposed at an upstream side of a transfer position. The first guide member is fixed at a first base end at an upstream side of a first leading end so that the first leading end is closer to a photosensitive drum at the upstream side of the transfer position. The second guide member is fixed at a second base end at an upstream side of a second leading end so that the second leading end is closer to the photosensitive drum between the first leading end and the transfer position. A first plane connecting the first leading end and the first base end and a second plane connecting the second leading end and the second base end, are made to cross each other at an upstream side of the first base end.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring a toner image formed on an image carrier onto a recording sheet includes a transfer assisting blade adapted to abut the recording sheet and press the recording sheet against the image carrier, the transfer assisting blade having a slant formed in a transverse direction of the blade at a front end of the blade which end is for abutment against the recording sheet, the slant having an angle relative to an advancing direction of the recording sheet.

Abstract: A paper guide device which guides a sheet of paper fed to a nip between an image belt and a transfer roller and an image forming apparatus including the same. The paper guide device includes a first convey guiding unit arranged within a predetermined space from an image belt to firstly guiding the paper to a nip between the image belt and a transfer roller. A second convey guiding unit is arranged on the first convey guiding unit to contact the image belt to secondly guide the paper to the nip without contacting the image belt. The device accurately guides the paper to the nip without contacting the image transfer belt.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a transfer member urging unit that urges a transfer member to an image bearing drum at a line pressure of 18.62×10?3 N/mm or less and 2.47×10?3 N/mm or more, the line pressure being taken along a direction perpendicular to a recording material conveying direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is constituted so as to be equipped with transfer apparatus(es) having transfer roller(s) electrostatically transferring development image(s) from photosensitive drum(s) to transfer medium/media, and so as to be provided with transfer medium guide unit disposed downstream in transfer medium transport path(s) from location(s) at which photosensitive drum(s) oppose transfer roller(s), and such that transfer medium guide location(s) of transfer medium guide means is/are variable.

Abstract: A laser printer is configured to move a pinch roller, provided to a main body casing and operating in a position in which the pinch roller obstructs attachment/detachment of a process cartridge, to a position in which the pinch roller does not obstruct attachment/detachment of the process cartridge. Such a configuration can reduce the number of components of the process cartridge compared with the case of incorporating the pinch roller in the process cartridge. In addition, the configuration can reduce the size of the laser printer since it is unnecessary to attach/detach the process cartridge so as to avoid the pinch roller.

Abstract: An image forming unit is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus and includes an image bearing member and an intermediate transfer member to which a toner image on the image bearing member is transferred. The image bearing member and the intermediate transfer member are movable relative to each other in the image forming unit.

Abstract: An apparatus to transfer a color laser image including an intermediate transfer belt around a plurality of guide rollers provided in a printer body frame; a transfer roller to contact the intermediate transfer belt with a transfer nip, and to transfer the color image of the intermediate transfer belt to a printing paper; a transfer panel, positioned to open and close with respect to the printer body frame, to support the transfer roller; a separating unit to separate the transfer roller from the intermediate transfer belt at constant intervals or pressurize the transfer roller to contact the intermediate transfer belt; and an aligning unit to align the transfer roller with respect to the intermediate transfer belt in the printer body frame. The positions of the central axis of the intermediate transfer belt and the axis of the transfer roller are controlled at the same level on the printer body frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the timing of a transfer assist blade in an electrostatographic imaging system. The apparatus and method operate by partially toning an area of the photoreceptor and then actuating the transfer assist blade such that it smears at least a portion of the partially toned area. Using an electronic toner area cover sensor system, the amount of smearing can be determined, From this, the timing of engagement of the transfer assist blade with the photoreceptor can be determined and, if necessary, adjusted.

Abstract: A sheet transfer apparatus transfers a sheet to a predetermined position. The apparatus includes a discharge tray; a support device for rotationally supporting the discharge tray; an interconnecting device that activates according to a rotation of the discharge tray; and a sheet regulating device engaging the interconnecting means to be movable between a regulating position for regulating a movement of the sheet and a retracted position for allowing the sheets on the discharge tray to move. A control device prevents the sheet regulating device from moving to the regulating position from the retracted position even though the discharge tray is rotated when a load greater than a predetermined value is applied to the sheet regulating device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming an image is provided that uses a contact type transfer member and a retract mechanism so as to transfer a toner image onto a continuous medium, performs the transfer process stably onto various continuous media and reduces unnecessary transfer of toner from the contact type transfer member to the continuous medium.

Abstract: A resilient contact blade includes a blade root and a blade tip. The blade is movable from an inoperative position in which the blade root is spaced from a print sheet contacting an imaging member by a first distance. The blade tip is spaced from the print sheet to an operative position in which the blade root is spaced from the print sheet by a second distance that is greater than the first distance. A blade deflector is located in the path of travel of the blade from the inoperative position to the operative position. While the blade is moving from the inoperative position to the operative position the blade engages the deflector. When the blade is in the operative position the blade is deflected by the deflector causing the blade tip to contact the print sheet and press the print sheet against the imaging member.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that has an image bearing member, first conveying device for conveying a sheet along a conveying path, transferring device, which is provided opposing the image bearing member across the conveying path, for transferring a toner image formed on the image bearing member to a sheet to be conveyed by the first conveying device, second conveying device, which is provided between the first conveying device and the transferring device, for conveying a recording material to be conveyed from the first conveying device to the transferring device, and holding device for holding the second conveying device and the transferring device, wherein the holding device is capable of opening the conveying path between the transferring device and the image bearing member.

Abstract: A transfer roller 42 is positioned about a castor axis C and a gimbal axis G. When the gimbal lock 102 is turned, an angle bracket 150 absorbs adverse torque. The angle bracket has one leg 151 fixed to the holding bracket 100 of the transfer assembly. The angle bracket is slid until the upper leg 152 contacts the machine bracket 82. The angle bracket is thinner than the support bracket 82 and deforms when the gimbal lock is turned to fix the transfer assembly 40 to the support bracket 82. The angle is 90 degrees or greater.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image retaining body which is supported so as to be able to move endlessly, a transfer means which is installed at a specific distance away from the surface of the image retaining body or in contact with the surface of the image retaining body, and a paper guide which is installed upstream and downstream, of or at least upstream or downstream the transfer means along the moving direction of the image retaining body for guiding a sheet of paper between the image retaining body and the transfer means and for pressing the paper onto the surface of the image retaining body. The image forming apparatus is equipped with an adjusting means for adjusting the distance between the paper guide means and the transfer means along the moving direction of the image retaining body, thereby varying the length of the paper wound onto the image retaining body.

Abstract: A device and method of enhancing contact between a photoconductive member of a electrophotographic printing machine and the paper to which an electrostatic latent image is to be transferred uses an array of wiper blade segments mounted on a common shaft. Each segment is attached to the shaft for limited rotational movement on the shaft in opposition to a torsion spring. The torsion spring biases the blade segment towards the paper. Some of the blade segments are operatively associated with a stop mechanism to control the length of the wiper blade array in accordance with the size of the paper being processed. The stop mechanism prevents movement of the blade segment into engagement with the paper by restraining movement of the segment against its torsion spring.

Abstract: A printer or copier has a transfer printing station for electrostatic transfer of toner from a photoconductor to the recording medium. A pressure contact element is provided on the recording medium guide elements to ensure contact of the recording medium with the photoconductor during transfer. Supporting rollers of a slightly greater diameter than the pressure contact element are provided at each end thereof bearing on the photoconductor as spacer elements to define a minimum spacing between the pressure contact element and the intermediate carrier. The contact pressure element(s) may also be mounted on pivotable levers movable by an eccentric.