An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an intermediate
image
transfer belt passed over a plurality of support members and movable while carrying
a toner image of preselected polarity transferred thereto. An electrode member
contacts the inside surface of the belt and is applied with a preselected voltage
for transferring the toner image from the belt to a recording medium. A contact
member with high electric resistance contacts the belt at a position adjacent the
electrode member and includes an insulating layer thereon.
