An intermediate transfer belt and a photosensitive member form a transfer
nip. An electrode is arranged close to an inner surface of the
intermediate transfer belt in a portion on an upstream side of a
direction of endless movement of the intermediate transfer belt with
respect to a downstream-side exit of the transfer nip and on a downstream
side of the direction of endless movement with respect to a position at
which a transfer roller charges the intermediate transfer belt. A voltage
of same polarity as the polarity of a toner is applied to the electrode,
so that there is no movement of an electric charge between the electrode
and the intermediate transfer belt.