Image transfer device

Claim 1

In an image transfer device comprising a photosensitive drum with a contact position defined thereon and a transfer charger for providing a corona ion current over an area on said drum surface, a transfer paper sheet being adapted to be transported to and to come into contact with said drum surface at said contact position, the improvement wherein said image transfer device further comprises current limiting means for limiting said corona ion current to the forward portion of said area with respect to said contact position, said current limiting means including a paper guide plate extending generally towards said contact position and having a front edge section substantially parallel to said drum surface, and a screening plate attached to a surface of said paper guide plate proximal to said drum surface for directing said transfer paper sheet to said drum surface, said screening plate extending protrudingly beyond said front edge section of said paper guide plate so as to block a backward portion of said corona ion current, said screening plate having a bendable protruding piece which branches off said screening plate, normally extending substantially towards said contact position, said protruding piece being elastically bendable such that both lighter and heavier transfer sheets can be transported over said screening plate to said contact position.