The color image forming apparatus (1) of the present invention has two intermediate transfer media. With at least two of color images (Y+M+C+K) layered previously, the other remaining images are further layered thereon by a between-intermediate-transfer-media transfer device, and a color image is formed on a transfer material by a transfer material transfer device. The time required until the color image is outputted is shortened. Particularly, an image of single black can be outputted in a shortest time in image formation.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/522,897, filed Mar. 10, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,483, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
An image forming apparatus includes first and second toner image forming sections and a transfer unit. The first and second toner image forming sections include first and second image carriers and first and second intermediate transfer members, respectively. The color toner images are formed on the image carrier and then transferred onto the intermediate transfer member to form a composite color toner image on the intermediate transfer member. In a first mode, the first and second toner image forming sections form both the composite dark and light color toner images on the recording material. In a second mode, the second intermediate transfer member is moved out of contact with the transfer unit and the second image carrier and the second intermediate transfer member are not operated, so that only the first toner image forming section forms the composite dark color toner image on the recording material.
