摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, obtaining high image quality at low cost and maintaining the image quality over a long period of time. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes at least: an image carrier which is a rotatable photoreceptor having at least an organic photosensitive layer on an electroconductive cylindrical support; an electrostatic latent image-forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier by charging the image carrier; and a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier using a developer to form a visible image. The thickness of the organic photosensitive layer monotonously decreases or increases extending from one end of the image carrier to the other end with respect to the direction of rotation axis of the image carrier. The developing means has a development sleeve for supporting and carrying the developer to a developing area. A development gap defined as a gap is formed between the image carrier and the development sleeve, and the development gap is gradually decreased extending from the end of the image carrier having the thicker organic photosensitive layer to the end of the image carrier having the thinner organic photosensitive layer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT |