| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To moderate the deterioration of the image quality of a printing medium and the soiling of the back surface of the printing medium, which can be caused when the life of a developing device nearly ends. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes the developing device having an image carrier and a developing means for forming a developer image on the image carrier, and a contact/separation mechanism for making the image carrier abut on or separate from the developing means. The image forming apparatus includes a detection means for detecting the remaining period or the elapsed period of the life of the developing device, and a control means for controlling to delay start timing of abutting operation in the contact/separation mechanism according to the remaining period or the elapsed period. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT |
