To obtain an image forming apparatus which reduces or eliminates a noise by appropriately setting a bias voltage related to a member for recovering residual toner left after transfer.

The electrophotographic image forming apparatus is configured to form an image through respective processes of electrifying, exposing, developing on a photoreceptor drum 21 and transferring. The image forming apparatus includes a cleanerless system for recovering the residual toner left after transfer from the surface of the photoreceptor drum 21, then, returning the recovered toner to a developing device 23 that emits the recovered toner onto the photoreceptor drum 21 by applying the bias voltage to a toner recovery brush 25 that comes in contact with the photoreceptor drum 21. The amplitude and frequency of the bias voltage to be applied to the recovery brush 25 are changed based on at least either of a temperature/humidity condition, the number of printed sheets, a driving time, a toner electrification amount and an operating condition.

COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT