Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier transferring the developer image to a material at a transfer position; plural developing units supplying developer of corresponding colors; a cleaner disposed downstream of the transfer position in the rotating direction of the image carrier with respect to the image carrier; a recycle developer storage unit storing the developer; a recycle developer developing unit supplying the developer to the image carrier; and a control unit controlling a recycle developer adjustment by supplying the developer from at least one of the plural developing units to the image carrier, forming a developer image on the image carrier, allowing the developer image to pass through the transfer position without being transferred onto the material, and allowing the developer of the developer image to be recovered in the cleaner to supply the developer to the recycle developer storage unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus forms an excellent-quality image by using a recycle developer obtained by recovering a developer remaining on an image carrier.

Abstract: A sheet separation unit comprises a separation/conveyance roller, a separation member to be brought into contact with the roller so as to separate paper sheets drawn by the roller, an elastic member configured to bring the separation member into pressure contact with the roller, and a pair of elastic holding members that apply axial forces to respective opposite end sections of the separation member from the outside. The axial forces press the opposite end sections toward a central portion of the separation member, and the elastic holding members press and hold the separation member in a state in which the separation member can swing to and away from the roller.

Abstract: A sheet separation unit comprises a separation/conveyance roller, a separation member to be brought into contact with the roller so as to separate paper sheets drawn by the roller, an elastic member configured to bring the separation member into pressure contact with the roller, and a pair of elastic holding members that apply axial forces to respective opposite end sections of the separation member from the outside. The axial forces press the opposite end sections toward a central portion of the separation member, and the elastic holding members press and hold the separation member in a state in which the separation member can swing to and away from the roller.