An image forming apparatus includes a charging device for charging a
photosensitive element having a moving surface, by bringing a charging
roller, to which voltage is applied, into pressure-contact with the
photosensitive element, wherein to the charging member there is applied
voltage for forming an electric field such that toner adhered to the
charging roller surface at a non-image forming area is oriented towards
the photosensitive element. The image forming apparatus is provided with
pressure contact force modifying means for making the pressure contact
force of the charging roller against the photosensitive element at the
non-image forming area greater than that at an image forming area.