A proximity charger roller is disposed in proximity to a surface of an
image carrier and uniformly charges an effective charging area of the
image carrier. Abutting portions abut on the image carrier at its both
edges which are located on the outer side of the effective charging area,
thereby maintaining the proximity distance between the circumferential
surface of the proximity charger roller and the image carrier constant. A
cleaning roller is longer than the spacing between the abutting portions
which are at the both edges, abuts on the abutting portions which are at
the both edges, and presses with predetermined pressing force in the
direction of the image carrier. The surface of the cleaning roller is
made of a soft material and cleans a surface area between the two
abutting portions of the proximity charger roller.