In an image forming apparatus in which a DC bias is applied to charge a
photosensitive drum, when a charge eliminating device is in deterioration
or failure, there are some cases where a proper charging is not made, and
thus poor imaging occurs. A DC bias is applied to a charging member in
the charge eliminating operation area of an image bearing member where
the charge eliminating device makes charge eliminating operation; and
based on the values of an electric current passing through the image
bearing member on that occasion, a DC bias application is switched
between by constant-current-control and by constant-voltage-control.