Patent attributes
The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of rotation members for bearing respective images, a plurality of motors for driving and rotating the plurality of rotation members, respectively, a phase detector for detecting phases of the plurality of rotation members, and a phase adjusting device for carrying out adjustment so that phase differences among the plurality of rotation members have a predetermined relationship, in which the phase adjusting device carries out the adjustment before the motor in rotation is stopped, and stops the motor after completion of the adjustment. Accordingly, a first print time can be shortened without executing an unnecessary phase adjustment sequence after activating motors. Alternatively, after executing and completing the phase adjustment, the motors are stopped.