TRANSFER DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a transfer device and an image forming apparatus, which are capable of reducing abrasion of a belt member while securing the accuracy of positions between detection means used for detecting a toner pattern formed on a surface of the belt member and an opposite member facing the detection means with intervention of the belt member, thereby suppressing occurrence of abnormal noise associated with chattering.SOLUTION: A transfer device 9 includes: a belt member 8 circularly stretched by plural stretching-members; transfer means 16 for transferring a toner image formed on a surface of the belt member onto a transfer material P; detection means 120, disposed at a position opposite to the surface, for detecting a detecting-toner pattern formed on the surface; and an opposite member 110 disposed oppositely to the detection means with the belt member intervening in-between. Further, the device includes: a contact member 14 disposed nearby the opposite member of the belt member and in contact with the belt member; and shifting-means 45 for shifting the contact member. Further, the device causes the shifting-means to shift the contact member, thereby changing states of contact between the opposite member and belt member.