Importance

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Abstract

An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image with uniform density includes a toner carrier for carrying a toner, an opposing electrode arranged opposing to the toner carrier, a high voltage power supply unit for supplying a voltage to generate a potential difference between the toner carrier and the opposing electrode, a control electrode including a plurality of electrodes arranged between the toner carrier and the opposing electrode, and a control power supply unit for implementing a plurality of potential states at respective ones of the electrodes of the control electrode, controlling passage of the toner through a passage portion, and for forming an image on a surface of a recording medium conveyed over the opposing electrode. The control electrode includes an insulating substrate, the aforementioned plurality of electrodes having a passage portion through which the toner passes provided in the insulating substrate, and a plurality of float electrodes having an opening provided such that at least part of the plurality of electrodes are directly or electrically exposed to the toner carrier, for making uniform an electric field formed between the toner carrier and the opposing electrode.

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First Claim