Patent ID: 9057979
Filing Date: 2015-06-16
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a photosensitive member; a charging member configured to electrify a surface of the photosensitive member to a predetermined electric potential; an exposure member configured to form an electrostatic latent image on the electrified surface of the photosensitive member; and a developing member configured to develop a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed; wherein the developing member converts a toner disposed near the photosensitive member into a cloud state using ultrasonic oscillation and adheres the cloud-state toner to the electrostatic latent image due to a bias voltage applied between the developing member and the photosensitive member, wherein the developing member includes a plate disposed opposite the photosensitive member, to which plate the toner is conveyed; and a plurality of transduction elements connected to the plate and configured to transduce electrical energy into mechanical energy and oscillate the toner on the plate to convert the toner into the cloud state, wherein the plurality of transduction elements are provided apart from one another in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the toner is conveyed.