Patent ID: 6079816
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: B41J,G03G

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus, comprising:an apparatus main body, said apparatus main body being adapted for selective movement to and from a closed position from and to an open position;a holding member for holding a developing material;a counter electrode placed opposing said holding member at least when said apparatus main body is in said closed position;a control electrode located between said holding member and said counter electrode at least when said apparatus main body is in said closed position, said control electrode being adapted for controlling a flying of said developing material by varying an electric field between said holding member and said counter electrode;an opening and closing mechanism capable of opening and closing said apparatus main body; andcontrol electrode protection means for selectively protecting a surface of said control electrode, said control electrode protecting means being adapted to move into a protection position which protects a surface of the control electrode as said apparatus main body is moved from said closed position to said open position by said opening and closing mechanism, and being adapted to move out of said protection position as said apparatus main body is moved from said open position to said closed position by said opening and closing mechanism, wherein, when said apparatus main body is in said closed position, said opening and closing mechanism and said control electrode protection means are positioned relative to one another such that control of the flying of the developing material under the control of the control electrode may proceed without interference by either said opening and closing mechanism or said control electrode protection means.