Patent ID: 6035166
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: B82Y,G03G

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus using liquid developer, comprising:an image bearing member which is able to carry latent image;a reservoir in which liquid developer is stored, said liquid developer being transferred and adhered to said latent image so that said liquid developer develops said latent image, said liquid developer presenting liquid state at least when said liquid developer develops said latent image;a developer retainer having fine holes through which said liquid developer is transferred to said image bearing member, said developer retainer being faced with said image bearing member; anda developer supplier which supplies said liquid developer from said reservoir to said developer retainer; andwherein each of said fine holes has an exit opening through which said liquid developer moves out of said fine hole and moves to said image bearing member,wherein each of said fine holes has a part in which a cross sectional area thereof increases as a distance from said exit opening decreases, andwherein an inner surface of said developer retainer is made of material which repels said liquid developer.