Image forming apparatus using an electrode matrix to form a latent image

摘要

Capacitors 32 connected to their corresponding matrix-shaped picture elements 33 are connected to an image forming unit 20 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed. Switching elements 31 are also connected to the image forming unit 20. When the switching elements 31 are made conductive, their corresponding capacitors 32 are charged from a power source arranged outside, and a potential appears in each of their corresponding picture elements 33. Therefore, the electrostatic latent image can be more stably formed on these matrix-shaped picture elements over a time period which is determined by time constant. AS the result, electrostatic latent image formation can be achieved without using any ozone-generating pre-charger. In addition, the electrostatic latent image forming unit can keep its toner holding force even after the developing process to enable an image to be more reliably and clearly reproduced.