Image forming apparatus, using suction to keep distance between recording medium and control electrode uniform while forming image

摘要

This image forming apparatus has an image forming unit which is composed of a toner supplying section and a printing section. The printing section includes: an opposing electrode which has a flat part arranged in parallel with the peripheral surface of a toner support; a high-voltage power source for applying a high voltage to the opposing electrode; a control electrode provided between the toner support and opposing electrode; and a cleaning brush. A paper suction portion includes fans as decompressing means and a chamber with a multiple number of suction ports disposed therein, through which air is sucked so that the sheet will not be in contact with the control electrode. Further, a multiple number of grooves are formed in parallel with the sheet conveying direction on the downstream side of the sheet conveying means with respect the sheet conveying direction. These grooves reduce the contact area between the sheet and the support surface and hence reduce the frictional resistance, thus achieving a smooth paper conveying operation.