Apparatus for and method of forming image

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, on which plate the toner is loaded;
• and
• a transduction element 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 a V-shaped groove is formed in a top surface of a region of the plate connected to the transduction element.

A method of forming images, comprising:

• electrifying a surface of a photosensitive member to a predetermined electric potential;
• forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive member;
• converting a toner disposed near the photosensitive member into a cloud state using ultrasonic oscillation applied by a developing member;
• and
• adhering 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 converting the toner includes conveying the toner to a plate disposed opposite the photosensitive member, and transducing electric energy into mechanical energy using a plurality of transduction elements connected to the plate to oscillate the toner on the plate and convert the toner into the cloud state, and
• 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.