Copying apparatus

Abstract

A copying machine comprising an image signal generating unit including a solid image pickup element for converting an optical image into an electric signal; an ion generating source; and an electrostatic image forming unit including an ion control electrode. The ion control electrode has a control electrode and a common electrode arranged to face each other through an insulating layer and formed with fine openings arranged in a row or in plural adjacent rows. At least one of the electrodes being divided into such a plurality of blocks as has its one or plural openings electrically insulated at a close spacing across the aforementioned arranged openings and as are wired to receive electric signals from the aforementioned image signal generating unit, the common electrode being operative to control the flow of ions, which are directed toward a charge holder, if necessary, together with the control electrode in response to a bias voltage applied. A reference voltage corresponding to the color to be recorded is preset so that the voltage corresponding to the difference between the reference voltage and the signal voltage is applied to the control electrode of the ion control electrode.