Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable within an image forming system, includes an image bearing member, a process device for processing the image bearing member, a housing for supporting the image bearing member and the process device, and a cover shiftable between a protecting position where the image bearing member is protected and a retard position where the cover is retarded from the protecting position. The cover is spaced apart between 20-50 mm from the housing at least in the retard position. An image forming system includes mounting equipment for mounting such a process cartridge, an airflow generator for generating an airflow passing through between the housing and the cover, a transfer mechanism for transferring a developed image formed on the image bearing member onto a recording medium, and a conveying mechanism for conveying the recording medium.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable within an image forming system, including an image bearing member, a processing device for acting on the image bearing member, a housing for supporting the image bearing member and the processing device, and a cover shiftable between a protecting position where the image bearing member is protected and a retard position where the cover is retarded from the protecting position. The cover is spaced apart from the housing at least in the retard position and contacts a housing guide member. An image forming system includes a mounting device for mounting such a process cartridge, an air flow generating device for generating an air flow passing between the housing guide member and the cover, a transfer device for transferring a developed image formed on the image bearing member onto a recording medium, and a conveying device for conveying the recording medium.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable within an image forming system, includes an image bearing member, a processing device for acting on the image bearing member, a housing for supporting the image bearing member and the processing device, and a cover shiftable between a closed position where the image bearing member is protected and an open position where the cover is retracted from the protecting position. The cover is spaced apart from the housing at least in the retracted position and is provided with a protruded portion at its inner surface. An image forming system includes a mounting device for mounting a process cartridge, an air flow generating device for generating an air flow passing between the protruded portion and the cover, a transfer device for transferring a developed image formed on the image bearing member onto a recording medium, and a conveying device for conveying a recording medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet supplying apparatus with a sheet support for supporting a sheet and shiftable between a supply position and a waiting position, a supply roller for feeding out the sheet from the sheet support means at the supply position, a biasing device for biasing the sheet support means from the waiting position toward the supply position, a shifting device for shifting the sheet supporting means from the supply position to the waiting position in adherence with a biasing force of the biasing device means, and a regulating apparatus for regulating the shifting of the sheet support means with a force weaker than the biasing device force of the biasing device, when the sheet support means shifted to the waiting position by the shifting device is shifted from the waiting position to the supply position by the biasing device.