Patent ID: 6947676
Filing Date: 2005-09-20
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus to which a process cartridge is detachably attachable, the process cartridge including (i) an image bearing body, (ii) charging means for charging the image bearing body to a predetermined polarity, (iii) developing means having a developer containing portion configured and positioned to contain a developer and a developer carrying body configured and positioned to supply the developer to the image bearing body, wherein the developer containing portion contains an electroconductive charging accelerating particle of a polarity opposite to the predetermined polarity, and (iv) memory means for storing information, said image forming apparatus comprising: determining means for determining the state of use of the process cartridge, based on the information stored in the memory means; and a controller configured to permit the developing means to perform an operation of supplying the electroconductive charging accelerating particle to a charging portion on the image bearing body for a predetermined period of time when said determining means determines that the process cartridge is new; wherein said controller controls the charging means to charge the image bearing body to the predetermined polarity, and thereafter said controller controls the developing means to transfer the electroconductive charging accelerating particle of the polarity opposite to the predetermined polarity from the developer carrying body to the image bearing body to supply the charging portion with the electroconductive charging accelerating particle.