Abstract:
An image forming apparatus includes a mounting portion to which a plurality of kinds of cartridge having different configurations; a fan device for cooling the cartridges mounted to the mounting portion with air flow provided thereby; a changing device for changing a state of the air flow in accordance with the configuration of the cartridge mounted to the mounting portion.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is removably mountable. 
         [0002]    In an image forming apparatus, a sheet of recording medium is conveyed to the transfer station of the apparatus, which is made up of a transfer roller and a process cartridge. In the transfer station, toner is transferred onto the sheet of recording medium. Then, the sheet of recording medium, on which an unfixed toner is present, is conveyed to the fixation station of the image forming apparatus, which is made up of a fixation roller having a heat source, and a pressure roller. Then, the sheet is conveyed through the fixation station. While the sheet is conveyed through the fixation station, the unfixed toner on the sheet is fixed to the sheet by heat and pressure. Then, the sheet is discharged into the delivery tray of the image forming apparatus. 
         [0003]    In recent years, it has come to be eagerly desired to reduce an image forming apparatus in size, and also, to increase in speed. One of the methods to increase an image forming apparatus in speed is to reduce the apparatus in the first-print-out-time, that is, the length of time it takes for the apparatus to output the first print in an image forming operation. From the standpoint of reducing an image forming apparatus in the first-print-out-time, an image forming apparatus is desired to be as short as possible in the length of its recording medium conveyance passage. 
         [0004]    However, reducing an image forming apparatus in size reduces the apparatus in volume, which in turn reduces the apparatus in thermal capacity. As the apparatus reduces in thermal capacity, it is easily affected by the activity of the fixing device of the apparatus. That is, the apparatus is likely to be excessively increased in internal temperature by the heat generated by the fixing device. 
         [0005]    One of the structural arrangements for cooling the interior of an image forming apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application 2005-204192. According to this patent application, the internal temperature of the image forming apparatus is detected, and the cooling fan is adjusted in air volume in response to the increase in the internal temperature. 
         [0006]    A process cartridge for an image forming apparatus has various image processing means, such as toner, a photosensitive member, a toner container, a developing device, a cleaning blade, a cleaning device container, etc. These components have portions which are easily affected by heat. In particular, toner is easily affected by heat. More specifically, as temperature increases beyond a certain level, toner reduces in chargeability, which results in the formation of an unsatisfactory image. 
         [0007]    More concretely, as ambient temperature increases beyond a certain level, the waste toner particles recovered by the cleaning blade in a process cartridge melt and agglomerate, and therefore, it is possible that they will not be properly recovered. If the waste toner fails to be properly recovered, it is likely that an unsatisfactory image, more specifically, an image having unwanted black stripes, is formed. 
         [0008]    One of the methods for preventing a process cartridge from excessively increasing in temperature is to structure an image forming apparatus so that the cartridge is positioned far enough from the fixation station, which is a heat source, to make it difficult for the heat from the fixation station to reach the cartridge. However, increasing an image forming apparatus in the distance between the cartridge and fixation station requires the apparatus to be increased in overall size, and also, to lengthen the sheet conveyance passage of the apparatus. Thus, it increases the image forming apparatus in the first-print-out-time. 
         [0009]    There is disclosed another method for cooling a cartridge in an image forming apparatus, in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application 2004-101672. According to this patent application, air is blown at the cartridge to create airflow through the cartridge so that the cartridge is efficiently cooled. 
         [0010]    However, the art disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application 2005-204192 requires a temperature detecting means. Thus, this art is not desirable from the standpoint of reducing an image forming apparatus in cost and size. 
         [0011]    Further, in the case of the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application 2004-101672, air is blown at the cartridge in the apparatus to make the air to flow through the cartridge, in order to highly efficiently cool the cartridge. This cooling method, however, is also problematic for the following reason. That is, in a case of an image forming apparatus capable of accommodating two or more types of cartridge, which are different in shape and/or size, it has to be changed in the manner in which air is blown at the cartridge in the apparatus so that the manner in which air is blown at the cartridge matches the shape and/or size of the cartridge. Thus, the art disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application 2004-101672 also is not satisfactory in the case of an image forming apparatus capable of accommodating two or more types of process cartridge, which are different in shape and/or size. 
         [0012]    In particular, in the case of a large process cartridge, the toner therein increases in temperature simply by being stirred. Thus, a method for properly blowing air at a large process cartridge is desired. That is, an image forming apparatus capable of accommodating multiple types of process cartridge, which are different in shape and/or size needs to be structured so that it can be changed in the state of its internal airflow according to the shape and/or size of the cartridge therein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    Thus, the primary object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can be changed in the state of its internal airflow according to the shape and/or size of the cartridge(s) therein, being therefore capable of efficiently preventing the cartridge(s) therein from excessively increasing in temperature, and therefore, remaining excellent in image quality. 
         [0014]    According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising a mounting portion to which a plurality of kinds of cartridge having different configurations; a fan device for cooling said cartridges mounted to said mounting portion with air flow provided thereby; and a changing device for changing a state of the air flow in accordance with the configuration of said cartridge mounted to said mounting portion. 
         [0015]    Further feathers of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings). 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a schematic sectional view of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows the general structure of the apparatus. 
           [0017]    In  FIG. 2 , ( a ) and ( b ) are perspective views of the combination of the lever and airflow adjustment plate, and its adjacencies, of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment, and show how the plate is moved by the movement of the lever. 
           [0018]    In  FIGS. 3 , ( a ) and  3 ( b ) are also perspective views of the combination of the lever and airflow adjustment plate, and its adjacencies, of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment, and show how the plate is moved by the movement of the lever. 
           [0019]    In  FIGS. 4 , ( a ) and  4 ( b ) are vertical sectional views, and top view, respectively, of the portions of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment, which are relevant to the present invention, when a cartridge of the small size is not in the cartridge chamber in the apparatus (secondary transfer station). 
           [0020]    In  FIGS. 5 , ( a ) and  5 ( b ) are vertical sectional views, and top view, respectively, of the portions of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment, which are relevant to the present invention, when a cartridge of the small size is in the cartridge chamber in the apparatus (secondary transfer station). 
           [0021]    In  FIGS. 6 , ( a ) and  6 ( b ) are vertical sectional views, and top view, respectively, of the portions of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment, which are relevant to the present invention, when a cartridge of the large size is in the cartridge chamber in the apparatus (secondary transfer station). 
           [0022]    In  FIG. 7 , ( a ) is a vertical sectional view of the portions of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment, which are relevant to the present invention, when a cartridge is in the cartridge chamber in the apparatus (secondary transfer station), and shows the structure of the portions. In  FIG. 7 , ( b ) is a block diagram of the airflow control system of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment. 
           [0023]    In  FIG. 8 , ( a ) is a vertical sectional view of the portions of the image forming apparatus in the third embodiment, which are relevant to the present invention, when a cartridge is in the cartridge chamber in the apparatus (secondary transfer station), and shows the structure of the portions. In  FIG. 8 , ( b ) is a block diagram of the airflow control system of the image forming apparatus in the third embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the air feeding device in the third embodiment, and is for describing the structure of the air feeding device. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the air feeding device in the third embodiment, and is for describing the structure of the air feeding device. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a perspective member for controlling the airflow adjusting plate, in the third embodiment, and is for describing the connective member. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the air feeding device in the third embodiment, when the cartridge of the small size is in the cartridge chamber (secondary transfer station), and is for describing the structure of the air feeding device. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the air feeding device in the third embodiment, when the cartridge of the small size is in the cartridge chamber (secondary transfer station), and is for describing the structure of the air feeding device. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a sectional view of the air feeding device in the third embodiment, when the cartridge of the large size is in the cartridge chamber (secondary transfer station), and is for describing the structure of the air feeding device. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the air feeding device in the third embodiment, when the cartridge of the large size is in the cartridge chamber (secondary transfer station), and is for describing the structure of the air feeding device. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    Hereafter, the present invention is concretely described with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. 
       Embodiment 1 
       [0032]    To begin with, referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present invention is described about its structure. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus  1  which is in accordance with the present invention. The image forming apparatus  1  in  FIG. 1  employs an electrophotographic image forming method, which records an image on the peripheral surface of its photosensitive drum  81  (as an image bearing member) by scanning the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum  81  with a beam  6   a  of laser light. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus  1  is provided with a sheet feeding/conveying section S (as a sheet feeding/conveying means), which has a sheet feeder tray  2 , in which multiple sheets P of recording medium are storable in layers, and a sheet feeder roller  3 , which feeds the sheets P in the tray  2 , one by one, into the main assembly of the image forming apparatus  1 . 
         [0035]    The sheet feeder roller  3  feeds each of the sheets P in the tray  2 , while separating it from the rest, into the image forming apparatus  1 . There are disposed a pair of sheet conveyance rollers  4   a  and  4   b , on the downstream side of the sheet feeder roller  3  in terms of the recording medium conveyance direction. As each sheet P is fed into the image forming apparatus  1 , it is conveyed to the transfer station T (cartridge bay), by the pair of sheet conveyance rollers  4   a  and  4   b , along a sheet guiding member  5 . 
         [0036]    A laser scanner  6 , which scans the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum  81  with the beam  6   a  of laser light, is above the sheet feeder tray  2 . 
         [0037]    The main assembly of the image forming apparatus  1  is structured so that each of two or more types of process cartridges, which are different in shape and/or size, is removably installable into the cartridge chamber of the main assembly, along the cartridge guide  7  of the main assembly. 
         [0038]    More specifically, a cartridge C is inserted into the transfer station T (cartridge bay), shown in  FIG. 1 , along the cartridge guide  7 . 
         [0039]    The cartridge C is made up of the photosensitive drum  81 , a combination of processing means such as a toner container  82 , a developing device  83 , a cleaning blade  84 , a cleaning means container  85 , a charge roller  86 , etc., and a compact case in which the preceding components are integrally disposed. 
         [0040]    The transfer roller  9  is placed in contact with the photosensitive drum  81  of the cartridge C, and transfers the toner image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum  81 , onto a sheet P of recording medium. The toner particles on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum  81 , which were not transferred onto the sheet P, are scraped away, and are recovered into the cleaning means container  85 . The cleaning blade  84  is formed of an elastic substance such as silicone rubber. 
         [0041]    After being moved past the transfer roller  9 , the sheet P is conveyed along the guiding member  5   b , to a fixing device F (as fixing means), which is in the adjacencies of the downstream end of the guiding member  5   b . Then, the sheet P is conveyed through the fixing device F. While the sheet P is conveyed through the fixing device F, the unfixed toner image on the sheet P is fixed to the sheet P by heat and pressure. 
         [0042]    The fixing device F is made up of a pressure roller  10 , which is rotatably supported, and a heater unit which has a heat generating member. The heater unit is kept pressed upon the peripheral surface of the pressure roller  10  with the application of a preset amount of pressure to the heater unit H. The sheet P is conveyed between the pressure roller  10  and heater unit H. While the sheet P is conveyed between the pressure roller  10  and heater unit H, the toner image is fixed to the surface of the sheet P by the heat from the heater unit, and the pressure applied by the pressure roller  10 . Hereafter, the sheet P having a fixed toner image may be referred to as a post-recording sheet P. 
         [0043]    There are a discharge guide  11 , and a pair of discharge rollers  12   a  and  12   b , on the downstream side, in terms of the post-recording sheet conveyance direction, of the fixation nip which the pressure roller  10  and heater unit forms between them. 
         [0044]    After being guided to the pair of discharge rollers  12   a  and  12  by the discharge guide  11 , the sheet P is discharged by the pair of discharge rollers  12   a  and  12   b , into the delivery tray  13 , which is at the most downstream end of the sheet conveyance passage of the image forming apparatus  1 . 
         [0045]    Further, the image forming apparatus  1  is provided with a fan  15  ( FIG. 4(   b )), which functions as a part of an air feeding device, which is for cooling the cartridge C in the transfer station T (cartridge bay), into which the cartridge C was guided along the cartridge guide  7 . The fan  15  is attached to the right lateral plate  14  of the image forming apparatus  1 . 
         [0046]    The image forming apparatus  1  in this embodiment is structured so that the cartridge C is inserted into the designated cartridge position in the apparatus along the cartridge guide  7 . The image forming apparatus has a changing device which changes the apparatus  1  in the state in which air is fed to the transfer station T (cartridge bay) to cool the cartridge C in the transfer station T (cartridge bay), according to the shape and/or size of the cartridge C. 
         [0047]    Next, referring to  FIG. 2 , the image forming apparatus  1  has a changing device for changing the fan  15  in the state of the airflow which the fan  15  generates. The changing device has a lever  16  (cartridge contacting member), into which the cartridge C is inserted into the transfer station T (cartridge bay). The lever  16  is changed in position according to the shape and/or size of the cartridge C, by coming into contact with the outward surface of the cartridge C. The changing device has also an airflow adjustment plate  17 , which is on the downstream side of the fan  15 , in terms of the airflow direction, and can be changed in attitude. Further, the changing device has a lever linkage  18  which is moved by the movement of the lever  16  to change the airflow adjustment plate  17  in attitude. 
         [0048]    More concretely, the lever  16  is changed in attitude by the external shape of the cartridge C, and the airflow adjustment plate  17  is changed in attitude by the changes in the attitude of the lever  16 , which is transmitted to the airflow adjustment plate  17  through the lever linkage  17 . That is, the state of the airflow is changed in accordance with the shape and/or size of the cartridge C. In other words, the image forming apparatus  1  is structured so that it is changed in the state of its internal airflow by the change in the attitude of the lever  16 . Therefore, how and where the airflow generated by the fan  15  is directed to cool the cartridge C in the transfer station T (cartridge bay) of the image forming apparatus  1  is changed according to the shape and/or size of the cartridge C. 
         [0049]    In this embodiment, the direction in which air is fed into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) of the image forming apparatus  1  to cool the cartridge C in the transfer station T (cartridge bay) is changed in accordance with the external shape and/or size of the cartridge C. That is, as a process cartridge C is inserted into the transfer station T (cartridge bay), the direction in which air is fed into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) by the fan  15  is changed by the changing device according to the shape and/or size of the cartridge C. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 2 and 3  are perspective views of the combination of the lever  16  (attitude of which is affected by the shape and/or size of the cartridge C), the airflow adjustment plate  17  (attitude of which is affected by the amount of the change in the attitude of the lever  16 ), and the adjacencies of the combination. They show the movement of the airflow adjustment plate, which is caused by the change in the attitude of the lever  16 .  FIGS. 2(   a ) and  3 ( a ) show the attitude of the lever  16 , attitude of the lever linkage  18 , and attitude of the airflow adjustment plate  17 , before the installation of the cartridge C, whereas  FIGS. 2(   b ) and  3 ( b ) show the attitude of the of the lever  16 , attitude of the lever linkage  18 , and attitude of the airflow adjustment plate  17 , after the installation of the cartridge C. It should be noted here that  FIGS. 2 and 3  do not show the right lateral plate  14  of the image forming apparatus  1 . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 2(   a ) and  3 ( a ) are perspective views of the portion of the image forming apparatus  1 , which is on the inward side of the right lateral plate  14  of the image forming apparatus  1 , as seen from the inward side of the apparatus  1 , whereas  FIGS. 2(   b ) and  3 ( b ) are perspective views of the portion of the image forming apparatus  1 , which is on the inward side of the right lateral plate  14  of the image forming apparatus  1 , as seen from the outward side of the apparatus  1 . 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the image forming apparatus  1  is provided with the lever  16 , which is rotatably supported by the frame of the image forming apparatus  1  so that it can be rotationally moved about the axial line of the rotational shaft  16   a . Next, referring to  FIG. 4(   b ), the image forming apparatus  1  is provided with the airflow adjustment plate  17 , which is on the downstream side of the fan  15  in terms of the air feeding direction, and is rotationally movable about the rotational axis of the rotational shaft  17   a , which is rotatably supported by the frame of the image forming apparatus  1 . 
         [0053]    Further, the image forming apparatus  1  has the lever linkage  18 , which has a pair of contacting portions  18   b  and  18   c , which are the lengthwise end portions of the linkage  18 , one for one. The contacting portion  18   b  is in contact with the contacting portion  16   b  of the lever  16 . The contacting portion  18   c  can be placed in contact with the contacting portion  17   c  of the airflow adjustment plate  17 . The lever linkage  18  is rotatable about the axis of the rotational shaft  18   a  which is rotatably supported by the frame of the image forming apparatus  1 . The lever linkage  18  is rotated by an angle θ, which is the angle between the airflow adjustment plate  17  and right lateral plate  14 , shown in  FIG. 3(   a ), about the axis of the rotational shaft  18   a , in proportion to the change in the attitude of the lever  16  which is pivotally moved about the axis of the rotational shaft  16   a , while sliding on the lever contacting area of the outward surface of the cartridge C. 
         [0054]    The lever  16  is kept pressed by an unshown spring, as a pressure applying means, in the direction indicated by an arrow mark A in  FIGS. 2(   a ) and  3 ( a ). When the cartridge C is not in the image forming apparatus  1 , the lever  16  remains in contact with the lever contacting portion  18   b  of the lever linkage  18 . Further, the lever linkage  18  is kept pressed by an unshown spring, as a pressure applying means, in the direction indicated by an arrow mark B in  FIGS. 2(   a ) and  2 ( b ). Thus, the contacting portion  18   c  of the lever linkage  18  remains in contact with the lever linkage contacting portion  17   c  of the airflow adjustment plate  17 . Further, the airflow adjustment plate  17  is kept pressed by an unshown spring, as a pressure applying means, in the direction indicated by an arrow mark D in  FIGS. 2(   a ) and  2 ( b ). Thus, the lever linkage contacting portion  17   c  remains in contact with the contacting portion  18   c  of the lever linkage  18 . 
         [0055]    Until the cartridge C is installed into the image forming apparatus  1 , the contacting portion  17   c  of the airflow adjustment plate  17  remains in contact with the contacting portion  18   c  of the lever linkage  18  which is under the pressure applied by the unshown spring. Thus, the airflow adjustment plate  17  is kept pressed in the direction indicated by an arrow mark D′. Thus, the angle θ between the airflow adjustment plate  17  and right lateral plate  14  is zero. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 3(   a ) and  3 ( b ), as the cartridge C is moved into the transfer station T (cartridge bay), the cartridge C is caught by the cartridge contacting portion of the lever  16 . Thus, as the cartridge C is moved further into the transfer station T (cartridge bay), the contacting portion  16   d  of the lever  16  is forced to slide on the outward surface of the cartridge C. Consequently, the lever  16  is rotated downward, that is, the direction indicated by an arrow mark A′ in  FIGS. 3(   a ) and  3 ( b ). Thus, the contacting portion  18   c  of the lever linkage  18 , which is in contact with the contacting portion  16   b  of the lever  16 , is pressed by the contacting portion  16   b . Thus, the lever linkage  18  is rotated about the axis of the rotational shaft  18   a  of the lever linkage  18  by an angle θ in the direction indicated by an arrow mark B′ in  FIGS. 3(   a ) and  3 ( b ). Consequently, the airflow adjustment plate  17  is rotationally moved in the direction indicated by an arrow mark D in  FIGS. 3(   a ) and  3 ( b ), creating thereby an air passage, the airflow angle of which relative to the right lateral plate  17  is θ. 
         [0057]      FIG. 4(   a ) is a vertical sectional view of the image forming apparatus  1  before the installation of the cartridge C into the image forming apparatus  1 , and  FIG. 4(   b ) is a horizontal sectional view of the image forming apparatus  1  at a plane E-E in  FIG. 1 , before the installation of the cartridge C into the image forming apparatus  1 . Until the cartridge C is installed into the image forming apparatus  1 , the lever  16  is in its first position shown in  FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ), and the lever linkage  18  which is moved by the movement of the lever  16 , keeps the airflow adjustment plate  17  in such a position that causes the angle θ of the airflow adjustment plate  17  relative to the right lateral plate  14  to be θ1 (first angle=zero). 
         [0058]      FIG. 5(   a ) is a vertical sectional view, and a horizontal sectional view, at the plane E-E in  FIG. 1 , respectively, of the image forming apparatus  1  after the installation of a cartridge C 1 , which is a cartridge of the small size (which hereafter may be referred to simply as small cartridge C 1 ), into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) of the image forming apparatus  1 , along the cartridge guide  7 . Referring to  FIG. 5(   a ), the lever  16  has been rotationally moved about the axis of the rotational shaft  16   a  by the cartridge C 1  in such a manner that the contacting portion  16   a  of the lever  16  slides on the lever catching portion C 1   d  of the outward surface of the cartridge C 1 . That is, the lever  16  has been rotationally moved downward in the direction indicated by an arrow mark A′ in  FIG. 5(   a ), into its second position shown in  FIG. 5(   a ). That is, the lever  16  is positioned in its second position by its contact with the lever contacting portion C 1   d  of the cartridge C 1 . 
         [0059]    As the lever  16  is rotationally moved as described above, the lever linkage  18 , which is moved by the movement of the lever  16 , is rotationally moved in the direction indicated by an arrow mark B′ in  FIG. 5(   a ), and holds the airflow adjustment plate  17  in the second position for the airflow adjustment plate  17 , in which the angle θ between the airflow adjustment plate  17  and right lateral plate  14  is θ2 (θ2&gt;θ1), which is shown in  FIG. 5(   a ). 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 5(   b ), the direction indicated by an arrow mark G, that is, the direction in which the airflow adjustment plate  17  directs the airflow when it is at its second position (angle θ2), is such a direction that is suitable for cooling the small cartridge C 1  shown in  FIG. 5 . The value for the second angle θ2, shown in  FIG. 5(   b ), is to be set according to the external shape and/or size of the small cartridge C 1 . 
         [0061]      FIGS. 6(   a ) and  6 ( b ) are vertical sectional, and a horizontal sectional views, at the plane E-E in  FIG. 1 , respectively, of the image forming apparatus  1  after the installation of the cartridge C 2 , or the cartridge C of the large size (which hereafter may be referred to simply as large cartridge C 2 , into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) of the image forming apparatus  1 , along the cartridge guide  7 . 
         [0062]    In comparison to the lever contacting portion C 1   d  of the outward surface of the small cartridge C 1  shown in  FIG. 5 , the lever contacting portion C 2   d  of the outward surface of the large cartridge C 2  shown in  FIG. 6  protrudes more toward the lever  16 . The direction in which the contacting portion C 1   d  protrudes is such a direction that as the large cartridge C 2  is inserted into the second transfer station T, it causes the lever  16  to rotate about the axial line of the rotational shaft  16   a  of the lever  16 , in the direction indicated by an arrow mark A′ in  FIG. 6(   a ), while causing the contacting portion  16   d  of the lever  16  to slide on the lever contacting portion C 2   d  of the cartridge C 2 . That is, the direction is such a direction that presses the lever  16  downward. Incidentally, the reason why the lever contacting portion C 2   d  of the large cartridge C 2  protrudes more toward the lever  16  than the lever contacting portion C 1   d  of the small cartridge C 1  is that the cartridge C 2  is greater in the amount by which it stores toner in its toner container  82  than the amount by which the cartridge C 1  contains toner in its toner container  82 . 
         [0063]    Therefore, the amount of downward displacement of the large cartridge C 2 , shown in  FIG. 6(   a ), which occurs as the large cartridge C 2  is inserted into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) of the image forming apparatus  1  along the cartridge guide  7 , is as follows. That is, it is greater than the amount of downward displacement of the small cartridge C 1 , shown in  FIG. 5(   a ), which occurs as the small cartridge C 1  is installed into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) of the image forming apparatus  1  along the cartridge guide  7 . 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 6(   a ), the cartridge contacting portion  16   d  of the lever  16  is pushed down by the large cartridge C 2  in the direction indicated by the arrow mark A′ in  FIG. 6(   a ), into the third position shown in  FIG. 6(   a ), while being forced to slide on the lever contacting portion C 2   d  of the cartridge C 2 . That is, the lever  16  is positioned in its third position by its contact with the lever contacting portion C 2   d  of the large cartridge C 2 . 
         [0065]    Thus, the lever linkage  18 , which is moved by the movement of the lever  16 , ends up holding the airflow adjustment plate  17  in such a position that causes the angle θ between the airflow adjustment plate  17  and right lateral plate  14  to be θ3 as shown in  FIG. 6(   b ) (θ3&gt;θ2). 
         [0066]    Next, referring to  FIG. 6(   b ), the direction indicated by an arrow mark I in  FIG. 6(   b ), that is, the direction in which the airflow generated by the fan  15  is directed by the airflow adjustment plate  17  when the plate  17  is held in the third position, in which the angle θ, shown in  FIG. 6(   b ), between the plate  17  and right lateral plate  14  is θ3, is the proper direction for cooling the large cartridge C 2  shown in  FIG. 6 . The value of the third rotational angle θ3 for the airflow adjustment plate  17 , shown in  FIG. 6(   b ), is to be set according to the external shape and/or size of the large cartridge C 2 . 
         [0000]    There is the following relationship between the second rotational angle θ2 and the third rotational angle θ3: θ2&lt;θ3. That is, as the large cartridge C 2  is installed into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) of the image forming apparatus  1  along the cartridge guide  7 , the rotational angle θ of the airflow adjustment plate  17  becomes the third rotational angle θ3. That is, it becomes larger than when the small cartridge C 1  is installed. Further, the airflow adjustment plate  17  directs the airflow so that the airflow envelops the entirety of the large cartridge C 2 . 
         [0067]    On the other hand, in a case where the small cartridge C 1  is installed into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) of the image forming apparatus  1  along the cartridge guide  7  as shown in  FIG. 5(   b ), the rotational angle θ of the airflow adjustment plate  17  becomes the second rotational angle θ2, which is smaller than the rotational angle θ3. That is, the airflow adjustment plate  17  is angled so that the airflow directed by the airflow adjustment plate  17  envelopes the entirety of the small cartridge C 1 . 
         [0068]    As the cartridge C is removed from the image forming apparatus  1 , the lever  16  and lever linkage  18  are returned to their first position, shown in  FIG. 4(   a ), by the force generated by the unshown springs as pressure applying means. As for the airflow adjustment plate  17 , it is rotationally moved, in the direction indicated by the arrow mark D′ in  FIG. 4(   b ) by the pressure applied by the lever linkage  18 , until its angle θ relative to the right lateral plate  17  reduces to the first rotational angle θ1 (=0). 
         [0069]    To sum up, referring to  FIG. 5(   b ), in this embodiment, as the small cartridge C 1  is installed into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) of the image forming apparatus  1  along the cartridge guide  7  as shown in  FIG. 5(   b ), the airflow adjustment plate  17  is positioned so that it directs the airflow as indicated by the arrow mark G in  FIG. 5(   b ) to efficiently cool the small cartridge C 1 . 
         [0070]    Further, referring to  FIG. 6(   b ), in a case where the large cartridge C 2  is installed into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) along the cartridge guide  7 , the airflow adjustment plate  17  is positioned so that it directs the airflow as indicated by the arrow mark I in  FIG. 6(   b ) to efficiently cool the larger cartridge C 1 . 
         [0071]    As described above, the image forming apparatus  1  is structured so that both the cartridges C 1  and C 2 , which are different in size, can be installed into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) along the cartridge guide  7 , and also, so that the angle θ by which the airflow adjustment plate  17 , which is for directing the airflow generated by the fan  15 , is rotationally moved, is changed according to the cartridge size. Therefore, the image forming apparatus  1  in this embodiment can properly and efficiently cool the cartridge C in its transfer station T, regardless of the shape and/or size of the cartridge C. Thus, the image forming apparatus  1  in this embodiment is unlikely to suffer from the problem attributable to the excessive increase in the temperature of the cartridge C, and therefore, can remain excellent in image quality. 
       Embodiment 2 
       [0072]    Next, referring to  FIG. 7 , the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment of the present invention is described about its structure. Incidentally, the portions of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment, which are the same in structure as the counterparts in the first embodiment, are given the same referential codes, one for one, and are not described. 
         [0073]    In this embodiment, the two cartridges C which are different in external shape and/or size are provided with a memory  19  as storage means for storing the information about the shape and/or size of the cartridge C. 
         [0074]    Further, the image forming apparatus is provided with a changing device for changing the state of the airflow generated by the fan  15  to cool the cartridge C in the transfer station T (cartridge bay), into which the cartridge C was installed along the cartridge guide  7 . The changing device with which the main assembly of the image forming apparatus  1  in this embodiment is provided with a reading portion  8 , which reads the information about the shape and/or size of the cartridge C, which is in the memory  19  (storage portion) of each cartridge C. 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 7(   b ), the fan  15  is controlled by a control section  29  as a controlling means, according to the information regarding the shape and/or size of the cartridge C, which is read by the reading portion  8 , or a motor  30  as a driving means is controlled by the control section  29  to control the airflow adjustment plate  17  in its angle θ relative to the right lateral plate  14 , through an unshown driving force transmitting means. That is, the image forming apparatus  1  in this embodiment is structured so that it is changeable in the state of the airflow generated by the fan  15 . 
         [0076]    An example of the memory  19  is a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Tag). Generally speaking, a RFID tag is provided with an antenna coil, and a control circuit which is in the form of a semiconductor IC chip. It electronically stores information. It wirelessly exchanges information with an external read/write device, with the use of electromagnetic waves. As the reading portion  8 , a reading device which can wirelessly receive information from the RFID tag can be used. 
         [0077]    As the cartridge C is inserted into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) along the cartridge guide  7 , communication is automatically started between the RFID tag of the cartridge C and the reading device (reading portion  8 ) positioned in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus  1  so that the information regarding the shape and/or size of the cartridge C, which is in the memory  19 , can be read by the reading device (reading portion  8 ). 
         [0078]    The direction in which the airflow is aimed to properly and efficiently cool the cartridge C, and the proper velocity for the airflow for efficiently cooling the cartridge C, are affected by the external shape and/or size of the cartridge C. Therefore, the amount by which airflow is generated by the fan  15  has to be adjusted according to the external shape and/or size of the cartridge C. 
         [0079]    In this embodiment, the amount by which airflow is to be generated by the fan  15  is adjusted according to the information regarding the shape and/or size of the cartridge C, which is in the memory  19  of the cartridge C, and is read by the reading portion  8 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 7(   a ) is a vertical sectional view of the image forming apparatus  1  in this embodiment, and shows the structure of the apparatus  1 . Referring to  FIG. 7(   a ), the image forming apparatus  1  is provided with the reading portion  8  which reads the information regarding the shape and/or size of the cartridge C, and a lever  20  which holds the reading portion  8  and is rotationally movable. Further, the image forming apparatus  1  is structured so that as the cartridge C is inserted into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) of the image forming apparatus  1 , the reading portion  8  comes into contact with the memory  19  of the cartridge C. 
         [0081]    Further, the image forming apparatus  1  is structured so that the cartridge contacting lever  20  places the reading portion  8  in contact with the memory  19  regardless of the external shape and/or size of the cartridge C. Until the cartridge C is installed into the transfer station T (cartridge bay), the lever  20  remains in its home position, into which the lever  20  retreats from the cartridge guide  7 , in order not to interfere with the installation of the cartridge C. 
         [0082]    The amount Q by which air is moved by the fan  15  to cool the cartridge C is controlled by the control section  29  disposed in the image forming apparatus  1  as shown in  FIG. 7(   b ); the control section  29  controls the fan  15  in revolution. 
         [0083]    When the cartridge C is not in the image forming apparatus  1 , the volume Q1 by which air is moved by the fan  15  is zero: Q1=0 (/min). However, as the small cartridge C 1 , shown in  FIG. 5(   a ), is installed, the volume Q by which air is moved by the fan  15  is increased to Q2 (Q2&gt;Q1) by the control section  29 . Further, as the large cartridge C 2 , shown in  FIG. 6(   a ), is installed, the volume Q by which air is moved by the fan  15  is changed to Q3 (Q3&gt;Q2) by the control section  29 . 
         [0084]    There is the following relationship between the volume Q2 by which air is moved by the fan  15 , and the volume Q3 by which air is moved by the fan  15 : Q2&lt;Q3. 
         [0085]    That is, in this embodiment, in a case where the small cartridge C 1 , shown in  FIG. 5(   a ), is installed into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) (cartridge chamber) in the image forming apparatus  1 , the volume Q by which air is moved by the fan  15  is set the volume Q2 which is suitable to cool the small cartridge C 1 . 
         [0086]    In comparison, in a case where the large cartridge C 2 , shown in  FIG. 6(   a ) is installed into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) in the image forming apparatus  1 , the volume Q by which air is moved by the fan  15  is changed to the volume Q3, which is suitable for cooling the large cartridge C 2 . 
         [0087]    That is, in this embodiment, the volume Q by which air is moved by the fan  15  is adjusted according to the external shape and/or size of the cartridge C, which is to be installed into the transfer station T (cartridge bay) of the image forming apparatus  1  along the cartridge guide  7 . The effects of this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. 
         [0088]    In addition, the control section  29  controls an electric power source  31 , as an electric power supplying means, to change the electric current to be supplied to the fan  15 . Therefore, the fan  15  does not generate an excessive amount of airflow. That is, this embodiment can optimize the image forming apparatus  1  in electric power consumption. 
         [0089]    In this embodiment, the control section  29  controls the electric power source  31  to change the electric current to be supplied to the fan  15 . However, instead of changing the amount by which air is moved by the fan  15 , the control section  29  may control the motor  30  to control the airflow adjustment plate  17  in its angle relative to the right lateral plate  14  through an unshown driving force transmitting means. In other words, the direction in which airflow is generated by the fan  15  may be changed as in the first embodiment to change the state of airflow. In this embodiment, the changing device for changing the state in which air is fed to cool the cartridge C is the combination of the memory  19  with which the cartridge C is provided, and the reading portion  18  with which the main assembly of the image forming apparatus  1  is provided. However, this embodiment is not intended to limit the present invention in terms of the changing device. For example, the changing device may be such that the control section  29  uses a mechanical system which employs a lever such as the lever  16  in the first embodiment which comes into contact with the cartridge C, in order to change the amount by which air is moved by the fan  15 . 
         [0090]    Further, in addition to changing the amount by which air is moved by the fan  15 , the direction in which the airflow generated by the fan  15  is aimed may be changed. Otherwise, the image forming apparatus  1  in this embodiment is the same in structure as the one in the first embodiment, and its effects are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, the cartridge C in the image forming apparatus  1  can be properly and efficiently cooled according to the external shape and/or size of the cartridge C; the cartridge C can be properly and efficiently cooled regardless of its external shape and/or size. In other words, this embodiment also can reduce an image forming apparatus in the problem attributable to the excessive increase in the temperature of the cartridge C in the apparatus, and therefore, can keep the apparatus excellent in image quality. 
       Embodiment 3 
       [0091]    Next, referring to  FIGS. 8-15 , the image forming apparatus in the third embodiment of the present invention is described about it structure. The components of this image forming apparatus, which are the same in structure as the counterparts in the first embodiment are given the same referential codes, one for one, as the counterparts, and are not described here. 
         [0092]    In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is provided with a changing device for changing the image forming apparatus in the state in which airflow is fed to cool the cartridge C in the transfer station T (cartridge bay), into which the cartridge C was inserted along the cartridge guide  7 . This changing device is a combination of the memory  19 , with which the cartridge C is provided, and a cartridge contacting lever  20  having the reading portion  8  which reads the information regarding the shape and/or size of the cartridge C, which is in the memory  19 . 
         [0093]    Further, referring to  FIG. 10 , the image forming apparatus  1  has multiple airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25 , which are disposed on the downstream side of the fan  21  to control (adjust) the airflow generated by the fan  15  to cool the cartridge C in the transfer station T (cartridge bay), into which the cartridge C was inserted along the cartridge guide  7 . The airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  are adjustable in position (attitude, angle). Next, referring to  FIG. 11 , the image forming apparatus  1  has also a connecting member  27  which is a changing device for changing the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  in position (attitude). These components are used to change in velocity the airflow generated by the fan  21 , according to the shape and/or size of the cartridge C. 
         [0094]    In order to properly and efficiently cool the cartridge C, the state in which the airflow is fed toward the cartridge C has to be changed according to the shape and/or size of the cartridge C. That is, the airflow generated by the fan  21  has to be changed in velocity according to the shape and/or size of the cartridge C. 
         [0095]      FIG. 8(   a ) is a vertical sectional view of the image forming apparatus  1  in this embodiment.  FIG. 8(   b ) is a block diagram of the control system of the image forming apparatus  1  in this embodiment. It shows the configuration of the system.  FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the portions of the image forming apparatus  1 , which are relevant to the present invention, at a plane Z-Z in  FIG. 8(   a ). The fan  21  (as airflow generating portion), airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25 , solenoid  26 , and connecting member  27  are disposed as shown in  FIGS. 8(   a ) and  9 . In particular, the fan  21  is disposed in the top portion of the air duct portion S in such a manner that the airflow generated by the fan  21  is directed toward the cartridge C. 
         [0096]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the air duct made up of the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25 . Referring to  FIGS. 8(   a ) and  9 , the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  are disposed on the downstream side of the fan  21  in terms of the airflow direction. Referring to  FIG. 10 , the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  are rotationally movable about the axis of their rotational shafts  22   a - 25   a , respectively. Further, they are kept pressed in the directions indicated by arrow marks Y, X, W and U, respectively, by the unshown springs as pressure applying means. 
         [0097]    Further, there is provided a piece  28  of film between the adjacent two airflow adjustment plates to prevent airflow from leaking through the intervals between the adjacent two airflow adjustment plates. Further, the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  have areas  22   b - 25   b  of contact, on which the contacting portions  27   a - 27   d  of the connecting member  27  slide, respectively. 
         [0098]    The solenoid  26  has a movable core  26   a  (plunger) made of iron. It is controlled by the control section  29 , shown in  FIG. 8(   b ), based on the information regarding the shape and/or size of the cartridge C, which is read by the reading portion  8 , with which the cartridge contacting lever  20  is provided. The movable core (plunger)  26   a  is movable in the direction indicated by an arrow mark R or R′ in  FIG. 8(   a ). One of the lengthwise ends of the movable core (plunger)  26   a  is in connection to the contact portion  27   e  of the connecting member  27  shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0099]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , the connecting member  27  has contact portions  27   a - 27   d , which contact the contact portions  22   b - 25   b  of airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  and can slide thereon, respectively, in the direction indicated by the arrow mark R or R′. Thus, the connecting member  27  is movable by the movable core (plunger)  26   a  of the solenoid  26 , shown in  FIG. 9 , in the direction indicated by the arrow mark R or R′ in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0100]    As the solenoid  29  is activated, the contact portion  27   a - 27   d  of the connecting member  27  which is movable in the direction indicated by the arrow mark R, or R′ in  FIG. 9 , come into contact with, and press on, the areas  22   b - 25   b  contact of the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  which are rotatably supported by the rotational shafts  22   a - 25   a , respectively, while sliding thereon. Thus, the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  are rotated about the axis of the rotational shafts  22   a - 25   a . That is, the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  are adjusted in attitude (angle). As a result, the air duct (air passage) formed by the combination of the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  and pieces  28  of film, is changed in cross-sectional area, and therefore, the airflow generated by the fan  21  to cool the cartridge C is changed in velocity V. To sum up, the combination of the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  and pieces  28  of film forms the duct which guides the airflow generated by the fan  21  as the airflow moves through the duct. That is, the duct is changeable in cross-sectional area to change the airflow in velocity V. 
         [0101]      FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the portions of the image forming apparatus  1 , which are relevant to the present invention, at a plane Z-Z in  FIG. 8(   a ), when the cartridge C 1 , that is, the small cartridge, is in the transfer station T (cartridge bay), into which the cartridge C 1  was inserted along the cartridge guide  7 . When the image forming apparatus  1  is in the state shown in  FIG. 12 , the movable core (plunger)  26   a  of the solenoid  26  is in its initial position, and the connecting member  27  is kept pressed in the direction indicated by the arrow mark R′ in  FIG. 12 , by an unshown spring (as pressure applying means). 
         [0102]    Therefore, the contact portions  27   a - 27   d  of the connecting member  27  are in contact with the contact portions  22   b - 25   b  of the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25 , and press the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  in the directions indicated by arrow marks Y′, X′, W′ and U′, respectively. The position in which each of the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  are when the image forming apparatus  1  is in the state shown in  FIG. 12 , is referred to as the first position.  FIG. 13  shows the cross-sectional area N1 of the downstream end of the air duct which the combination of the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  and pieces  28  of film form when the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  are in their first position. When the image forming apparatus  1  is in the state shown in  FIG. 12 , the velocity V of the airflow at the downstream end (which is N1 in cross-sectional area N1 in  FIG. 13 ) of the air duct is V1. 
         [0103]      FIG. 14  is a sectional view of the portions of the image forming apparatus  1 , which are relevant to the present invention, at a plane Z-Z in  FIG. 8(   a ), when the cartridge C 2 , that is, the cartridge of the large size, is in the transfer station T (cartridge bay), into which the cartridge C 2  was inserted along the cartridge guide  7 . When the image forming apparatus  1  is in the state shown in  FIG. 14 , the movable core (plunger)  26   a  of the solenoid  26  has been displaced in the direction indicated by an arrow mark R in  FIG. 14  by the solenoid  26 , which is controlled by the control section  29  based on the information regarding the shape and/or size of the cartridge C 2 , which was read by the reading portion  8 , with which the cartridge contacting lever  20  is provided. 
         [0104]    That is, the connecting member  27  has been moved in the direction indicated by an arrow mark R in  FIG. 14  by the movement of the movable core (plunger)  26   a , and therefore, the contact portions  27   a - 27   d  of the connecting member  27  were allowed to retreat in the direction indicated by the arrow mark R in  FIG. 14 . Thus, the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  have been moved in the direction indicated by arrow marks Y′, X′, W′ and U′, respectively. The position in which each of the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  is when the image forming apparatus  1  is in the state shown in  FIG. 14  is referred to as the second position.  FIG. 15  shows the cross-sectional area N2, at the downstream end of the air duct, in terms of the airflow direction, formed by the combination of the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  and pieces  28  of film, when the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  are in their second position shown in  FIG. 14 . Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the relationship, in terms of size, between the cross-sectional areas N1 and N2 is: N2&gt;N1. When the cross-sectional area of the downstream end of the air duct is N2, the velocity V of the airflow at the downstream end of the air duct is V2 (V2&lt;V1). 
         [0105]    That is, there is the following relationship between the cross-sectional area N1, shown in  FIG. 13 , and the cross-sectional area N2, shown in  FIG. 15 : N1&lt;N2. As for the airflow velocity V, V1&gt;V2. In other words, in a case where air has to be fed to the small cartridge C 1 , which is greater in the distance from the fan  21  than the large cartridge C 2 , the airflow velocity becomes V1. Therefore, the airflow can easily reach the small cartridge C 1 , even though the cartridge C 1  is greater in the distance from the fan  21 . 
         [0106]    Further, as the cartridge C is removed from the image forming apparatus  1 , the movable core (plunger)  26   a  of the solenoid is returned to its first position shown in  FIG. 12 . Thus, the connecting member  27 , which is moved by the movement of the movable core (plunger)  26   a  is pressed in the direction indicated by the arrow mark R′ in  FIG. 12 . Thus, the airflow adjustment plates  22 - 25  are moved in the directions indicated by the arrow marks Y′, X′, W′ and U′, in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
         [0107]    To sum up this embodiment, as the small cartridge C 1  is inserted into the transfer station T (cartridge bay), along the cartridge guide as shown in  FIG. 12 , the airflow for cooling the small cartridge C 1 , which is greater in the distance from the fan  21 , is increased in velocity V to V1, which is greater than V2 for cooling the large cartridge C 2 . Referring to  FIG. 14 , the velocity V2 is for cooling the large cartridge C 2  in the transfer station T (cartridge bay), into which the large cartridge C 2  was inserted along the cartridge guide  7  as shown in  FIG. 14 . It is the velocity for the airflow for cooling the large cartridge C 2 , which is greater in distance from the fan  12  than the small cartridge C 1 , which is greater in the distance from the fan  21 . 
         [0108]    As described above, in this embodiment, the airflow generated by the fan  15  is changed in velocity V according to the shape and/or size of the cartridge C in the transfer station T (cartridge bay), into which the cartridge C was inserted along the cartridge guide  7 . Thus, the same effects as those obtained in the preceding embodiments can be obtained. That is, as a process cartridge is installed into the image forming apparatus  1 , it is properly and efficiently cooled according to the shape and/or size of the cartridge. In other words, this embodiment also can reduce an image forming apparatus in the problem attributable to the excessive increase in cartridge temperature, and therefore, can keep the apparatus excellent in image quality. 
         [0109]    Further, the airflow velocity is increased by reducing the downstream end of the air duct in cross-sectional area. Therefore, it is unnecessary to increase the fan  21  in the capacity in terms of air volume. Therefore, this embodiment can reduce an image forming apparatus in the amount of noises, such as a hissing sound, that is characteristic of a fan. That is, this embodiment can make it possible to efficiently cool a small cartridge or the like without increasing the fan  21  in revolution, that is, without increasing an image forming apparatus in the amount of hissing noise. Otherwise, this embodiment is the same in the image forming apparatus structure as the preceding embodiments, and the effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the preceding embodiment. 
         [0110]    In this embodiment, the changing device for changing in properties the airflow generated to cool the cartridge C is an electrical communicating means made up of the combination of the memory  19  with which the cartridge C is provided, and the reading portion  8 . However, this embodiment is not intended to limit the present invention in terms of the changing device. For example, the changing device may be a mechanical means that controls the control section  29  with the use of the lever  16  (contacting member) which comes into contact with the area of contact of the cartridge C. 
         [0111]    Further, it is feasible to use, as necessary, both the changing device in the first embodiment which changes the airflow direction, and the changing device in the second embodiment which changes the fan  21  in revolution. 
         [0112]    Further, in the first embodiment, the position into which the airflow adjustment plate  17  is moved, was set by the mechanical changing device which employs the lever (contacting member)  16  which comes into contact with the area of contact of the cartridge C. However, the first embodiment is not intended to limit the present invention in terms of the means for positioning the airflow adjustment plate  17 . That is, the means for positioning the airflow adjustment plate  17  may be such that the airflow adjustment plate  17  is changed in attitude (angle) by an unshown driving portion, and the information regarding the shape and/or size of a cartridge, which is in the memory  19 , is read, and the driving portion is controlled based on the read information to change the airflow adjustment plate  17  in attitude (angle). 
         [0113]    Further, the fans  15  and  21 , as airflow generating portions, in the first to third embodiments, were such airflow generating portions that blow air at the cartridge C (air flow generating portions were positioned upstream of cartridge in terms of airflow direction). However, the preceding embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention in terms of the positioning of the airflow generating means. That is, the fan (air feeding device)  15  and  21  may be positioned downstream in terms of the airflow direction so that the ambient air of the cartridge C is drawn by the fans  15  and  21 . 
         [0114]    Further, in the first to third embodiments, the image forming apparatus  1  is structured so that it can accommodate only a single cartridge per image forming operation. However, these embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention in terms of the number of cartridge installable per image forming operation. That is, an image forming apparatus may be structured so that it can accommodate multiple cartridges C at the same time, and the manner in which air is fed to each cartridge C is adjusted according to the shape and/or size of each cartridge. 
         [0115]    While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. 
         [0116]    This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 007373/2013 filed Jan. 18, 2013 which is hereby incorporated by reference.