The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image
forming process and a process cartridge, in which the image quality and
the durability of the photoconductor may be enhanced, images may be
formed stably even after the repeated usages, and higher quality and
higher stability of images may be established due to the superimposed
alternating voltage as well as decrease of the charging hazard on the
photoconductor. Specifically, the image forming apparatus according to
the present invention comprises a photoconductor, latent electrostatic
image forming unit, developing unit a transferring unit, and fixing unit,
wherein the charging member is of roller shape disposed proximate to the
photoconductor, the photoconductor is charged at the charging nip portion
formed between the photoconductor and the charging member, in a condition
that satisfies the following Equation:
4.4.times.10.sup.14.ltoreq.[(Number of Charged
Particles)/(Circumferential length of the
photoconductor)].ltoreq.17.7.times.10.sup.14 wherein the "Number of
Charged Particles" refers to the number of charged particles accepted by
the photoconductor surface per its unit surface area from the operated
charging member, while the photoconductor rotates one round, thus the
unit is [number/m.sup.2]; and the unit of "Circumferential length of the
photoconductor" is [mm].