Patent ID: 7817940
Filing Date: 2010-10-19
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a movable member that is positionable at a first position and a second position with respect to a main body of said image forming apparatus; a belt, which is in either a pressurized state or a pressure-released state; a support member that moves between a pressure-release position and a pressurized position to urge said belt so that said belt is in the pressurized state; and a restriction member that restricts movement of said support member so that said belt is maintained in the pressure-released state, wherein said restriction member has: an action portion that moves to change restriction on movement of said support member by said restriction member; and an engaging portion that moves according to movement of said movable member to move the action portion, wherein, when said restriction member restricts movement of said support member so that said belt is in the pressure-released state, if said movable member is moved from the first position to the second position, said engaging member moves said action portion in accordance with movement of said movable member and releases restriction by said restriction member so that said belt is in the pressurized state, and wherein, when the restriction on movement of the support member by said restriction member is released so that said belt is in the pressurized state, regardless of movement of said movable member between the first position and the second position, movement of the engaging portion does not reintroduce restriction by said restriction member and said belt remains in the pressurized state.