Patent ID: 8335453
Filing Date: 2012-12-18
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium comprising: an apparatus body having an endless belt incorporated therein configured to transfer toner images formed on a plurality of image bearing members to the recording medium; and a supporting member configured to support the plurality of image bearing members and to be slidable between inner and outer positions of the apparatus body along the arranged direction of the plurality of image bearing members, wherein when the supporting member slides between the inner and outer positions of the apparatus body while at least one of the plurality of image bearing members is in contact with the belt, a force is applied to the belt to rotate the belt along the moving direction of the supporting member, wherein when the supporting member slides between the inner and outer positions of the apparatus body, a first driving path is formed between the belt and the supporting member for the application of the force to the belt, and wherein when the supporting member is disposed at the inner position and the toner images are transferred to the recording medium, the first driving path is not formed.