Patent ID: 7937020
Filing Date: 2011-05-03
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, said image forming apparatus comprising: a main assembly having an engaging portion; a plurality of photosensitive members on which toner images are to be formed; an intermediary transfer member that receives toner images from said photosensitive members and carries the toner images to a transfer portion that transfers the toner image onto the recording material; a drawer member that supports said photosensitive members, said drawer member being drawable outwardly of said main assembly; a supporting member supporting said drawer member and movable, in a state of supporting the drawer member, from a first position in which said photosensitive members contact said intermediary transfer member to a second position in which said photosensitive members are spaced away from said intermediary transfer member, wherein when said supporting member takes the second position, said drawer member is drawable outwardly of said main assembly in a direction along which said photosensitive members are arranged; and a portion to be engaged which is provided on said drawer member and which is engaged with said engaging portion to prevent said photosensitive members from moving in the direction relative to said intermediary transfer member when said supporting member takes the first position, wherein when said supporting member moves from the first position to the second position, said drawer member is moved to space said photosensitive members from said intermediary transfer member without movement in the direction along which said photosensitive members are arranged, and then engagement between said engaging portion is disengaged from said portion to be engaged.