Patent ID: 8401423
Filing Date: 2013-03-19
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material in the state that a cartridge is detachably mounted to a main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising: an opening provided in said main assembly; a cartridge supporting member linearly movable through said opening between (i) an inside position, in said main assembly of the apparatus, for forming an image using said cartridge and (ii) an outside position that is outside said main assembly of the apparatus; retracting means for retracting said cartridge supporting member from the outside position to a retracted position for opening said opening such that an operation in said main assembly of the apparatus is capable through said opening; and locking means for locking said cartridge supporting member, retracted to the retracted position by said retracting means relative to said main assembly of the apparatus, at the retracted position.