Patent ID: 8254805
Filing Date: 2012-08-28
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which apparatus a plurality of process cartridges each including a photosensitive drum and process means actable on said photosensitive drum is detachably mountable, said image forming apparatus comprising: an openable member provided in a main assembly of the apparatus and rotatable about a rotational axis thereof, said openable member being movable between an opening position for opening an opening provided in the main assembly of the apparatus of said image forming apparatus and a closing position for closing said opening; a belt for receiving an image or carrying said recording material; a plurality of supporting members for supporting said process cartridges at different level positions, said supporting member being movable between a first position for contacting said photosensitive drum to said belt and a second position spacing said photosensitive drum from said belt; and a connecting member for moving said supporting member in interrelation with movement of said openable member, wherein said connecting member positions said supporting member at said first position when said openable member takes the closing position, and said connecting member positions said supporting member at said second position when said openable member takes the opening position, said connecting member including a shaft having an axis crossing with a rotational axis of said openable member, a plurality of first connecting portions rotatably connected with respective supporting members and fixed to said shaft, and a second connecting portion for engagement with said openable member and fixed to said shaft at a position which is closer to said openable member positioned at said opening position than said first connecting portions with respect to the crossing direction.