Patent attributes
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes a detachably mountable cartridge and a pressing member movable between a pressing position for applying a pressing force to the cartridge to fix the cartridge to an image forming position and a non-pressing position. In addition, a limiting member moves between a limiting position and a non-limiting position. In the limiting position, the limiting member is close to the cartridge placed in the image forming position, with a gap therebetween to limit movement of the cartridge if the cartridge moves against the pressing force of the pressing member. The limiting member permits the cartridge to move from the image forming position to a retracted position, by moving from the limiting position to the non-limiting position.