Image forming apparatus and process cartridge detachable thereto with charging member pressure contact release feature

Abstract

In a process cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus, presssure contact between a charging member, and an image bearing member for bearing an image can be released. Hence, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of traces caused by pressure, creep, and contamination in the image bearing member and the charging member. In addition, by arranging so that the process cartridge cannot be mounted in the image forming apparatus in a state in which the pressure contact between the charging member and the image bearing member is released, failure in charging on the image bearing member by the charging member can be prevented.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.