An electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a photosensitive drum of a process cartridge also containing, process means, and a memory with a contact. The apparatus includes a member movable between opening and closing positions; a detector detecting closing of the movable member; a connector having a contact s movable between contact and separating positions; (v) an operator moving the connector from the separating to the contact position; a holder engageable with the operator to hold the connector at the contact position; for a controller communicating with the memory through the connector after detection of a signal change outputted from the detector when the movable member moves away from the closing position; for a releasor releasing engagement between the holding and operation members after the movable member moves from the closing position by a predetermined distance; and an urger urging the connector in a direction away from the contact position toward the separating position.