JP2009098169A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Image forming apparatus Download PDF

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JP2009098169A
JP2009098169A JP2007266570A JP2007266570A JP2009098169A JP 2009098169 A JP2009098169 A JP 2009098169A JP 2007266570 A JP2007266570 A JP 2007266570A JP 2007266570 A JP2007266570 A JP 2007266570A JP 2009098169 A JP2009098169 A JP 2009098169A
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pressure
fixing
conveyance guide
image forming
forming apparatus
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JP5095341B2 (en
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Yasuyoshi Ogata
緒方康悦
Tamotsu Ikeda
池田保
Kota Sakatani
酒谷広太
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Ricoh Co Ltd
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Ricoh Co Ltd
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which jam processing operation in a fixing device and in its vicinity is easy and further, visibility during processing is excellent. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: a pressure spring 22 which biases elastic force in a direction where a pressure roller 40 is brought into press-contact with a fixing roller; a release lever 23 which releases the press-contact of the pressure roller 40 with the fixing roller 30; and a pressure-side conveying guide 43 which is supported by pressure side plates 41 and 42 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of a transfer paper P, of the nip portion between the fixing roller 30 and the pressure roller 40. The pressure-side conveying guide 43 is operated in conjunction with pressure release operation by the release lever 23, to open the path of the transfer paper P. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、プリンタ、複写機、ファクシミリ及びこれらの少なくとも２つの機能を有する複合機等の画像形成装置に関する。   The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction machine having at least two functions.

上記画像形成装置において、加熱手段によって加熱される定着回転体と、該定着回転体に圧接してニップ部を形成する加圧回転体とを有し、前記ニップ部に定着すべきトナー像を担持した記録媒体を、該トナー像が前記定着回転体の表面に接触する向きにして通過させ、その通過時に前記トナー像のトナーに熱と圧力を加えて該トナー像を記録媒体に定着する定着装置を備えるものもよく知られている。この種の定着装置の多くは、定着回転体が定着ローラで、加圧回転体が加圧ローラの熱ローラ定着装置であるが、近年のカラー化に伴いベルト定着装置が広く使用されている。   The image forming apparatus includes a fixing rotator that is heated by a heating unit and a pressure rotator that presses against the fixing rotator to form a nip portion, and carries a toner image to be fixed in the nip portion. A fixing device that passes the recorded image in a direction in which the toner image is in contact with the surface of the fixing rotator, and fixes the toner image to the recording medium by applying heat and pressure to the toner of the toner image during the passage. It is also well known that Most of this type of fixing device is a heat roller fixing device in which the fixing rotator is a fixing roller and the pressure rotator is a pressure roller. However, belt fixing devices are widely used in recent years with colorization.

ところで、この種の定着装置を備えた画像形成装置において、記録媒体である用紙が定着ニップ部に挟持された状態のままジャムすることがある。このとき、ジャム紙を引っ張って取り除こうとすると、用紙の位置が破損してニップ部に挟まれている部分が残紙する問題があった。   By the way, in an image forming apparatus provided with this type of fixing device, a sheet as a recording medium may jam while being held in a fixing nip portion. At this time, if the jammed paper is pulled and removed, there is a problem that the position of the paper is damaged and a portion sandwiched between the nip portions is left.

特開２００６−４８００５号公報JP 2006-48005 A 特許第３９２７８３０号公報Japanese Patent No. 3927830 特開２００３−１８６３４０号公報JP 2003-186340 A 特開２００３−１２２１４７号公報JP 2003-122147 A 特開２００２−３４８０１７号公報JP 2002-348017 A 特開２００２−２９６９４８号公報JP 2002-296948 A 特許第３８９６２３５号公報Japanese Patent No. 3896235 特開２００１−１８８４３７号公報JP 2001-188437 A 特開２００１−４２７５０号公報JP 2001-42750 A

そこで、ジャムしたとき、操作によって定着ニップ部の圧を解除することが公知であり、例えば特許文献１〜９に開示されている。
しかし、近年の画像形成装置の構成は高速・小型化が進み、より複雑化している。そのため、メンテナンスやジャム処理もより複雑化している。 Therefore, it is known to release the pressure of the fixing nip portion by an operation when a jam occurs, and for example, disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 9.
However, the configuration of recent image forming apparatuses has become more complicated as the speed and size have been reduced. For this reason, maintenance and jam processing are also becoming more complicated.

定着装置内でのジャムが発生した時の処置方法を考えると、カバーを開け、定着ローラ対の圧解除を行い、紙の詰まった箇所の狭持された搬送ガイドを開き、紙を取り除く作業を行っていた。   Considering how to deal with jams in the fixing device, open the cover, release the pressure on the pair of fixing rollers, open the conveyance guide held between the jammed paper, and remove the paper. I was going.

このように、ジャムした紙を取り除くためには数アクションの操作が必要となり、しかも、小型化が進んでいるためジャムした紙の視認性も悪いという問題があった。   As described above, in order to remove the jammed paper, an operation of several actions is required. Further, since the miniaturization is advanced, there is a problem that the visibility of the jammed paper is poor.

本発明は、上記した従来の問題に鑑み、定着装置やその付近におけるジャムの処理操作が簡単で、しかも処理時の視認性がよい画像形成装置を提供することを目的としている。   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which a jam handling operation in a fixing device and its vicinity is simple and has good visibility during processing.

上記の目的を達成するため、本発明は、加熱手段によって加熱される定着回転体と、該定着回転体に圧接してニップ部を形成する加圧回転体とを有し、前記ニップ部に定着すべきトナー像を担持した記録媒体を、該トナー像が前記定着回転体の表面に接触する向きにして通過させ、その通過時に前記トナー像のトナーに熱と圧力を加えて該トナー像を記録媒体に定着する定着装置を備えた画像形成装置において、前記定着回転体を支持する定着フレームと、該定着フレームに回動可能に装着され、前記加圧回転体を支持する加圧フレームと、前記加圧回転体を前記定着回転体へ圧接する方向への弾性力を付勢する加圧弾性部材と、前記加圧回転体の前記定着回転体への圧接を解除する圧解除手段と、前記ニップ部の記録媒体搬送方向下流側で前記加圧フレームに支持された加圧側搬送ガイドとを有し、前記圧解除手段による前記加圧回転体の前記定着回転体への圧接を解除する動作に連動して加圧側搬送ガイドを作動し、前記記録媒体の通路を開放することを特徴とする画像形成装置を提案する。   In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a fixing rotator heated by a heating unit, and a pressure rotator that presses against the fixing rotator to form a nip portion, and fixes the nip portion. A recording medium carrying a toner image to be passed is passed in such a direction that the toner image comes into contact with the surface of the fixing rotator, and the toner image is recorded by applying heat and pressure to the toner of the toner image during the passage. In an image forming apparatus provided with a fixing device for fixing to a medium, a fixing frame that supports the fixing rotating body, a pressure frame that is rotatably attached to the fixing frame and supports the pressing rotating body, and A pressure elastic member that urges an elastic force in a direction in which the pressure rotator is pressed against the fixing rotator, a pressure release unit that releases pressure contact of the pressure rotator to the fixing rotator, and the nip. On the downstream side of the recording medium conveyance direction A pressure-side conveyance guide supported by the pressure frame, and operates the pressure-side conveyance guide in conjunction with the operation of releasing the pressure contact of the pressure rotator to the fixing rotator by the pressure release means. The present invention proposes an image forming apparatus characterized by opening a passage of the recording medium.

なお、本発明は、前記圧解除手段が、一端に操作用取っ手が設けられ、前記加圧フレームに回動可能に装着された解除レバーを備え、該解除レバーの他端には前記定着フレームに当接する解除作用点が形成されたカム部が設けられているという構成である。   In the present invention, the pressure release means includes a release lever that is provided with an operation handle at one end and is rotatably attached to the pressure frame, and the other end of the release lever is attached to the fixing frame. This is a configuration in which a cam portion in which a release action point that abuts is formed is provided.

さらに、本発明は、前記解除レバーは、前記加圧回転体が前記定着回転体に圧接している加圧位置と、その圧接が解除されている解除位置との間を回動可能であり、該解除位置のとき前記カム部の解除作用点が前記定着フレームに当接することにより前記加圧回転体の前記定着回転体への圧接が解除されるという構成である。   Further, according to the present invention, the release lever is rotatable between a pressure position where the pressure rotator is in pressure contact with the fixing rotator and a release position where the pressure contact is released, In the release position, the release action point of the cam portion abuts on the fixing frame, so that the pressure contact of the pressure rotator with the fixing rotator is released.

さらにまた、本発明は、前記ニップ部の記録媒体搬送方向下流側の記録媒体通路が前記加圧側搬送ガイドと定着フレームに支持された定着側搬送ガイドとによって形成され、前記通路の開放が、前記加圧側搬送ガイドが定着側搬送ガイドから離れる方向へ移動することであるという構成である。   Furthermore, in the present invention, a recording medium passage on the downstream side of the nip portion in the recording medium conveyance direction is formed by the pressure-side conveyance guide and a fixing-side conveyance guide supported by a fixing frame. In this configuration, the pressure-side conveyance guide moves in a direction away from the fixing-side conveyance guide.

さらにまた、本発明は、前記加圧側搬送ガイドが前記加圧フレームに回動可能に装着されており、該加圧側搬送ガイドにはその一端に設けられた突起部と、該突起部が前記定着側搬送ガイドに当接する方向の回動力を付勢する弾性手段とが設けられ、該弾性手段の作用によって前記突起部が前記定着側搬送ガイドに当接し前記加圧側搬送ガイドの位置決めされるという構成である。   Furthermore, in the present invention, the pressure-side conveyance guide is rotatably attached to the pressure frame, and the pressure-side conveyance guide has a protrusion provided at one end thereof, and the protrusion is fixed to the fixing frame. Elastic means for energizing the rotational force in the direction of contact with the side conveyance guide, and the protrusion is in contact with the fixing side conveyance guide and the pressure side conveyance guide is positioned by the action of the elastic means. It is.

さらにまた、本発明は、前記解除レバーの加圧位置から解除位置への回動に伴って前記加圧側搬送ガイドを前記弾性手段の作用に抗して定着側搬送ガイドから離す方向へ移動する移動手段が設けられているという構成である。   Furthermore, the present invention provides a movement in which the pressure-side conveyance guide moves away from the fixing-side conveyance guide against the action of the elastic means as the release lever rotates from the pressure position to the release position. It is the structure that the means is provided.

さらにまた、本発明は、前記移動手段が前記加圧側搬送ガイドに接触することにより、該加圧側搬送ガイドを前記加圧ローラと同じ方向に回転させる前記解除レバーに連動しない固定部材であるという構成である。   Furthermore, the present invention is a configuration in which the moving means is a fixed member that does not interlock with the release lever that rotates the pressure-side conveyance guide in the same direction as the pressure roller by contacting the pressure-side conveyance guide. It is.

さらにまた、本発明は、、前記移動手段が前記加圧側搬送ガイドの回動支点の軸に固定されたピニオンと、該ピニオンが噛み合い前記加圧フレームに設けられたラックであるという構成である。   Furthermore, the present invention is configured such that the moving means is a pinion fixed to a rotation fulcrum shaft of the pressure-side conveyance guide, and a rack that meshes with the pinion and is provided on the pressure frame.

さらにまた、本発明は、前記定着側搬送ガイドが記録媒体の定着回転体への巻き付きを防止する分離板を兼ねる搬送ガイドであるという構成である。   Furthermore, in the present invention, the fixing-side transport guide is a transport guide that also serves as a separation plate that prevents the recording medium from being wound around the fixing rotator.

本発明によれば、圧解除手段による加圧回転体の定着回転体への圧接を解除する動作に連動して加圧側搬送ガイドを記録媒体の通路を開放するように作動するので、定着装置やその付近におけるジャムの処理操作が簡単になり、しかも処理時の視認性を向上することができる。   According to the present invention, the pressure side conveying guide is operated to open the path of the recording medium in conjunction with the operation of releasing the pressure contact of the pressure rotator to the fixing rotator by the pressure releasing means. The jam handling operation in the vicinity can be simplified, and the visibility during processing can be improved.

以下、本発明の実施の形態を添付図面に従って説明する。
図１は画像形成装置の一例を示す垂直断面図であり、ここに示した画像形成装置は、その装置本体１内に配置されたドラム状の感光体よりなる像担持体２を有している。プリント動作時に、像担持体２は、図１における反時計方向に回転駆動され、このとき帯電ローラ３によって像担持体２が所定の極性に帯電される。帯電後の像担持体２には、光書込み装置４から出射する光変調されたレーザ光Ｌが照射され、これによって像担持体２に静電潜像が形成される。この静電潜像は現像装置５によって、トナー像として可視像化される。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing an example of an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus shown here has an image carrier 2 made of a drum-shaped photoconductor disposed in the apparatus main body 1. . During the printing operation, the image carrier 2 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 1, and at this time, the image carrier 2 is charged to a predetermined polarity by the charging roller 3. The charged image carrier 2 is irradiated with light-modulated laser light L emitted from the optical writing device 4, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the image carrier 2. The electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by the developing device 5.

一方、画像形成装置本体１内の下部には、記録媒体としての転写紙Ｐを収容した給紙カセット１２と、給紙ローラ１３を有する給紙装置１１が配置され、給紙ローラ１３の回転によって最上位の転写紙Ｐが矢印方向に送り出される。送り出された転写紙Ｐは、レジストローラ対１４によって、所定のタイミングで、像担持体２と転写ローラ６との間に給送される。このとき、転写ローラ６には所定の転写電圧が印加されており、これによって像担持体２上のトナー像が転写紙Ｐに転写される。トナー像を転写された転写紙Ｐは、さらに上方に搬送され、定着装置２０により転写紙Ｐ上のトナー像が定着される。そして、定着を終えた転写紙Ｐは、排紙ローラ９を介して排紙トレイ１０に排出される。一方、トナー像転写後の像担持体２は残留トナーがクリーニング装置７によって除去され、残留電荷が除電装置８によって除去されて次のプリントに備えられる。   On the other hand, in the lower part of the image forming apparatus main body 1, a paper feed cassette 12 containing a transfer paper P as a recording medium and a paper feed device 11 having a paper feed roller 13 are arranged. The uppermost transfer paper P is sent out in the direction of the arrow. The transferred transfer paper P is fed between the image carrier 2 and the transfer roller 6 by the registration roller pair 14 at a predetermined timing. At this time, a predetermined transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 6, whereby the toner image on the image carrier 2 is transferred to the transfer paper P. The transfer paper P to which the toner image is transferred is further conveyed upward, and the toner image on the transfer paper P is fixed by the fixing device 20. Then, after the fixing, the transfer paper P is discharged to the paper discharge tray 10 via the paper discharge roller 9. On the other hand, after the toner image has been transferred, the residual toner is removed by the cleaning device 7 and the residual charge is removed by the charge eliminating device 8 to prepare for the next print.

図２は、図１に示した定着装置２０の定着回転体である定着ローラ３０を支持した加熱ユニットを斜視図であり、定着ローラ３０は前後側板３１，３２と、その前後側板３１，３２を連結するステー３３からなる定着フレームに回転自在に支持されている。前後側板３１，３２には、図３及び図４に示すように、軸心が一致するピン３４が設けられ、このピン３４に回動可能に装着された分離板３５が設けられ、分離板３５はコイルバネ３６によってその爪部３６が定着ローラ３０に接する方向への回動力が付勢されているが、位置決め部３７が定着ローラ３０の両端部の通紙領域外で定着ローラ２１表面に接することにより、爪部３６と定着ローラ３０表面とのギャップが一定に保たれている。なお、定着ローラ３０の内部には定着ローラを加熱する加熱手段、例えばハロゲンヒータ等が配置されている。   FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heating unit that supports a fixing roller 30 that is a fixing rotator of the fixing device 20 shown in FIG. 1. The fixing roller 30 includes front and rear side plates 31 and 32 and front and rear side plates 31 and 32. It is rotatably supported by a fixing frame including a stay 33 to be connected. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the front and rear side plates 31 and 32 are provided with a pin 34 having an axial axis that coincides, and a separation plate 35 that is rotatably attached to the pin 34 is provided. The coil spring 36 urges the rotational force in the direction in which the claw portion 36 contacts the fixing roller 30, but the positioning portion 37 contacts the surface of the fixing roller 21 outside the paper passing area at both ends of the fixing roller 30. Thus, the gap between the claw portion 36 and the surface of the fixing roller 30 is kept constant. Note that heating means for heating the fixing roller, such as a halogen heater, is disposed inside the fixing roller 30.

図５は図１に示した定着装置２０の加圧回転体である加圧ローラ４０を支持した加圧ユニットを斜視図であり、加圧ローラ４０は前後側板４１，４２を有する加圧フレームに回転自在に支持されている。この前後側板４１，４２には、定着ローラ３０と加圧ローラ４０のニップ部を通過した転写紙Ｐをガイドする加圧側搬送ガイド４３が設けられている。この場合、加圧側搬送ガイド４３は図５ないし図７に示す軸４４を介して前後側板４１，４２に回動可能に装着され、そして図示していないねじりコイルバネによって図５ないし図７における反時計方向への回動力が付勢されている。そして、加圧側搬送ガイド４３は図６及び図７に示すように、突起４５が上記分離板３５の肩に載るように当接することで位置が決められている。   FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pressure unit that supports a pressure roller 40 that is a pressure rotator of the fixing device 20 shown in FIG. 1. The pressure roller 40 is a pressure frame having front and rear side plates 41 and 42. It is supported rotatably. The front and rear side plates 41 and 42 are provided with a pressure side conveyance guide 43 that guides the transfer paper P that has passed through the nip portion between the fixing roller 30 and the pressure roller 40. In this case, the pressure-side conveyance guide 43 is rotatably attached to the front and rear side plates 41 and 42 via the shaft 44 shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, and is counterclockwise in FIGS. 5 to 7 by a torsion coil spring (not shown). The turning force in the direction is energized. Then, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the position of the pressure-side conveyance guide 43 is determined by contacting the projection 45 so as to rest on the shoulder of the separation plate 35.

図８及び図９は、図２に示す加熱ユニットと図５に示す加圧ユニットを組み付け、定着装置２０として構成された状態を示す斜視図及び側面図である。
図８及び図９において、加熱ユニットと加圧ユニットの前側板３１，４１同士と後側板３２，４２同士は軸心を一致する支軸２１を介して回動可能に装着され、この構成によって位置固定である定着ローラ３０に対し加圧ローラ４０が接離する方向に回動可能である。本実施形態の定着装置２０は、転写紙Ｐが下から上へ通過するものであるから、支軸２１はニップ部の転写紙搬送方向上流側に設けられている。また、ニップ部の転写紙搬送方向下流側における前後側板には加圧ローラ４０の加圧力を付勢する加圧バネ２２が設けられ、この加圧バネ２２の加圧力で加圧ローラ４０が定着ローラ３０に圧接されている。なお、本実施形態の場合、加熱ユニットと加圧ユニットの前後側板３１，３２，４１，４２に固定した立設板３１ａ，３２ａ，４１ａ，４２ａと、加熱ユニットの立設板３１ａ，３２ａに固定し、加圧ユニットの立設板４１ａ，４２ａにフリーで貫通する軸２２ａとを設け、該軸２２ａの一端と加圧ユニットの立設板４１ａ，４２ａの間に加圧バネ２２を嵌装することで、この加圧バネ２２の加圧力で加圧ローラ４０を定着ローラ３０に圧接させている。 FIGS. 8 and 9 are a perspective view and a side view showing a state in which the heating unit shown in FIG. 2 and the pressure unit shown in FIG.
8 and 9, the front side plates 31 and 41 and the rear side plates 32 and 42 of the heating unit and the pressure unit are mounted so as to be rotatable via a support shaft 21 having the same axis. The pressure roller 40 can be rotated in a direction in which the fixing roller 30 is fixed. In the fixing device 20 of the present embodiment, the transfer paper P passes from the bottom to the top. Therefore, the support shaft 21 is provided upstream of the nip portion in the transfer paper conveyance direction. Further, a pressure spring 22 for urging the pressure of the pressure roller 40 is provided on the front and rear plates on the downstream side of the nip portion in the conveyance direction of the transfer paper, and the pressure roller 40 is fixed by the pressure of the pressure spring 22. The roller 30 is in pressure contact. In the case of this embodiment, the standing plates 31a, 32a, 41a, and 42a fixed to the front and rear plates 31, 32, 41, and 42 of the heating unit and the pressure unit, and the standing plates 31a and 32a of the heating unit are fixed. Then, a shaft 22a penetrating freely through the standing plates 41a and 42a of the pressure unit is provided, and the pressure spring 22 is fitted between one end of the shaft 22a and the standing plates 41a and 42a of the pressure unit. Thus, the pressure roller 40 is brought into pressure contact with the fixing roller 30 by the pressure of the pressure spring 22.

このように構成された定着装置２０には、定着ローラ３０と加圧ローラ４０に挟まった状態のジャムが発生した場合、加圧ローラ４０の圧接を解除することで転写紙Ｐの破損や残紙等を防止してジャム処理の操作性が容易になる。このため、加圧ユニットの前後側板４１，４２にはそれぞれ圧解除手段としての解除レバー２３が支点２４を中心に回動可能に装着されている。   In the fixing device 20 configured as described above, when the jam between the fixing roller 30 and the pressure roller 40 occurs, the pressure roller 40 is released from the pressure contact, and the transfer paper P is damaged or the remaining paper is removed. This makes it easy to handle jams. For this reason, release levers 23 as pressure release means are attached to the front and rear side plates 41 and 42 of the pressurizing unit so as to be rotatable around the fulcrum 24.

解除レバー２３は、一端に操作用取っ手２５が設けられ、他端に解除作用点２６ａが形成されたカム部２６が形成されている。この解除レバー２３は図９及び図１０に示す加圧位置、加圧ローラ４０が定着ローラ３０に圧接されている状態になる位置のときには、カム部２６が定着フレームに僅かに離れるか軽く触れている。そして、この解除レバー２３の図１１及び図１２に示す解除位置ではカム部２６の解除作用点２６ａが定着フレームに圧接し、加圧ローラ４０の定着ローラ３０への圧接が解除される。   The release lever 23 is provided with an operation handle 25 at one end and a cam portion 26 having a release action point 26a formed at the other end. When the release lever 23 is in the pressure position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and the position where the pressure roller 40 is in pressure contact with the fixing roller 30, the cam portion 26 is slightly separated or lightly touched to the fixing frame. Yes. 11 and FIG. 12 of the release lever 23, the release action point 26a of the cam portion 26 comes into pressure contact with the fixing frame, and the pressure contact of the pressure roller 40 to the fixing roller 30 is released.

かかる構成の画像形成装置において、定着ローラ３０と加圧ローラ４０に挟まった状態のジャムが発生すると、ユーザ等のオペレータは図１３に示すように、装置の前面カバー１５を、支点１６を中心に時計方向に回動して開放する。なお、本装置は操作パネル１７を設けた側を前面に設定している。上記のように前面カバー１５を開放すると、定着装置２０や排紙ローラ９を設けた排紙部１９は装置本体１側に残るが、定着装置２０と排紙部１９間の搬送ガイド部１８は前面カバー１５に設けられているため一緒に開放される。したがって、定着装置２０の上部である搬送ガイド部１８が無いため、定着装置２０が目の前に現れ、上記した解除レバー２３にもアクセスがし易くなる。しかし、前面カバー１５を開放しただけでは定着ローラ３０と加圧ローラ４０とが圧接しているとともに、この状態では加圧側搬送ガイド４３でニップ部の状況が見えにくい。   In the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, when a jam occurs between the fixing roller 30 and the pressure roller 40, an operator such as a user places the front cover 15 of the apparatus around the fulcrum 16 as shown in FIG. Rotate clockwise to open. In this apparatus, the side on which the operation panel 17 is provided is set to the front. When the front cover 15 is opened as described above, the paper discharge unit 19 provided with the fixing device 20 and the paper discharge roller 9 remains on the apparatus main body 1 side, but the conveyance guide unit 18 between the fixing device 20 and the paper discharge unit 19 is Since they are provided on the front cover 15, they are opened together. Therefore, since there is no conveyance guide portion 18 that is an upper part of the fixing device 20, the fixing device 20 appears in front of the user and the above-described release lever 23 can be easily accessed. However, just by opening the front cover 15, the fixing roller 30 and the pressure roller 40 are in pressure contact with each other, and in this state, it is difficult to see the state of the nip portion with the pressure-side conveyance guide 43.

そこで、本実施形態では解除レバー２３を操作して加圧ローラ４０の定着ローラ３０への圧接を解除すると、加圧側搬送ガイド４３も図示していないねじりコイルバネの作用に抗して時計方向に回動し分離板３５とで構成する搬送通路を開放する。したがって、例えば先端が分離板３５の爪部３６に突き当たる等によってジャムした転写紙でも視認性が良好であるため、その状況を直ちに把握し、適切な措置を容易に講ずることができる。   Therefore, in this embodiment, when the release lever 23 is operated to release the pressure contact of the pressure roller 40 to the fixing roller 30, the pressure-side conveyance guide 43 also rotates clockwise against the action of a torsion coil spring (not shown). The conveying path constituted by the moving and separating plate 35 is opened. Therefore, for example, the transfer paper jammed due to, for example, the leading edge of the separation plate 35 hitting the claw portion 36 has good visibility, so that the situation can be immediately grasped and appropriate measures can be easily taken.

ところで、解除レバー２３と加圧側搬送ガイド４３は共に時計方向に回動するので、解除レバー２３による加圧側搬送ガイド４３の連動は解除レバー２３に設けたカムや突起（図示せず)の押すことで簡単に達成することができるが、図１４に示すように、加圧側搬送ガイド４３に設けたガイドリブ４３ａがユニットカバー２０Ｕに設けたリブ２７にあたることで加圧側搬送ガイド４３を開放するようにしてもよい。   By the way, since both the release lever 23 and the pressure side conveyance guide 43 are rotated in the clockwise direction, the interlock of the pressure side conveyance guide 43 by the release lever 23 is pushed by a cam or protrusion (not shown) provided on the release lever 23. As shown in FIG. 14, the guide rib 43a provided on the pressure-side conveyance guide 43 hits the rib 27 provided on the unit cover 20U so that the pressure-side conveyance guide 43 is opened. Also good.

さらに、図１５に示すように、加圧側搬送ガイド４３の軸４４にピニオン５０を固定し、他方加圧ユニットの前後側板４１，４２にそのピニオン５０に噛み合うラック５１を設け、解除レバー２３の作動で加圧ユニットが移動しラック５１を介してピニオン５０が回転することで加圧側搬送ガイド４３を開放するようにしてもよい。   Further, as shown in FIG. 15, a pinion 50 is fixed to the shaft 44 of the pressure-side conveyance guide 43, and a rack 51 that engages with the pinion 50 is provided on the front and rear side plates 41, 42 of the other pressure unit. Then, the pressure-side conveyance guide 43 may be opened by moving the pressure unit and rotating the pinion 50 via the rack 51.

このように構成される実施形態では、図１４のガイドリブ４３ａやリブ２７の位置や、図１５のピニオン５０の径や歯数等を適宜設定することで、加圧側搬送ガイド４３の開放角度が解除レバー２３の回動角より大きく開くことも可能になる。よって、ジャム処理時に加圧側搬送ガイド４３が大きく開放されるので、視認性がさらに向上し、処理操作も簡便になる。   In the embodiment configured as described above, the opening angle of the pressure-side conveyance guide 43 is released by appropriately setting the positions of the guide rib 43a and the rib 27 in FIG. 14, the diameter and the number of teeth of the pinion 50 in FIG. It is also possible to open the lever 23 larger than the rotation angle. Therefore, since the pressure-side conveyance guide 43 is largely opened during the jam processing, the visibility is further improved and the processing operation is simplified.

以上、本発明の好ましい実施形態を説明したが、本発明は上記実施形態のみに限定されず各種改変できるものである。
例えば、定着装置は定着ローラと加圧ローラからなる熱ローラ定着装置について説明したが、本発明の定着装置は定着ローラと加熱ローラに巻き掛けたエンドレスベルトを設け、加圧ローラをベルト介して定着ローラに圧接させるベルト定着装置等に適用することができる。すなわち、本発明の定着装置は定着回転体や加圧回転体がローラでもベルトでも構わないものである。 As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited only to the said embodiment, Various modifications can be carried out.
For example, the fixing device is described as a heat roller fixing device including a fixing roller and a pressure roller. However, the fixing device of the present invention is provided with an endless belt wound around the fixing roller and the heating roller, and the pressure roller is fixed via the belt. The present invention can be applied to a belt fixing device that is brought into pressure contact with a roller. That is, in the fixing device of the present invention, the fixing rotator or the pressure rotator may be a roller or a belt.

画像形成装置の一例を示す概略断面図である。It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of an image forming apparatus. 本実施形態の加熱ユニットを示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the heating unit of this embodiment. 加熱ユニットの分離板の装着部を示す拡大説明図である。It is expansion explanatory drawing which shows the mounting part of the separation plate of a heating unit. 加熱ユニットの分離板の装着部を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the mounting part of the separation plate of a heating unit. 本実施形態の加圧ユニットを示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the pressurization unit of this embodiment. 加熱ユニットの分離板と加圧ユニットの加圧側搬送ガイドとの関係を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the separation plate of a heating unit, and the pressurization side conveyance guide of a pressurization unit. 加熱ユニットの分離板と加圧ユニットの加圧側搬送ガイドとの関係を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the relationship between the separation plate of a heating unit, and the pressurization side conveyance guide of a pressurization unit. 加熱ユニットと加圧ユニットを組み付けた定着装置を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the fixing device which assembled | attached the heating unit and the pressurization unit. 図８に示す定着装置の加圧位置の側面図である。FIG. 9 is a side view of a pressure position of the fixing device shown in FIG. 8. 図８に示す定着装置の加圧位置の断面説明図である。FIG. 9 is an explanatory sectional view of a pressing position of the fixing device shown in FIG. 8. 図８に示す定着装置の解除位置の側面図である。FIG. 9 is a side view of a release position of the fixing device shown in FIG. 8. 図８に示す定着装置の解除位置の断面説明図である。FIG. 9 is an explanatory sectional view of a release position of the fixing device shown in FIG. 8. 図１に示す画像形成装置の前面カバーを開いた状態を示す概略断面図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where a front cover of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is opened. 加圧側搬送ガイドを移動する移動手段の他の実施形態を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows other embodiment of the moving means which moves a pressurization side conveyance guide. 加圧側搬送ガイドを移動する移動手段のさらに他の実施形態を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows other embodiment of the moving means which moves a pressurization side conveyance guide.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

２０ 定着装置
２２ 加圧バネ
２３ 解除レバー
３０ 定着ローラ
４０ 加圧ローラ
４３ 加圧側搬送ガイド DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Fixing device 22 Pressure spring 23 Release lever 30 Fixing roller 40 Pressure roller 43 Pressure side conveyance guide

Claims (9)

加熱手段によって加熱される定着回転体と、該定着回転体に圧接してニップ部を形成する加圧回転体とを有し、前記ニップ部に定着すべきトナー像を担持した記録媒体を、該トナー像が前記定着回転体の表面に接触する向きにして通過させ、その通過時に前記トナー像のトナーに熱と圧力を加えて該トナー像を記録媒体に定着する定着装置を備えた画像形成装置において、
前記定着回転体を支持する定着フレームと、
該定着フレームに回動可能に装着され、前記加圧回転体を支持する加圧フレームと、
前記加圧回転体を前記定着回転体へ圧接する方向への弾性力を付勢する加圧弾性部材と、
前記加圧回転体の前記定着回転体への圧接を解除する圧解除手段と、
前記ニップ部の記録媒体搬送方向下流側で前記加圧フレームに支持された加圧側搬送ガイドとを有し、
前記圧解除手段による前記加圧回転体の前記定着回転体への圧接を解除する動作に連動して加圧側搬送ガイドを作動し、前記記録媒体の通路を開放することを特徴とする画像形成装置。 A fixing rotator that is heated by a heating unit; and a pressure rotator that presses against the fixing rotator to form a nip portion; and a recording medium that carries a toner image to be fixed on the nip portion. An image forming apparatus including a fixing device that passes a toner image in a direction in contact with the surface of the fixing rotator and applies heat and pressure to the toner of the toner image to fix the toner image on a recording medium. In
A fixing frame that supports the fixing rotating body;
A pressure frame that is rotatably attached to the fixing frame and supports the pressure rotator;
A pressure elastic member that urges an elastic force in a direction in which the pressure rotator is pressed against the fixing rotator; and
Pressure releasing means for releasing pressure contact of the pressure rotating body to the fixing rotating body;
A pressure side conveyance guide supported by the pressure frame on the downstream side of the nip portion in the recording medium conveyance direction,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that a pressure-side conveyance guide is operated in conjunction with an operation of releasing the pressure contact of the pressure rotator to the fixing rotator by the pressure releasing means, and the passage of the recording medium is opened. . 請求項１に記載の画像形成装置において、前記圧解除手段が、一端に操作用取っ手が設けられ、前記加圧フレームに回動可能に装着された解除レバーを備え、該解除レバーの他端には前記定着フレームに当接する解除作用点が形成されたカム部が設けられていることを特徴とする画像形成装置。   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure release means includes a release lever that is provided with an operation handle at one end and is rotatably attached to the pressure frame, and the other end of the release lever. Is provided with a cam portion in which a release action point that contacts the fixing frame is formed. 請求項２に記載の画像形成装置において、前記解除レバーは、前記加圧回転体が前記定着回転体に圧接している加圧位置と、その圧接が解除されている解除位置との間を回動可能であり、該解除位置のとき前記カム部の解除作用点が前記定着フレームに当接することにより前記加圧回転体の前記定着回転体への圧接が解除されることを特徴とする画像形成装置。   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the release lever rotates between a pressure position where the pressure rotator is in pressure contact with the fixing rotator and a release position where the pressure contact is released. The image forming method is characterized in that the pressure contact of the pressure rotator to the fixing rotator is released when the release action point of the cam portion contacts the fixing frame at the release position. apparatus. 請求項１に記載の画像形成装置において、前記ニップ部の記録媒体搬送方向下流側の記録媒体通路が前記加圧側搬送ガイドと定着フレームに支持された定着側搬送ガイドとによって形成され、前記通路の開放が、前記加圧側搬送ガイドが定着側搬送ガイドから離れる方向へ移動することであることを特徴とする画像形成装置。   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a recording medium passage downstream of the nip portion in a recording medium conveyance direction is formed by the pressure-side conveyance guide and a fixing-side conveyance guide supported by a fixing frame. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening is a movement of the pressure-side conveyance guide away from the fixing-side conveyance guide. 請求項４に記載の画像形成装置において、前記加圧側搬送ガイドが前記加圧フレームに回動可能に装着されており、該加圧側搬送ガイドにはその一端に設けられた突起部と、該突起部が前記定着側搬送ガイドに当接する方向の回動力を付勢する弾性手段とが設けられ、該弾性手段の作用によって前記突起部が前記定着側搬送ガイドに当接し前記加圧側搬送ガイドの位置決めされることを特徴とする画像形成装置。   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the pressure-side conveyance guide is rotatably mounted on the pressure frame, and the pressure-side conveyance guide has a protrusion provided at one end thereof, and the protrusion. Elastic means for energizing rotational force in a direction in which the portion abuts on the fixing-side conveyance guide, and the protrusion is abutted on the fixing-side conveyance guide by the action of the elastic means to position the pressure-side conveyance guide An image forming apparatus. 請求項２または３に記載の画像形成装置において、前記解除レバーの加圧位置から解除位置への回動に伴って前記加圧側搬送ガイドを前記弾性手段の作用に抗して定着側搬送ガイドから離す方向へ移動する移動手段が設けられていることを特徴とする画像形成装置。   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pressure-side conveyance guide is moved from the fixing-side conveyance guide against the action of the elastic means as the release lever rotates from the pressure position to the release position. An image forming apparatus comprising a moving means for moving in a separating direction. 請求項６に記載の画像形成装置において、前記移動手段が前記加圧側搬送ガイドに接触することにより、該加圧側搬送ガイドを前記加圧ローラと同じ方向に回転させる前記解除レバーに連動しない固定部材であることを特徴とする画像形成装置。   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the moving unit comes into contact with the pressure-side conveyance guide so that the fixing member does not interlock with the release lever that rotates the pressure-side conveyance guide in the same direction as the pressure roller. An image forming apparatus. 請求項６に記載の画像形成装置において、前記移動手段が前記加圧側搬送ガイドの回動支点の軸に固定されたピニオンと、該ピニオンが噛み合い前記加圧フレームに設けられたラックであることを特徴とする画像形成装置。   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the moving unit is a pinion fixed to a rotation fulcrum shaft of the pressure-side conveyance guide, and a rack that meshes with the pinion and is provided on the pressure frame. An image forming apparatus. 請求項１または３に記載の画像形成装置において、前記定着側搬送ガイドが記録媒体の定着回転体への巻き付きを防止する分離板を兼ねる搬送ガイドであることを特徴とする画像形成装置。   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing-side conveyance guide is a conveyance guide that also serves as a separation plate that prevents the recording medium from being wound around the fixing rotator.
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JP2011191451A (en) * 2010-03-12 2011-09-29 Ricoh Co Ltd Paper conveying apparatus for image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus
CN102998951A (en) * 2011-09-14 2013-03-27 富士施乐株式会社 Fixing device and image forming apparatus
US8892014B2 (en) 2010-07-02 2014-11-18 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Fixing device including movable peeling plate
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US9182715B1 (en) 2014-09-26 2015-11-10 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Fixing device and image forming apparatus
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JP2017102234A (en) * 2015-12-01 2017-06-08 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Fixing device and image forming apparatus

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