JPH0673052B2 - Electrophotographic device - Google Patents

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】 「産業上の利用分野」 本発明は、電子写真プロセスにより画像形成を行う複写
機、プリンタ、ファクシミリ等の電子写真装置に係り、
特に互いに圧接しながら回転する一対のローラからなる
接触型定着手段を有する電子写真装置に関する。The present invention relates to an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, etc. that forms an image by an electrophotographic process.
In particular, the present invention relates to an electrophotographic apparatus having a contact-type fixing unit composed of a pair of rollers which rotate while being pressed against each other.

「従来の技術」 従来より、電子写真プロセスにより像担持体上に担持さ
せたトナー像を記録媒体に転写した後、該記録媒体を互
いに圧接しながら回転する一対のローラ間に挿通させて
前記未定着トナー像の画像定着を行う電子写真装置は公
知である。[Prior Art] Conventionally, after transferring a toner image carried on an image carrier to a recording medium by an electrophotographic process, the toner medium is inserted between a pair of rollers that rotate while pressing the recording medium against each other, and An electrophotographic apparatus that performs image fixing of a toner image is known.

この種の接触型定着手段を有する電子写真装置は、輻射
熱を利用する非接触型加熱定着手段を用いたものに比較
して装置が小型に出来る点、熱効率がよい点で有利であ
る反面、前記ローラ対が互いに圧接しながら回転する構
造を彩る為に、定着ローラ側へ記録紙が巻付いたり、又
トナーがローラ表面に付着してこれが他の記録紙に転移
する、いわゆるオフセット現象が生じたり、更には前記
ローラ対が常に圧接状態が維持されている為に、その圧
接による経時劣化により定期的なローラ交換の必要が生
じる。The electrophotographic apparatus having this type of contact-type fixing means is advantageous in that the apparatus can be made smaller in size as compared with the one using the non-contact type heat-fixing means that utilizes radiant heat, and that it has good thermal efficiency, In order to color the structure in which the roller pairs rotate while being pressed against each other, the recording paper is wrapped around the fixing roller side, or toner adheres to the roller surface and transfers to other recording paper, so-called offset phenomenon occurs. Further, since the roller pair is always maintained in the pressure contact state, it is necessary to periodically replace the rollers due to deterioration with time due to the pressure contact.

而もこのような定着手段は一般に、前記ローラ対等を枠
体に一体的に組付けてユニット化している為に、一々前
記ローラ対の周辺に付設されている枠体や分離爪等の周
辺部品を取外さなければ、その清掃や交換が出来ず、メ
インテナンス作業が極めて面倒であった。Further, since such a fixing means is generally united by integrally assembling the roller pair and the like to the frame body, peripheral parts such as the frame body and the separating claws attached to the periphery of the roller pair one by one. If it was not removed, it could not be cleaned or replaced, and maintenance work was extremely troublesome.

この為、前記メインテナンス作業の容易化を図る為に、
例えば前記ローラ対に押圧力を付勢する開被自在なカバ
ー体を設け、該カバー体の開放動作により、ローラ対の
圧接力が自動的に解除されるように構成したローラ支持
機構が提案されている。（実開昭53-31433号） 「発明が解決しようとする問題点」 しかしながらかかる従来技術においては、ローラ対の圧
接力が自動的に解除される構造の為に記録紙の巻付除去
やローラの清掃の場合にはメインテナンス作業が軽減さ
れるが、ローラ交換の場合は、やはりローラ周囲に付設
された周辺部品を取外さなければ交換し得ず、前記全て
のメインテナンス作業を軽減化させる事は出来ない。Therefore, in order to facilitate the maintenance work,
For example, a roller support mechanism has been proposed in which an openable cover body that applies a pressing force to the roller pair is provided, and the pressure contact force of the roller pair is automatically released by the opening operation of the cover body. ing. (Actually, No. 53-31433) "Problems to be solved by the invention" However, in such a prior art, since the pressure contact force of the roller pair is automatically released, the winding removal of the recording paper and the roller are performed. Maintenance work is reduced in the case of cleaning the above, but in the case of roller replacement, it cannot be replaced without removing the peripheral parts attached around the roller, and it is not possible to reduce all the maintenance work described above. Can not.

而も近年において前記電子写真記録方式を採用したLED
プリンタやレーザプリンタが種々提案されているが、こ
のようなプリンタにおいては複写機等に比較して多量枚
数の記録を行う為に、前記ローラ交換の必要性が増大
し、メインテナンス作業が一層煩雑化する。In addition, in recent years, the LED adopting the electrophotographic recording method
Various printers and laser printers have been proposed. However, in such a printer, since a large number of sheets are recorded as compared with a copying machine or the like, the need for the roller replacement is increased, and the maintenance work is further complicated. To do.

この為前記プリンタ等においては定着ユニットを使い捨
て方式にし、メインテナンス作業の煩雑化を避けたもの
が多いが、定着ユニットを使い捨て方式にするとその耐
久寿命が最短の部品に制約され、他の部品が十分有効に
使えるにも拘らず、ユニット全体を交換しなければなら
ず、省資源及びコストパーフォーマンスの面からも好ま
しくない。For this reason, in many of the printers and the like, the fixing unit is made to be a disposable type to avoid complicated maintenance work.However, if the fixing unit is made to be a disposable type, its durable life is restricted to the shortest parts, and other parts are not enough. Although it can be used effectively, the entire unit must be replaced, which is not preferable in terms of resource saving and cost performance.

特に前記ローラ対を有する接触型定着手段においては、
オフセット現象の低減を図る為、シリコンゴムを用いて
定着ローラを形成する場合が多いが、このような定着ロ
ーラにあっては圧接による経時変化が著しく、定着ユニ
ットの他の部品に比してその耐久寿命が極めて短いとい
う特性を有し、前記欠点が一層増長される。In particular, in the contact type fixing means having the roller pair,
In order to reduce the offset phenomenon, the fixing roller is often formed by using silicon rubber, but such a fixing roller undergoes a significant change over time due to pressure contact, and it is more difficult to form the fixing roller than other parts of the fixing unit. It has the characteristic that the durability life is extremely short, and the above-mentioned drawbacks are further increased.

本発明は、かかる従来技術の欠点に鑑み、効率よく且つ
装置小型化等の要請に反する事なく前記ローラ間を分割
開放可能に構成する事により、ローラへの記録紙の巻付
き、ローラの清掃、又は交換等のいずれのメインテナン
ス作業も簡単に且つ短時間で行い得る電子写真装置を提
供する事を目的とする。In view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, the present invention is configured such that the rollers can be divided and opened efficiently without violating the demand for downsizing of the apparatus, thereby winding the recording paper around the rollers and cleaning the rollers. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrophotographic apparatus capable of easily performing any maintenance work such as replacement or replacement in a short time.

「発明の概要」 先ず本発明に至った経緯を説明する。"Outline of the Invention" First, the background of the present invention will be described.

定着ローラと加圧ローラからなる画像定着手段において
は、前記一のローラをその軸端側に配した回動部材に軸
支させ、該回動部材の回動支点を前記軸支位置より離れ
た所に設定すれば、前記ローラ間を分割開放可能に構成
し得る。In an image fixing means composed of a fixing roller and a pressure roller, the one roller is pivotally supported by a rotating member disposed on the shaft end side, and the rotating fulcrum of the rotating member is separated from the axial supporting position. If set in place, the rollers can be divided and opened.

しかしながら前記定着手段は一般的に記録紙搬送路の最
下流側の機体側壁に近接して配置されている為に、前記
一のローラを（記録紙搬送路の）上流側方向に分割開放
させても、該ローラが機体奥側に引込むのみでローラ交
換や清掃の容易化にはつながらない。However, since the fixing unit is generally arranged in the vicinity of the side wall of the airframe on the most downstream side of the recording paper conveyance path, the one roller is divided and opened in the upstream direction (of the recording paper conveyance path). However, this does not lead to easy replacement and cleaning of the rollers, because the rollers are only retracted to the rear side of the machine body.

そこで本発明は、回動部材の回動支点を前記軸支位置よ
り下流側に設定し、該回動部材の回動により、前記一の
ローラが排紙側の機体側壁方向に分割開放されるように
し、これにより前記一のローラを他のローラから分割開
放させながら機体側壁外に露出させる事が出来、両ロー
ラの清掃、交換、及び記録紙の巻付き除去を容易に行う
事が出来る。Therefore, according to the present invention, the rotation fulcrum of the rotation member is set on the downstream side of the axial support position, and the rotation of the rotation member causes the one roller to be divided and opened in the side wall direction of the paper discharge side. By doing so, it is possible to expose the one roller from the side wall of the machine while splitting and opening it from the other roller, and it is possible to easily clean and replace both rollers and remove the winding of the recording paper.

又、前記回動支点と分割開放側がいずれもローラ軸支位
置より下流側に設定してある為に、前記ローラが常に他
のローラから離間する方向に分割開放される事となり、
分割開放の際にローラ周面を傷付ける恐れもなくなる。Further, since both the rotation fulcrum and the split opening side are set on the downstream side of the roller shaft supporting position, the roller is split open in the direction in which the roller is always separated from other rollers.
There is also no risk of damaging the peripheral surface of the roller during split release.

この場合分割開放される一のローラを定着ローラ、機体
側に位置する他のローラを加圧ローラとする事により耐
久寿命が短い定着ローラの交換が容易になる。In this case, by using one roller that is divided and opened as a fixing roller and the other roller located on the machine body side as a pressure roller, it becomes easy to replace the fixing roller having a short service life.

又好ましい実施例において前記ローラ対の記録紙搬送路
下流側に位置する排紙ローラその他の部材を前記回動部
材に連接又は一体的に形成、該回動部材と共に回動する
よう構成する事により、これらの部材が障害となる事な
く容易に分割開放され、これらの部材の交換や清掃も容
易に行う事が出来る。Further, in a preferred embodiment, the discharge roller and other members located on the downstream side of the recording paper conveying path of the roller pair are connected or integrally formed with the rotating member, and are configured to rotate together with the rotating member. , These members can be easily divided and opened without causing any obstacle, and replacement and cleaning of these members can be easily performed.

例えば、近年前記ローラ対の下流側に排紙ユニットを配
し、記録紙の反転を行いながら該記録紙を装置上面側に
排紙する、いわゆるフェースダウン方式のレーザプリン
タが種々提案されているが、このような装置にあっても
前記回動部材を排紙ユニットのカバー体と一体的に形成
し、該カバー体の回動により前記一のローラと共に排紙
ユニットの搬送路を分割開放可能に構成する事が出来
（後記実施例参照）、該搬送路に存在する部材の交換や
清掃又はジャム処理も可能となる。For example, in recent years, various so-called face-down type laser printers have been proposed in which a paper discharge unit is arranged on the downstream side of the roller pair and the recording paper is discharged to the upper surface of the apparatus while reversing the recording paper. Even in such a device, the rotating member is integrally formed with the cover body of the paper discharge unit, and the conveyance path of the paper discharge unit can be divided and opened together with the one roller by the rotation of the cover body. It can be configured (see the embodiment described later), and it is possible to replace or clean members existing in the transport path or to perform jam processing.

又、本発明において前記ローラ対の取付位置から機体側
壁間がある程度離れている場合は、前記回動部材の回動
支点からローラ軸支位置までの距離、即ち一のローラの
回動半径を大に設定しなければ前記一のローラを機体側
壁側に露出させる事は出来ないが、このように構成する
と前記一のローラの上方に回動空間を大きく採らねばな
らず、必然的に装置が大型化してしまう。Further, in the present invention, when the side wall of the machine body is separated to some extent from the mounting position of the roller pair, the distance from the rotation fulcrum of the rotation member to the roller shaft support position, that is, the rotation radius of one roller is increased. If it is not set to 1, the above-mentioned one roller cannot be exposed to the side wall of the machine body, but if it is constructed in this way, a large turning space must be taken above the above-mentioned one roller, and the device inevitably has a large size. Will turn into.

そこで本発明の好ましい実施例においては、前記回動部
材の回動支点を、前記一のローラの軸支位置より下流側
にして且つ記録紙搬送路を境にして他のローラが位置す
る側に設定する事により、回動半径を大に設定しつつも
上方に形成し得る回動空間を極力小さくし得るように構
成している。Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pivotal fulcrum of the pivoting member is located downstream of the pivotal support position of the one roller and on the side where the other roller is located with the recording paper conveyance path as a boundary. By setting the turning radius, the turning space that can be formed above can be made as small as possible while setting the turning radius large.

これにより装置小型化の要請を達成しつつ本発明の効果
を円滑に達成する事が出来る。As a result, the effect of the present invention can be achieved smoothly while achieving the demand for downsizing of the device.

更に本発明の好ましい実施例においては、機体側に位置
する他のローラを揺動自在に支持する弾性部材の一端を
前記回動部材に係合させ、、該弾性部材の弾性力付勢方
向が、前記回動部材の回動により変向するよう構成し、
これにより、回動部材の回動の際、前記ローラ対の圧接
が解除されながら分割開放され、且つ該回動部材閉塞時
自動的に前記ローラ対の圧接を行う事が出来る。Further, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one end of an elastic member that swingably supports another roller located on the machine body side is engaged with the rotating member, and the elastic force urging direction of the elastic member is changed. , Configured to be turned by the turning of the turning member,
Accordingly, when the rotating member is rotated, the pressure contact of the roller pair is released and the split opening is performed, and the pressure contact of the roller pair can be automatically performed when the rotating member is closed.

この結果前記分割開放の際の重量負担の軽減化、ローラ
周面の損傷防止、更には分割開放を繰り返した場合にお
いてもローラ圧接力が一定化し、安定した定着を行う事
が出来る。As a result, it is possible to reduce the weight burden at the time of the division opening, prevent damage to the roller peripheral surface, and even when the division opening is repeated, the roller pressure contact force becomes constant and stable fixing can be performed.

「実施例」 以下、図面を参照して本発明の好適な実施例を例示的に
詳しく説明する。ただしこの実施例に記載されている構
成部品の寸法、材質、形状、その相対配置などは特に特
定的な記載がない限りは、この発明の範囲をそれのみに
限定する趣旨ではなく、単なる説明例に過ぎない。[Embodiment] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only thereto, but merely illustrative examples. Nothing more than.

第１図乃至第３図はいずれも本発明の実施例に係るレー
ザプリンタを示す。1 to 3 all show a laser printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

第１図において、１は感光体ドラム、２は変調されたレ
ーザビームを感光体ドラム１上に結像させ入力情報に対
応し静電潜像を形成する光走査ユニットで、前記感光体
ドラム１の上方空間に配設されている。In FIG. 1, 1 is a photoconductor drum, 2 is an optical scanning unit which forms a modulated laser beam on the photoconductor drum 1 and forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to input information. Is disposed in the space above.

又感光体ドラム１周囲には矢印で示す回転方向に沿って
現像器３、転写器４、クリーニング部材５、除電ランプ
６、帯電器７等が配置され、公知の電子写真プロセスに
基づき、前記感光体ドラム１上に形成された潜像を繰り
返し可視像化する。Further, around the photosensitive drum 1, a developing device 3, a transfer device 4, a cleaning member 5, a charge eliminating lamp 6, a charging device 7 and the like are arranged along the rotation direction shown by the arrow, and the photosensitive member 1 is formed based on a known electrophotographic process. The latent image formed on the body drum 1 is repeatedly visualized.

一方記録紙搬送路上には、給紙カセット８、給紙ローラ
９、転写器４、搬送ベルト10、定着ユニット11、排紙ユ
ニット12が配置され、前記ドラム１の回転に同期させて
カセット８より給紙された記録紙に、感光体ドラム１上
に担持された未定着トナー像を転写器４で転写した後、
定着ユニット11内に送り、ここで画像定着を行った後、
排紙ユニット12内に形成された搬送経路を通過しながら
反転させ、フェースダウンの状態で装置上面側に排紙さ
れる。On the other hand, a paper feed cassette 8, a paper feed roller 9, a transfer unit 4, a feed belt 10, a fixing unit 11, and a paper discharge unit 12 are arranged on the recording paper feed path, and are synchronized with the rotation of the drum 1 from the cassette 8. After transferring the unfixed toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 1 to the fed recording paper by the transfer device 4,
After sending it to the fixing unit 11 and fixing the image here,
The sheet is inverted while passing through the conveyance path formed in the sheet discharge unit 12, and is discharged face-down on the upper surface side of the apparatus.

次に本発明の要部構成について第２図及び第３図に基づ
いて説明する。Next, the structure of the main part of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

排紙ユニット12は、機体側壁13側に固設された搬送ガイ
ド部20と、該ガイド部20を隠蔽するカバー体30との組み
合わせにより構成され、両者20,30間の対面位置に記録
紙の搬送経路Ａが形成される。The paper discharge unit 12 is configured by a combination of a conveyance guide portion 20 fixedly provided on the side wall 13 of the machine body and a cover body 30 that conceals the guide portion 20, and the recording paper is provided at a facing position between the two 20, 30. The transport path A is formed.

搬送ガイド部20は、定着ユニット11下流側より機体側壁
13に沿って弓形状に腕曲しながら機体上側の排紙位置ま
で達するガイド面21と、該ガイド面21の出口端の機体上
面14に垂直に立設する支持体22と、カバー体30側に対面
して配置された複数の駆動ローラ23,24からなり、該駆
動ローラ23,24の配置間隔、即ち、排紙ローラ対15と駆
動ローラ23、及び駆動ローラ23-24間の間隔を印字され
る紙の最小長さより小になるよう設定する。The conveyance guide portion 20 is a side wall of the fuselage from the downstream side of the fixing unit 11.
A guide surface 21 that reaches an ejection position on the upper side of the machine body while bending the arm in a bow shape along a line 13, a support body 22 standing upright on the machine body upper surface 14 at the exit end of the guide surface 21, and a cover body 30 side. It is composed of a plurality of drive rollers 23, 24 arranged facing each other, and the arrangement interval of the drive rollers 23, 24, that is, the interval between the discharge roller pair 15 and the drive roller 23, and the drive rollers 23-24 is printed. Set it to be smaller than the minimum length of paper to be printed.

前記支持体22の上部にはカバー体30と対面させて、後記
する係止レバー31と係合可能なＬ字状の係止部25が取り
付けられており、係止レバー31の係合動作によりカバー
体30を搬送ガイド部20に係合固定、及び分割開放させる
事が出来る。An L-shaped locking portion 25, which can be engaged with a locking lever 31 described later, is attached to an upper portion of the support body 22 so as to face the cover body 30. The cover body 30 can be engaged and fixed to the transport guide portion 20 and can be divided and opened.

又ガイド面21入口端は定着ユニット11側に近接させる事
なく所定距離離間させ、定着ユニット11下流側の光走査
ユニット２を隠蔽する隔壁16下方に所定空間を形成し、
該空間内をカバー体30の舌片37部位が回動可能に構成す
る。Further, the inlet end of the guide surface 21 is separated from the fixing unit 11 side by a predetermined distance, and a predetermined space is formed below the partition wall 16 which covers the optical scanning unit 2 on the downstream side of the fixing unit 11,
The tongue piece 37 portion of the cover body 30 is configured to be rotatable in the space.

一方、カバー体30は、搬送ガイド部20のガイド面21に対
面させて搬送経路Ａを形成する搬送面32と、前記駆動ロ
ーラ23,24と対面する位置に配置された複数の従動ロー
ラ33,34と、前記係止部25の係合方向に弾性力が付勢さ
れた係止レバー31と、これら一体的に組付ける回動枠3
5,35′とよりなる。On the other hand, the cover body 30 has a conveying surface 32 that faces the guide surface 21 of the conveying guide portion 20 to form the conveying path A, and a plurality of driven rollers 33, which are arranged at positions facing the driving rollers 23 and 24. 34, a locking lever 31 urged by an elastic force in the engaging direction of the locking portion 25, and a rotary frame 3 assembled integrally with these.
It consists of 5,35 '.

回動枠35,35′は機体の前後壁側に沿って平行に配置さ
れ、定着ユニット11出口側下方に設けた回動支点36を中
心に回動可能に構成する。The rotating frames 35, 35 'are arranged in parallel along the front and rear walls of the machine body, and are configured to be rotatable around a rotating fulcrum 36 provided below the outlet of the fixing unit 11.

そして該回動枠35,35′は回動支点36上方に定着ローラ
側に水平方向に延伸する舌片37を設け、該舌片37に定着
ユニット11の記録紙搬送路上方に位置する部材、即ち加
熱ローラ41の軸41a両端側を回転可能に軸支すると共
に、該加熱ローラ41周面に当接しているシリコンオイル
塗布部42、加熱ローラ41下流側に位置する分離爪43、該
分離爪43を支持する支持枠44、及び定着ユニット11の出
口側に位置する排紙ローラ対15を軸支又は固設してい
る。Further, the rotating frames 35, 35 'are provided with a tongue piece 37 extending in the horizontal direction on the fixing roller side above the rotating fulcrum 36, and the tongue piece 37 is a member located above the recording sheet conveying path of the fixing unit 11. That is, both ends of the shaft 41a of the heating roller 41 are rotatably supported, and the silicone oil coating section 42 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the heating roller 41, the separation claw 43 located downstream of the heating roller 41, the separation claw. A support frame 44 that supports 43, and a pair of paper discharge rollers 15 located on the exit side of the fixing unit 11 are pivotally supported or fixed.

又回動枠35,35′の回動支点36基端側には円周方向に沿
って弧状凹部38が形成されており、該凹部38に機体に固
設された螺子軸18を係合させ、カバー体30の分割開放角
度の規制を行う。Further, an arc-shaped recess 38 is formed along the circumferential direction on the base end side of the rotation fulcrum 36 of the rotating frames 35, 35 ', and the screw shaft 18 fixed to the machine body is engaged with the recess 38. , The division opening angle of the cover body 30 is regulated.

次に定着ユニット11の構成について説明する。Next, the configuration of the fixing unit 11 will be described.

定着ユニット11は、前述したように加熱ローラ41、シリ
コンオイル塗布部42、分離爪43、該分離爪43を支持する
支持枠44が回動枠35,35′側に取付られ、又機体側に
は、加熱ローラ41の入口側に配置された記録紙挿通ガイ
ド45、加熱ローラ41周面に対峙して配置された加圧ロー
ラ46、加圧ローラ46の軸46a両端側に配置して該加圧ロ
ーラ46を支持する加圧レバー47、及び下側枠体48とが軸
支又は固設されている。In the fixing unit 11, as described above, the heating roller 41, the silicone oil applying section 42, the separation claw 43, and the support frame 44 that supports the separation claw 43 are attached to the rotating frames 35 and 35 ′ side, and also to the machine body side. Is a recording paper insertion guide 45 disposed on the inlet side of the heating roller 41, a pressure roller 46 disposed to face the circumferential surface of the heating roller 41, and both ends of the shaft 46a of the pressure roller 46. A pressure lever 47 that supports the pressure roller 46 and a lower frame body 48 are pivotally supported or fixed.

加圧レバー47は定着ユニット11入口側に設けた回動支点
36を中心として加熱ローラ41方向に揺動自在に構成する
と共に、上面中央部に加圧ローラ46を回転自在に戴置す
る半円状凹部を形成し、更にユニット出口側に位置する
自由端側に圧縮バネ19の下端を係合させる。The pressure lever 47 is a rotation fulcrum provided on the entrance side of the fixing unit 11.
It is configured so as to be swingable in the direction of the heating roller 41 about the center 36, and a semi-circular recess for rotatably mounting the pressure roller 46 is formed in the center of the upper surface, and the free end side located on the unit outlet side. The lower end of the compression spring 19 is engaged with.

圧縮バネ19はその上端回動枠35,35′の舌片37基側に係
合させ、該加圧レバー47を回動枠35,35′に吊架させ
る。The compression spring 19 engages with the tongue piece 37 base side of the upper end rotating frames 35, 35 ', and suspends the pressure lever 47 on the rotating frames 35, 35'.

この結果、加圧ローラ46はカバー体30閉塞位置において
加圧レバー47を介して圧縮バネ19の弾性力により加圧ロ
ーラ41周面方向に弾性力を付勢される事となり（第２図
参照）又カバー体30分割開放の際は、前記圧接力が解除
されながら僅かに下方に押し下げられる事となる（第３
図参照）。As a result, the pressure roller 46 is urged in the circumferential direction of the pressure roller 41 by the elastic force of the compression spring 19 via the pressure lever 47 at the closed position of the cover body 30 (see FIG. 2). ) When the cover body 30 is divided and opened, the pressure contact force is released and the cover body is slightly pushed down (third part).
See figure).

次にかかる実施例の作用を説明する。The operation of this embodiment will be described below.

先ず第２図の要部断面図は、搬送経路Ａが閉塞されてい
る状態を示す。First, the cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG. 2 shows a state where the transport path A is closed.

この状態では圧縮バネ19の弾性力が上方に付勢されてい
る為に、加圧ローラ46が加熱ローラ41周面に圧接され、
好適な画像定着を行う事が出来、画像定着後の記録紙は
搬送経路Ａを通過しながら反転し、フェースダウンの状
態で装置上面側に排紙させる。In this state, since the elastic force of the compression spring 19 is biased upward, the pressure roller 46 is pressed against the peripheral surface of the heating roller 41,
A suitable image can be fixed, and the recording paper after the image is fixed is reversed while passing through the conveying path A, and is discharged face-down on the upper surface of the apparatus.

そして、前記搬送経路Ａ内でジャムが発生した場合は、
前記係止レバー31を押圧してカバー体30と搬送ガイド部
20との係合を解いた後、該カバー体30を回動させ、搬送
経路Ａを分割開放させる。When a jam occurs in the transport path A,
The locking lever 31 is pressed to cover the cover body 30 and the conveyance guide portion.
After releasing the engagement with 20, the cover body 30 is rotated to divide and open the conveyance path A.

この状態では、カバー体30の回動支点36側の弧状凹部38
に螺子軸18が係合されている為に、第３図想像線で示す
位置までしかカバー体30が分割開放されない。In this state, the arc-shaped concave portion 38 on the side of the rotation fulcrum 36 of the cover body 30.
Since the screw shaft 18 is engaged with the cover shaft 30, the cover body 30 is divided and opened only up to the position shown by the imaginary line in FIG.

次に加熱ローラ41に記録紙が巻付いた場合や、加熱ロー
ラ41等の交換又は清掃を行う場合は、弧状凹部38に係合
している螺子軸18を取外した後、前記カバー体30を更に
大きく回動させる事により、加熱ローラ41が機体側壁13
外に露出する位置まで分割開放させる事が出来、加熱ロ
ーラ41に加えて回動枠35,35′に取り付けられているシ
リコンオイル塗布部42、分離爪43、支持枠44、及び排紙
ローラ対15等の交換や清掃を容易に且つ短時間で行う事
が出来る。Next, when the recording paper is wrapped around the heating roller 41, or when the heating roller 41 or the like is replaced or cleaned, after removing the screw shaft 18 engaged with the arcuate recess 38, the cover body 30 is removed. By further rotating the heating roller 41, the heating roller 41 is moved to the side wall 13 of the machine body.
It can be divided and opened up to the position exposed to the outside, and in addition to the heating roller 41, the silicone oil application section 42, the separation claw 43, the support frame 44, and the paper discharge roller pair mounted on the rotating frames 35, 35 '. It is possible to replace and clean 15 etc. easily and in a short time.

又機体側に位置する加圧ローラ46においても、加圧カバ
ー47上面中央部の半円状凹部に戴置しているのみである
から、容易に取外して清掃や交換を行う事が出来る。Further, even the pressure roller 46 located on the machine body side is simply placed in the semicircular recess at the center of the upper surface of the pressure cover 47, and therefore can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement.

尚、この状態で、前記搬送経路Ａも大きく露出される為
に、該搬送経路Ａ上に位置する従動ローラ33,34や駆動
ローラ23,24の清掃や交換も容易に行う事が出来る。In this state, since the transport path A is also largely exposed, the driven rollers 33, 34 and the drive rollers 23, 24 located on the transport path A can be easily cleaned and replaced.

「発明の効果」 以上記載の如く本発明は、装置小型化等の要請に反する
事なく、効率よく前記定着用ローラを機体側壁側に露出
させる事が出来る為に、ローラへの記録紙の巻付け、ロ
ーラの清掃又は交換、特に耐久寿命が最も短い、定着ロ
ーラの交換が容易に行い得る為に、メインテナンス作業
が極めて簡単に且つ短時間で行う事が出来る。[Advantages of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, the fixing roller can be efficiently exposed to the side wall of the machine body without violating the request for downsizing of the apparatus. Since attachment, cleaning or replacement of the rollers, especially replacement of the fixing roller having the shortest durable life, can be easily performed, maintenance work can be performed extremely easily and in a short time.

等の著効を有す。And so on.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

第１図乃至第３図はいずれも本発明の実施例に係るレー
ザプリンタを示し、第１図は本発明の全体概略図、第２
図及び第３図は、記録紙の搬送路が閉塞状態にある場合
と、開放状態にある場合を夫々示す要部断面図である。1 to 3 each show a laser printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an overall schematic view of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 3 and FIG. 3 are cross-sectional views of essential parts showing a case where the conveyance path of the recording paper is in a closed state and a case where it is in an open state, respectively.

Claims (4)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】互いに圧接しながら回転する一対のローラ
からなる接触型定着手段を有する電子写真装置におい
て、前記一のローラをその軸端側に配した回動部材に軸
支させ、該回動部材の回動支点を前記軸支位置より下流
側に設定し、該回動部材の回動により、前記一のローラ
が機体側壁側に分割開放されるようにした事を特徴とす
る電子写真装置1. An electrophotographic apparatus having a contact-type fixing means composed of a pair of rollers which rotate while being in pressure contact with each other. An electrophotographic apparatus characterized in that a rotation fulcrum of a member is set on a downstream side of the pivotal support position, and the one roller is divided and opened toward a side wall of a machine body by rotation of the rotation member. 【請求項２】前記回動部材の回動支点を、前記軸支位置
より下流側にして且つ記録紙搬送路を境にして他のロー
ラが位置する側に設定した事を特徴とする特許請求の範
囲第１項記載の電子写真装置2. A rotating fulcrum of the rotating member is set on the downstream side of the shaft supporting position and on the side where the other roller is located with the recording paper conveying path as a boundary. Electrophotographic apparatus according to item 1 【請求項３】前記ローラ対の記録紙搬送路下流側に位置
する部材が前記回動部材と共に回動するよう構成した特
許請求の範囲第１項記載の電子写真装置3. The electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a member located on the downstream side of the recording paper conveying path of the roller pair is configured to rotate together with the rotating member. 【請求項４】前記他のローラを揺動自在に支持する弾性
部材の一端を前記回動部材に係合させ、該弾性部材の弾
性力付勢方向が、前記回動部材の回動により変向するよ
う構成した第１項から第３項までのいずれか１項記載の
電子写真装置4. One end of an elastic member that swingably supports the other roller is engaged with the rotating member, and the elastic force urging direction of the elastic member is changed by the rotation of the rotating member. The electrophotographic apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, which is configured to face