JP2000044086A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently deal with the jam releasing process of recording papers with excellent operability kept on. SOLUTION: Recording papers P are carried in an image forming part 52, after each image is formed up, they are delivered out of the image forming part 52. When jam releasing is processed of the recording papers P, a cover 56 is opened. The opening/closing action of the cover 56 is transmitted to an idle roller 65 acting as a recording paper carrying means, a fixing roller 71 and a delivery roller 74 by the use of gears 82, 83 and 87 through 92, a pinion 85 and a rack 86, which consists of a transmission means, and the rollers 65, 71 and 74 are thereby driven. Therefore, the recording papers can be carried on only by opening/closing the cover 56, and the recording papers P can be efficiently removed with excellent operability kept on.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a recording paper jam processing mechanism.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a conventional image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that forms an image read from a document by the image reading unit 4 on a recording sheet P fed by the sheet feeding unit 3 in the image forming unit 2, and includes the image forming unit 2 and the sheet feeding unit 3. The image reading unit 4 is covered with a housing 5. The image reading section 4 reads an image by reflected light of light applied to the image forming surface of the document. The read image information is provided to the image forming unit 2 via an image processing unit (not shown).

The image forming section 2 includes a photosensitive drum 7, a developing device 8, a transfer device 9, a cleaning device 10, a charging device 11, and a fixing device 12. The surface of the photosensitive drum 7 rotatable in a predetermined direction is irradiated with laser light, and an electrostatic latent image based on the read image is formed. The developing device 8 develops the electrostatic latent image with a developer such as toner to visualize the electrostatic latent image.
The transfer unit 9 transfers the developer attached to the photosensitive drum 7 to the recording paper P conveyed by the paper supply unit 3. The cleaning device 10 removes the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 after the completion of the transfer process. The charger 11 charges the photosensitive drum 7 to a predetermined potential. Around the photosensitive drum 7, a developing device 8, a transfer device 9, a cleaning device 10, and a charging device 11 are arranged in this order along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 7 based on the formation position of the electrostatic latent image. Be placed. Also,
The fixing device 12 fixes the developer transferred to the recording paper P by heat or pressure.

[0004] The paper supply section 5 includes a recording paper cassette 13 for storing recording papers P. The recording paper P fed from the recording paper cassette 13 is conveyed along the path 14 and carried into the image forming unit 2. The path 14 includes an idle roller 15
And a pressure roller 16 that contacts and presses the roller 15. The idle roller 15 is used to accurately transfer the image developed as a visible image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 by the developer onto the recording paper P by the transfer unit 9 and the leading end position of the developed image and the leading end of the recording paper. To match the position,
The recording paper P is provided to the transfer device 9 at a predetermined timing.

The recording paper P on which the developer has been transferred by the transfer unit 9
Is transported by the transport assisting member 17 and provided to the fixing device 12. The transport assisting member 17 includes a pair of rollers 18,
19, and a belt 20 stretched around the rollers 18,19. The fixing device 12 is, specifically, a fixing roller 21.
And a pressure roller 22 that contacts and presses the roller 21. The recording paper P on which the developer is fixed by the fixing device 12 is
It is transported along the path 23. The path 23 includes a paper discharge roller 24 and a pressure roller 2 that abuts and presses the roller 24.
5 are provided. The recording paper P is conveyed by the rollers 24 and 25 and is discharged to a discharge tray 26 provided outside the housing 5.

The housing 5 has a cover 6 which forms a part thereof.
, The cover 6 is provided so as to be openable and closable. When a recording paper jam occurs, the cover 6 is opened to remove the recording paper P.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 8-295436 discloses a prior art recording paper jam processing mechanism for an image forming apparatus when a jam occurs near the idle roller 15. Specifically, the lever 2 for separating the pressure roller 16 from the idle roller 15
7, the lever 27 is manually moved to separate the pressure roller 16 from the idle roller 15, and the roller 15,
Then, the recording paper P sandwiched between 16 is removed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-157141 discloses that
A processing mechanism when a jam occurs between the transfer device 9 and the fixing device 12 is disclosed. Specifically, when a jam between the transfer device 9 and the fixing device 12 is detected, the fixing roller 2
The rotation of the roller 18 of the conveyance auxiliary member 17 for a predetermined time longer than that of the fixing roller 21 or the roller 1
Then, the fixing roller 21 is reversely rotated for a predetermined time. As a result, the stop time of the rollers 18 and 21 is shifted by Δt, and the recording paper P is bent upstream of the fixing device 12 in the transport direction. By making the recording paper P conveyed in close contact with static electricity or the like on the path between the rollers 18 and 21 bend, the recording paper P is easily removed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 7-215532 discloses a roller for conveying a recording sheet P, for example, a discharge roller 24 provided with a knob 28 for forcibly rotating the roller 24. A technique is disclosed in which the paper discharge roller 24 is rotated by manual movement to remove the recording paper P sandwiched between the paper discharge roller 24 and the pressure roller 25.

An image forming apparatus 111 shown in FIG.
Is formed by covering an image forming unit 112, a paper feeding unit 113, and an image reading unit 114 with a housing 115 in the same manner as the image forming apparatus 1. However, in order to form an image on both sides of the recording paper P, the recording paper P It is configured to be upside down. At the time of double-sided printing, the recording paper P having an image formed on one surface is conveyed along a carry-out path, but the conveyance is stopped before the paper is discharged outside the apparatus. Next, the recording paper P is conveyed in the carrying-out path in a direction opposite to the direction of paper discharge, is re-conveyed to the image forming unit 112 via a path for turning over, and an image is formed on the other surface. The recording paper is conveyed along a carry-out path and discharged outside the apparatus.

For this purpose, a gate is provided for switching between opening the carry-out path to the side where the recording paper is carried into the image forming section and opening the path to the reverse side. Further, a cover constituting a part of the housing is provided so as to be openable and closable, and covers at least the vicinity of the carry-out path and the front-back reverse path. When a recording paper jam occurs near the fixing device, the cover is opened to remove the recording paper P.

FIGS. 22 to 24 are enlarged views showing the vicinity of a fixing unit 34 and a gate 41 of an image forming apparatus according to the prior art. FIG. 22 shows a state in which the carry-out path 32 is opened to the side of the carry-in path 31, FIG. 23 shows a state in which the carry-out path 32 is opened to the side of the front / back inversion path 33, and FIG. 24 shows a state in which the cover 45 is opened. .

In the fixing device 34 provided on the carry-in path 31, the fixing roller 35 and the pressure roller 36 are usually in contact with each other. At the end of the pressure roller 36, the roller 36
A cam 37 is provided coaxially with the cam 37.
Is provided for forcibly rotating the lever.
A discharge roller 40 is provided on the carry-out path 32.

The gate 41 includes a carry-in path 31 and a carry-out path 3
2 and near the intersection of the reverse path 33.
The gate 41 is provided with a lever 42 coaxially with the gate 41. The lever 42 is biased by a spring 43, and the gate 41 is arranged so as to open the carry-out path 32 toward the carry-in path 31 as shown in FIG.
At this time, the gate 41 comes into contact with a rotation restricting member 46 provided on a housing of the image forming apparatus or the like, and is regulated so as not to rotate more than a predetermined amount. The lever 42 has a solenoid 4
4 is connected, and the gate 41 is turned on by the arrow A1 as shown in FIG. 23 when the solenoid 44 is turned on.
, And the carry-out path 32 is opened to the side of the reverse path 33.

A cover 45 covering at least the vicinity of the carry-out path 32 and the front / back reversing path 33 is opened in the direction of arrow A2 as shown in FIG. 24 when a recording paper jam occurs near the fixing device 34. Can be When the operator operates the lever 38, the cam surface of the cam 37 comes into contact with the fixing roller end 39, and the pressing roller 36 is separated from the fixing roller 35. Thereby, a space is formed between the rollers 35 and 36, and the recording paper P is removed from the space.

A fixing device 34 of a conventional image forming apparatus.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
JP-A-4000 discloses a mechanism for rotating a pressure release lever having a projection provided coaxially with the fixing roller 35 to separate the pressing roller 36 from the fixing roller 35 by a displacement amount of the projection. I have.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-308851 discloses that
A mechanism is disclosed in which a pressure release lever having a cam provided coaxially with the pressure roller 36 is rotated to separate the pressure roller 36 from the fixing roller 35 by a displacement amount of the cam.

Furthermore, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-84867 discloses that
A pressure arm is provided at both ends of the pressure roller 36, a pressure release lever is provided at one of the two pressure arms, the two pressure arms are integrally connected by a connecting member, and the pressure release lever is operated. A mechanism for separating the pressure roller 36 from the fixing roller 35 is disclosed.

[0019]

In any of the above-described prior art image forming apparatuses, the cover 6, 45 is opened, the recording paper P is removed, and then the cover 6, 45 is closed when the recording paper is jammed. However, this opening and closing operation is merely an operation of opening and closing the covers 6 and 45, and the jam processing efficiency and operability are poor.

That is, in the jam processing in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
And the operation of operating the knob 28 to rotate the paper discharge roller 24 is required. In the image forming apparatuses of FIGS. 22 to 24, an operation of opening the cover 45 and an operation of operating the lever 38 to move the pressure roller 36 are required. As described above, at least two operations are required for the jam processing according to the related art, which reduces the processing efficiency and the operability.

In the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 24, when the cover 45 is opened, the gate 41 is arranged so as to open the carry-out path 32 to the carry-in path 31 by the urging force of the spring 43. P is difficult to remove.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently processing a recording sheet jam with excellent operability. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently processing a recording sheet jam generated in the vicinity of a fixing device with excellent operability.

[0023]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a developer carrying member for carrying a developer image, a transfer device for transferring the carried developer image to a predetermined recording sheet, and fixing the transferred developer. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit including a fixing device; a recording paper conveying unit that conveys recording paper; and a housing that covers the image forming unit and the recording paper conveying unit. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a cover; and a transmitting unit that transmits an opening / closing operation of the cover to the recording sheet conveying unit to drive the recording sheet conveying unit.

According to the present invention, the recording paper is carried into the image forming means, and after the image formation, is carried out from the image forming means. At the time of paper jam processing, the cover is opened to remove the recording paper. The opening / closing operation of the cover is transmitted to the recording paper conveying means, and the recording paper conveying means is driven. Therefore, the recording paper transporting means can be driven by opening and closing the cover, and the recording paper can be transported so that the recording paper can be easily removed only by the opening and closing operation of the cover, so that the jam can be removed efficiently and with excellent operability.

Further, the invention is characterized in that the recording paper conveying means is a roller. According to the present invention, the opening and closing operation of the cover is a rotating operation about the rotation axis of the cover. Transmission of such a rotating operation to the recording paper conveying means, which is also a rotating roller, has a relatively simple configuration for transmission. That is, it is possible to realize a mechanism for transmitting by simple components such as a gear, a pinion, and a rack. Further, the opening / closing operation of the cover can be efficiently transmitted to the roller. Therefore, the image forming apparatus can be simply configured to efficiently perform the jam processing.

Further, according to the present invention, the roller includes an idle roller for adjusting a timing of transferring the developer image and a timing of loading the recording paper into the transfer device, a fixing roller constituting the fixing device, and an image forming device for fixing the recording paper to an image. It is characterized by being one of the paper discharge rollers discharged from the forming means.

According to the invention, the rollers are specifically:
Any one of an idle roller, a fixing roller, and a paper discharge roller. By transmitting the opening and closing operation of the cover to these rollers and driving them, it is possible to efficiently perform the jam clearance with excellent operability.

Further, the invention is characterized in that the roller is rotatable forward and backward. According to the present invention, since the rollers can be rotated forward and backward, each roller can be driven so that the recording paper is transported in the transport direction or in the reverse direction to the transport direction by opening and closing the cover. The paper can be transported in a direction where it can be easily removed. Switching of the recording paper conveyance direction can be easily realized by a pinion and a rack. Therefore, the device configuration becomes relatively simple, a large space can be taken in the device, and the recording paper can be removed with a sufficient space.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the transmitting means transmits the opening / closing operation of the cover to the recording paper conveying means so as to bend the recording paper and drives the recording paper conveying means.

According to the present invention, since the recording paper is bent by opening and closing the cover, the recording paper can be easily removed.

According to the present invention, there is provided a developer carrier for carrying a developer image, a transfer device for transferring the carried developer image to a predetermined recording sheet, and a fixing roller and a pressure roller. Image forming means including a fixing device for fixing the developer,
A recording paper transport path having a first path for carrying recording paper into the fixing device, a second path for carrying out recording paper from the fixing device, and a third path for reversing the delivered recording paper upside down and re-entering the fixing device. Recording paper conveying means for conveying recording paper, switching means pivotally supported near the first to third paths and switching between the first path and the third path, image forming means, recording paper conveying path, recording An image forming apparatus comprising: a housing for covering the paper transporting means and the switching means; and a housing having an openable / closable cover for covering at least the vicinity of the second and third paths. A swinging member for holding a pressure roller between one end portion rotatably fixed and the other end portion opposite to the one end portion, and a swinging member so that the pressure roller presses against the fixing roller. An urging member for urging the member and a cam that is coaxially supported with the switching means I, when the cover is opened, an image forming apparatus which comprises a cam, the moving away of the contact pressing to the pressure roller at the other end portion of the swinging member from the fixing roller.

According to the present invention, the recording paper passes through the first and second paths during single-sided printing. Thus, the sheet is carried into the image forming unit, and after the image is formed, the sheet is carried out from the image forming unit. During double-sided printing, the recording paper passes through the second path, passes through the third path, and is transported into the image forming unit again. At the time of such printing, a pressure roller contacts and presses the fixing roller of the fixing device.

When clearing the recording paper near the fixing device, the cover is opened to remove the recording paper. At this time, the cam comes into contact with and presses the other end of the swing member. As a result, the swinging member rotates about one end, and the pressure roller held by the swinging member is separated from the fixing roller to form a space between the rollers. Further, since the cam is supported coaxially with the switching means, the switching means further rotates. Therefore, a space for removing the recording paper can be formed only by opening the cover, and the switching means can be sufficiently rotated to release all the paths. Therefore, the recording paper can be easily removed.

Further, according to the present invention, the cam includes a first cam surface which comes into contact with a regulating means for regulating the amount of rotation of the switching means when the second path is opened to the third path side, and a swing member when the cover is opened. And a second cam surface abutting on the other end of the second cam surface.

According to the present invention, when printing on both sides of recording paper,
In order to open the second path to the third path, the first cam surface of the cam comes into contact with the regulating means. The restricting means is provided in a housing of the image forming apparatus. Thus, the amount of rotation of the switching means is regulated, and the second path can be reliably opened to the third path. When the cover is opened, the second cam surface of the cam contacts the other end of the swing member. by this,
The swinging member rotates about one end, and the pressure roller held by the swinging member is securely separated from the fixing roller.

Further, the invention is characterized in that the switching means is a pressure releasing lever for releasing the pressing of the pressing roller against the fixing roller.

According to the present invention, the switching means also functions as a pressure release lever. Therefore, the space can be formed between the fixing roller and the pressure roller by operating the lever at the time of jam clearance of the recording paper.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the switching means has a different color from other members.

According to the present invention, it is possible to notify the operator that the switching means is the pressure release lever by highlighting the color by the color.

According to the present invention, there is provided a pressure releasing lever for releasing the pressing of the pressure roller against the fixing roller, characterized in that the pressure releasing lever includes a pressure releasing lever which is coaxially supported by the switching means.

According to the present invention, a space can be formed between the fixing roller and the pressure roller by operating the pressure release lever provided separately from the switching means when the recording paper is cleared.

Further, according to the present invention, the cover is provided with a projection for returning the switching means so as to come into contact with the pressure release lever when the cover is closed, and to open the second path toward the first path. It is characterized by being provided.

According to the present invention, when the cover is closed, the protrusion of the cover comes into contact with and presses the pressure release lever. As a result, it is possible to return from the state in which the switching means coaxial with the pressure release lever is sufficiently rotated to remove the recording paper to the state in which the second path is opened to the first path side. Therefore, the switching means can be easily returned simply by closing the cover.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the pressure release lever has a different color from other members.

According to the present invention, the operator can be notified of the pressure release lever by emphasizing the color by the color.

Further, the invention is characterized in that the switching means is in contact with the cover when the second path is opened to the first path side.

According to the present invention, the amount of rotation of the switching means when the second path is opened to the first path side is regulated by the contact of the switching means with the cover, so that a special member for regulating the amount of rotation is provided. Is unnecessary, and the recording paper can be removed with a sufficient space at the time of jam processing.

According to the present invention, there is provided a developer carrying member for carrying a developer image, a transfer device for transferring the carried developer image to a predetermined recording paper, and an image including a fixing device for fixing the transferred developer. Forming means, a recording paper conveying means for conveying the recording paper, a housing for covering the image forming means and the recording paper conveying means,
An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on both sides of a recording sheet, wherein an openable / closable cover forming a part of the housing, and an opening / closing operation of the cover is transmitted to the recording sheet conveying means to transmit the recording sheet conveying means And a transmission means for driving the
An image forming apparatus characterized in that it takes out a recording sheet existing in a sub-transport path for reversing the recording sheet front and back for image formation on the back side of the recording sheet with respect to a main transport path for image formation on the recording sheet surface.

According to the present invention, the recording paper is carried into the image forming means in the same manner as described above. Imaged on the surface,
After the image is formed on the back surface, the recording paper is carried out of the image forming unit. When the cover is opened in order to remove the recording paper during the jam clearance of the recording paper in the sub-transport path for forming an image on the back surface, the opening and closing operation of the cover is transmitted to the recording paper transporting means and driven. Therefore, the recording paper conveying means can be driven by opening and closing the cover. By simply opening and closing the cover, the recording paper in the sub-transport path can be conveyed so as to be easily removed, and the jam can be efficiently and easily processed. As described above, the recording paper can be easily taken out even in the sub-transport path having a smaller space than the main transport path. At this time, by giving the recording paper a bend, the recording paper can be taken out while preventing damage.

Further, according to the present invention, the recording paper conveying means is a roller, and the transmitting means is a gear driven by opening and closing operation of the cover, and includes a gear to which the roller is connected. The movement is converted into a rotational movement of the roller.

According to the present invention, the opening / closing operation of the cover is a rotating operation about the opening / closing axis of the cover, and the transmission means provided with the gears transmits the rotating operation to the recording paper conveying means, which is a roller that also rotates. introduce. This transmission configuration is relatively simple, and the operation of opening and closing the cover can be efficiently transmitted to the rollers. Therefore, the image forming apparatus can be simply configured to efficiently perform the jam processing.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the gear is provided at an end of the cover facing the opening / closing shaft.

According to the present invention, the amount of movement of the gear of the transmission means becomes large with respect to the rotation angle when the cover is opened and closed,
Therefore, the rotation amount of the roller also increases. Therefore, the recording paper can be conveyed largely by opening and closing with a small cover, and a large deflection can be given. In this way, when a jam occurs at the end of the cover facing the open / close axis, the recording paper can be taken out while preventing damage.

The gear may be driven when the cover is opened to a predetermined angle. With such a configuration, the gear is not driven unless the cover is opened to a predetermined angle, so that the recording sheet is not conveyed and no deflection is given until the predetermined angle. Therefore, damage such as wrinkles on the recording paper can be prevented.

Further, in the present invention, the roller is any one of a fixing roller constituting a fixing device, a discharge roller for discharging recording paper from the image forming means, and a transport roller provided on a sub-transport path. It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, the rollers are specifically:
Either a fixing roller, a discharge roller, or a transport roller on the sub-transport path. By transmitting the opening / closing operation of the cover to these rollers and driving them, the jam can be efficiently and excellently operable. Can be.

[0057]

FIG. 1 is a view showing an image forming apparatus 51a according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 51 a is an apparatus that forms an image read from a document by the image reading unit 54 on the recording sheet P fed by the sheet feeding unit 53 in the image forming unit 52, and includes the image forming unit 52 and the sheet feeding unit 53. The image reading unit 54 is covered with a housing 55. The image reading unit 54 reads an image by reflected light of light applied to the image forming surface of the document. The read image information is transmitted to an image forming unit 5 via an image processing unit (not shown).
2 given.

The image forming section 52 includes a photosensitive drum 57, a developing device 58, a transfer device 59, a cleaning device 60, and a charging device 6.
1 and a fixing device 62. The surface of the photosensitive drum 57 rotatable in a predetermined direction is irradiated with laser light, and an electrostatic latent image based on the read image is formed. Developing device 58
Develops an electrostatic latent image with a developer such as toner to make it a visible image. The transfer unit 59 transfers the developer adhered to the photosensitive drum 57 to the recording paper P conveyed by the paper supply unit 53.
Transfer to The cleaning device 60 removes the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 57 after the completion of the transfer process. The charger 61 charges the photosensitive drum 57 to a predetermined potential. Around the photosensitive drum 57, the developing device 5 is moved along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 57 with reference to the position where the electrostatic latent image is formed.
8, transfer device 59, cleaning device 60 and charging device 61
Are arranged in this order. Further, the fixing device 62 fixes the developer transferred to the recording paper P by heat or pressure.

The paper feeding section 55 includes a recording paper cassette 63 for storing the recording paper P. The recording paper P fed from the recording paper cassette 63 is conveyed along the path 64 and carried into the image forming unit 52. The path 64 includes the idle roller 6
5 and a pressure roller 66 that contacts and presses the roller 65. The idle roller 65 is used for the photosensitive drum 5.
In order to accurately transfer the image developed as a visible image by the developer onto the surface of the recording paper P onto the recording paper P by the transfer device 59, a predetermined position is set in order to match the leading end position of the developed image with the leading end position of the recording paper. The recording paper P is supplied to the transfer device 59 at the timing of (1).

The recording paper P on which the developer has been transferred by the transfer device 59
Is transported to the fixing device 62 by the transport assisting member 67. The transport auxiliary member 67 includes a pair of rollers 68 and 69,
And a belt 70 stretched over the rollers 68 and 69. The fixing device 62 specifically includes a fixing roller 71 and a pressure roller 72 that contacts and presses the roller 71.

The recording paper P on which the developer is fixed by the fixing device 62
Is transported along the path 73. The path 73 is provided with a paper discharge roller 74 and a pressure roller 75 that contacts and presses the roller 74. The recording paper P is applied to the rollers 74 and 7.
5 and is discharged to a discharge tray 76 provided outside the housing 55.

The housing 55 has a cover 56 constituting a part thereof, and the cover 56 is provided so as to be openable and closable.
When a recording paper jam occurs, the cover 56 is opened to remove the recording paper P.

The image forming apparatus 51a has a cover 56.
A transmission means for transmitting the opening / closing operation of the recording paper conveying means to the recording paper conveying means and driving the recording paper conveying means is provided. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a part of the transmission means. In the present embodiment, the recording paper conveying means specifically includes an idle roller 65,
These are a fixing roller 71 and a paper discharge roller 74, and these rollers 65, 71, and 74 are configured to be rotatable forward and backward.

The transmission means includes a helical gear 82 attached to the opening / closing shaft 81 of the cover 56, a helical gear 83 meshing with the gear 82, a pinion 85 attached to a rotating shaft 84 of the gear 83, and a pinion 85. A rack 86 meshing with the gear 86, gears 87, 89, 91 meshing with the rack 86, a gear 88 transmitting the rotational force of the gear 87 to the idle roller 65, a gear 90 transmitting the rotational force of the gear 89 to the fixing roller 71, and a gear The gear 92 is configured to transmit the rotational force of the gear 91 to the paper discharge roller 74. The opening / closing operation of the cover 56 is transmitted to the rollers 65, 71, 74 by such transmission means, and the rollers 65, 71, 74 are driven.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the cover 56, and FIG. 4 is a side view thereof. In order to rotate the gears 82 and 83 in the same direction with respect to the opening / closing operation of the cover 56, the cover 56 is specifically divided into a first cover member 94 and a second cover member 95. The first cover member 94 is a rod-shaped member, and has an open / close shaft 81 attached to one end and a projection 96 provided at the other end. Second
The cover member 95 is a plate-like member, and the first cover member 94.
Has an elongated opening 97 with which the projection 96 is engaged.
The second cover member 95 rotates with respect to the housing 55 in the direction indicated by the arrow B1. The first cover member 94 has an arrow B2 along the shape of the opening 97 of the second cover member 95.
Linearly move in the direction indicated by.

Further, the cover 5 is attached to the image forming apparatus 51a.
A mesh control mechanism 93 is provided to control whether or not the opening / closing operation of No. 6 is transmitted to the idle roller 65, the fixing roller 71, and the paper discharge roller 74. FIG. 5 shows the engagement control mechanism 93.
It is a side view which expands and shows. The engagement control mechanism 93 includes a pedestal 98, a solenoid 99, and a support member 100. A solenoid 99 is provided on the pedestal 98, and a support member 100 is provided so as to move up and down in the direction shown by the arrow B3 when the solenoid 99 is turned on / off.
The support member 100 has a protrusion 101 on its surface. The support member 100 is arranged so that the protrusion 101 contacts the rack 86.

When the solenoid 99 is turned on, the rack 86 is raised by the support member 100 and the rack 8
6 meshes with the gears 87, 89, 91. by this,
The opening / closing operation of the cover 56 is transmitted to the idle roller 65, the fixing roller 71, and the paper discharge roller 74 via the gears 87, 89, 91, respectively. When the solenoid 99 is turned off, the rack 86 is lowered by the support member 100, and the engagement between the rack 86 and the gears 87, 89, 91 is released. Therefore, the opening / closing operation of the cover 56 is not transmitted to the idle roller 65, the fixing roller 71, and the paper discharge roller 74.

The sliding direction of the rack 86 with respect to the opening / closing operation of the cover 56 can be switched by using a rack 86 having teeth on both sides and changing the side of the teeth with which the pinion 85 meshes. Thereby, the idle roller 65, the fixing roller 71, and the paper discharge roller 7
4, the direction of conveyance of the recording paper P can be switched.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the jam clearing operation of the recording sheet P of the image forming apparatus 51a. In step S1 where the jam clearing operation is started, the printing operation is started and printing is being performed. If a jam of the recording paper P is detected in the next step S2, the process proceeds to step S3, where the solenoid 9
Turn 9 on. In the next step S4, the rack 86 meshes with the gears 87, 89, 91. Then, step S5
When the operator performs the opening / closing operation of the cover 56, the opening / closing operation is transmitted to the idle roller 65, the fixing roller 71, and the paper discharge roller 74 by the transmission means described above, and the rollers 65, 71, and 74 are driven. Then, step S6
Then, the recording paper P is removed, the cover 56 is closed in the next step S7, and the solenoid 99 is turned off in the next step S8 to end the operation.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 51a of the first embodiment, the cover 56 is opened in order to remove the recording paper P when the recording paper P is cleared. Cover 56
The opening and closing operation of the idle roller 65 for conveying the recording paper P
The light is transmitted to the fixing roller 71 and the paper discharge roller 74, and the rollers 65, 71, and 74 are driven. Accordingly, by simply opening and closing the cover 56, the rollers 65, 71 and 74 can be driven to convey the recording paper P so that the recording paper P can be easily removed, and the recording paper P can be removed efficiently and with excellent operability. Can be.

The rollers 65, 71, and 74 are configured to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions. The rollers 65, 71, and 74 are configured to convey the recording paper P in the conveying direction or in the direction opposite to the conveying direction by opening and closing the cover 56. 65, 71 and 74 can be driven. Therefore, the recording paper P can be transported in a direction in which it can be easily removed. Further, the mechanism for switching the transport direction of the recording paper P can be relatively easily realized by the pinion 85 and the rack 86. Therefore, the recording paper P can be removed with a sufficient space by providing a large space in the apparatus.

Further, the cover 56 is bent so that the recording paper P is bent.
The recording paper P can be easily removed by transmitting the opening / closing operation of the rollers to the rollers 65, 71, 74 and driving them.

FIG. 7 is a view showing another image forming apparatus 51b of the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 51b is configured to transmit the opening / closing operation of the cover 56 to the roller 68 of the transport auxiliary member 67, which is a recording paper transport unit, instead of the rollers 65, 71, and 74. It is configured in substantially the same manner as the device 51a. A gear 102 meshes with the rack 86 instead of the gears 87, 89, 91, and the rotational force of the gear 102 is transmitted to the roller 68 by the gear 103. The opening and closing operation of the cover 56 is performed by the roller 68.
And the roller 68 is driven.

As described in the image forming apparatus 51a, by selecting the side on which the teeth of the rack 86 are formed, the conveying direction of the recording paper P at the time of the jam processing can be selected. In the present embodiment, the recording paper P is transported in the transport direction for paper discharge, and the recording paper P is bent between the roller 68 and the fixing roller 71. By forming the deflection, the recording paper P can be easily removed. That is, the recording paper P is conveyed in close contact with the belt 70 of the conveyance auxiliary member 67 by static electricity or the like. Therefore, the removal of the recording paper P is significantly facilitated by forming the deflection.

The image forming apparatus 51a of the first embodiment
In the above, an example has been described in which the opening and closing operation of the cover 56 is transmitted to all of the idle roller 65, the fixing roller 71, and the paper discharge roller 74. However, the opening and closing operation is transmitted to any one or two of the rollers. Such examples also belong to the scope of the present invention. The opening and closing direction of the cover 56 may be any direction with respect to the housing 55, and may be, for example, the vertical direction or the horizontal direction.

In the first embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 51a capable of forming an image on the surface of the recording paper P, the idle roller 65, the fixing roller Although the example in which the opening / closing operation of the cover 56 is transmitted to the paper ejection roller 71 or the discharge roller 74 or the roller 68 of the conveyance auxiliary member 67 has been described, in an image forming apparatus capable of forming images on both front and back surfaces of the recording paper P, An example in which the opening / closing operation of the cover 56 is transmitted to take out the recording paper P in the sub-transport path for forming an image on the sub-transport path also belongs to the scope of the present invention.

The image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on both sides of the recording paper P has a sub-conveying path in addition to the image forming apparatus 51a. The sub-transport path ends the image forming process, reverses the recording paper P on which the image is formed on the front side, and carries the recording paper P again into the image forming process. That is, when the rear end portion of the recording paper P having an image formed on the surface is conveyed to the vicinity of the paper discharge roller 74, the paper discharge roller 74 rotates in the reverse direction, whereby the recording paper P is conveyed to the sub conveyance path. You. At the entrance of the sub-transport path, for example, a guide member for preventing reverse conveyance of the recording paper P is provided. The sub-conveying path is provided with a conveying roller and a pressure roller that contacts and presses the roller. The recording paper P turned upside down by the sub-transport path is again conveyed to the idle roller 65 by the rollers on the sub-transport path. Then, an image is formed on the back surface of the recording paper P in the same manner as in the case of the front surface.

In order to take out the recording paper P in such a sub-conveying path, the image forming apparatus 51 is attached to a fixing roller 71, a paper discharging roller 74 and a conveying roller provided on the sub-conveying path.
By transmitting the opening / closing operation of the cover 56 in the same manner as in a, the same effect as described above can be obtained in the sub-transport path. In this case, the opening / closing operation of the cover 56 may be transmitted to any one or two of the fixing roller 71, the paper discharge roller 74, and the transport roller on the sub-transport path, or may be transmitted to all three rollers. May be.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an image forming apparatus 111 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Image forming apparatus 111
Is the image forming unit 1 similar to the image forming apparatuses 51a and 51b.
12, the paper feeding unit 113 and the image reading unit 114
5, the recording paper P can be turned upside down in order to form images on both sides of the recording paper P.

The image reading section 114 irradiates the image forming surface of the document placed on the document table 136 with light, and reads an image by the reflected light. The read image information is provided to the image forming unit 112 via an image processing unit (not shown). A laser scanning unit 137 irradiates a laser beam on the surface of the photoconductor drum 117 which forms the image forming unit 112 and is rotatable in a predetermined direction, and an electrostatic latent image based on the read image is formed. Photoconductor drum 11
7, a developing unit 118, a transfer unit 119, a cleaning unit 120, and a charging unit 121 similar to those described above are arranged along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 117 with reference to the formation position of the electrostatic latent image. They are arranged in this order. Further, the fixing device 122 fixes the developer transferred to the recording paper P by heat or pressure.

The paper supply unit 113 has a recording paper cassette 123 for storing the recording paper P. The recording paper P fed one by one from the recording paper cassette 123 by the paper supply roller 138 is conveyed along a carry-in path 124. Then, it is carried into the image forming unit 112. The carry-in path 124 includes the idle roller 12
5 and a pressure roller 12 that contacts and presses the roller 125
6 are provided.

A fixing device 122 comprising a fixing roller 131 and a pressure roller 132 which contacts and presses the roller 131
The recording paper P on which the developer is fixed is transported along the carry-out path 133. A paper discharge roller 134 is provided in the path 133,
A pressure roller 135 is provided to contact and press the roller 134, and the recording paper P is conveyed by the rollers 134 and 135 and discharged out of the housing 115.

Further, the image forming apparatus 111 turns over the recording paper P to turn it over and feed it back to the image forming unit 112 in order to form images on both sides of the recording paper P.
Has zero. Near the intersection of the carry-in path 124, the carry-out path 133, and the front / back inversion path 140, a gate 13 for switching between opening the carry-out path 133 to the carry-in path 124 or opening to the front / back inversion path 140 side.
9 are provided. Further, rollers 141 and 142 for transporting the recording paper P are provided in the front / reverse path 140.

The housing 115 is provided on a cover 116 constituting a part thereof so that the cover 116 can be opened and closed. The cover 116 covers at least the vicinity of the carry-out path 133 and the front / back inversion path 140.

FIGS. 9 to 11 are enlarged views showing the vicinity of the fixing unit 122 and the gate 139 of the image forming apparatus 111. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the carry-out path 133 is opened to the side of the carry-in path 124, FIG. 10 shows a state in which the carry-out path 133 is opened to the side of the front / back inversion path 140, and FIG. 11 shows a state in which the cover 116 is opened. .

The gate 139 is urged by a spring 160, and as shown in FIG.
It is arranged to release the carry-out path 133 to the side of the carry-in path 124. Further, a solenoid 161 is connected to the gate 139, and the gate 139 is turned off so as to release the carry-out path 133 to the front / back inversion path 140 side by turning on the solenoid 161 as shown in FIG. Be replaced.

The fixing device 12 provided on the carry-in path 124
In 2, the fixing roller 131 and the pressure roller 132 contact each other during printing. The pressure roller 132
It is held by an elongated swing member 151. Swing member 151
Is rotatably supported by the housing 115 of the device 111 or the like. The pressure roller 132 is used for the swing member 1.
51 is rotatably supported between one and other ends 152 and 153. The swinging member 151 is a spring 1
The pressure roller 132 abuts against the fixing roller 131 and presses it. A cam 155 is supported coaxially with the gate 139. Cam 15
5, when the cover 116 is opened, the pressing roller 132 comes into contact with and presses the other end 153 of the swinging member 151 to separate the pressing roller 132 from the fixing roller 131.

In this embodiment, an example in which the gate 139 and the cam 155 are individually provided will be described. However, the gate 139 and the cam 155 may be integrally formed.

At the time of one-sided printing, an image is formed on one surface of the recording paper P which has been carried into the image forming unit 112 from the paper feeding unit 113 through the carrying-in path 124. Thereafter, the paper is conveyed by the paper discharge roller 134 that rotates forward, passes through the carry-out path 133, and is discharged to the outside of the apparatus.

At this time, the gate 139 is moved by the urging force of the spring 160 as shown in FIG.
3 is released to the side of the carry-in path 124. The gate 139 abuts on the inner wall of the closed cover 116, the amount of rotation in the direction of arrow C1 is regulated, and the path 133
Is reliably released to the path 124 side. At this time, the solenoid 161 is off. Further, the cam 155 which is supported coaxially with the gate 139 also rotates, but at this time, the cam 155 does not interfere with the release of the pressing of the pressure roller 132 against the fixing roller 131.

At the time of double-sided printing, the recording paper P having an image formed on one surface thereof is conveyed along the carry-out path 133 by the paper discharge roller 134 which rotates in the normal direction. Stopped. At this time, the gate 139 is arranged to release the carry-out path 133 toward the carry-in path 124 by the urging force of the spring 160 as shown in FIG.

Next, the recording paper P is discharged from the paper discharge roller 1 which rotates in the reverse direction.
The sheet is conveyed through the unloading path 133 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the sheet is discharged to the outside of the apparatus, and is re-introduced into the image forming unit 112 via the reverse path 140. At this time, when the solenoid 161 is turned on as shown in FIG. 10, the gate 139 is rotated in the direction of arrow C2 to switch the discharge path 133 to the side of the front / back inversion path 140. Further, the cam 155 which is supported coaxially with the gate 139 also rotates, the cam surface 157 of the cam 155 comes into contact with the rotation restricting member 159, and the amount of rotation in the direction of arrow C2 is restricted.
3 is surely released to the path 140 side. Rotation restricting member 15
9 is attached to the housing 115 of the device 111, for example. At this time, the cam 155 does not interfere with the release of the pressing of the pressure roller 132 against the fixing roller 131.

The recording paper P re-conveyed to the image forming unit 112 and having an image formed on the other surface by the image forming unit 112 is
The paper is conveyed by the paper discharge roller 134 that rotates forward, passes through the carry-out path 133, and is discharged outside the apparatus. At this time,
Gate 139 is connected to solenoid 161 as shown in FIG.
Is turned off, the spring 160 is rotated in the direction of arrow C1 by the urging force, and switching is again performed to release the carry-out path 133 toward the carry-in path 124.

When a recording paper jam occurs near the fixing device 122, the cover 116 is opened in the direction of arrow C3 as shown in FIG. At this time, the gate 139 is further rotated in the direction of arrow C1 by the urging force of the spring 161. At the same time, the cam 155 also rotates,
The cam surface 158 contacts and presses the other end 153 of the swing member 151. As a result, the pressing of the pressing roller 132 against the fixing roller 131 is released, and the pressing roller 132 is separated from the fixing roller 131, and the rollers 131 and 132
A space is formed between them. Further, since the gate 139 is sufficiently rotated and the paths 124, 133, and 140 are all released, the recording paper P can be easily removed.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show the gate 139 and the cam 158. FIG. FIG. 12 is a side view, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view. As shown in the figure, the cam 158 has a cam surface 15 that abuts against the rotation restricting member 159.
7, a cam surface 158 that contacts the swing member 151, and a surface that connects these surfaces 157 and 158,
1, 132 which are not involved in pressurization / release of pressure.

It should be noted that a plurality of gates 139 and a single cam 158 as shown in FIG.
It may be configured to be pivotally supported.

Further, the gate 139 may be used as a pressure release lever for releasing the pressure of the pressure roller 132 to the fixing roller 131. Accordingly, the space can be formed between the fixing and pressure rollers 131 and 132 by operating the lever during the jam processing of the recording paper.

Further, the gate 13 serving as a pressure release lever
9 may be a different color from the other members. Thereby, it is possible to emphasize the pressure release lever and notify the operator. Adjustment of the color of the pressure release lever can be realized by mixing a colorant into the forming material, or coloring the lever surface to a desired color, and specifically, is colored green.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the gate 139 and the cam 158 of another image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. Here, the gate 139, the cam 158, and the pressure release lever 163 are supported by a single rotation shaft 162. That is, the pressure release lever 163 is provided separately from the gate 139. Even in such a case, the lever is operated at the time of jam clearance of the recording paper to operate the space between the fixing and pressure rollers 131 and 132. Can be formed.

The pressure releasing lever 163 is preferably provided at a position where the conveyance of the recording paper P is not hindered. For example, the pressure releasing lever 163 is provided on the side of the cam 158 opposite to the gate 139. Also,
The pressure release lever 163 may be emphasized as a color different from the other members to notify the operator.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show the pressure release lever 1.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of a fixing unit 122 and a gate 139 of the image forming apparatus having a fixing unit 63. 16 shows a state where the cover 116 is opened, and FIG. 17 shows a state where the cover 116 is closed and the carry-out path 133 is opened to the carry-in path 124 side.

The cover 116 is provided with a projection 164 for resting on the gate 139 so as to come into contact with the pressure release lever 163 when the cover is closed and pressed to open the carry-out path 133 toward the carry-in path 124. Therefore, only by closing the cover 116, the gate 139 coaxial with the pressure release lever 163 is sufficiently rotated to remove the recording paper P, and the carry-out path 133 is opened to the carry-in path 124. Can be returned to.

Note that a return lever with which the projection 164 abuts may be provided separately from the pressure release lever 163. Further, a member having excellent wear resistance is attached to the inner wall of the cover 116, and the gate 139 is brought into contact with the member to make the gate 13
9 may be returned. At this time, in order to rotate the gate 139 smoothly, it is preferable that the inner wall of the cover 116 is formed in a smooth curved shape.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 111 of the second embodiment, the cover 116 is used to remove the recording paper P when the recording paper is jammed near the fixing device 122 of the image forming section 112. Is opened, the cam 155 comes into contact with and pushes the other end 153 of the swinging member 151. As a result, the swing member 151 rotates around the one end 152, and the pressure roller 132 held by the swing member 151 is rotated.
Is separated from the fixing roller 131 to form a space. The cam 155 is coaxially supported with the gate 139, and the gate 139 further rotates. Therefore, the recording paper P can be efficiently removed from the formed space with excellent operability.

Further, when the unloading route 133 is arranged to be open to the side of the loading route 124, the gate 139 contacts the cover 116, so that the amount of rotation of the gate 139 can be regulated without using a special member. The recording paper P can be removed with a sufficient space during jam processing. Also, the manufacturing cost is reduced.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus 171 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a side view showing a state where the cover 172 of the image forming apparatus 171 is opened. The image forming apparatus 171 includes the image forming apparatus 51.
The image forming unit, the paper feeding unit, and the image reading unit are configured to be covered with a housing 176 as in the case of a and 51b. You. The image forming apparatus 171 includes a document table 174 on which a document is placed. The document table 174 is made of a transparent member such as glass, and its upper surface is covered with a protective cover 175.

In connection with the image reading section of the image forming apparatus 171, a light source for irradiating a document placed on the document table 174 with light, an imaging lens, a photoelectric conversion element (CCD), and reflected light from the light source are formed. A scanner optical system including a reflecting mirror and the like for guiding the photoelectric conversion element through the image lens is provided. Further, in relation to the image forming unit, the photosensitive drum 17
7. Laser scanning unit, developing unit, transfer unit 17
8, a fixing device, a cleaning device, a charging device, and the like. Furthermore, in connection with the paper feed unit, a recording paper storage cassette,
Conveyance path, paper feed roller, idle roller 180, paper discharge roller 181, sub-conveyance roller 182, and back conveyance roller 1
83 and the like. For example, a recording paper cassette is disposed below the image forming apparatus 171, and an image forming section is disposed above the recording paper cassette. The members of the image reading unit, the image forming unit, and the sheet feeding unit are covered by a housing 176. Housing 1
76 has a cover 172, which forms a side surface of the image forming apparatus 171. The recording paper on which the image has been formed is placed in the housing 17 from above the recording paper cassette near the image forming section.
6 is discharged outside.

In order to form an image on both sides of the recording paper P, the image forming apparatus 171 reverses the recording paper P upside down and carries it back to the image forming section.
84. Near the intersection of the carry-in path 185, the carry-out path 186, and the front / back inversion path 184, the carry-out path 186
Gate 1 for switching whether to open the side of the carry-in path 185 or the side of the reverse path 184
87 are provided. Further, a sub-conveying roller 182 for conveying the recording paper P and a back-side conveying roller 183 are provided in the front / back inversion path 184. Note that the carry-in path 185 and the carry-out path 186 constitute a main transport path.

The cover 17 forming a part of the housing 176
2 is provided so that opening and closing are possible. The cover 172 is provided with a pressing roller 180 that abuts against and presses against the idle roller 180.
a, a transfer unit 178, a sub-transport roller 182, and a pressure roller 182 a that contacts and presses the roller 182, and includes a part of the front-back reversing path 184. Cover 17
When the cover 2 is closed, a conveyance path is formed on the close surface between the cover 172 and the image forming apparatus main body. A reverse path 184 is formed above the cover 172, and a carry-in path 185 is formed below the cover 172. As described above, the image forming apparatus 171 is an apparatus capable of forming an image on both sides of the recording paper provided with the sub-conveying path on the cover 172.

FIG. 20 is a top view showing a gear 173 constituting transmission means for transmitting the opening and closing operation of the cover 172 to the roller. The rollers to which the opening / closing operation of the cover 172 is transmitted include, specifically, the fixing roller 179 and the paper discharge roller 181.
And a back-side transport roller 183. These rollers 1
79, 181, and 183 are configured to be rotatable in normal and reverse directions, and are driven so as to convey the recording paper P in the conveying direction and the reverse direction by opening and closing the cover 172.

The transmission means has a gear 173 and covers
The second opening / closing shaft 193 is provided at an end thereof. A rack 190 that moves in parallel with opening and closing of the cover 172 is attached to the cover 172. The parallel movement of the rack 190 is converted into a rotational movement by the gear 173. Gear 1
The rotation shaft 191 of the roller 73 is connected to the rollers 179, 181, 1
83. Therefore, the amount of movement of the rack 190 due to the opening and closing of the cover 172 is converted into the amount of rotation and transmitted to the rollers 179, 181, 183, and the rollers 179, 181, 183 are driven in this way.

When the cover 172 during normal image formation is closed, the recording paper is transported in a predetermined transport direction. Cover 172 to remove recording paper when jam occurs
When the recording paper is opened, the recording paper is conveyed in the direction opposite to the predetermined conveying direction by this operation.

In particular, the recording paper P at an arbitrary position on the carry-in path 185, which is the main carry path, is conveyed in a direction opposite to the conveying direction, and is easily removed from the open space of the carry-in path 185. In addition, the recording paper P at an arbitrary position over the front and back reversing path 184 and the carry-in path 185 which are sub-transport paths.
Is transported in the opposite direction to the transport direction,
4 from the open space, or from the back side transport roller 183
It is easily removed from the space between the bottom of the cover 172 and the vicinity of the outlet of the front / back inversion path 184. In this way, the image forming apparatus 171 can easily remove the recording paper P at an arbitrary position in both the front image formation and the back image formation.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the cover 172 is opened in order to remove the recording paper P during the jam processing of the recording paper P. The opening and closing operation of the cover 172 is performed by a transmission unit having a gear 173 by each roller 179,
181 and 183 to be driven. The amount of movement of the gear 173 of the transmission means increases with respect to the rotation angle when the cover 172 is opened and closed.
The amount of rotation of 1,183 also increases. For this reason, the cover 17
The recording paper P can be conveyed greatly with a small opening and closing operation, and a large deflection can be given.

Therefore, by simply opening and closing the cover 172, the recording paper P is conveyed largely at the end facing the opening / closing shaft 193 without causing any damage such as wrinkles on the recording paper P and easily removing the recording paper P. Can be. Thereby, the recording paper P can be removed efficiently and with excellent operability.

In particular, when the cover 172 is opened by a predetermined angle or more, the opening and closing operation of the cover
9, 181 and 183. In the image forming apparatus 171, the sub conveyance path is
2 is provided. If a jam occurs while the recording paper is in the sub-conveyance path, the recording paper will be present in a state of straddling the apparatus main body and the cover 172. At this time, if the cover 172 is opened, a stroke difference occurs between the cover opening / closing shaft 193 and the opposite side, and the recording paper is damaged or damaged such as wrinkles. With the above-described configuration, since the opening / closing operation of the cover 172 is not transmitted unless the cover 172 is opened to a predetermined angle, the recording paper P is not conveyed up to the predetermined angle, and no bending is given. . Therefore, the recording paper P
Damage and damage such as wrinkles can be prevented.

[0117]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the cover is opened and closed at the time of jam recovery of the recording paper, the recording paper conveying means is driven. Therefore, the recording paper can be conveyed so as to be easily removed only by opening and closing the cover, and the jam can be removed efficiently and with excellent operability.

Further, according to the present invention, since the opening and closing operation of the cover is transmitted to the roller as the recording paper conveying means, a transmission mechanism can be realized with a simple configuration, and the opening and closing operation of the cover can be efficiently performed on the roller. Can be transmitted.

Further, according to the present invention, any one of an idle roller, a fixing roller and a paper discharge roller can be adopted as the roller.

Further, according to the present invention, since the rollers can rotate forward and backward, the recording paper can be transported in the transport direction or in the reverse direction to the transport direction by opening and closing the cover. Further, since a mechanism for switching the recording paper conveyance direction can be easily realized, a large space can be provided in the apparatus, and the recording paper can be removed with a sufficient space.

According to the present invention, since the recording paper is bent by opening and closing the cover, the recording paper can be easily removed.

Further, according to the present invention, when the cover is opened during jamming of the recording paper near the fixing device, the swinging member is pressed by the cam, and the pressing roller is separated from the fixing roller to form a space. . In addition, the switching means is sufficiently rotated by the cam coaxially supported by the switching means, and all the transport paths are released. Therefore, the recording paper can be easily removed, and the jam can be removed efficiently and with excellent operability.

Further, according to the present invention, the second path can be reliably released to the third path side by bringing the first cam surface of the cam into contact with the regulating means. Further, the pressure roller can be reliably separated from the fixing roller when the cover is opened by the second cam surface of the cam contacting the other end of the swing member.

Further, according to the present invention, since the switching means also functions as a pressure releasing lever, it is possible to form a space between the fixing roller and the pressure roller by operating the lever at the time of paper jam processing.

Further, according to the present invention, the fact that the switching means is the pressure release lever can be emphasized by color to notify the operator.

Further, according to the present invention, a pressure releasing lever can be provided separately from the switching means, and the lever can be operated at the time of paper jam processing to form a space between the fixing and pressure rollers.

Further, according to the present invention, when the cover is closed, the protrusion of the cover comes into contact with and presses against the pressure release lever, so that the second path is moved from the state in which the switching means is sufficiently rotated to remove the recording paper. It is possible to easily return to the state opened to the one path side.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to notify the operator by emphasizing the pressure release lever with a color.

According to the present invention, the amount of rotation of the switching means for releasing the second path toward the first path is regulated by the switching means coming into contact with the cover. This eliminates the need for a special member for restricting the recording paper, and allows the recording paper to be removed with a sufficient space during jam clearance.

Further, according to the present invention, when the cover is opened and closed at the time of jam clearance of the recording paper in the sub-conveying path in a relatively narrow space for forming an image on the back surface, the recording paper transporting means is driven. Therefore, by simply opening and closing the cover, the recording paper on the sub-conveying path can be conveyed so as to be easily removed, and the jam can be efficiently and easily processed. In addition, the recording paper can be taken out while preventing the recording paper from being damaged by bending the recording paper.

Further, according to the present invention, the opening / closing operation of the cover can be efficiently transmitted to the rollers with a simple structure of gears, so that the jam in the sub-transport path can be processed.

Further, according to the present invention, since the gear is provided at the end of the cover facing the opening / closing axis, the recording paper can be conveyed largely with a small opening and closing of the cover, and a large deflection can be given. Thus, when a jam occurs at the end of the cover facing the opening / closing axis, the recording paper can be taken out while preventing damage.

Further, according to the present invention, any one of a fixing roller, a paper discharge roller, and a transport roller on the sub-transport path can be employed as the roller.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an image forming apparatus 51 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a part of a transmission unit.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a cover 56;

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the cover 56 in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view showing an engagement control mechanism 93;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a recording sheet jam clearing operation of the image forming apparatus 51a.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another image forming apparatus 51b according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an image forming apparatus 11 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a fixing unit 122 and a gate 1 of the image forming apparatus 111.
The area around 39 is enlarged, and the output path 133 is changed to the input path 124.
It is a figure showing the state opened to the side.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the vicinity of a fixing unit 122 and a gate 139 of the image forming apparatus 111 is enlarged, and a carry-out path 133 is opened to a front / back inversion path 140 side.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a fixing unit 122 and a gate 139 of the image forming apparatus 111, and shows a state in which a cover 116 is opened.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing a gate 139 and a cam 158.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a gate 139 and a cam 158.

14 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which a plurality of gates 139 and cams 158 are pivotally supported on a rotating shaft 162. FIG.

FIG. 15 shows a gate 1 of another image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.
It is a perspective view which shows the vicinity of 39 and cam 158.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the fixing device 122 and the gate 139 of the image forming apparatus having the pressure release lever 163, and shows a state where the cover 116 is opened.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the vicinity of the fixing device 122 and the gate 139 of the image forming apparatus having the pressure release lever 163 is enlarged, the cover 116 is closed, and the carry-out path 133 is opened to the carry-in path 124 side.

FIG. 18 is an image forming apparatus 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention.
It is a perspective view of 71.

FIG. 19 is a side view illustrating a state where a cover 172 of the image forming apparatus 171 is opened.

FIG. 20 is a top view showing a gear 173 that constitutes a transmission unit that transmits an opening / closing operation of a cover 172 to a roller.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 1 according to the related art.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a fixing device and a gate 41 of an image forming apparatus according to the prior art, and changes an unloading route 32 to a loading route 3;
It is a figure which shows the state opened to the 1 side.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the vicinity of a fixing unit and a gate 41 of an image forming apparatus according to a conventional technique is enlarged, and a carry-out path 32 is opened to a front / back inversion path 33 side.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the vicinity of a fixing device and a gate 41 of an image forming apparatus according to the related art is enlarged and a cover 45 is opened.

[Explanation of symbols]

51a, 51b, 111, 171 Image forming device 52, 112 Image forming unit 53, 113 Paper feeding unit 55, 115, 176 Casing 56, 116, 172 Cover 64, 73, 124, 133, 140, 184-186
Routes 65, 125, 180 Idle rollers 68, 69, 179a to 183a Rollers 71, 131, 179 Fixing rollers 74, 134, 181 Discharge rollers 81, 193 Opening / closing shafts 82, 83, 87 to 92, 102, 103, 173 Gears 84,191 Rotary shaft 85 Pinion 86,190 Rack 93 Mesh control mechanism 98 Pedestal 99,161 Solenoid 100 Support member 101,164 Projection 139,187 Gate 151 Swing member 152 Swing member one end 153 Swing member other end Part 154, 160 Spring 155 Cam 157, 158 Cam surface 159 Rotation restricting member 162 Rotation shaft 163 Pressure release lever 182 Sub-transport roller 183 Back transport roller

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) (72) Inventor Noya Sato 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Michiyuki Suzuki 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Japan Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Kayo Yamamoto 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi Osaka Prefecture Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Shiozaki Fumio Sharp Corporation, 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi (72) Inventor Hidetoshi Kaneko 22-22, Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Japan Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Shinichiro Hiraoka Osaka, Osaka (22) Inventor Takashi Kubo 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Japan (72) Inventor Hiroaki Hori 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka, Japan Inside (72) Inventor Shinji Oishi 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka, Japan (72) Inventor Toshihiko Seike 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka, Japan (72) Inventor Yoshiyuki Shiraishi 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Intracorporation (72) Inventor Hori Takashi 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation

Claims (17)

[Claims] An image forming means including a developer carrier for carrying the developer image, a transfer device for transferring the carried developer image onto a predetermined recording sheet, and a fixing device for fixing the transferred developer; An image forming apparatus comprising: a recording paper transporting unit that transports a recording paper; and a housing that covers the image forming unit and the recording paper transportation unit. An openable / closable cover forming a part of the housing, and an opening / closing operation of the cover. And a transmission unit for transmitting the recording paper to the recording paper conveyance unit to drive the recording paper conveyance unit. 2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording paper conveying means is a roller. 3. An image forming apparatus comprising: an idle roller for adjusting a timing of transferring a developer image and a timing of carrying a recording sheet into a transfer device; a fixing roller constituting a fixing device; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is any one of a discharge roller that discharges. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the roller is rotatable forward and backward. 5. The recording paper conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting device transmits the opening and closing operation of the cover to the recording paper conveying device so that the recording paper bends, and drives the recording paper conveying device.
The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 6. A transferred developer, comprising: a developer carrying member for carrying a developer image; a transfer device for transferring the carried developer image onto a predetermined recording sheet; and a fixing roller and a pressure roller. Image forming means including a fixing device for fixing the recording paper, a first path for carrying the recording paper into the fixing device, a second path for carrying out the recording paper from the fixing device, and turning the recording paper that has been carried out upside down to the fixing device. A recording paper transport path having a third path for re-loading, a recording paper transport means for transporting the recording paper, and a switching means pivotally supported near the first to third paths and switching between the first path and the third path. And a housing covering the image forming means, the recording paper transport path, the recording paper transport means, and the switching means, the housing having an openable / closable cover covering at least the vicinity of the second and third paths. The device is an elongated swinging member, which is rotatable. A swinging member for holding a pressure roller between one end fixed to the fixing member and the other end facing the one end, and biasing the swinging member so that the pressure roller presses the fixing roller. A biasing member, a cam coaxially supported by the switching means, and a cam which, when the cover is opened, comes into contact with and presses the other end of the swinging member to separate the pressure roller from the fixing roller. An image forming apparatus comprising: 7. The cam includes a first cam surface which contacts a regulating means for regulating the amount of rotation of the switching means when the second path is opened to the third path side, and the other end of the swing member when the cover is opened. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a second cam surface that contacts the unit. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the switching unit is a pressure releasing lever for releasing the pressing of the pressing roller against the fixing roller. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the switching unit has a different color from other members. 10. A pressure releasing lever for releasing the pressing of the pressure roller against the fixing roller, the pressure releasing lever including a pressure releasing lever coaxially supported by the switching means. Image forming apparatus. 11. The cover is provided with a projection for returning to the switching means so as to come into contact with and press against the pressure release lever when the cover is closed to open the second path toward the first path. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the pressure release lever has a different color from other members. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the switching unit contacts the cover when the second path is opened to the first path. 14. An image forming means comprising: a developer carrying member for carrying a developer image; a transfer device for transferring the carried developer image to a predetermined recording sheet; and a fixing device for fixing the transferred developer. An image forming apparatus comprising: a recording paper transporting unit that transports recording paper; and a housing that covers the image forming unit and the recording paper transporting unit. A cover capable of transmitting the opening / closing operation of the cover to the recording paper transporting means to drive the recording paper transporting means; and a back surface of the recording paper relative to a main transport path for forming an image on the recording paper surface. An image forming apparatus for taking out a recording sheet existing in a sub-conveying path for reversing a recording sheet for image formation on a sheet. 15. The recording paper conveying means is a roller, and the transmission means is a gear driven by opening and closing operation of a cover, the gear being connected to the roller, wherein the opening and closing operation of the cover is performed by a roller. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the rotation is converted into a rotational motion. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the gear is provided at an end of the cover facing the opening / closing axis. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the roller is any one of a fixing roller constituting a fixing device, a discharge roller for discharging recording paper from an image forming unit, and a transport roller provided on a sub-transport path. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: