JP2008083176A - Abutting contact member incorporating apparatus regarding image forming apparatus, abutting pressure force reducing member regarding image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make an abutting pressure force reducing member easily removable. <P>SOLUTION: An abutting contact member incorporating apparatus (F) includes the abutting pressure force reducing member (11); reducing the abutting pressure force of a contact member (Fp) to a contacted member (Fh) against energizing force by an energizing member (6) when an inter-members inserting part (11e) is inserted between the contacted member supporting member (F1) and a contact member supporting member (2), widening spacing between the contacted member supporting member (F1) and the contact member supporting member (2) against the energizing force of the energizing member (6) by having the inter-members inserting part (11e) inclined by operating an operation part (11b) in a direction along the energizing force of the energizing member (6), and removed by being moved in the inclined direction of the inter-members inserting part (11e) by using the energizing force of the energizing member (6). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a pressing contact member built-in device in which a contact member is pressed against a contacted member, a pressing pressure reducing member that reduces the pressing pressure of the contact member, and an image forming apparatus having the pressing pressure reducing member.

  In a conventional image forming apparatus, a contact member that is pressed against a contacted member with a predetermined pressure is disposed. For example, in a fixing device, as a contact rotating member (so-called pressure roll or the like) as a contact member pressed against a heating rotation member (so-called heating roll or heating belt) as a contacted member, There are cleaning members (so-called cleaning blades and cleaning brushes) as contact members pressed against the image holding member (photoconductor, etc.) or chargers (so-called charging rolls) as contact members.

  As such a technique, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-92946) discloses that a part of the pressure roller (3) is pressed against the heating roller (2) in a state where the pressure roller (3) is stopped during transportation, storage, or the like. In order to eliminate distortion remaining in the elastic member on the outer periphery of the pressure roller (3) when the state continues for a long time, the shaft portion of the heating roller (2) and the movable bearing of the pressure roller (3) are stored and transported. Between (6), a pressure roller deformation preventing spacer (14) as a pressing pressure reducing member for reducing the pressure for pressing the pressure roller (3) is inserted, and pressure is applied when the image forming apparatus is used. A technique for extracting the roller deformation preventing spacer (14) in a direction perpendicular to the urging direction of the urging force by the spring (12) is described.

Further, in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-229373), the fixing device (T) is used in order to ship the fixing roller (1) and the pressure roller (2) so as not to contact with each other with a predetermined pressure. A shipping spacer (8) as a pressing pressure reducing member for reducing the pressure to press the pressure roller (2) between the inner fixed portion (9) and the frame (6) supporting the pressure roller (2). ) Is described. In use, the shipping spacer (8) is pulled out in a direction perpendicular to the urging direction of the spring (7) and removed.
In Patent Document 2, in order to prevent forgetting to remove the shipping spacer, the pressure roller (2) and the fixing roller (1) are brought into contact with the frame (16) holding the pressure roller (2). A lever (17) is provided for separation, and a shipping spacer (18) with a tape (19) is assembled to the lever (17), and the pressure roller (2) and the fixing roller (1) are separated from each other at the time of shipment. A technique is also described in which the pressure roller (2) and the fixing roller (1) are brought into contact with each other by rotating the lever (17) through the shipping spacer (18) by pulling the tape (19).

  Further, Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-139035) describes a pressurization in order to prevent the pressure roller (52) from being in pressure contact with the heating roller (54) when the unused state continues for a long time. A spacer (70) is provided as a pressing pressure reducing member for reducing the pressure for pressing the roller (52), and the spacer (70) is extracted inside the opening (41) perpendicular to the pressing direction of the load spring (64). The technique of removing the spacer (70) is described.

JP-A-7-92946 ("0004", "0008" to "0014", FIG. 1) JP 2002-229373 A (“0003” to “0019”, “0032” to “0037”, “0041” to “0044”, FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 11) JP 2006-139035 A ("0048" to "0053", FIGS. 5 to 7)

  This invention makes it a technical subject to make it possible to remove easily the pressing pressure reduction member which reduces the pressing pressure of the contact member pressed against a to-be-contacted member.

In order to solve the technical problem, the pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 1,
A contact member disposed opposite the contacted member;
A contacted member support member that supports the contacted member;
A contact member support member that supports the contact member and is capable of approaching and separating from the contacted member support member;
A biasing member for applying a biasing force to press the contact member against the contacted member;
A pressing pressure reducing member that reduces the pressing pressure of the contact member against the contacted member against the biasing force of the biasing member;
The pressing pressure reducing member includes an inter-member insertion portion that is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, and an operation portion that is disposed outward with respect to the inter-member insertion portion. And when the inter-member insertion portion is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, the contact with the contacted member against the biasing force of the biasing member While reducing the pressing pressure of the member, the inter-member inserting portion is operated in a predetermined direction out of the directions intersecting the longitudinal direction of the contact member in a state where the inter-member inserting portion is inserted. The gap between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member is increased against the urging force of the urging member and the urging force of the urging member is utilized to Moving in the tilt direction and being removed,
It is characterized by.

In order to solve the technical problem, the pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 2,
A contact member disposed opposite the contacted member;
A contacted member support member that supports the contacted member;
A contact member support member that supports the contact member and is capable of approaching and separating from the contacted member support member;
A biasing member for applying a biasing force to press the contact member against the contacted member;
A pressing pressure reducing member that reduces the pressing pressure of the contact member against the contacted member against the biasing force of the biasing member;
The pressing pressure reducing member includes an inter-member insertion portion that is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, and an operation portion that is disposed outward with respect to the inter-member insertion portion. The pressing pressure reducing member is removed using the urging force of the urging member when the operation unit is operated in a predetermined direction with the inter-member insertion portion inserted. It is characterized by.

Furthermore, in order to solve the technical problem, the pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 3,
A contact member disposed opposite the contacted member;
A contacted member support member that supports the contacted member;
A contact member support member that supports the contact member and is capable of approaching and separating from the contacted member support member;
A biasing member for applying a biasing force to press the contact member against the contacted member;
A pressing pressure reducing member that reduces the pressing pressure of the contact member against the contacted member against the biasing force of the biasing member;
The pressing pressure reducing member includes an inter-member insertion portion that is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, and an operation portion that is disposed outward with respect to the inter-member insertion portion. And a fulcrum portion disposed between the inter-member insertion portion and the operation portion and arranged to move when the operation portion is operated.

The device with a built-in pressing contact member according to claim 4 is the device with a built-in pressing contact member according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The contacted member constituted by a rotating member for heating which accommodates and rotates a heater for heating;
The contact member configured by a pressurizing rotary member that rotates by being pressed against the heating rotary member;
And a fixing device for fixing an unfixed toner image.

The pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 5 is the pressing contact member built-in device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The contacted member constituted by an image holding body that rotates while holding a toner image on the surface, and the toner image held on the surface is transferred to a transfer material;
The contact member configured by a cleaning member that contacts the image carrier and removes toner adhering to the surface of the image carrier after being transferred to the transfer material;
And a toner image forming apparatus that forms a toner image.

The pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 6 is the pressing contact member built-in device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The contacted member constituted by an image holding body that rotates while holding a toner image on the surface, and the toner image held on the surface is transferred to a transfer material;
The contact member comprising a charger that contacts the image carrier and charges the surface of the image carrier;
And a toner image forming apparatus that forms a toner image.

The pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 7 is the pressing contact member built-in device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The pressing pressure reducing member that can be removed by moving the operating portion only in one direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the contact member;
It is provided with.

The pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 8 is the pressing contact member built-in device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The pressing pressure reducing member includes an inter-member insertion portion that is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, and an operation portion that is disposed outward with respect to the inter-member insertion portion. The inter-member insertion portion and the operation portion extend in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the inter-member insertion portion is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member. And an insertion preventing portion.

The pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 9 is the pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 8,
The over-insertion preventing portion extends to a side that moves when the operation portion is operated, and has the fulcrum portion at a distal end portion in the extending direction.

The pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 10 is the pressing contact member built-in device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The pressing pressure reducing member having a locked portion;
Provided on the contacted member support member or the contact member support member and engaged with the locked portion, the pressing pressure reducing member comes out in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the biasing force by the biasing member acts. A locking part for preventing the slipping,
It is provided with.

The pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 11 is the pressing contact member built-in device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The contacted member rotating;
A pair of pressing pressure reducing members disposed at both ends in the rotational axis direction of the contacted member;
It is provided with.

The pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 12 is the pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 11,
A pair of pressing pressure reducing members having a connecting member mounting portion;
A connecting member that is mounted on each of the connecting member mounting portions of the pair of pressing pressure reducing members and connects the pair of pressing pressure reducing members;
It is provided with.

The pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 13 is the pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 12,
The connecting member having an instruction describing how to remove the pressing pressure reducing member;
It is provided with.

In order to solve the technical problem, the pressing pressure reducing member according to claim 14 comprises:
An inter-member insertion portion inserted between a contacted member support member that supports the contacted member and a contact member support member that supports the contact member disposed to face the contacted member;
An operation portion arranged outward with respect to the inter-member insertion portion;
And when the inter-member insertion portion is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, the biasing force by the biasing member that presses the contact member against the contacted member Accordingly, the pressing pressure of the contact member against the contacted member is decreased, and the operation unit is operated in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the contact member in a state where the inter-member insertion unit is inserted. Increasing the inter-member insertion portion to increase the distance between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member against the urging force of the urging member and utilizing the urging force of the urging member It is characterized by being moved and removed in the inclination direction of the inter-insertion part.

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 15,
An image forming apparatus main body;
A contact member provided in the image forming apparatus main body and disposed to face the contacted member;
A contacted member support member that is provided in the image forming apparatus main body and supports the contacted member;
A contact member support member that supports the contact member and is capable of approaching and separating from the contacted member support member;
A biasing member for applying a biasing force to press the contact member against the contacted member;
A pressing pressure reducing member that reduces the pressing pressure of the contact member against the contacted member against the biasing force of the biasing member;
The pressing pressure reducing member includes an inter-member insertion portion that is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, and an operation portion that is disposed outward with respect to the inter-member insertion portion. And when the inter-member insertion portion is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, the contact with the contacted member against the biasing force of the biasing member The pressing force of the member is reduced, and the operation part is operated in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the contact member in a state where the inter-member insertion part is inserted, so that the inter-member insertion part is inclined and the attachment is performed. The gap between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member is increased against the biasing force of the biasing member, and the biasing force of the biasing member is used to move in the inclination direction of the inter-member insertion portion. Being removed,
It is characterized by.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 16 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 15,
An operating member operating opening provided in the image forming apparatus main body, for operating the operating portion of the pressing pressure reducing member;
An opening / closing door provided in the image forming apparatus main body for opening / closing the opening for operating the operation member;
It is provided with.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 17 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 16,
The pressing pressure that can be removed by moving the operation portion only in one direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the contact member from the outside of the operation member operation opening in a state where the operation member operation opening is opened. Reduction member,
It is provided with.

The above-described present invention has the following effects (E01) to (E017).
(E01) According to the first aspect of the present invention, the pressing pressure reducing member can be easily removed using the biasing force as compared with the case where the present invention is not applied.
(E02) According to the invention described in claim 2, the pressing pressure reducing member can be easily removed using the biasing force as compared with the case where the present invention is not applied.
(E03) According to the invention described in claim 3, the pressing pressure reducing member can be easily removed using the biasing force as compared with the case where the present invention is not applied.

(E04) According to the invention of claim 4, the pressing pressure reducing member for reducing the pressure between the heating rotating member and the pressing rotating member of the fixing device can be easily compared with the case where the present invention is not applied. Can be removed.
(E05) According to the invention described in claim 5, the pressing pressure reducing member for reducing the contact pressure of the cleaning member that contacts the image holding member of the toner image forming apparatus can be easily compared with the case where the present invention is not applied. Can be removed.
(E06) According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the pressing pressure reducing member for reducing the contact pressure of the charger that contacts the image carrier of the toner image forming apparatus can be easily compared with the case where the present invention is not applied. Can be removed.

(E07) According to the invention described in claim 7, the pressing pressure reducing member can be removed only by moving the operation portion in only one direction.
(E08) According to the invention described in claim 8, the pressing pressure reducing member can be easily mounted as compared with the case where the present invention is not applied.
(E09) According to the invention described in claim 9, the initial motion of the operation portion can be lightened as compared with the case where the present invention is not applied.

(E010) According to the invention of claim 10, it is possible to prevent the pressing pressure reducing member from being accidentally detached when an external force is applied due to an impact during transportation.
(E011) According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the pressing pressure can be reduced at both ends in the rotation axis direction.
(E012) According to the invention described in claim 12, it is possible to prevent the removed pressing pressure reducing member from being dropped and lost.
(E013) According to the invention of the thirteenth aspect, the user can remove the pressing pressure reducing member while referring to the method of removing the manual. In addition, it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the pressing force reducing member by using a conspicuous manual.

(E014) According to the invention described in claim 14, compared to the case where the present invention is not applied, it is possible to provide a pressing pressure reducing member that can be easily removed using an urging force.
(E015) According to the invention described in claim 15, as compared with the case where the present invention is not applied, the pressing pressure reducing member can be easily removed, and the operation for enabling the image forming apparatus can be easily performed. it can.
(E016) According to the invention of claim 16, the pressing pressure reducing member can be taken out and recovered through the opening. Further, since the pressing contact member built-in device is accommodated inside the image forming apparatus, it is not necessary to separately pack the pressing contact member built-in device, the storage space can be reduced, and transportation can be facilitated.
(E017) According to the invention of the seventeenth aspect, the image forming apparatus can be miniaturized because it is only pushed in one direction from the outside.

Next, specific examples (examples) of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as front, rear, right, left, upper, lower, or front, rear, right, left, upper, and lower, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.

1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an overall explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.
1 and 2, an image forming apparatus U according to the first embodiment includes an image forming apparatus main body U1, a first paper supply container TR1 and a second paper supply container TR2 that store recording media on which images are recorded, Have
1 and 2, an image forming apparatus main body U1 includes a main control means C constituted by a microcomputer, an image forming means CI whose operation is controlled by the main control means C, a laser drive circuit DL, a power supply device E, and the like. have. The power supply device E applies a bias voltage to a charger CR, a developing device Ga, a transfer device Tr, and the like which will be described later.
The image forming means CI converts print data input from a host computer or the like as an example of an external print image information transmitting device into image data for forming a latent image and outputs it to the laser drive circuit DL at a predetermined timing. . The laser drive circuit DL outputs a laser drive signal to the latent image forming device UR according to the input image data.

A process cartridge U2 as an example of a toner image forming apparatus is mounted on the left side (+ X direction) of the latent image forming apparatus UR. The process cartridge U2 has an image carrier unit U2a and a developing unit U2b as an example of a developing device, and extends from the image forming apparatus main body U1 in the rotation axis direction (Y-axis direction) of the image carrier PR. It is configured to be detachable. The image carrier unit U2a of the process cartridge U2 includes an image carrier PR, a charging roll CR as an example of a charger, and a developer recovery container CL that rotatably supports them. The developing unit U2b has a developing container V, and a developing roll Ga and a developer stirring member Gb are rotatably supported in the developing container V. A developer cartridge K as an example of a developer supply container is detachably attached to the developer container V. Inside the developer cartridge K, a stirring and conveying member Gc that conveys the developer to the developer stirring member Gb while stirring the developer is rotatably supported.

The surface of the rotating image carrier PR is charged by the charging roll CR in the charging region Q1, and an electrostatic latent image is written by the laser beam L emitted from the latent image writing device UR at the latent image writing position Q2. . The electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image by the developing roll Ga of the developing unit U2b in the developing area Q3, and the transfer area Q4 is formed by a pressure contact area between the image carrier PR and the transfer roll Tr as an example of a transfer device. Then, the toner image is transferred to the recording sheet S by the transfer roll Tr. Residual developer on the surface of the image carrier PR is removed (scraped) by a cleaning blade CB as an example of a cleaning member in a cleaning region Q5 as a cleaning region on the downstream side of the transfer region Q4, and is stored in the developer recovery container CL. To be recovered.
A film seal FS is provided on the opposite side of the cleaning blade CB, and the film seal FS prevents the toner collected in the toner collection container CL from spilling out.

A recording sheet S as an example of a recording medium taken out by the takeout member Rp from the paper supply containers TR1 and TR2 detachably attached to the lower part of the image forming apparatus main body U1 is supplied as an example of a paper supply member. The paper roll Rs1 and the separation roll Rs2 as an example of a separating member are separated one by one and conveyed by a sheet conveying roll Ra as an example of a conveying member disposed along the sheet conveying path SH, The sheet is conveyed to the transfer area Q4 at a predetermined timing by a registration roll Rr disposed upstream of the transfer area Q4 in the sheet conveying direction. A part of the sheet conveyance path SH is formed in the first sheet feed tray TR1.
The pickup roll Rp and the separating roll Rs constitute a paper feeding device KS.

A transfer roll Tr, which is an example of a transfer device to which a transfer bias is applied at a predetermined timing from a power supply device E whose operation is controlled by the main control means C, is placed on a recording sheet S that passes through the transfer region Q4. The toner image on PR is transferred.
The recording sheet S on which the toner image is transferred in the transfer area Q4 is conveyed to the fixing device F in a state where the toner image is not fixed. The fixing device F has a pair of fixing rolls Fh and Fp as an example of a fixing member, and a fixing region Q6 is formed by a pressure contact region of the pair of fixing rolls Fh and Fp. The fixing device F as an example of the device with a built-in pressing contact member of the present invention will be described in detail later.
The recording sheet S conveyed to the fixing area Q6 is fixed with a toner image by a pair of fixing rolls Fh and Fp of the fixing device F in the fixing area Q6. The recording sheet S on which the fixing toner image is formed is guided by the guide members SG1 and SG2, and is discharged from a discharge roll R1 as an example of a discharge member to a discharge portion TRh formed on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body U1.

(Description of fixing device)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the opening / closing door for operating the fixing device in FIG. 1 is opened.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory perspective view of the fixing device according to the first embodiment in a state where the pressing pressure reducing member is mounted.
1 to 3, in the image forming apparatus U according to the first exemplary embodiment, the upper portion on the left side surface of the image forming apparatus main body U1 is opened and closed for operating the fixing device F when a paper jam or the like occurs in the fixing device F. The door U1a is supported so as to be openable and closable between a closed position shown in FIG. 1 and an open position shown in FIG. The detachable unitized fixing device F is mounted in an opening U1b as an example of an operation member operation opening that is opened when the opening / closing door U1a is opened.
In FIG. 4, the fixing device F according to the first embodiment is configured to be detachable through the opening U1b, and has the guide member SG2 at the top.

5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG. 4. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the pressure release member has moved to the pressure acting position, and FIG. It is.
2 and 5, the fixing device F according to the first exemplary embodiment includes a heating roll Fh as an example of a heating rotating member, and a pressure rotating member that faces the heating roll Fh and is pressed with a predetermined pressure. The fixing rolls Fh and Fp comprising the pressure roll Fp as the above are accommodated. In FIG. 5, a heating roll Fh as an example of a contacted member contains a heater for heating (not shown) inside, and both ends in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) are fixed frames as an example of a contacted member support member. The body F1 is rotatably supported. An urging member one end support hole 1 (see FIG. 5) as an example of an urging member one end support portion is formed on the right side of the upper end of both ends in the axial direction of the fixed frame F1. A rotating member facing portion F1a is formed on the upper left end of the fixed frame F1, and a fulcrum engaging surface F1b is formed on the upper surface of the rotating member facing portion F1a.

  In FIG. 5, the pressure roll Fp as an example of a contact member is supported by a pair of rotation support members 2 as an example of a contact member support member, with the shaft Fpa at both ends in the axial direction (longitudinal direction). ing. One end portion (lower end portion) of the rotation support member 2 is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 3 supported by the fixed frame body F1, and can approach and separate from the rotation member facing portion F1a of the fixed frame body F1. Can be rotated. A frame facing portion 2a that faces the fixed frame F1 is formed above (on the other end of) the pressure roll Fp of the rotation support member 2, and the frame facing portion 2a and the fixed frame F1 rotate. A space SP for reducing member insertion is formed between the member facing portion F1a. The frame-facing portion 2a above the reducing member insertion space SP is formed with a retaining locking portion 2b that is shaped to enter the reducing member insertion space SP side.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part of a front portion of the fixing device mounted on the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a main part of a rear portion of the fixing device mounted on the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.
In FIG. 5, a pressure release member 4 is supported at the other end (upper end) of the rotating member 2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation center 4a. 4 to 7, the pressure release member 4 is provided with a pressure release operation portion 4b at a position away from the rotation center 4a, and the biasing member other end support portion 4c at a position eccentric from the rotation center 4a. Is formed.
A tension spring 6 as an example of a biasing member is mounted between the biasing member one end support hole 1 and the biasing member other end support portion 4c.

Therefore, in a state where the pressure release member 4 is moved to the pressure acting position shown in FIG. 5A, the rotation support member 2 is urged toward the heating roll Fh around the rotation shaft 3 by the urging force of the tension spring 6. . As a result, the pressure roll Fp is pressed against the heating roll Fh with a predetermined pressure, and the unfixed toner image on the surface of the recording sheet S passing through the fixing region Q6 is heated and fixed while being pressed.
When a paper jam occurs in the fixing region Q6 or the like, the user opens the door U1a, operates the pressure release operation unit 4b, rotates the pressure release member 4, and moves to the pressure release position shown in FIG. 5B. As a result, the distance between the biasing member one end support hole 1 and the biasing member other end support portion 4c becomes shorter than the distance in the case of the pressure acting position shown in FIG. 5A. Therefore, the urging force by the tension spring 6 is weakened, and the pressure with which the pressure roll Fp is pressed against the heating roll Fh is weakened. Therefore, the recording sheet S sandwiched between the fixing areas Q6 can be easily removed.

  In Example 1, in the pressure application position, the biasing member other end support portion 4c is positioned below a virtual line (not shown) connecting the rotation center 4a and the biasing member one end support hole 1. Therefore, at the start of movement from the pressure acting position to the pressure releasing position side, the tension spring 6 extends and the urging force increases until the urging member other end support portion 4c comes on the imaginary line. That is, in the first embodiment, the movement from the pressure acting position to the pressure releasing position requires a predetermined force for rotating the pressure releasing member 4 against the biasing force at the start of the movement. Natural movement to the pressure release position side is prevented. Similarly, natural movement from the pressure release position to the pressure application position is also prevented.

(Description of pressing pressure reducing member)
8 is an explanatory view of the right pressing pressure reducing member, FIG. 8A is a perspective view, FIG. 8B is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIIB of FIG. 8A, FIG. 8C is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIIC of FIG. 8D is a view from the direction of arrow VIIID in FIG. 8C, FIG. 8E is a view from the direction of arrow VIIIE in FIG. 8C, FIG. 8F is a view from the direction of arrow VIIIF in FIG. It is the figure seen from the direction.
4, 6, and 7, when the image forming apparatus U is stored and transported, the fixing device F is mounted with a pair of left and right pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12. 4, 6, and 8, the right pressing pressure reducing member 11 has a member body 11 a that extends in the vertical direction. At the upper end of the member main body 11a, an L-shaped operation portion 11b extending in the front (+ X direction) is formed. The size of the operation unit 11b according to the first exemplary embodiment is such that the pressing force reducing member 11 can be accommodated in the image forming apparatus main body U1 with the pressing force reducing member 11 attached to the fixing device F even during storage or transportation, and the fixing device F is packaged separately. So that the pressure reducing member 11 is mounted on the fixing device F so that the pressure reducing member 11 is not protruded from the guide member SG2 above the fixing device F, and the fixing device F has a longitudinal width. The width is set so as not to protrude from.

  An operation guidance display unit 11c (see “PUSH” in FIG. 8E) is integrally formed on the front end surface of the operation unit 11b. As an example of a connecting member mounting unit on the right side of the operation guidance display unit 11c. The connecting member mounting hole 11d is formed. An inter-member insertion portion 11e is formed at the lower end portion of the member main body 11a. An over-insertion preventing portion 11f extending rearward (−X direction) is formed on the upper portion of the inter-member insertion portion 11e, and is locked to the fulcrum engaging surface F1b of the fixed frame F1. This prevents difficulty in removing the pressing pressure reducing member 11 due to excessive insertion and ease of removal due to excessive insertion. A fulcrum portion 11g is provided at the tip of the overinsertion preventing portion 11f. Furthermore, on the front side of the inter-member insertion portion 11e, a locked portion 11h that can be engaged with the retaining locking portion 2b is formed.

9 is an explanatory view of the left pressing pressure reducing member, FIG. 9A is a perspective view, FIG. 9B is a view seen from the direction of arrow IXB in FIG. 9A, FIG. 9C is a view seen from the direction of arrow IXC in FIG. 9D is a view seen from the direction of arrow IXD in FIG. 9C, FIG. 9E is a view seen from the direction of arrow IXE in FIG. 9C, FIG. 9F is a view seen from the direction of arrow IXF in FIG. It is the figure seen from the direction.
4, 7, and 9, the left pressing pressure reducing member 12 is formed substantially symmetrically with the right pressing pressure reducing member 11, and like the right pressing pressure reducing member 11, It has a member main body 12a, an operation part 12b, an operation guide display part 12c, a connecting member mounting hole 12d, an inter-member insertion part 12e, an overinsertion prevention part 12f, a fulcrum part 12g, and a locked part 12h.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory perspective view of the image forming apparatus before use.
In FIG. 4, a connecting member 13 for connecting the pressing pressure reducing members 11, 12 is connected to the connecting member mounting holes 11 d, 12 d of the pair of left and right pressing pressure reducing members 11, 12. The connecting member 13 includes string portions 13a and 13b whose one ends are connected to the pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12 through the connecting member mounting holes 11d and 12d, and string portions 13a and 13b.
And an instruction manual 13c to which the other end portion is bound. The manual 13c describes the method for removing the pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12.
In FIG. 10, in the image forming apparatus U according to the first embodiment, the string portions 13a and 13b of the connecting member 13 are outward from the opening / closing door U1a before the image forming apparatus U is used at the time of factory shipment. The instruction 13c is installed on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body U1 so that the user can easily recognize the instruction 13c.

(Operation of Example 1)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the first embodiment, FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the pressing pressure reducing member is attached, and FIG. 11B is a state in which the operating portion of the pressing pressure reducing member is pushed and inclined. FIG. 11C is an explanatory diagram of a state where the operation portion of the pressing pressure reducing member is further pushed from the state of FIG. 11B.
12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the first embodiment. FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the pressing pressure reducing member is pushed out by the biasing force of the biasing member from the state of FIG. 11C, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the state from which the pressure reduction member was removed.

  In the image forming apparatus U according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, when the image forming apparatus U is stored in a warehouse or transported, the pressure by which the pressure roll Fp is pressed against the heating roll Fh is reduced to fix the image forming apparatus U. In order to prevent deformation of the contact areas of the rolls Fh and Fp, as shown in FIG. 11A, pressing force reducing members 11 and 12 are attached. In FIG. 11A, the pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12 have the inter-member insertion portions 11e and 12e for inserting the reducing member against the urging force of the tension spring 6 in a state where the pressure releasing member 4 is held at the pressure acting position. It is inserted and installed in the space SP. As a result, the space between the frame facing portion 2a and the rotating member facing portion F1a is widened, and the pressing pressure of the pressure roll Fp against the heating roll Fh is reduced. When the pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12 are mounted, the excessive insertion preventing portions 11f and 12f are engaged with the fulcrum engaging surface F1b to prevent excessive insertion, and the locked portion 11h is It is possible to prevent the pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12 from coming off in a direction perpendicular to the urging force of the tension spring 6 when an external force is applied during transportation or the like by engaging with the retaining locking portion 2b.

  11A and 11B, when the image forming apparatus U is installed and usable, the operation portions 11b and 12b of the pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12 are pulled as shown in FIG. 11B from the state shown in FIG. 11A. It is pushed in one direction along the biasing direction of the spring 6. When the operation portions 11b and 12b are pushed, the fulcrum portions 11g and 12g contacting the fulcrum engaging surface F1b are rotated according to the principle of leverage, and the distal end portions of the inter-member insertion portions 11e and 12e are opposed to the frame body. The frame-facing portion 2a is pushed in the direction of expanding the reducing member insertion space SP in contact with the portion 2a. As a result, the tension spring 6 extends and the urging force temporarily increases. At this time, the operation parts 11b and 12b and the fulcrum parts 11g and 12g are arranged in the front-rear reverse direction with respect to the member main bodies 11a and 12a, and the operation parts 11b and 12b, that is, the lever's power point is the fulcrum. Since it is arranged at a position away from the portions 11g and 12g, the initial force when rotating is relatively small.

11B and 11C, when the operation portions 11b and 12b are further pushed from the state of FIG. 11B, the pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12 rotate about the fulcrum portions 11g and 12g as shown in FIG. 11C. Pushed by the urging force of the tension spring 6, the fulcrum portions 11g and 12g move backward (−X direction) so as to slide on the fulcrum portion engaging surface F1b.
In FIG. 11C, FIG. 12A, and FIG. 12B, when the pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12 are inclined to some extent, even if the user does not press the operation portions 11b and 12b, the biasing force of the tension spring 6 causes Further, the inter-member insertion portions 11e and 12e are naturally pushed out from the reducing member insertion space SP. When the pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12 are pushed out and removed, as shown in FIG. 12B, the pressing roll Fp presses the heating roll Fh with a predetermined pressing pressure by the urging force of the tension spring 6. Hit. Therefore, even if a special space for operating the operation unit is not provided in the inside, that is, without increasing the size of the image forming apparatus, the pressing pressure reducing member from the opening U1b toward the inside of the image forming apparatus main body U1. 11 and 12 are removed by being pushed in one direction.
Since the removed pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12 are connected by the connecting member 13, they are taken out from the opening U1b without being dropped into the image forming apparatus U and discarded or collected.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention and corresponds to FIG. 11B of the first embodiment.
Next, the image forming apparatus U according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and Detailed description is omitted. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 13, in the pressing pressure reducing members 11 ′ and 12 ′ of the second embodiment, projecting operation portions 11 b 1 ′ and 12 b 1 ′ extending forward from the upper end portion are formed on the operation portions 11 b ′ and 12 b ′.

(Operation of Example 2)
In the image forming apparatus U according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, the pressing pressure reducing members 11 ′ and 12 ′ push the protrusion operation portions 11b1 ′ and 12b1 ′ upward from the lower side, as in the case of the first embodiment. Similarly, it rotates about the fulcrum parts 11g and 12g and is removed. Therefore, the pressing pressure reducing members 11 ′ and 12 ′ of the second embodiment also have the same effects as the pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of Embodiment 3 of the present invention and corresponds to FIG. 11A of Embodiment 1.
Next, the image forming apparatus U according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the third embodiment, components corresponding to the components of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. Detailed description thereof will be omitted. The third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first and second embodiments in other points.
In FIG. 14, the pressing pressure reducing members 11 ′ and 12 ′ of the third embodiment are configured in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

(Operation of Example 3)
In the image forming apparatus U according to the third embodiment having the above-described configuration, the pressing pressure reducing members 11 ′ and 12 ′ push the protruding operation portions 11b1 ′ and 12b1 ′ downward from above, thereby preventing the retaining portions from coming off. It rotates using the to-be-latched part 11h engaged with 2b as a fulcrum. Along with this, the inter-member insertion portions 11e, 12e temporarily expand the reducing member insertion space SP, and the urging force is increased. Further, when the pressing pressure reducing members 11 'and 12' rotate, the engagement between the retaining portion 2b for retaining and the retained portion 11b is released due to the increased urging force and friction between the engaging portions. Thus, the pressing pressure reducing members 11 ′ and 12 ′ are naturally removed by the urging force. Therefore, the pressing pressure reducing members 11 ′ and 12 ′ of the third embodiment also have the same operational effects as the pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12 of the first embodiment.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H010) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In each of the above-described embodiments, a printer as an example of an image forming apparatus has been illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a copying machine, a FAX, or a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions. Further, the present invention is not limited to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus of an arbitrary image forming system such as an ink jet recording system or a thermal head system. Further, the present invention is not limited to a monochrome image forming apparatus, and can be applied to a color image forming apparatus.

(H02) In the embodiment, the shape of the pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12 is not limited to the shape illustrated in the embodiment, and can be an arbitrary shape. For example, it is possible to omit the over-insertion prevention part, the fulcrum part, the locked part, etc., and provide the operation part and fulcrum part in the member main body or the inter-member insertion part, and the pressing pressure reducing member can be made flat. is there.
(H03) In the above embodiment, the heating roll Fh is illustrated as an example of the contacted member, the pressure roll Fp is illustrated as an example of the contact member, and the fixing device F is illustrated as an example of the pressing contact member built-in device. The present invention can be applied to any configuration having a contact member pressed against a non-contact member. For example, the image carrier PR as the contact member, the cleaning blade CB as the contact member, and the toner image forming device (process cartridge U2) as the pressing contact member built-in device, the image carrier PR as the contact member, and the contact member As a charging roller CR, a combination of a toner image forming apparatus (process cartridge U2) as a pressing contact member built-in device, an image carrier PR as a contacted member, a transfer roll Tr as a contacted member, and a transfer as a pressing contact member built-in device It can be applied to a combination of mechanisms. In addition, a configuration in which a cleaning blade is in contact with the transfer roll Tr, a configuration in which a cleaning brush as an example of a cleaning member is in contact, an intermediate transfer body and an image holding body, an intermediate transfer body and a cleaning member, an intermediate transfer body, The present invention can also be applied to a transfer device, a sheet conveying belt, an image carrier, and the like. Further, in an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus, the present invention can be employed in a configuration in which the contact member is pressed against the contacted member.

(H04) In the above-described embodiment, the heating roll and the pressure roll are exemplified as the heating rotary member and the pressure rotary member. is there.
(H05) In the above embodiment, the connecting member 13 is preferably provided, but may be omitted. In addition, the connecting member 13 is connected to the two pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12, but is not limited to this, and the connecting member having the string portion and the manual is connected to one pressing pressure reducing member. It is also possible.
(H06) In the above-described embodiment, the pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12 are provided as a pair on the left and right, but depending on the configuration of the member to which the pressing pressure reducing member is attached, only one place or three or more places are attached. It is also possible.

(H07) In the above-described embodiment, the tension spring 6 is illustrated as an example of the urging member. However, the tension spring 6 is not limited thereto. For example, in the configuration of the fixing device F as in Patent Document 3, a compression spring may be employed. Is possible.
(H08) In the above embodiment, the retaining locking portion 2b is provided on the rotating member 2, but it can also be provided on the fixed frame F1.
(H09) In the above embodiment, the contact pressure between the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp is reduced by the pressing pressure reducing members 11 and 12, but the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp are separated from each other. That is, the contact pressure between the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp can be set to zero.
(H010) In the above-described embodiment, the fixing device as an example of the pressing contact member built-in device is:
Although stored and transported in a small size and space-saving state while being accommodated inside the image forming apparatus main body U1, it may be packaged separately.

1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overall explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the opening / closing door for operating the fixing device in FIG. 1 is opened. FIG. 4 is an explanatory perspective view of the fixing device according to the first embodiment in a state where the pressing pressure reducing member is mounted. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG. 4. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the pressure release member has moved to the pressure acting position, and FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the pressure release member has moved to the pressure release position. It is. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part of a front portion of the fixing device mounted on the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a main part of a rear portion of the fixing device mounted on the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. 8 is an explanatory view of the right pressing pressure reducing member, FIG. 8A is a perspective view, FIG. 8B is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIIB of FIG. 8A, FIG. 8C is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIIC of FIG. 8D is a view from the direction of arrow VIIID in FIG. 8C, FIG. 8E is a view from the direction of arrow VIIIE in FIG. 8C, FIG. 8F is a view from the direction of arrow VIIIF in FIG. It is the figure seen from the direction. 9 is an explanatory view of the left pressing pressure reducing member, FIG. 9A is a perspective view, FIG. 9B is a view seen from the direction of arrow IXB in FIG. 9A, FIG. 9C is a view seen from the direction of arrow IXC in FIG. 9D is a view seen from the direction of arrow IXD in FIG. 9C, FIG. 9E is a view seen from the direction of arrow IXE in FIG. 9C, FIG. 9F is a view seen from the direction of arrow IXF in FIG. It is the figure seen from the direction. FIG. 10 is an explanatory perspective view of the image forming apparatus before use. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the first embodiment, FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the pressing pressure reducing member is attached, and FIG. 11B is a state in which the operating portion of the pressing pressure reducing member is pushed and inclined. FIG. 11C is an explanatory diagram of a state where the operation portion of the pressing pressure reducing member is further pushed from the state of FIG. 11B. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the first embodiment. FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the pressing pressure reducing member is pushed out by the biasing force of the biasing member from the state of FIG. 11C, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the state from which the pressure reduction member was removed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention and corresponds to FIG. 11B of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of Embodiment 3 of the present invention and corresponds to FIG. 11A of Embodiment 1.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... contact member support member,
2b: locking part for retaining,
6 ... biasing member,
11, 12 ... Pressing pressure reducing member,
11b, 12b ... operation unit,
11d, 12d ... connecting member mounting portion,
11e, 12e ... inter-member insertion part 11h, 12h ... locked part,
13: Connecting member,
CB ... cleaning member,
CR: Charger,
F ... Pushing contact member built-in device,
F: Fixing device,
F1 ... contacted member support member,
Fh: contacted member,
Fh: rotating member for heating,
Fp: contact member,
Fp: pressurizing rotating member,
PR: Image carrier,
S: Transfer material,
U: Image forming apparatus,
U1a ... Opening / closing door,
U1b ... opening for operating member operation,
U2: Toner image forming apparatus.

Claims (17)

A contact member disposed opposite the contacted member;
A contacted member support member that supports the contacted member;
A contact member support member that supports the contact member and is capable of approaching and separating from the contacted member support member;
A biasing member for applying a biasing force to press the contact member against the contacted member;
A pressing pressure reducing member that reduces the pressing pressure of the contact member against the contacted member against the biasing force of the biasing member;
The pressing pressure reducing member includes an inter-member insertion portion that is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, and an operation portion that is disposed outward with respect to the inter-member insertion portion. And when the inter-member insertion portion is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, the contact with the contacted member against the biasing force of the biasing member While reducing the pressing pressure of the member, the inter-member inserting portion is operated in a predetermined direction out of the directions intersecting the longitudinal direction of the contact member in a state where the inter-member inserting portion is inserted. The gap between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member is increased against the urging force of the urging member and the urging force of the urging member is utilized to Moving in the tilt direction and being removed,
An apparatus with a built-in pressing contact member. A contact member disposed opposite the contacted member;
A contacted member support member that supports the contacted member;
A contact member support member that supports the contact member and is capable of approaching and separating from the contacted member support member;
A biasing member for applying a biasing force to press the contact member against the contacted member;
A pressing pressure reducing member that reduces the pressing pressure of the contact member against the contacted member against the biasing force of the biasing member;
The pressing pressure reducing member includes an inter-member insertion portion that is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, and an operation portion that is disposed outward with respect to the inter-member insertion portion. The pressing pressure reducing member is removed using the urging force of the urging member when the operation unit is operated in a predetermined direction with the inter-member insertion portion inserted. An apparatus with a built-in pressing contact member. A contact member disposed opposite the contacted member;
A contacted member support member that supports the contacted member;
A contact member support member that supports the contact member and is capable of approaching and separating from the contacted member support member;
A biasing member for applying a biasing force to press the contact member against the contacted member;
A pressing pressure reducing member that reduces the pressing pressure of the contact member against the contacted member against the biasing force of the biasing member;
The pressing pressure reducing member includes an inter-member insertion portion that is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, and an operation portion that is disposed outward with respect to the inter-member insertion portion. And a fulcrum part disposed between the inter-member insertion part and the operation part and which moves when the operation part is operated. The contacted member constituted by a rotating member for heating which accommodates and rotates a heater for heating;
The contact member configured by a pressurizing rotary member that rotates by being pressed against the heating rotary member;
4. The pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 1, comprising a fixing device that fixes an unfixed toner image. The contacted member constituted by an image holding body that rotates while holding a toner image on the surface, and the toner image held on the surface is transferred to a transfer material;
The contact member configured by a cleaning member that contacts the image carrier and removes toner adhering to the surface of the image carrier after being transferred to the transfer material;
4. The pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 1, comprising: a toner image forming apparatus that forms a toner image. The contacted member constituted by an image holding body that rotates while holding a toner image on the surface, and the toner image held on the surface is transferred to a transfer material;
The contact member comprising a charger that contacts the image carrier and charges the surface of the image carrier;
4. The pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 1, comprising: a toner image forming apparatus that forms a toner image. The pressing pressure reducing member that can be removed by moving the operating portion only in one direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the contact member;
The apparatus with a built-in pressing contact member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: The pressing pressure reducing member includes an inter-member insertion portion that is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, and an operation portion that is disposed outward with respect to the inter-member insertion portion. The inter-member insertion portion and the operation portion extend in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the inter-member insertion portion is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member. An insertion prevention part;
An apparatus with a built-in pressing contact member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:   The pressing contact according to claim 8, wherein the overinsertion preventing portion extends to a side that moves when the operation portion is operated, and has the fulcrum portion at a distal end portion in the extending direction. Member built-in device. The pressing pressure reducing member having a locked portion;
Provided on the contacted member support member or the contact member support member and engaged with the locked portion, the pressing pressure reducing member comes out in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the biasing force by the biasing member acts. A locking part for preventing the slipping,
An apparatus with a built-in pressing contact member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: The contacted member rotating;
A pair of pressing pressure reducing members disposed at both ends in the rotational axis direction of the contacted member;
The apparatus with a built-in pressing contact member according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: A pair of pressing pressure reducing members having a connecting member mounting portion;
A connecting member that is mounted on each of the connecting member mounting portions of the pair of pressing pressure reducing members and connects the pair of pressing pressure reducing members;
The pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 11, comprising: The connecting member having an instruction describing how to remove the pressing pressure reducing member;
The pressing contact member built-in device according to claim 12, further comprising: An inter-member insertion portion inserted between a contacted member support member that supports the contacted member and a contact member support member that supports the contact member disposed to face the contacted member;
An operation portion arranged outward with respect to the inter-member insertion portion;
And when the inter-member insertion portion is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, the biasing force by the biasing member that presses the contact member against the contacted member Accordingly, the pressing pressure of the contact member against the contacted member is decreased, and the operation unit is operated in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the contact member in a state where the inter-member insertion unit is inserted. Increasing the inter-member insertion portion to increase the distance between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member against the urging force of the urging member and utilizing the urging force of the urging member A pressing pressure reducing member that moves in the inclined direction of the intermediate insertion portion and is removed. An image forming apparatus main body;
A contact member provided in the image forming apparatus main body and disposed to face the contacted member;
A contacted member support member that is provided in the image forming apparatus main body and supports the contacted member;
A contact member support member that supports the contact member and is capable of approaching and separating from the contacted member support member;
A biasing member for applying a biasing force to press the contact member against the contacted member;
A pressing pressure reducing member that reduces the pressing pressure of the contact member against the contacted member against the biasing force of the biasing member;
The pressing pressure reducing member includes an inter-member insertion portion that is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, and an operation portion that is disposed outward with respect to the inter-member insertion portion. And when the inter-member insertion portion is inserted between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member, the contact with the contacted member against the biasing force of the biasing member The pressing force of the member is reduced, and the operation part is operated in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the contact member in a state where the inter-member insertion part is inserted, so that the inter-member insertion part is inclined and the attachment is performed. The gap between the contacted member support member and the contact member support member is increased against the biasing force of the biasing member, and the biasing force of the biasing member is used to move in the inclination direction of the inter-member insertion portion. Being removed,
An image forming apparatus. An operating member operating opening provided in the image forming apparatus main body, for operating the operating portion of the pressing pressure reducing member;
An opening / closing door provided in the image forming apparatus main body for opening / closing the opening for operating the operation member;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: The pressing pressure that can be removed by moving the operation portion only in one direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the contact member from the outside of the operation member operation opening in a state where the operation member operation opening is opened. Reduction member,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising:

Images