JP2008268665A

JP2008268665A - Image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP2008268665A
Application number: JP2007113211A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Naoki Yamane; 直樹山根; Tomohiko Yamakawa; 智彦山川
Original assignee: Kyocera Mita Corp
Current assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2007-04-23
Filing date: 2007-04-23
Publication date: 2008-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2027-04-23
Also published as: JP4918396B2

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and surely perform position adjustment work of a fixing unit. SOLUTION: A printer 2 includes: a fixing unit 50 supported between supporting side walls 62 and 64; a supporting means for supporting one fixing side wall 70 on the one supporting side wall 62; and a position adjusting support member 100 supported by the other support side wall 64 so that the position in the lateral direction is adjustable, and supporting the other fixing side wall 72. A cooling device 106 is integrally attached to the position adjusting support member 100. In a state that the position adjusting support member 100 is supported by the other support side wall 64 and supports the other fixing side wall 72, the cooling device 106 is integrally connected to the other fixing side wall 72 striding over the other support side wall 64. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、静電複写機、プリンタ、ファクシミリなどの画像形成装置、更に詳しくは、一対の支持側壁と、支持側壁間に支持される定着ユニットとを備え、定着ユニットには定着ローラと、定着ローラを誘導加熱するための誘導コイルが備えられている画像形成装置に関する。 The present invention includes an image forming apparatus such as an electrostatic copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile, and more specifically, a pair of supporting side walls and a fixing unit supported between the supporting side walls. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with an induction coil for induction heating a roller.

一対の支持側壁と、支持側壁間に支持される定着ユニット（定着装置）とを備え、定着ユニットには、定着ローラと、定着ローラを誘導加熱するための誘導コイルが備えられている画像形成装置は、例えば特許文献１に開示されている。誘導コイルにより定着ローラを加熱する方式は、ハロゲンランプにより加熱する方式に比べて熱効率が良いという利点を有している反面、誘導コイルの温度上昇に伴って電気抵抗値が上昇するので熱効率が低下する、との欠点を有している。この欠点を解消するため、特許文献１には、冷却ファン及びダクトを有する冷却装置により、定着ローラ内に冷却風を送り込んで誘導コイルを冷却し、誘導コイルの過剰な温度上昇を防止する構成が開示されている。 An image forming apparatus including a pair of supporting side walls and a fixing unit (fixing device) supported between the supporting side walls, the fixing unit including a fixing roller and an induction coil for induction heating the fixing roller. Is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. The method of heating the fixing roller with the induction coil has the advantage that the thermal efficiency is better than the method of heating with the halogen lamp, but the electrical resistance value increases as the temperature of the induction coil increases, so the thermal efficiency decreases. And has the disadvantage of. In order to eliminate this drawback, Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a cooling device having a cooling fan and a duct is used to send cooling air into the fixing roller to cool the induction coil, thereby preventing an excessive increase in temperature of the induction coil. It is disclosed.

ところで、定着ユニットは、必要に応じて（例えば定着ローラの軸を転写ベルトのローラ軸と平行にするため）、横方向（換言すれば用紙搬送方向）の位置が調整可能に支持側壁間に支持される。特許文献２には、一対の定着側壁を備えた定着ユニットと、片方の定着側壁を片方の支持側壁の所定位置に支持する支持手段と、他方の支持側壁における外側の所定位置に重合されて仮装着される位置調整基準板（位置調整板）と、位置調整基準板の外側に重合されて他方の支持側壁に横方向位置調整可能に支持されかつ他方の定着側壁を支持することにより定着ユニットの支持位置を調整できる位置調整支持部材（位置調整部材）とを備えた画像形成装置が開示されている。 By the way, the fixing unit is supported between the supporting side walls so that the position in the lateral direction (in other words, the sheet conveying direction) can be adjusted as necessary (for example, to make the axis of the fixing roller parallel to the roller axis of the transfer belt). Is done. In Patent Document 2, a fixing unit having a pair of fixing side walls, a supporting unit that supports one fixing side wall at a predetermined position on one supporting side wall, and a superposition by being superposed on a predetermined position outside the other supporting side wall. A position adjustment reference plate (position adjustment plate) to be worn and superposed on the outside of the position adjustment reference plate, supported on the other support side wall so as to be laterally adjustable, and supported on the other fixing side wall. An image forming apparatus including a position adjustment support member (position adjustment member) capable of adjusting a support position is disclosed.

他方の定着側壁には被支持穴が横方向に間隔をおいて２個形成されている。他方の支持側壁には横長穴が横方向に間隔をおいて２個形成されている。位置調整基準板には横長穴が横方向に間隔をおいて２個形成されている。位置調整支持部材には支持ロッドが横方向に間隔をおいて片面から延び出すよう２個配設されている。位置調整基準板の横長穴が他方の支持側壁の横長穴に整合された状態で位置調整基準板が他方の支持側壁の外側における所定位置に仮装着される。そして、位置調整支持部材の支持ロッドが相互に整合された横長穴を貫通させられて位置調整支持部材が位置調整基準板の外側から他方の支持側壁に横方向位置調整可能に支持されかつ、支持ロッドの先端部に他方の定着側壁の被支持穴が嵌合されることにより定着ユニットの他方の定着側壁が位置調整支持部材を介して他方の支持側壁に横方向位置調整可能に支持される。
特開２０００−１５５４８６号公報特開２００５−２９２６１２号公報 On the other fixing side wall, two supported holes are formed at intervals in the lateral direction. Two horizontally long holes are formed in the other supporting side wall at intervals in the lateral direction. Two horizontal elongated holes are formed in the position adjustment reference plate at intervals in the horizontal direction. Two support rods are arranged on the position adjustment support member so as to extend from one side at intervals in the lateral direction. The position adjustment reference plate is temporarily mounted at a predetermined position on the outside of the other support side wall in a state where the horizontally long hole of the position adjustment reference plate is aligned with the horizontal hole of the other support side wall. Then, the support rod of the position adjustment support member is passed through the horizontally elongated holes so that the position adjustment support member is supported from the outside of the position adjustment reference plate to the other support side wall so that the position of the position adjustment support member can be adjusted in the lateral direction. By fitting the supported hole of the other fixing side wall into the tip of the rod, the other fixing side wall of the fixing unit is supported on the other supporting side wall via the position adjusting support member so that the lateral position can be adjusted.
JP 2000-155486 A JP 2005-292612 A

特許文献２に開示された画像形成装置によれば、位置調整支持部材を他方の支持側壁の外側から横方向に移動させることにより、定着ユニットの横方向位置を容易かつ確実に調整することができる。しかしながら、特許文献２に開示された画像形成装置における定着ユニットの他方の定着側壁に、特許文献１に開示されているように、冷却ファン及びダクトを有する冷却装置を装着した場合には、定着ユニットの他方の定着側壁における重量が増加する。そして、特許文献２に開示された画像形成装置においては、上記したとおり、位置調整支持部材の支持ロッドの先端部に他方の定着側壁の被支持穴が嵌合されることにより定着ユニットの他方の定着側壁が位置調整支持部材を介して他方の支持側壁に横方向位置調整可能に支持されるよう構成されているので、位置調整支持部材の支持ロッドの先端部に作用する荷重が増加する。その結果、定着ユニットの位置調整作業が困難となる、定着ユニットにおける他方の定着側壁及び他方の定着側壁を支持する構成部材（他方の支持側壁、位置調整支持部材の支持ロッドの基端部など）の強度を必要以上に高めなければならない、などの問題が生ずる。 According to the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, the lateral position of the fixing unit can be easily and reliably adjusted by moving the position adjustment support member laterally from the outside of the other support side wall. . However, when a cooling device having a cooling fan and a duct is mounted on the other fixing side wall of the fixing unit in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the fixing unit The weight of the other fixing side wall increases. In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, as described above, the supported hole of the other fixing side wall is fitted into the tip end portion of the support rod of the position adjustment support member, whereby the other fixing unit is fixed. Since the fixing side wall is supported by the other supporting side wall via the position adjusting support member so that the lateral position can be adjusted, the load acting on the tip of the support rod of the position adjusting support member increases. As a result, it is difficult to adjust the position of the fixing unit, and the other fixing side wall of the fixing unit and the structural member that supports the other fixing side wall (the other supporting side wall, the base end portion of the supporting rod of the position adjusting supporting member, etc.) The problem arises that the strength of the steel must be increased more than necessary.

本発明の目的は、誘導コイルを冷却するための冷却ファン及びダクトを有する冷却装置を定着ユニットに装着しても、定着ユニットの位置調整作業を容易かつ確実に遂行でき、しかも、定着ユニットにおける他方の定着側壁及び他方の定着側壁を支持する構成部材の強度を増大させる必要がない又は最小限の強度アップに抑えることを可能にする、新規な画像形成装置を提供することである。 The object of the present invention is to perform the position adjustment operation of the fixing unit easily and reliably even when a cooling device having a cooling fan and a duct for cooling the induction coil is mounted on the fixing unit. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel image forming apparatus that does not require an increase in strength of a fixing side wall and a component member that supports the other fixing side wall or suppresses the strength to a minimum.

本発明によれば、
一対の支持側壁と、支持側壁間に支持される定着ユニットであって、一対の定着側壁及び定着側壁間に回転自在に支持された円筒状の定着ローラを備えた定着ユニットと、片方の定着側壁を片方の支持側壁の所定位置に支持する支持手段と、他方の支持側壁に横方向位置調整可能に支持されかつ他方の定着側壁を支持することにより定着ユニットの支持位置を調整できる位置調整支持部材とを備えた画像形成装置において、
定着ローラ内には定着ローラを誘導加熱するための誘導コイルが配設され、
位置調整支持部材には誘導コイルを冷却するための冷却装置が一体に取付けられ、
位置調整支持部材が他方の支持側壁に支持されかつ定着ユニットの他方の定着側壁を支持した状態で、冷却装置が他方の支持側壁を跨いで他方の定着側壁に一体に連結され、
定着ユニットは、位置調整支持部材により、冷却装置と一体に他方の支持側壁に対する支持位置が調整される、
ことを特徴とする画像形成装置、が提供される。
定着ローラの中心部には一端及び他端が開口した筒状のコア部材が配置され、コア部材の半径方向外側に誘導コイルが配設され、冷却装置は冷却ファン及びダクトを有し、冷却装置が他方の支持側壁を跨いで他方の定着側壁に一体に連結されると、冷却装置のダクトがコア部材の一端に連結されて、冷却ファンの冷却風がコア部材の一端から導入され他端から排出されるよう構成される、ことが好ましい。
目盛りが該横方向に配設された位置調整基準板が備えられ、位置調整支持部材には目盛りに対応して該横方向に長い窓穴が形成され、位置調整支持部材の、窓穴の該横方向に延在する一つの縁部には指針が配設され、位置調整基準板を他方の支持側壁の外側における所定位置に重合して仮装着しかつ、位置調整支持部材を位置調整基準板の外側に重合して他方の支持側壁に支持すると共に位置調整支持部材に他方の定着側壁を支持すると、位置調整基準板の目盛りが窓穴をとおして外方に露呈されるよう窓穴と目盛りとの相対位置関係が設定され、位置調整支持部材の該横方向位置調整量は、位置調整支持部材の指針の、位置調整基準板の目盛りに対する基準位置からの移動量で測定される、ことが好ましい。
他方の定着側壁には被支持穴が該横方向に間隔をおいて複数個形成され、他方の支持側壁には横長穴が該横方向に間隔をおいて複数個形成され、位置調整基準板には横長穴が該横方向に間隔をおいて複数個形成され、位置調整支持部材には支持ロッドが該横方向に間隔をおいて片面から延び出すよう複数個配設され、位置調整基準板を他方の支持側壁の外側における所定位置に仮装着すると、位置調整基準板の横長穴が他方の支持側壁の横長穴に整合され、位置調整支持部材の支持ロッドが相互に整合された横長穴を貫通させられて位置調整支持部材が位置調整基準板の外側から他方の支持側壁に横方向位置調整可能に支持されかつ、支持ロッドの先端部に他方の定着側壁の被支持穴が嵌合されることにより定着ユニットの他方の定着側壁が位置調整支持部材を介して他方の支持側壁に横方向位置調整可能に支持される、ことが好ましい。
他方の支持側壁には雌ねじ穴が形成され、位置調整基準板には、他方の支持側壁の雌ねじ穴に対応して取付穴が形成され、位置調整基準板が他方の支持側壁に仮装着された状態で、位置調整基準板の取付穴と他方の支持側壁の雌ねじ穴とが整合され、取付穴を通して雌ねじ穴に雄ねじ部材をねじ係合させることにより、他方の支持側壁に仮装着された位置調整基準板が他方の支持側壁に締結される、ことが好ましい。
位置調整支持部材には、位置調整基準板の取付穴に対応して貫通穴が形成され、該貫通穴は、位置調整支持部材が位置調整基準板の外側に重合されて他方の支持側壁に支持されかつ横方向位置が調整された状態で、雄ねじ部材の頭に干渉しないよう、その大きさ、形状及び位置が設定される、ことが好ましい。
位置調整基準板には雌ねじ穴が形成され、他方の支持側壁には雌ねじ穴に対応して雌ねじ穴の最大径よりも大径の貫通穴が形成され、位置調整支持部材には、位置調整基準板の雌ねじ穴に対応して横長穴が形成され、位置調整支持部材が位置調整基準板の外側に重合されて他方の支持側壁に支持されかつ横方向位置が調整された状態で、雄ねじ部材が位置調整支持部材の横長穴をとおして位置調整基準板の雌ねじ穴に係合されることにより、位置調整支持部材は位置調整基準板に締結される、ことが好ましい。 According to the present invention,
A pair of supporting sidewalls, a fixing unit supported between the supporting sidewalls, the fixing unit having a cylindrical fixing roller rotatably supported between the pair of fixing sidewalls and the fixing sidewall, and one fixing sidewall Supporting means for supporting the fixing unit at a predetermined position on one supporting side wall, and a position adjusting supporting member that is supported by the other supporting side wall so that the lateral position of the fixing unit can be adjusted and can support the fixing unit by supporting the other fixing side wall. In an image forming apparatus comprising:
An induction coil for induction heating of the fixing roller is disposed in the fixing roller,
A cooling device for cooling the induction coil is integrally attached to the position adjustment support member,
With the position adjustment support member supported on the other support side wall and supporting the other fixing side wall of the fixing unit, the cooling device is integrally connected to the other fixing side wall across the other supporting side wall,
The fixing unit adjusts the support position with respect to the other support side wall integrally with the cooling device by the position adjustment support member.
An image forming apparatus is provided.
A cylindrical core member having one end and the other end opened is disposed at the center of the fixing roller, an induction coil is disposed radially outside the core member, and the cooling device includes a cooling fan and a duct. Is connected to the other fixing side wall across the other supporting side wall, the cooling device duct is connected to one end of the core member, and the cooling fan cooling air is introduced from one end of the core member. Preferably configured to be drained.
A position adjustment reference plate having a scale arranged in the lateral direction is provided, and a long window hole is formed in the lateral direction corresponding to the scale on the position adjustment support member. A pointer is disposed on one edge extending in the lateral direction, the position adjustment reference plate is superposed at a predetermined position outside the other support side wall, and temporarily attached, and the position adjustment support member is attached to the position adjustment reference plate. When the other fixing side wall is supported by the position adjustment support member while being superposed on the outer side of the window and the other fixing side wall is supported, the scale of the position adjustment reference plate is exposed to the outside through the window hole. The lateral position adjustment amount of the position adjustment support member is measured by the amount of movement of the pointer of the position adjustment support member from the reference position with respect to the scale of the position adjustment reference plate. preferable.
A plurality of supported holes are formed in the other fixing side wall at intervals in the lateral direction, and a plurality of elongated holes are formed in the other supporting side wall at intervals in the lateral direction. A plurality of laterally elongated holes are formed at intervals in the lateral direction, and a plurality of support rods are disposed on the position adjustment support member so as to extend from one side at intervals in the lateral direction, and a position adjustment reference plate is provided. When temporarily mounted at a predetermined position outside the other support side wall, the laterally long hole of the position adjustment reference plate is aligned with the laterally long hole of the other support side wall, and the support rods of the position adjustment support member pass through the laterally elongated holes aligned with each other. The position adjustment support member is supported from the outside of the position adjustment reference plate to the other support side wall so that the position of the position adjustment support member can be adjusted in the lateral direction, and the supported hole of the other fixing side wall is fitted to the tip of the support rod. The other fixing side wall of the fixing unit Through the location adjustment support members are laterally adjustable in position supported on the other support side walls, it is preferable.
A female screw hole is formed in the other support side wall, a mounting hole is formed in the position adjustment reference plate corresponding to the female screw hole in the other support side wall, and the position adjustment reference plate is temporarily attached to the other support side wall. In the state, the mounting hole of the position adjustment reference plate is aligned with the female screw hole of the other supporting side wall, and the male screw member is screwed into the female screw hole through the mounting hole, thereby adjusting the position temporarily attached to the other supporting side wall. It is preferable that the reference plate is fastened to the other supporting side wall.
A through hole is formed in the position adjustment support member corresponding to the mounting hole of the position adjustment reference plate, and the position adjustment support member is superposed on the outside of the position adjustment reference plate and supported on the other support side wall. In addition, it is preferable that the size, shape, and position are set so as not to interfere with the head of the male screw member in a state where the lateral position is adjusted.
A female screw hole is formed in the position adjustment reference plate, and a through hole having a diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the female screw hole is formed in the other supporting side wall corresponding to the female screw hole. A horizontally long hole is formed corresponding to the female screw hole of the plate, the position adjusting support member is superposed on the outside of the position adjusting reference plate and supported by the other supporting side wall, and the male screw member is adjusted in the lateral position. It is preferable that the position adjustment support member is fastened to the position adjustment reference plate by being engaged with the female screw hole of the position adjustment reference plate through the laterally long hole of the position adjustment support member.

以下、本発明に従って構成された画像形成装置の実施の形態を、添付図面を参照して詳細に説明する。 Embodiments of an image forming apparatus configured according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

図１を参照して、画像形成装置であるレーザプリンタ２（以下、単に「プリンタ２」と略称する）は、ほぼ直方体形状の画像形成装置本体であるプリンタ本体４を備えている。プリンタ本体４の一側面４ａ（図１において左側面）には、排紙トレイ６が折り畳み可能に装着されている。プリンタ本体４内のほぼ中央領域には像担持体である感光体ドラム８が図１において時計方向に回転駆動されるよう配設されている。感光体ドラム８の周囲には、主帯電器１０、現像装置１２、転写ローラ１４、クリーニング装置１６、図示しない除電器などが備えられている。プリンタ本体４内の上部位置には、入力された画像情報をレーザ光に変換し、感光体ドラム８の表面に照射するレーザスキャニングユニットＬＳＵが配設されている。 Referring to FIG. 1, a laser printer 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as “printer 2”) that is an image forming apparatus includes a printer main body 4 that is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped image forming apparatus main body. A paper discharge tray 6 is foldably mounted on one side surface 4a (left side surface in FIG. 1) of the printer body 4. A photosensitive drum 8 serving as an image carrier is arranged in a substantially central region within the printer main body 4 so as to be rotated clockwise in FIG. Around the photosensitive drum 8, a main charger 10, a developing device 12, a transfer roller 14, a cleaning device 16, a static eliminator (not shown), and the like are provided. A laser scanning unit LSU that converts input image information into laser light and irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 8 is disposed at an upper position in the printer main body 4.

プリンタ本体２内における上下方向のほぼ中央部には用紙Ｐを搬送するための搬送路１８が配設され、下端部には給紙カセット２０が装着されている。搬送路１８は、感光体ドラム１０と転写ローラ１４との間を通ってそれらの接線方向にほぼ水平に延在している。搬送路１８の上流端領域は、下方に反転して上記給紙カセット２０に接続されている。搬送路１８における、感光体ドラム８の上流側には、分離ローラ対２２、搬送ローラ対２４、２６及びレジストローラ対２８が搬送路１８に沿ってかつ、上流から下流に向ってその順に配設されている。給紙カセット２０内には、一端が軸３０まわりに回動自在に支持された用紙載置板である底板３２と、底板３２の他端を上方に押し上げる圧縮コイルばね３３などが配設されている。底板３２上に積層・収容された用紙Ｐの先端部における上面は、プリンタ本体４内に配設されたピックアップローラ３４に圧接される。 A transport path 18 for transporting the paper P is disposed at a substantially central portion of the printer main body 2 in the vertical direction, and a paper feed cassette 20 is mounted at the lower end. The conveyance path 18 passes between the photosensitive drum 10 and the transfer roller 14 and extends substantially horizontally in the tangential direction thereof. The upstream end region of the transport path 18 is inverted downward and connected to the paper feed cassette 20. On the upstream side of the photosensitive drum 8 in the conveyance path 18, a separation roller pair 22, conveyance roller pairs 24 and 26, and a registration roller pair 28 are arranged along the conveyance path 18 in that order from upstream to downstream. Has been. In the paper feed cassette 20, a bottom plate 32, which is a paper placement plate supported at one end so as to be rotatable around an axis 30, a compression coil spring 33 that pushes up the other end of the bottom plate 32, and the like are disposed. Yes. The upper surface of the leading end of the paper P stacked and accommodated on the bottom plate 32 is brought into pressure contact with a pickup roller 34 disposed in the printer main body 4.

搬送路１８における、感光体ドラム１０及びクリーニング装置１６の下側には、搬送ベルト機構３６が配設されている。搬送ベルト機構３６は、水平方向の間隔をおいて配置された駆動ローラ３８及び従動ローラ４０と、テンションローラ４２と、これら各ローラ間に巻き掛けられた無端状のベルト４４とを備えている。転写ローラ１４は、ベルト４４を介して感光体ドラム８に下方から押圧されている。搬送路１８における、搬送ベルト機構３６の下流側には、定着装置５０が配設されている。定着装置５０は、定着ローラ（熱ローラ）５０Ａと、定着ローラ５０Ａに下方から圧接された圧ローラ５０Ｂとを備えている。搬送路１８における、定着装置５０の下流側には、搬送ローラ対５２及び排出ローラ対５４が、この順に下流に向かって配設されている。排出ローラ対５４の下流側における、プリンタ本体４の一側面４ａには、用紙Ｐの排出口５６が配設されている。 A conveying belt mechanism 36 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 10 and the cleaning device 16 in the conveying path 18. The conveying belt mechanism 36 includes a driving roller 38 and a driven roller 40 that are arranged at intervals in the horizontal direction, a tension roller 42, and an endless belt 44 that is wound between these rollers. The transfer roller 14 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 8 from below via a belt 44. A fixing device 50 is disposed on the downstream side of the transport belt mechanism 36 in the transport path 18. The fixing device 50 includes a fixing roller (heat roller) 50A and a pressure roller 50B pressed against the fixing roller 50A from below. On the downstream side of the fixing device 50 in the transport path 18, a transport roller pair 52 and a discharge roller pair 54 are disposed downstream in this order. A discharge port 56 for paper P is disposed on one side surface 4 a of the printer body 4 on the downstream side of the discharge roller pair 54.

プリンタ本体４内には、搬送ユニット６０（図１において２点鎖線で図示されている）が装着されている。搬送ユニット６０には、搬送路１８の、ほぼ水平方向に延在する大部分の領域、該領域に配設された、搬送ローラ対２６、レジストローラ対２８、搬送ベルト機構３６、定着装置５０及び搬送ローラ対５２などが、この順に下流に向かって配設されている。搬送ユニット６０の、図１における左右方向両側面には、被ガイド部６０Ａが、紙面に垂直な方向に延在するよう配設され、プリンタ本体４内には、被ガイド部６０Ａの各々に対応してガイドレール４Ｇが、紙面に垂直な方向に延在するよう配設されている。被ガイド部６０Ａの各々が、対応するガイドレール４Ｇに沿ってスライド可能に嵌合支持されることにより、搬送ユニット６０は、プリンタ本体４の、図１において表面方向に引き出し可能に装着される。 A conveyance unit 60 (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) is mounted in the printer body 4. The conveyance unit 60 includes a large area of the conveyance path 18 that extends substantially in the horizontal direction, and a conveyance roller pair 26, a registration roller pair 28, a conveyance belt mechanism 36, a fixing device 50, and a fixing device 50 disposed in the area. A pair of conveyance rollers 52 and the like are disposed downstream in this order. Guided portions 60A are arranged on both sides in the left-right direction in FIG. 1 of the transport unit 60 so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface, and correspond to each of the guided portions 60A in the printer main body 4. Thus, the guide rail 4G is disposed so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. Each of the guided portions 60A is fitted and supported so as to be slidable along the corresponding guide rail 4G, whereby the transport unit 60 is mounted so that it can be pulled out in the surface direction in FIG.

上記プリンタ２に、図示しないパソコンからプリント信号が送信されると、主帯電器１０により一様に帯電された感光体ドラム８の表面がレーザスキャニングユニットＬＳＵにより露光されることにより静電潜像が形成され、この静電潜像は現像装置１２により現像されてトナー像となる。このトナー像は、転写ローラ１４によって、給紙カセット２０から所定のタイミングで搬送された用紙Ｐの片面に転写される。トナー像が転写された用紙Ｐは、搬送路１８に沿って定着装置５０に搬送され、定着装置５０を通過する間に熱定着される。トナー像が定着された用紙Ｐは、搬送ローラ対５２及び排出ローラ対５４により、排出口５６から排紙トレイ６に排出される。 When a print signal is transmitted to the printer 2 from a personal computer (not shown), the surface of the photosensitive drum 8 uniformly charged by the main charger 10 is exposed by the laser scanning unit LSU, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 12 to become a toner image. This toner image is transferred onto one side of the paper P conveyed from the paper feed cassette 20 at a predetermined timing by the transfer roller 14. The sheet P on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed along the conveyance path 18 to the fixing device 50 and is thermally fixed while passing through the fixing device 50. The sheet P on which the toner image is fixed is discharged from the discharge port 56 to the discharge tray 6 by the transport roller pair 52 and the discharge roller pair 54.

図２及び図３を参照して、搬送ユニット６０は、相互に間隔をおいて直立して対向する一対の支持側壁６２及び６４を含むフレーム６６を備えている。支持側壁６２及び６４の下縁を含む周縁であって、一部領域を除く周縁には、相互に対向する方向と反対方向に直角に延び出すフランジ６２Ｆ及び６４Ｆが形成されている。先に述べた搬送ローラ対２６、レジストローラ対２８、搬送ベルト機構３６、定着装置５０及び搬送ローラ対５２は、支持側壁６２及び６４間に支持されている。 2 and 3, the transport unit 60 includes a frame 66 including a pair of support side walls 62 and 64 that face each other upright and are spaced apart from each other. Flange 62 F and 64 F are formed on the periphery including the lower edges of the support side walls 62 and 64, excluding a part of the region, and extending perpendicularly in the opposite direction to each other. The transport roller pair 26, the registration roller pair 28, the transport belt mechanism 36, the fixing device 50, and the transport roller pair 52 described above are supported between the support side walls 62 and 64.

図４及び図５を参照して、定着ユニット５０は、一対の定着側壁７０及び７２を含むハウジング７４を備えている。相互に間隔をおいて直立して対向する定着側壁７０及び７２間には、円筒状の定着ローラ５０Ａが、それぞれ軸受７６を介して回転自在に支持されている。ハウジング７４には、圧ローラ５０Ｂが回転自在に支持されている。圧ローラ５０Ｂは、圧ローラ５０Ｂの両端に配設された圧縮コイルばね７８により定着ローラ５０Ａに圧接されている。 With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the fixing unit 50 includes a housing 74 including a pair of fixing side walls 70 and 72. Cylindrical fixing rollers 50A are rotatably supported via bearings 76 between the fixing side walls 70 and 72 which face each other upright and are spaced apart from each other. A pressure roller 50B is rotatably supported by the housing 74. The pressure roller 50B is pressed against the fixing roller 50A by compression coil springs 78 disposed at both ends of the pressure roller 50B.

定着ユニット５０の片方の定着側壁７０は、搬送ユニット６０における片方の支持側壁６２の所定位置に支持手段を介して支持される。図６〜図８を参照して、支持手段は、搬送ユニット６０の片方の支持側壁６２に配設された２個の位置決めロッド８２と、定着ユニット５０の片方の定着側壁７０に配設された２個の円形の位置決め穴８４とから構成されている。貫通穴である位置決め穴８４は相互に同径である。相互に実質的に同じ形状及び大きさを有する位置決めロッド８２は、片方の支持側壁７０から他方の支持側壁７２に向かって直角にかつ水平に延び出す大径部８２ａと、大径部８２ａの先端から延び出す小径部８２ｂと、大径部８２ａと小径部８２ｂとの間に形成された環状の段部８２ｃとを備えている。大径部８２ａと小径部８２ｂとは共通の軸線を有し、段部８２ｃは軸線に直角な環状面を有している。小径部８２ｂの先端外周には、先端に向かって径が縮小される円錐面が形成されている。位置決め穴８４の径は、位置決めロッド８２の小径部８２ｂよりもわずかに大きく形成され、大径部８２ａよりも小さく形成されている。 One fixing side wall 70 of the fixing unit 50 is supported at a predetermined position of one supporting side wall 62 in the transport unit 60 via a supporting unit. With reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the supporting means is disposed on the two positioning rods 82 disposed on one supporting side wall 62 of the transport unit 60 and the fixing side wall 70 on one side of the fixing unit 50. It is composed of two circular positioning holes 84. The positioning holes 84 that are through holes have the same diameter. The positioning rods 82 having substantially the same shape and size as each other include a large-diameter portion 82a extending horizontally from one support side wall 70 toward the other support side wall 72, and a tip of the large-diameter portion 82a. A small diameter portion 82b extending from the large diameter portion 82a, and an annular step portion 82c formed between the large diameter portion 82a and the small diameter portion 82b. The large diameter portion 82a and the small diameter portion 82b have a common axis, and the stepped portion 82c has an annular surface perpendicular to the axis. A conical surface whose diameter decreases toward the tip is formed on the outer periphery of the tip of the small diameter portion 82b. The diameter of the positioning hole 84 is slightly larger than the small diameter portion 82b of the positioning rod 82 and smaller than the large diameter portion 82a.

定着ユニット５０の片方の定着側壁７０は、位置決め穴８４の各々を、対応する位置決めロッド８２の小径部８２ｂに離脱自在に嵌合することにより、搬送ユニット６０の片方の支持側壁６２における内側（他方の支持側壁６４に対向する内側）の所定位置に、離脱自在に支持される。なお、２個の位置決めロッド８２を定着ユニット５０の片方の定着側壁７０に配設しかつ、２個の円形の位置決め穴８４を搬送ユニット６０の片方の支持側壁６２に配設することにより上記支持手段を構成する他の実施形態もある。 The fixing side wall 70 on one side of the fixing unit 50 is detachably fitted to the small-diameter portion 82b of the corresponding positioning rod 82 so that each of the positioning holes 84 is inside the other side wall 62 (on the other side) of the conveying unit 60. Is supported in a detachable manner at a predetermined position on the inner side facing the support side wall 64. The two positioning rods 82 are disposed on one fixing side wall 70 of the fixing unit 50, and the two circular positioning holes 84 are disposed on one supporting side wall 62 of the transport unit 60, thereby supporting the above-described support. There are other embodiments that constitute the means.

再び図４及び図５を参照して、定着ローラ５０Ａ内には、定着ローラ５０Ａを誘導加熱するための誘導コイル９０が配設されている。具体的に説明すると、定着ユニット５０の定着ローラ５０Ａの中心部には、一端及び他端が開口した筒状のコア部材８６が配置されている。コア部材８６は、適宜の合成樹脂から形成され、横断面が正方形をなしている。コア部材８６の半径方向外側に誘導コイル９０が配設される。実施形態において、コア部材８６の周囲には、相互に同じ形状及び大きさを有する複数のフェライトコア８８が、コア部材８６の長手方向に相互に隙間をおいて嵌合・装着されている。フェライトコア８８の外周面は、横断面が楕円形をなし、軸線に沿った縦断面において、軸線方向の両端にリブ８８Ｒ（図４）が形成されている。相互に隣接するフェライトコア８８は、軸線方向に見て相互の長軸が９０°をなすよう配置される。フェライトコア８８の各々の外周面におけるリブ８８Ｒの間に、定着ローラ５０Ａを誘導加熱するための誘導コイル９０（図４）が巻き付けられる。誘導コイル９０は、フェライトコア８８の各々間において連続していることはいうまでもない。 Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 again, an induction coil 90 for inductively heating the fixing roller 50A is disposed in the fixing roller 50A. More specifically, a cylindrical core member 86 having one end and the other end opened at the center of the fixing roller 50A of the fixing unit 50 is disposed. The core member 86 is made of an appropriate synthetic resin and has a square cross section. An induction coil 90 is disposed on the radially outer side of the core member 86. In the embodiment, around the core member 86, a plurality of ferrite cores 88 having the same shape and size are fitted and mounted with a gap in the longitudinal direction of the core member 86. The outer peripheral surface of the ferrite core 88 has an elliptical cross section, and ribs 88R (FIG. 4) are formed at both ends in the axial direction in the longitudinal section along the axis. Adjacent ferrite cores 88 are arranged such that their major axes form 90 ° when viewed in the axial direction. An induction coil 90 (FIG. 4) for inductively heating the fixing roller 50A is wound between the ribs 88R on each outer peripheral surface of the ferrite core 88. Needless to say, the induction coil 90 is continuous between the ferrite cores 88.

フェライトコア８８の各々の半径方向外側には、合成樹脂製の円筒部材９２が配置されている。円筒部材９２は、フェライトコア８８の各々における長軸側の頂部（リブ８８Ｒの各々の頂部）を覆うよう配置される。円筒部材９２及びコア部材８６の一端（図４において右端）は、片方の定着側壁７０の外側に装着されたカバー９４に回転できないように支持される。円筒部材９２の他端（図４において左端）は、軸受部材９６を介して定着ローラ７６に相対回転自在に支持される。また、コア部材８６の他端（図４において左端）は、軸受部材９８を介して円筒部材９２に支持される。定着ローラ５０Ａの内周面と円筒部材９２の外周面との間には隙間が形成される。 A cylindrical member 92 made of synthetic resin is arranged on the outer side in the radial direction of each of the ferrite cores 88. The cylindrical member 92 is disposed so as to cover the top of each of the ferrite cores 88 on the long axis side (the top of each of the ribs 88R). One end (the right end in FIG. 4) of the cylindrical member 92 and the core member 86 is supported so as not to rotate by a cover 94 mounted on the outer side of one fixing side wall 70. The other end (left end in FIG. 4) of the cylindrical member 92 is supported by the fixing roller 76 via a bearing member 96 so as to be relatively rotatable. Further, the other end (the left end in FIG. 4) of the core member 86 is supported by the cylindrical member 92 via the bearing member 98. A gap is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the fixing roller 50 A and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 92.

図９〜図１１を参照して、プリンタ２には、搬送ユニット６０の他方の支持側壁６４に横方向位置調整可能（図１において左右水平方向位置調整可能、すなわち用紙Ｐの搬送方向位置調整可能）に支持されかつ他方の定着側壁６４を支持することにより定着ユニット５０の支持位置を該横方向に調整できる位置調整支持部材１００が備えられている。この調整により、定着ローラ５０Ａの軸線が、搬送ベルト機構３６（図１）の駆動ローラ３８の軸線に対し平行に位置付けられる。位置調整支持部材１００には、冷却ファン１０２及びダクト１０４を有する冷却装置１０６が一体に取付けられている。位置調整支持部材１００が搬送ユニット６０の他方の支持側壁６４に支持されかつ定着ユニット５０の他方の定着側壁７２を支持した状態で、冷却装置１０６が他方の支持側壁６４を跨いで他方の定着側壁７２に一体に連結される。定着ユニット５０は、位置調整支持部材１００により、冷却装置１０６と一体に他方の支持側壁６４に対する上記横方向の支持位置が調整される。冷却装置１０６が他方の支持側壁６４を跨いで他方の定着側壁７２に一体に連結されると、冷却装置１０６のダクト１０４がコア部材８６の一端に連結されて、冷却ファン１０２の冷却風がコア部材８６の一端、実施形態においては他端（図４において左端）から導入され他端、実施形態においては一端（図４において右端）から排出されるよう構成される。この構成は、冷却装置１０６のダクト１０４とコア部材８６の軸線を容易に一致させることが可能であり、冷却効率の向上に寄与する。上記構成及び作用については、後に更に詳述する。 Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the printer 2 can adjust the lateral position of the other supporting side wall 64 of the transport unit 60 (adjustable in the horizontal and horizontal directions in FIG. ) And supporting the other fixing side wall 64, a position adjusting support member 100 capable of adjusting the supporting position of the fixing unit 50 in the lateral direction is provided. By this adjustment, the axis of the fixing roller 50A is positioned parallel to the axis of the driving roller 38 of the transport belt mechanism 36 (FIG. 1). A cooling device 106 having a cooling fan 102 and a duct 104 is integrally attached to the position adjustment support member 100. In a state where the position adjustment support member 100 is supported by the other support side wall 64 of the transport unit 60 and supports the other fixing side wall 72 of the fixing unit 50, the cooling device 106 straddles the other support side wall 64 and the other fixing side wall. 72 are integrally connected. In the fixing unit 50, the horizontal support position with respect to the other support side wall 64 is adjusted integrally with the cooling device 106 by the position adjustment support member 100. When the cooling device 106 is integrally connected to the other fixing side wall 72 across the other support side wall 64, the duct 104 of the cooling device 106 is connected to one end of the core member 86, and the cooling air of the cooling fan 102 is supplied to the core. The member 86 is configured to be introduced from the other end (left end in FIG. 4) in the embodiment, and discharged from the other end, in the embodiment, one end (right end in FIG. 4). With this configuration, the duct 104 of the cooling device 106 and the axis of the core member 86 can be easily aligned, which contributes to an improvement in cooling efficiency. The configuration and operation will be described in detail later.

図１１及び図１２を参照して、搬送ユニット６０の他方の支持側壁６４には、位置調整基準板１１０が装着される。板金製の位置調整基準板１１０は、全体として横長のほぼ矩形状をなし、上縁中央領域には突出部１１０Ｐが形成されている。突出部１１０Ｐは、一定の高さで上縁に平行に延在し、突出部１１０Ｐの両端は上縁に向かって下方に傾斜している。突出部１１０Ｐの外側面（他方の支持側壁６４に対向する内側面に対し反対側の面）には、目盛り１１０Ｓが該横方向に延在するよう配設されている。 With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the position adjustment reference plate 110 is mounted on the other support side wall 64 of the transport unit 60. The sheet metal position adjustment reference plate 110 as a whole has a horizontally long and substantially rectangular shape, and a protrusion 110P is formed in the central region of the upper edge. The protrusion 110P extends at a certain height in parallel with the upper edge, and both ends of the protrusion 110P are inclined downward toward the upper edge. A scale 110 S is disposed on the outer surface of the protrusion 110 P (the surface opposite to the inner surface facing the other support side wall 64) so as to extend in the lateral direction.

図９〜図１２を参照して、板金製の位置調整支持部材１００は、ほぼ矩形状の平坦な下部１００Ｌと、下部１００Ｌの上縁における一側寄りの領域から上方に真っ直ぐに延び出す上部１００Ｕと、上部１００Ｕの一側から直角に延び出す折曲部１００Ｔとを備えている。折曲部１００Ｔに冷却装置１０６の冷却ファン１０２が装着されている。冷却ファン１０２はシロッコファンから構成され、図示しない電動モータにより回転駆動される。冷却装置１０６のダクト１０４は、冷却ファン１０２の図示しない排気口から位置調整支持部材１００の上部１００Ｕを貫通して延びている。ダクト１０４の下流端部は、横断面が正方形をなしている（図１１）。ダクト１０４の下流端部よりも上流側の位置には、外周面から半径方向外方に延び出すボス部１１２（図４）が設けられている。円形外周面を有するボス部１１２の下流端側の環状面（ダクト１０４の軸線に直交する環状面）には、円形の嵌合溝１１４（図１１）が形成されている。図４に示されているように、ボス部１１２の嵌合溝１１４の半径方向外側には、下流方向に延び出す円筒部と、円筒部の下流端から半径方向外方に延び出す環状部と、環状部の外周縁から下流方向に向かって直径が徐々に増大する環状フレアー部と、環状フレアー部の下流端から上下方向に延び出す取付け用フランジ１１６とが合成樹脂により一体に形成されている。取付け用フランジ１１６は、位置調整支持部材１００の下部１００Ｌ及び上部１００Ｕが鉛直に延在する位置よりも、支持側壁６４方向に所定の間隔だけ突出した位置において、下部１００Ｌ及び上部１００Ｕに対し平行に延在する。 Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, the sheet metal position adjustment support member 100 includes a substantially rectangular flat lower portion 100 L and an upper portion 100 U that extends straight upward from a region closer to one side at the upper edge of the lower portion 100 L. And a bent portion 100T extending perpendicularly from one side of the upper portion 100U. The cooling fan 102 of the cooling device 106 is attached to the bent portion 100T. The cooling fan 102 is composed of a sirocco fan and is rotationally driven by an electric motor (not shown). The duct 104 of the cooling device 106 extends from an exhaust port (not shown) of the cooling fan 102 through the upper portion 100U of the position adjustment support member 100. The downstream end of the duct 104 has a square cross section (FIG. 11). A boss 112 (FIG. 4) is provided at a position upstream of the downstream end of the duct 104 and extends radially outward from the outer peripheral surface. A circular fitting groove 114 (FIG. 11) is formed on the annular surface (annular surface orthogonal to the axis of the duct 104) on the downstream end side of the boss portion 112 having a circular outer peripheral surface. As shown in FIG. 4, on the radially outer side of the fitting groove 114 of the boss portion 112, a cylindrical portion extending in the downstream direction, and an annular portion extending radially outward from the downstream end of the cylindrical portion, The annular flare portion whose diameter gradually increases in the downstream direction from the outer peripheral edge of the annular portion and the mounting flange 116 extending in the vertical direction from the downstream end of the annular flare portion are integrally formed of synthetic resin. . The mounting flange 116 is parallel to the lower part 100L and the upper part 100U at a position protruding by a predetermined distance in the direction of the support side wall 64 from the position where the lower part 100L and the upper part 100U of the position adjusting support member 100 extend vertically. Extend.

図１１に示されているように、取付け用フランジ１１６の上端部には、突部１１６Ｍ及び取付穴１１６Ｎが該横方向に間隔をおいて形成されている。取付け用フランジ１１６の下端部には、突部１１６Ｐ及び取付穴１１６Ｑが該横方向に間隔をおいて形成されている。突部１１６Ｍと突部１１６Ｐ、取付穴１１６Ｎと取付穴１１６Ｑは、ダクト１０４の軸線方向に見て、それぞれほぼ対角線上に存在するよう配置されている。突部１１６Ｍ及び１１６Ｐは、相互に同じ形状及び大きさの円形横断面を有しかつ、定着ユニット５０の他方の定着側壁７２に向かって延び出すよう形成されている。円形の取付穴１１６Ｎ及び１１６Ｑは、相互に同じ内径を有している。 As shown in FIG. 11, a protrusion 116 M and a mounting hole 116 N are formed at the upper end portion of the mounting flange 116 at intervals in the lateral direction. At the lower end of the mounting flange 116, a protrusion 116P and a mounting hole 116Q are formed at intervals in the lateral direction. The protrusions 116M and the protrusions 116P, the attachment holes 116N and the attachment holes 116Q are arranged so as to be substantially diagonal, as viewed in the axial direction of the duct 104. The protrusions 116M and 116P have circular cross sections having the same shape and size as each other, and are formed to extend toward the other fixing side wall 72 of the fixing unit 50. The circular mounting holes 116N and 116Q have the same inner diameter.

図１２に示されているように、他方の定着側壁７２には、突部１１６Ｍ及び１１６Ｐに対応して、それぞれ位置決め長穴７２Ｍ及び円形の位置決め穴７２Ｐが形成され、取付穴１１６Ｎ及び取付穴１１６Ｑに対応して、それぞれ雌ねじ穴７２Ｎ及び７２Ｑが形成されている。位置決め穴７２Ｐは、突部１１６Ｐの外径よりもわずかに内径の大きな円形をなし、位置決め長穴７２Ｍは、位置決め穴７２Ｐの軸心を中心とする円弧形状をなす。位置決め長穴７２Ｍの、上下方向に間隔をおいて平行に延在する上縁及び下縁間の間隔は、突部１１６Ｍの外径よりもわずかに大きく形成されている。 As shown in FIG. 12, a positioning elongated hole 72M and a circular positioning hole 72P are formed in the other fixing side wall 72 corresponding to the protrusions 116M and 116P, respectively, and the mounting hole 116N and the mounting hole 116Q are formed. Corresponding to the female screw holes 72N and 72Q, respectively. The positioning hole 72P has a circular shape whose inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 116P, and the positioning elongated hole 72M has an arc shape centered on the axis of the positioning hole 72P. The distance between the upper edge and the lower edge of the positioning elongated hole 72M extending in parallel in the vertical direction is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 116M.

図９〜図１２を参照して、位置調整支持部材１００の下部１００Ｌには、位置調整基準板１１０の目盛り１１０Ｓに対応して該横方向に長い矩形状の窓穴１００Ｗが形成されている。窓穴１００Ｗの、該横方向に延在する一つの縁部（実施形態においては下縁部）の中央には指針１００Ｐが配設されている。指針１００Ｐは、位置調整支持部材１００の下部１００Ｌの外側面、すなわち位置調整基準板１１０に対向する内側面と反対側の外側面に形成されている。後に詳述するようにして、位置調整基準板１１０を他方の支持側壁６４の外側における所定位置に重合して仮装着しかつ、位置調整支持部材１００を位置調整基準板１１０の外側に重合して位置調整支持部材１００を他方の支持側壁６４に支持すると共に位置調整支持部材１００に他方の定着側壁６４を支持すると、位置調整基準板１１０の目盛り１１０Ｓが窓穴１００Ｗをとおして外方に露呈されるよう窓穴１００Ｗと目盛り１１０Ｓとの相対位置関係が設定される。位置調整支持部材１００の該横方向位置調整量は、位置調整支持部材１００の指針１００Ｐの、位置調整基準板１１０の目盛り１１０Ｓに対する基準位置からの移動量で測定される。 With reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, a rectangular window hole 100 W that is long in the lateral direction is formed in the lower portion 100 L of the position adjustment support member 100 corresponding to the scale 110 S of the position adjustment reference plate 110. A pointer 100P is disposed at the center of one edge portion (lower edge portion in the embodiment) extending in the lateral direction of the window hole 100W. The pointer 100P is formed on the outer surface of the lower portion 100L of the position adjustment support member 100, that is, the outer surface opposite to the inner surface facing the position adjustment reference plate 110. As described in detail later, the position adjustment reference plate 110 is superposed at a predetermined position on the outside of the other support side wall 64 and temporarily mounted, and the position adjustment support member 100 is superposed on the outside of the position adjustment reference plate 110. When the position adjustment support member 100 is supported by the other support side wall 64 and the other fixing side wall 64 is supported by the position adjustment support member 100, the scale 110S of the position adjustment reference plate 110 is exposed to the outside through the window hole 100W. Thus, the relative positional relationship between the window hole 100W and the scale 110S is set. The lateral position adjustment amount of the position adjustment support member 100 is measured by the amount of movement of the pointer 100P of the position adjustment support member 100 from the reference position with respect to the scale 110S of the position adjustment reference plate 110.

他方の定着側壁７２には円形の被支持穴７２Ａが該横方向に間隔をおいて複数個、実施形態においては２個形成されている。搬送ユニット６０の他方の支持側壁６４には横長穴６４Ａが該横方向に間隔をおいて複数個、実施形態においては２個形成されている。位置調整基準板１１０には横長穴１１０Ａが該横方向に間隔をおいて複数個、実施形態においては２個形成されている。横長穴６４Ａの各々と横長穴１１０Ａの各々とは相互に実質的に同じ形状及び大きさを有しかつ、相互に整合しうるよう位置付けられている。 On the other fixing side wall 72, a plurality of circular supported holes 72A are formed at intervals in the lateral direction, and two in the embodiment. A plurality of laterally elongated holes 64A, two in the embodiment, are formed in the other supporting side wall 64 of the transport unit 60 at intervals in the lateral direction. The position adjustment reference plate 110 is formed with a plurality of laterally elongated holes 110A, two in the embodiment, spaced in the lateral direction. Each of the elongated holes 64A and each of the elongated holes 110A have substantially the same shape and size as each other and are positioned so as to be aligned with each other.

位置調整支持部材１００には支持ロッド１００Ａが該横方向に間隔をおいて片面から延び出すよう複数個、実施形態においては２個配設されている。相互に実質的に同じ形状及び大きさを有する支持ロッド１００Ａは、大径部１００ｂと、大径部１００ｂの先端から延び出す小径部１００ｃと、大径部１００ｂと小径部１００ｃとの間に形成された環状の段部１００ｄとを備えている。大径部１００ｂと小径部１００ｃとは共通の軸線を有し、段部１００ｄは軸線に直角な環状面を有している。小径部１００ｃの先端外周には、先端に向かって径が縮小される円錐面が形成されている。小径部１００ｃの外径は、他方の定着側壁７２に形成された被支持穴７２Ａの内径よりもわずかに小さく形成されている。大径部１００ｂの外径は、横長穴６４Ａ及び横長穴１１０Ａの各々の、相互に上下方向に間隔をおいて該横方向に平行に延在する上縁及び下縁間の間隔よりもわずかに小さく形成されている。支持ロッド１００Ａの各々、被支持穴７２Ａの各々、横長穴６４Ａの各々及び横長穴１１０Ａの各々における軸心間距離は、相互に実質的に同じに設定されている。 A plurality of, in the embodiment, two support rods 100 A are disposed on the position adjustment support member 100 so as to extend from one side at intervals in the lateral direction. Support rods 100A having substantially the same shape and size are formed between the large diameter portion 100b, the small diameter portion 100c extending from the tip of the large diameter portion 100b, and the large diameter portion 100b and the small diameter portion 100c. An annular stepped portion 100d. The large diameter portion 100b and the small diameter portion 100c have a common axis, and the step portion 100d has an annular surface perpendicular to the axis. A conical surface whose diameter decreases toward the tip is formed on the outer periphery of the tip of the small diameter portion 100c. The outer diameter of the small diameter portion 100 c is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the supported hole 72 A formed in the other fixing side wall 72. The outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 100b is slightly smaller than the interval between the upper edge and the lower edge of the horizontally elongated hole 64A and the horizontally elongated hole 110A that are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and extend parallel to the lateral direction. It is formed small. The distance between the axial centers of each of the support rods 100A, each of the supported holes 72A, each of the horizontally long holes 64A and each of the horizontally long holes 110A is set to be substantially the same.

他方の支持側壁６４には、雌ねじ穴６４Ｂ及び位置決め用縦長穴６４Ｃがそれぞれ１個形成されている。雌ねじ穴６４Ｂ及び位置決め用縦長穴６４Ｃは、横長穴６４Ａの各々間の中央部に形成されている。雌ねじ穴６４Ｂは位置決め用縦長穴６４Ｃの下側に配置されている。他方の支持側壁６４の、位置決め用縦長穴６４Ｃの該横方向両側には、相互に円形かつ同径の貫通穴６４Ｄが形成されている。 On the other support side wall 64, one female screw hole 64B and one vertical positioning hole 64C are formed. The female screw hole 64B and the positioning vertical elongated hole 64C are formed at the center between the lateral elongated holes 64A. The female screw hole 64B is disposed below the positioning elongated hole 64C. On the other support side wall 64, through holes 64D having a circular shape and the same diameter are formed on both lateral sides of the vertical positioning hole 64C.

位置調整基準板１１０には、雌ねじ穴６４Ｂに対応して円形の取付穴１１０Ｂが、位置決め用縦長穴６４Ｃに対応して突部１１０Ｃが、貫通穴６４Ｄの各々に対応して雌ねじ穴１１０Ｄが、それぞれ形成されている。逆に、取付穴１１０Ｂに対応して雌ねじ穴６４Ｂが、突部１１０Ｃに対応して位置決め用縦長穴６４Ｃが、雌ねじ穴１１０Ｄの各々に対応して貫通穴６４Ｄが、それぞれ形成されている、ともいえる。突部１１０Ｃは、位置決め用縦長穴６４Ｃに実質的に密着して離脱自在に嵌合しうるような形状に形成されかつ、目盛り１１０Ｓが形成された外側面と反対側の内側面から直角に突出するよう形成されている。取付穴１１０Ｂ及び突部１１０Ｃは、横長穴１１０Ａの各々間の中央部に形成されている。取付穴１１０Ｂは、突部１１０Ｃの下側に配置されている。取付穴１１０Ｂは雌ねじ穴６４Ｂの最大内径よりもわずかに大きく形成されている。雌ねじ穴１１０Ｄの各々の最大内径は、対応する貫通穴６４Ｄの内径よりも小さい。逆に、貫通穴６４Ｄの各々の内径は、対応する雌ねじ穴１１０Ｄの最大内径よりも大きい、ともいえる。 The position adjustment reference plate 110 has a circular mounting hole 110B corresponding to the female screw hole 64B, a protrusion 110C corresponding to the positioning elongated hole 64C, and a female screw hole 110D corresponding to each of the through holes 64D. Each is formed. Conversely, a female screw hole 64B is formed corresponding to the mounting hole 110B, a vertical positioning hole 64C is formed corresponding to the protrusion 110C, and a through hole 64D is formed corresponding to each of the female screw holes 110D. I can say that. The protrusion 110C is formed in a shape that can substantially fit into the positioning elongated hole 64C and can be removably fitted, and protrudes at right angles from the inner surface opposite to the outer surface on which the scale 110S is formed. It is formed to do. The mounting hole 110B and the protrusion 110C are formed at the center between each of the horizontally elongated holes 110A. The mounting hole 110B is disposed below the protrusion 110C. The mounting hole 110B is formed slightly larger than the maximum inner diameter of the female screw hole 64B. The maximum inner diameter of each female screw hole 110D is smaller than the inner diameter of the corresponding through hole 64D. Conversely, it can be said that the inner diameter of each through hole 64D is larger than the maximum inner diameter of the corresponding female screw hole 110D.

位置調整支持部材１００の下部１００Ｌには、取付穴１１０Ｂに対応して貫通穴１００Ｂが形成され、雌ねじ穴１１０Ｄの各々に対応して横長穴１００Ｄが形成されている。円形の貫通穴１００Ｂは、取付穴１１０Ｂの最大内径よりも大きな内径を有しかつ、支持ロッド１００Ａの軸心間の中央に配置されている。相互に同じ形状及び大きさを有する横長穴１００Ｄの各々の、上下方向に間隔をおいて該横方向に平行に延在する上縁及び下縁間の間隔は、雌ねじ穴１１０Ｄの最大内径よりもわずかに大きい。 A through hole 100B is formed in the lower portion 100L of the position adjustment support member 100 corresponding to the mounting hole 110B, and a horizontally elongated hole 100D is formed corresponding to each of the female screw holes 110D. The circular through hole 100B has an inner diameter larger than the maximum inner diameter of the mounting hole 110B, and is disposed at the center between the shaft centers of the support rod 100A. The distance between the upper edge and the lower edge of each of the oblong holes 100D having the same shape and size and extending in parallel in the transverse direction with an interval in the vertical direction is larger than the maximum inner diameter of the female screw hole 110D. Slightly bigger.

図１１〜図１４を参照して、定着ユニット５０の他方の定着側壁７２は、次のとおりにして、搬送ユニット６０における他方の支持側壁６４の内側に支持される。なお、定着ユニット５０の片方の定着側壁７０は、先に述べたとおりにして、搬送ユニット６０における片方の支持側壁６２の内側に支持されており、定着ユニット５０の他方の定着側壁７２側は、搬送ユニット６０内に仮載置されている。他方の定着側壁７２は、搬送ユニット６０における他方の支持側壁６４の内側に存在する。 Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, the other fixing side wall 72 of the fixing unit 50 is supported inside the other supporting side wall 64 of the transport unit 60 as follows. Note that one fixing side wall 70 of the fixing unit 50 is supported on the inside of one supporting side wall 62 in the transport unit 60 as described above, and the other fixing side wall 72 side of the fixing unit 50 is Temporarily placed in the transport unit 60. The other fixing side wall 72 exists inside the other supporting side wall 64 in the transport unit 60.

先ず、位置調整基準板１１０の突部１１０Ｃを、搬送ユニット６０の他方の支持側壁６４に形成された位置決め用縦長穴６４Ｃに嵌合することにより、位置調整基準板１１０は、他方の支持側壁６４の外側における所定位置に重合・仮装着される（図１３）。位置調整基準板１１０の取付穴１１０Ｂが、他方の支持側壁６４の雌ねじ穴６４Ｂに整合され、雌ねじ穴１１０Ｄの各々がそれぞれ貫通穴６４Ｄに整合され、横長穴１１０Ａの各々がそれぞれ横長穴６４Ａに整合される。位置調整基準板１１０の下端は他方の支持側壁６４のフランジ６４Ｆ上に密着して又は近接して位置付けられる。そして、取付穴１１０Ｂを通して雌ねじ穴６４Ｂに雄ねじ部材１２０Ｂをねじ係合させることにより、他方の支持側壁６４に仮装着された位置調整基準板１１０が、他方の支持側壁６４に、外側から離脱自在に締結される。 First, the protrusion 110C of the position adjustment reference plate 110 is fitted into a positioning elongated hole 64C formed in the other support side wall 64 of the transport unit 60, whereby the position adjustment reference plate 110 is moved to the other support side wall 64. Is superposed and temporarily mounted at a predetermined position on the outside (FIG. 13). The mounting hole 110B of the position adjustment reference plate 110 is aligned with the female screw hole 64B of the other support side wall 64, each of the female screw holes 110D is aligned with the through hole 64D, and each of the lateral elongated holes 110A is aligned with the lateral elongated hole 64A. Is done. The lower end of the position adjustment reference plate 110 is positioned in close contact with or close to the flange 64F of the other support side wall 64. Then, the male screw member 120B is screw-engaged with the female screw hole 64B through the mounting hole 110B, so that the position adjustment reference plate 110 temporarily mounted on the other support side wall 64 is detachable from the outside to the other support side wall 64. It is concluded.

続いて、位置調整支持部材１００の支持ロッド１００Ａを、それぞれ相互に整合された横長穴１１０Ａ及び６４Ａに貫通させる。これにより、位置調整支持部材１００の下部１００Ｌが位置調整基準板１１０の外側から他方の支持側壁６４に重合されかつ横方向位置調整可能に支持される。そして支持ロッド１００Ａの各々の小径部１００ｃを、定着ユニット５０における他方の定着側壁７２の、対応する被支持穴７２Ａに嵌合させることにより、定着ユニット５０の他方の定着側壁７２が位置調整支持部材１００を介して搬送ユニット６０の他方の支持側壁６４に横方向位置調整可能に支持される（図１４）。他方の支持側壁６４と他方の定着側壁７２との間には所定の間隔が形成される（図４参照）。 Subsequently, the support rod 100A of the position adjustment support member 100 is passed through the horizontally elongated holes 110A and 64A, which are aligned with each other. As a result, the lower portion 100L of the position adjustment support member 100 is superposed on the other support side wall 64 from the outside of the position adjustment reference plate 110 and supported so as to be adjustable in the lateral direction. Then, each of the small diameter portions 100c of the support rod 100A is fitted into the corresponding supported hole 72A of the other fixing side wall 72 of the fixing unit 50, so that the other fixing side wall 72 of the fixing unit 50 is positioned and supported. It is supported by the other support side wall 64 of the conveyance unit 60 via 100 so that a horizontal position adjustment is possible (FIG. 14). A predetermined interval is formed between the other support side wall 64 and the other fixing side wall 72 (see FIG. 4).

他方、位置調整支持部材１００の上端部に配設された取付け用フランジ１１６の突部１１６Ｐを、定着ユニット５０における他方の定着側壁７２の位置決め穴７２Ｐに嵌合し、突部１１６Ｍを円弧状の位置決め穴７２Ｍに嵌合して、位置調整支持部材１００と他方の定着側壁７２とを位置決め穴７２Ｐの軸心回りに相対回動させることにより、取付け用フランジ１１６の取付穴１１６Ｎと他方の定着側壁７２の雌ねじ穴７２Ｎ、取付穴１１６Ｑと雌ねじ穴７２Ｑとの位置合せを行ってから、図示しない雄ねじ部材を、取付穴１１６Ｎを通して雌ねじ穴７２Ｎにねじ係合しかつ、図示しない他の雄ねじ部材を、取付穴１１６Ｑを通して雌ねじ穴７２Ｑにねじ係合することにより、取付け用フランジ１１６を他方の定着側壁７２の上端部に締結する。他方の支持側壁６４の上縁は、取付け用フランジ１１６の下端よりも下方に位置するので、位置調整支持部材１００に取付けられた冷却装置１０６は、他方の支持側壁６４を跨いで他方の定着側壁６４に一体に連結されることになる。 On the other hand, the protrusion 116P of the mounting flange 116 disposed at the upper end of the position adjustment support member 100 is fitted into the positioning hole 72P of the other fixing side wall 72 of the fixing unit 50, and the protrusion 116M is formed in an arc shape. The mounting hole 116N of the mounting flange 116 and the other fixing side wall are fitted to the positioning hole 72M and the position adjusting support member 100 and the other fixing side wall 72 are rotated relative to each other around the axis of the positioning hole 72P. 72, the male screw member (not shown) is screw-engaged with the female screw hole 72N through the mounting hole 116N, and other male screw members (not shown) The mounting flange 116 is fastened to the upper end portion of the other fixing side wall 72 by screwing into the female screw hole 72Q through the mounting hole 116Q. . Since the upper edge of the other support side wall 64 is located below the lower end of the mounting flange 116, the cooling device 106 attached to the position adjustment support member 100 straddles the other support side wall 64 and the other fixing side wall. 64 to be integrally connected.

図４及び図１１から容易に理解されるように、位置調整支持部材１００の取付け用フランジ１１６を、定着ユニット５０における他方の定着側壁７２に装着する過程において、定着ユニット５０の円筒部材９２の、図４において左端部が、冷却装置１０６におけるダクト１０４のボス部１１２に形成された嵌合溝１１４に嵌合・支持され、またコア部材８６の、図４において左端部が、ダクト１０４の、図４において右端部内に嵌合・支持される。ダクト１０４とコア部材８６とが容易かつ確実に、実質的に共通の中心軸上で連結され、冷却効率の向上に寄与する。 As can be easily understood from FIGS. 4 and 11, in the process of mounting the mounting flange 116 of the position adjustment support member 100 on the other fixing side wall 72 of the fixing unit 50, 4, the left end portion is fitted and supported in a fitting groove 114 formed in the boss portion 112 of the duct 104 in the cooling device 106, and the left end portion of the core member 86 in FIG. 4 is the duct 104. 4 is fitted and supported in the right end. The duct 104 and the core member 86 are easily and reliably connected on a substantially common central axis, contributing to an improvement in cooling efficiency.

再び図１１〜図１４を参照して、位置調整支持部材１００が他方の定着側壁７２に仮支持された状態（図１４）で、位置調整支持部材１００の下端及び該横方向両側に折曲形成された位置決め用フランジ１００Ｆの基端部における下端が、他方の定着側壁７２のフランジ６４Ｆ上に載置される。位置調整支持部材１００の下部１００Ｌは、他方の定着側壁７２の外側面に重合されて上下方向に延在するが、他方の定着側壁７２の上縁に形成されたフランジ６４Ｆの一部領域は、位置調整支持部材１００との干渉を避けるため除去されている。 Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14 again, the position adjustment support member 100 is temporarily supported by the other fixing side wall 72 (FIG. 14), and the lower end of the position adjustment support member 100 and both sides thereof are bent. The lower end of the positioning flange 100F is placed on the flange 64F of the other fixing side wall 72. The lower portion 100L of the position adjustment support member 100 is superposed on the outer surface of the other fixing side wall 72 and extends in the vertical direction, but a partial region of the flange 64F formed on the upper edge of the other fixing side wall 72 is It is removed to avoid interference with the position adjustment support member 100.

図１４に示されているように、位置調整支持部材１００が他方の定着側壁７２に仮支持されかつ、支持ロッド１００Ａの各々により定着ユニット５０の他方の定着側壁７２を支持した状態で、位置調整支持部材１００の位置決め用フランジ１００Ｆを利用して、位置調整支持部材１００及び冷却装置１０６と一体に定着ユニット５０を該横方向に移動させ、搬送ユニット６０の他方の支持側壁６４に対する支持位置の調整を行う。先に述べたように、位置調整基準板１１０の目盛り１１０Ｓが窓穴１００Ｗをとおして外方に露呈されるよう窓穴１００Ｗと目盛り１１０Ｓとの相対位置関係が設定されているので、位置調整支持部材１００の該横方向位置調整量は、位置調整支持部材１００の指針１００Ｐの、位置調整基準板１１０の目盛り１１０Ｓに対する基準位置からの移動量で測定することができる。このような構成は、定着ユニット５０の位置調整作業を容易かつ確実に遂行することを可能にする。 As shown in FIG. 14, the position adjustment support member 100 is temporarily supported by the other fixing side wall 72 and the other fixing side wall 72 of the fixing unit 50 is supported by each of the support rods 100A. Using the positioning flange 100F of the support member 100, the fixing unit 50 is moved in the lateral direction integrally with the position adjustment support member 100 and the cooling device 106, and the support position of the transport unit 60 with respect to the other support side wall 64 is adjusted. I do. As described above, since the relative positional relationship between the window hole 100W and the scale 110S is set so that the scale 110S of the position adjustment reference plate 110 is exposed to the outside through the window hole 100W, the position adjustment support is performed. The lateral position adjustment amount of the member 100 can be measured by the amount of movement of the pointer 100P of the position adjustment support member 100 from the reference position with respect to the scale 110S of the position adjustment reference plate 110. Such a configuration makes it possible to easily and reliably perform the position adjustment operation of the fixing unit 50.

定着ユニット５０の、他方の支持側壁６４に対する支持位置の調整を行った後、相互に整合された、位置調整支持部材１００の横長穴１００Ｄの各々と位置調整基準板１１０の雌ねじ穴１１０Ｄの各々に対し、雄ねじ部材１２０Ｄを、それぞれ横長穴１００Ｄを通して雌ねじ穴１１０Ｄにねじ係合させることにより、位置調整支持部材１００を、他方の支持側壁６４に締結された位置調整基準板１１０に締結する。雄ねじ部材１２０Ｄの各々の先端部は、他方の支持側壁６４の、対応する貫通穴６４Ｄに干渉しないで貫通穴６４Ｄを貫通して内側に延び出す。先に述べたように、他方の支持側壁６４と他方の定着側壁７２との間には所定の隙間が形成されているので、雄ねじ部材１２０Ｄの各々の先端が他方の定着側壁７２に干渉することはない。位置調整支持部材１００の貫通穴１００Ｂは、位置調整支持部材１００が位置調整基準板１１０の外側に重合されて他方の支持側壁６４に支持されかつ横方向位置が調整された状態で、雄ねじ部材１２０Ｂの頭に干渉しないよう、その大きさ、形状及び位置が設定されている。なお、定着ユニット５０の他方の定着側壁７２には、冷却装置１０６を覆うカバー１０６Ｃが離脱自在に装着される。カバー１０６Ｃ又はカバー１０６Ｃと冷却装置１０６との間には、図示しない吸気口が設けられる。 After adjusting the support position of the fixing unit 50 with respect to the other support side wall 64, the horizontal elongated holes 100 D of the position adjustment support member 100 and the female screw holes 110 D of the position adjustment reference plate 110 are aligned with each other. On the other hand, the position adjustment support member 100 is fastened to the position adjustment reference plate 110 fastened to the other support side wall 64 by engaging the male screw member 120D with the female screw hole 110D through the horizontally elongated holes 100D. Each distal end portion of the male screw member 120D extends through the through hole 64D without interfering with the corresponding through hole 64D of the other support side wall 64. As described above, since a predetermined gap is formed between the other support side wall 64 and the other fixing side wall 72, the leading end of each male screw member 120 D interferes with the other fixing side wall 72. There is no. The through hole 100 B of the position adjustment support member 100 is a male screw member 120 B in a state where the position adjustment support member 100 is superimposed on the outside of the position adjustment reference plate 110 and supported by the other support side wall 64 and the lateral position is adjusted. The size, shape, and position are set so as not to interfere with the head. A cover 106 C that covers the cooling device 106 is detachably attached to the other fixing side wall 72 of the fixing unit 50. An air inlet (not shown) is provided between the cover 106C or the cover 106C and the cooling device 106.

後に、定着ユニット５０を搬送ユニット６０から取り外した場合、位置調整支持部材１００の指針１００Ｐの、位置調整基準板１１０の目盛り１１０Ｓに対する位置を窓穴１００Ｗをとおして予め確認できるので、再度の組立時に容易に元の位置に復帰させることができる。 When the fixing unit 50 is later removed from the transport unit 60, the position of the pointer 100P of the position adjustment support member 100 with respect to the scale 110S of the position adjustment reference plate 110 can be confirmed in advance through the window hole 100W. It can be easily returned to the original position.

図４を参照して、冷却装置１０６の冷却ファン１０２（図９〜図１１）が図示しない電動モータにより回転駆動されると、冷却風が図示しない吸気口からダクト１０４内に導入される。ダクト１０４内に導入された冷却風は、コア部材８６の、図４において左端から導入され、図４において右端から排出される。コア部材８６の、図４において右端から排出された冷却風は、カバー９４に設けられた排気口９４Ａを通って外部に排出される。コア部材８６内を流れる冷却風により、誘導コイル９０が、フェライトコア８８の各々を介して冷却される。 Referring to FIG. 4, when cooling fan 102 (FIGS. 9 to 11) of cooling device 106 is rotated by an electric motor (not shown), cooling air is introduced into duct 104 from an air inlet (not shown). The cooling air introduced into the duct 104 is introduced from the left end of the core member 86 in FIG. 4 and discharged from the right end in FIG. The cooling air discharged from the right end in FIG. 4 of the core member 86 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 94 A provided in the cover 94. The induction coil 90 is cooled via each of the ferrite cores 88 by the cooling air flowing in the core member 86.

上記プリンタ２において、定着ローラ５０Ａ内には定着ローラ５０Ａを誘導加熱するための誘導コイル９０が配設されている。位置調整支持部材１００には誘導コイル９０を冷却するための冷却装置１０６が一体に取付けられ、位置調整支持部材１００が他方の支持側壁６４に支持されかつ定着ユニット５０の他方の定着側壁７２を支持した状態で、冷却装置１０６が他方の支持側壁６４を跨いで他方の定着側壁７２に一体に連結される。定着ユニット５０は、位置調整支持部材１００により、冷却装置１０６と一体に他方の支持側壁６４に対する支持位置が該横方向に調整される。このような構成により、冷却装置１０６の荷重は、位置調整支持部材１００を介して他方の支持側壁６４により受けられ、定着ユニット５０に過剰な荷重が作用することがないので、定着ユニット５０の位置調整作業が容易となる。また、他方の支持側壁６４及び他方の定着側壁７２を支持する構成部材、例えば位置調整支持部材１００の強度を増大させる必要がない又は最小限の強度アップに抑えることを可能にする。 In the printer 2, an induction coil 90 for inductively heating the fixing roller 50A is disposed in the fixing roller 50A. A cooling device 106 for cooling the induction coil 90 is integrally attached to the position adjustment support member 100, and the position adjustment support member 100 is supported by the other support side wall 64 and supports the other fixing side wall 72 of the fixing unit 50. In this state, the cooling device 106 is integrally connected to the other fixing side wall 72 across the other supporting side wall 64. In the fixing unit 50, the support position with respect to the other support side wall 64 is adjusted in the lateral direction integrally with the cooling device 106 by the position adjustment support member 100. With such a configuration, the load of the cooling device 106 is received by the other support side wall 64 via the position adjustment support member 100, and an excessive load does not act on the fixing unit 50. Adjustment work becomes easy. Further, it is not necessary to increase the strength of the constituent members that support the other support side wall 64 and the other fixing side wall 72, for example, the position adjustment support member 100, or to suppress the strength to a minimum.

定着ローラ５０Ａの中心部には一端及び他端が開口した筒状のコア部材８６が配置されている。コア部材８６の半径方向外側に誘導コイル９０が配設されている。冷却装置１０６は冷却ファン１０２及びダクト１０４を有している。冷却装置１０６が他方の支持側壁６４を跨いで他方の定着側壁７２に一体に連結されると、冷却装置１０６のダクト１０４がコア部材８６の一端に連結されて、冷却ファン１０２の冷却風がコア部材８６の一端から導入され他端から排出されるよう構成されている。このような構成は、ダクト１０４とコア部材８６とを、実質的に共通の中心軸上で容易かつ確実に連結することを可能にし、冷却効率の向上に寄与する。 A cylindrical core member 86 having one end and the other end opened is disposed at the center of the fixing roller 50A. An induction coil 90 is disposed on the outer side in the radial direction of the core member 86. The cooling device 106 includes a cooling fan 102 and a duct 104. When the cooling device 106 is integrally connected to the other fixing side wall 72 across the other support side wall 64, the duct 104 of the cooling device 106 is connected to one end of the core member 86, and the cooling air of the cooling fan 102 is supplied to the core. The member 86 is introduced from one end and discharged from the other end. Such a configuration makes it possible to easily and reliably connect the duct 104 and the core member 86 on a substantially common central axis, and contributes to an improvement in cooling efficiency.

上記実施形態において、定着ユニット５０が支持される一対の支持側壁６２及び６４は、搬送ユニット６０に備えられているが、プリンタ本体４に備えられる他の実施形態もある。 In the above embodiment, the pair of support side walls 62 and 64 on which the fixing unit 50 is supported are provided in the transport unit 60, but there are other embodiments provided in the printer main body 4.

本発明に従って構成されたレーザプリンタの実施形態における全体構成を示す正面概略図である。1 is a schematic front view showing an overall configuration of an embodiment of a laser printer configured according to the present invention. 図１に示されているレーザプリンタに備えられている搬送ユニットの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the conveyance unit with which the laser printer shown by FIG. 1 is equipped. 図２に示されている搬送ユニットの分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of the conveyance unit shown by FIG. 図２及び図３に示されている搬送ユニットに装着された定着ユニットの断面図である。FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fixing unit mounted on the transport unit illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. 図４に示されている定着ユニットの断面図である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing unit shown in FIG. 4. 図３に示されている定着ユニットを図３において右方から見た側面図であって、一部を省略して示す側面図である。FIG. 4 is a side view of the fixing unit shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from the right side in FIG. 図３に示されている搬送ユニットの、図３において右方に示されている支持側壁の一部を、図３において左方から見た図である。FIG. 4 is a view of a part of the support side wall shown on the right side in FIG. 3 of the transport unit shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from the left side in FIG. 3. 図７に示されている支持側壁に配設されている位置決めロッドの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the positioning rod arrange | positioned at the support side wall shown by FIG. 図３に示されている、位置調整支持部材及び位置調整支持部材に装着された冷却装置と、搬送ユニットの支持側壁及び定着ユニットの各々の一部とを、図３において左方から見た分解斜視図である。3 shows the position adjustment support member, the cooling device attached to the position adjustment support member, and the support side wall of the transport unit and a part of each of the fixing units, as viewed from the left in FIG. It is a perspective view. 図９において、搬送ユニットの支持側壁を取り除いて示す分解斜視図である。In FIG. 9, it is an exploded perspective view which removes and shows the support side wall of a conveyance unit. 図１０に示されている、位置調整支持部材及び位置調整支持部材に装着された冷却装置と定着ユニットを、図１０において右方から見た分解斜視図であって、位置調整基準板を追加して示す分解斜視図である。FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the position adjustment support member and the cooling device and the fixing unit mounted on the position adjustment support member shown in FIG. 10 as viewed from the right in FIG. 10, with a position adjustment reference plate added. FIG. 図１１に示されている、位置調整支持部材の一部、位置調整基準板及び定着ユニットの定着側壁と、搬送ユニットの対応する支持側壁間における相互の位置関係を示す分解斜視図であって、図１１において左方から見た分解斜視図である。FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a positional relationship among a part of the position adjustment support member, the position adjustment reference plate, the fixing side wall of the fixing unit, and the corresponding supporting side wall of the transport unit shown in FIG. It is the disassembled perspective view seen from the left in FIG. 図１２において、位置調整基準板を定着側壁の外側に重合して仮装着した状態を示す分解斜視図である。FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the position adjustment reference plate is superposed on the outside of the fixing side wall and temporarily attached in FIG. 12. 図１３において、位置調整支持部材を位置調整基準板の外側に重合した状態を示す分解斜視図である。In FIG. 13, it is an exploded perspective view which shows the state which superposed | polymerized the position adjustment support member on the outer side of the position adjustment reference | standard board.

Explanation of symbols

２：レーザプリンタ
４：プリンタ本体
５０：定着ユニット
６０：搬送ユニット
６２：片方の支持側壁
６４：他方の支持側壁
７２：片方の定着側壁
７４：他方の定着側壁
１００：位置調整支持部材
１０２：冷却ファン
１０４：ダクト
１０６：冷却装置
１００Ｗ：窓
１００Ｐ：指針
１１０：位置調整基準板
１１０Ｓ：目盛り 2: Laser printer 4: Printer main body 50: Fixing unit 60: Conveying unit 62: One supporting side wall 64: The other supporting side wall 72: One fixing side wall 74: The other fixing side wall 100: Position adjustment supporting member 102: Cooling fan 104: Duct 106: Cooling device 100W: Window 100P: Pointer 110: Position adjustment reference plate 110S: Scale

Claims

A pair of supporting sidewalls, a fixing unit supported between the supporting sidewalls, the fixing unit having a cylindrical fixing roller rotatably supported between the pair of fixing sidewalls and the fixing sidewall, and one fixing sidewall Supporting means for supporting the fixing unit at a predetermined position on one supporting side wall, and a position adjusting supporting member that is supported by the other supporting side wall so that the lateral position of the fixing unit can be adjusted and can support the fixing unit by supporting the other fixing side wall. In an image forming apparatus comprising:
An induction coil for induction heating of the fixing roller is disposed in the fixing roller,
A cooling device for cooling the induction coil is integrally attached to the position adjustment support member,
With the position adjustment support member supported on the other support side wall and supporting the other fixing side wall of the fixing unit, the cooling device is integrally connected to the other fixing side wall across the other supporting side wall,
The fixing unit adjusts the support position with respect to the other support side wall integrally with the cooling device by the position adjustment support member.
An image forming apparatus.

A cylindrical core member having one end and the other end opened is disposed at the center of the fixing roller, and an induction coil is disposed on the radially outer side of the core member.
The cooling device has a cooling fan and a duct,
When the cooling device is integrally connected to the other fixing side wall across the other supporting side wall, the cooling device duct is connected to one end of the core member, and the cooling air of the cooling fan is introduced from one end of the core member. Configured to be discharged from the edge,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

A position adjustment reference plate having a scale arranged in the lateral direction is provided, and a long window hole is formed in the lateral direction corresponding to the scale on the position adjustment support member. A pointer is disposed on one edge extending in the lateral direction, the position adjustment reference plate is superposed at a predetermined position outside the other support side wall, and temporarily attached, and the position adjustment support member is attached to the position adjustment reference plate. When the other fixing side wall is supported by the position adjustment support member while being superposed on the outer side of the window and the other fixing side wall is supported, the scale of the position adjustment reference plate is exposed to the outside through the window hole. The lateral position adjustment amount of the position adjustment support member is measured by the amount of movement of the pointer of the position adjustment support member from the reference position with respect to the scale of the position adjustment reference plate. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

A plurality of supported holes are formed in the other fixing side wall at intervals in the lateral direction, and a plurality of elongated holes are formed in the other supporting side wall at intervals in the lateral direction. A plurality of laterally elongated holes are formed at intervals in the lateral direction, and a plurality of support rods are disposed on the position adjustment support member so as to extend from one side at intervals in the lateral direction, and a position adjustment reference plate is provided. When temporarily mounted at a predetermined position outside the other support side wall, the laterally long hole of the position adjustment reference plate is aligned with the laterally long hole of the other support side wall, and the support rods of the position adjustment support member pass through the laterally elongated holes aligned with each other. The position adjustment support member is supported from the outside of the position adjustment reference plate to the other support side wall so that the position of the position adjustment support member can be adjusted in the lateral direction, and the supported hole of the other fixing side wall is fitted to the tip of the support rod. The other fixing side wall of the fixing unit Through the location adjustment support members are laterally adjustable in position supported on the other support side walls, an image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein.

A female screw hole is formed in the other support side wall, a mounting hole is formed in the position adjustment reference plate corresponding to the female screw hole in the other support side wall, and the position adjustment reference plate is temporarily attached to the other support side wall. In the state, the mounting hole of the position adjustment reference plate is aligned with the female screw hole of the other supporting side wall, and the male screw member is screwed into the female screw hole through the mounting hole, thereby adjusting the position temporarily attached to the other supporting side wall. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the reference plate is fastened to the other support side wall.

A through hole is formed in the position adjustment support member corresponding to the mounting hole of the position adjustment reference plate, and the position adjustment support member is superposed on the outside of the position adjustment reference plate and supported on the other support side wall. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the size, shape and position of the male screw member are set so as not to interfere with the head of the male screw member in a state where the lateral position is adjusted.

A female screw hole is formed in the position adjustment reference plate, and a through hole having a diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the female screw hole is formed in the other supporting side wall corresponding to the female screw hole. A horizontally long hole is formed corresponding to the female screw hole of the plate, the position adjusting support member is superposed on the outside of the position adjusting reference plate and supported by the other supporting side wall, and the male screw member is adjusted in the lateral position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the position adjustment support member is fastened to the position adjustment reference plate by being engaged with the female screw hole of the position adjustment reference plate through the laterally long hole of the position adjustment support member.