JP2722441B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0001] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer as a terminal device. [0002] 2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus utilizing an electrophotographic process.
A recording medium as an image carrier and a recording medium
A developer container for visualizing the formed electrostatic latent image
This unit can be detached in the axial direction of the recording medium.
The provisions are already known. Wear on the device body
As another thing to be removed, a paper feed tray containing recording paper
There is also. The recording paper on which the visible image is transferred by this device is
After the visible image is fixed in the fixing device, it is discharged outside the machine.
Will be issued. Normally, the recording paper is placed on the back of the main body of the image forming apparatus.
The paper is discharged onto the placed paper discharge tray. Jam with this device
Unit is pulled out in the axial direction of the recording
Then, jam processing is performed. [0003] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Pull out the paper trays separately for maintenance.
After being ejected, they are attached to their original positions. However
However, in the prior art, relatively frequent
The drawer of the unit and the paper tray that is frequently attached and detached
All operations and removal operations of the recording paper on which images are formed
Since operation cannot be performed from the front of the main unit,
There is a problem of poor workability. Also, the setting of the image forming apparatus
From the viewpoint of the location, the attachment and detachment of each of the above means
It is performed from the side of the main body, and further, the recording paper is
The fact that it is discharged to the back of the main unit means that the devicesideIn the vicinity
The work space must be opened and installed.
Requires a large installation space compared to
There's a problem. Also, the drawing direction of the unit is recorded.
Because the body is in the axial direction, if a jam occurs, the unit
When the is moved in the axial direction of the recording medium, the image
Jam jam paper staying in the
If the paper is damaged or the paper is thick
Then, the edge of this paper may damage the surface of the recording medium.
There is a problem of getting around. [0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly device.
Jam paper without the need for large installation space
To prevent damage to the surface of the recording medium.
An image forming apparatus is provided. [0005] An image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
Is a recording medium and an upper part for recording an image on the recording medium.
A plurality of printers including developing means arranged around the recording medium.
Access means, a recording medium holding the recording medium and the developing means.
Pull from the front of the recording / developing unit and the image forming apparatus body.
And a paper feed tray for storing recording paper.
Paper feed that feeds the recording paper stored in the paper tray one by one
An image is transferred to the recording paper fed through the image transfer unit.
Conveyed toward the back of the main body of the image forming apparatus opposite to the front
And the recording paper on which the image has been transferred.
And the recording paper conveyance direction after reversing
The recording paper conveyance means is reversed in the recording paper conveyance direction.
As described above, guiding toward the front of the image forming apparatus main body,
Turn passage provided on the back side of the image forming apparatus main body
Through the turn passage to the front of the image forming apparatus main body.
The recording paper conveyed and discharged toward
Image forming apparatus main body that is rotated so thatMosquito
barAnd the recording medium / developing unit,
Direction that is orthogonal to the direction
To the image forming apparatus main body
Recording medium provided in the image forming apparatus main body,
Developing unit guiding means, and the recording medium / developing unit
When the knit is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus,
A part of the recording / developing unit is
Position with respect to the recording medium
Occupied. [0006] [Function] The recording medium / developing unit is orthogonal to the axial direction of the recording medium
Direction that does not interfere with the turn path.
The recording / development unit is
The cartridge is attached and detached by operation from the front of the image forming apparatus main body,
The paper tray is pulled out from the front of the image forming
Transfer the recording paper to the front of the main body of the image forming apparatus.
And loaded on the main body of the image forming apparatus.
Main body of the image forming apparatus so that the front side of the main body of the forming apparatus is open.
The upper cover is opened. [0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
Will be described. FIG. 1 shows image formation suitable for applying the present invention.
The external appearance of the apparatus is shown, and reference numeral 1 indicates the entire image forming apparatus.
Is shown. A power switch is provided on the front of the image forming apparatus 1.
311 is provided, and is detachable in a direction indicated by an arrow a.
Tray 3 is mounted. The upper cover 4 of the paper feed tray 3 is
The tray is referred to as an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus main body”).
Openable in the direction of arrow c while attached to
Further, on the front of the image forming apparatus 1, a recording medium
Developing unit 5 can be attached so that it can be pulled out in the direction of arrow b.
Have been killed. The recording / developing unit 5 is
Can be pulled out from the main unit.
Although it is possible to extract it, FIG.
The fully depressed position is shown. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 6 denotes a recording medium / developing unit.
3 shows a handle of the unit 5. Front of the image forming apparatus 1
Pause button, reset button inside the transparent cover 7
And display lamps (both not shown) are stored.
You. The side plate 8 of the apparatus body and a part 90 of the upper cover 9 are
It can be removed from the body. On the back of the device,
A recording paper receiver 10 for receiving recording paper discharged outside the machine is provided.
Have been. The image forming apparatus 1 is capable of dry development of electrophotography.
It uses a visual image transfer method, but its internal structure
The outline will be described with reference to FIG. In the middle of the image forming apparatus 1
In the center, an endless belt-shaped recording body 11 is
The rollers are wound around the rollers 12 and 13.
You. Of the belt rollers 12, 13, the roller 12 is driven
Reference numeral 13 denotes a driving roller, which is a driving roller described later.
It is rotated in the direction of the arrow by the dynamic system. The recording body 11 is
An organic or inorganic photoconductor layer is provided on the base film.
Electrophotographic photoreceptor. An electrophotographic process is performed around the recording body 11.
Various means for performing are arranged. At the time of recording body 11
To explain them along the direction of rotation around the meter,
4 is a charge for charging the recording medium 11 to a predetermined polarity.
And 15 shows an image recorded on the charged recording medium 11.
Exposure equipment for irradiating the corresponding optical information.
Supply developer to the corresponding electrostatic latent image and visualize it
Developing unit, 17 is a paper feed roller for sending out recording paper 24, 1 is
8 is the timing of the recording paper 24 and the recording medium 11 sent out.
Transporting the recording paper 24 in close contact with the recording medium 11
Roller pair 19 is in close contact with the recording body 11 carrying a visible image.
Transfer charger for transferring a visible image to the recording paper 24
Reference numeral 20 denotes a fixing device for fixing a visible image to recording paper, and reference numeral 21 denotes a fixing device.
Static eliminator for removing charges remaining on the recording medium 11 after the transfer of the visible image
And 22 remain on the surface of the recording medium 11 after the transfer of the visible image.
Cleaning devices to remove the remaining developer
doing. The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described briefly.
First, the surface of the recording body 11 is
Therefore, it is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity, and then the exposure device 15
Therefore, light including image information is emitted. by this,
The charged charges on the recording medium 11 are selectively dissipated, and
An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image to be recorded is formed. This electrostatic
The latent image is supplied with a developer from the developing device 16 and is visualized.
It is. This visible image is synchronized with the image formation on the recording medium 11.
From the recording paper tray 3 to the paper feed roller 17 and the transport roller pair 18
Charger 1 is transferred to recording paper 24 sent by
9 and corona discharge of the transfer charger 19
Is transferred to the recording paper 24. Thereafter, the recording paper 24 is separated from the recording medium 11.
Into the fixing device 20, where the visible image is fixed.
Is discharged to the recording paper receiver 10 by the discharge roller pair 25.
It is. Note that the present invention is not applied to the recording paper
A part of the upper surface of the upper cover 9 is formed by the discharge device described above.
The structure and operation will be described later. one
On the other hand, the electric potential remaining on the surface of the recording
21, the residual developer remaining after transfer is cleared.
Removed by the leaning means 22 to form the next image
Prepare. The specific structure of each unit of the image forming apparatus 1
The configuration will be described. The recording body 11 and the developing unit 16 are unitized.
It is assembled integrally. That is, in FIG.
As shown, the recording body unit 23 is
Rollers 12 and 13 for supporting and driving the rollers,
And a support plate 26 rotatably supporting the side end.
You. The driving roller 13 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG.
One end of the plate 26 is rotatably supported. Endless
The belt-shaped recording body 11 is driven by a driving row rotating at a fixed position.
Roller 13 and a driven roller 12 described below.
Have been killed. In FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the driven roller 1
2 is pushed outward by a spring 27 provided on a support plate 26.
The recording medium 11 is tensioned by being pressed. FIG.
4 shows an example of a recording body tension applying mechanism. Driven roller 12
The shaft 43 has a bearing 43 having a groove 42 on its outer periphery.
Are fitted. Part of the outer circumference of the bearing 43
Is formed with a receiving surface 43a for receiving one end of the spring 27.
I have. On the other hand, the support plate 26 has a groove 42 of the bearing 43.
And a pair of support pieces 44, 44 fitted to each other, and between the support pieces.
A spring stopper 45 provided in a triangular shape is formed.
I have. The shaft 12a is provided with a bearing groove 42 in the support plate 26.
Inserted into the support plate 26 while being guided by the support piece 44
At this time, between the receiving surface 43a and the spring stopper 45
, A spring 27 is attached. Therefore, the record in FIG.
The body 11 is tensioned by the spring 27 via the roller 12.
The force F is applied to give good flatness. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, substantially the center of the support plate 26 is shown.
The hole 26a formed in the space receives the recording unit 23.
The recording medium / developing unit 5 (see FIG. 7)
This is a hole for fingers to put fingers when assembling
You. As shown in FIG. 5, the support plate 26 has an upper part.
The recording medium 11 has a top plate 28
The lower surface is supported. The lower part of the support plate 26 has two protrusions.
The starting portions 29 and 30 are located below the lower bridging portion 11b of the recording body 11.
It is provided so as to protrude from the surface. Developing unit
31 is provided with an openable / closable lid 33a containing a developer 32.
The developer container 33 and the lower part in the container 33 are rotatable.
And a developing sleeve 34 that is supported by the developer. developing
The side plates and the bottom plate of the developer container 33 are
Extending at a right angle from the part supporting the
The receiving part 35 which supports the socket 23 is comprised. Receiving part
In the vicinity of the developing sleeve 34 on both side plates 36 of the
A groove 37 is formed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the groove 37. In this groove 37,
The shaft 38 of the recording body drive roller 13 of the recording body unit 23
Inserted, the position of the recording medium 11 with respect to the developing sleeve 34
A decision has been made. The recording unit 23 is a unit of the developing unit.
It is simply placed on the bottom plate 39 of the receiving part 35 and the shaft 38 is
Since it only enters the 37, it moves left and right in the figure.
Is regulated, but is free in the upward direction. Record
The recording body unit 23 is placed on the bottom plate 39 of the receiving portion 35.
The lower projection of the support plate 26 of the recording unit 23
Since only 29 and 30 hit the bottom plate 39, the recording body 11 is damaged.
I will not attach it. A groove 40 is also provided at the tip of the receiving portion 35.
The developing unit 31 is connected to a printer.
It works for positioning when attached to the main body. Up
The rear ends of the both side plates 36, 36 are as shown in FIGS.
In addition, the stays 73 are connected to each other and reinforced. FIG. 7 shows the recording unit 23 and the developing unit.
Recording / developing unit with the unit 31 integrally assembled
5 is shown. In this figure, the driving roller 13
The bearing 41 is attached to the shaft 38 of the
41 engages with groove 37 of the receiving portion of developing unit 31
doing. The recording unit 23 is set in the receiving unit 35.
When the finger touches the surface of the recording medium during exposure,
The characteristics change. Therefore, the recording body unit 23
Is held with fingers in the holes 26a.
The notch 36a for releasing this finger at the time of
Is formed. Referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG.
Each side plate 36 of the receiving part 35 of the container unit 31 has
A first member 49 and a second member 50 are provided.
The first member 49 is fixed to the side plate 36 by screws 51.
And has an L-shaped cross section as shown in FIG.
A pair of spacers 52 having regulating surfaces 52a at both ends thereof
have. The upper end of the spacer 52 is cut off.
Guide when installing the recording unit 23
Surface 52b. The second member 50 is the first member 50 in the illustrated example.
Of the same shape as the member 49 of FIG.
It is fixed to a plate 36, and spacers 52, 5 are provided at both ends thereof.
Guides 54a, 54a facing
And fixed to the side plate 36 together with the
Elastic member 55. Elastic member 55
Are provided in pairs in the example shown. And the second
Out of the first member 49, the guide member 54, and the elastic member 55,
At least the elastic member 55 is formed of a conductive material.
And is electrically connected to the receiving portion 35. Receiving part
35 is connected to the entire apparatus via a guide plate 56 (see FIG. 9).
Ground. In the illustrated example, the elastic member 55 is made of metal.
Although it is formed of a leaf spring, it is a metal coil spring.
May be. Of the recording unit 23 with respect to the receiving portion 35
The position is determined by the width Wc of the spacer 52.
The width Wc is determined by various other devices installed around the recording body 11.
Is determined by the relative relationship with And the recording unit
The width between the support plates 26 and 26 is denoted by Wa,
a and the tip 55a of the elastic member in the free state.
When the width is Wb, the elastic member is set so that Wa> Wb.
55 projection amounts are set. In addition, the regulation surface 52a and
Between the guide portion 54a, the gap Wd is larger than the width Wa.
It is set well. This gap Wd is recorded in the receiving portion 35.
Set to a value large enough to easily attach and detach body unit 23
Have been. Now, as shown in FIG.
When the recording body unit 23 is dropped from above,
Is used to guide the pair of support plates 26, 26 to the guide surface 52b.
Guided by the portion 54a, as shown in FIG.
Being elastically pushed by the elastic member 55 of the holding plate 26
As a result, the other support plate 26 is brought into contact with the regulating surface 52a.
Is attached. That is, the recording body unit 23 has an elastic portion.
The material 55 is dropped while being bent, and the protrusions 29, 3 on the bottom are formed.
0 (see FIG. 5) against the bottom plate 39, and one support plate 2
6 is resiliently pressed against the regulating surface 52a to be positioned.
It is. Accordingly, the recording body unit 23 has the width of the recording body 11.
In the direction, one side is defined as the regulating surface 52a, and the other
Positioning is performed by abutting the conductive elastic member 55.
At the same time as maintaining electrical connection with the receiving portion 35
Is done. The recording unit 23 is received by the developing unit 31.
When detaching the elastic member 55 from the
Of course, these can be very easily attached and detached. In the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12,
A fixed spacer 52 having a regulating surface 52a;
The other spacer (guide member 54)
Although the elastic member 55 is arranged toward the guide member,
One spacer (guide member 54) is discarded and an elastic member
The second member may be constituted by only 55. In this case, the bullet
Needless to say, the conductive member 55 may be made conductive.
Substantially in the center of the support plate 26 (in the moving direction of the recording body 11).
It is desirable to be provided at a position where it abuts. This
Even with such a simple configuration, the support plate 26
The restriction surfaces 52a, 52a and one elastic restricting portion
Position of the recording medium in the width direction, and
Maintain a spiritual connection. The recording unit 23 is held.
The developing device unit 31 is located at the front of the
Mounted for insertion and withdrawal. As shown in FIG.
In the apparatus main body, a developer container of the developing unit 31 is provided.
Guide plate 57 and bottom plate 39 for guiding the upper part of 33
Guide plate 56 for guiding the
The imager unit 31 is inserted into the apparatus main body along these.
It is. In addition, as shown in FIG.
Guide plate 58 for guiding both sides of the container unit 31
The developing unit 31 is provided with the
The positioning of the recording body in the width direction with respect to the main body is performed. The apparatus main body further includes a developing unit 3
1 is a pin 59 for positioning in the insertion direction.
The pin 59 is provided so as to protrude from the side plate 60, and
Engage with groove 40 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) at the end of unit 31
As a result, the positioning of the developing unit 31 in the insertion direction is not performed.
It is. The side plates 60 and 67 (see FIG. 8) of the apparatus main body are
Further, the rotation of the drive roller 13 in the recording unit 23
The shaft 42 and the bearing 42 of the rotating shaft 12a of the driven roller
(See FIG. 6) when they are inserted.
Brackets 61 and 62 are provided at predetermined positions, respectively.
Have been. This bracket is recorded via each roller
This is for positioning the body 11 in the vertical direction.
Thereby, each of the rollers 12 and 13 and the developing sleeve 3
4 will be substantially in line with the insertion direction. Such various positioning means are provided.
Therefore, the recording unit 23 and the developing unit 31
The recording medium and developing unit 5 (see FIG. 7)
Just by inserting it to a predetermined position on the body, other members in the main body and
The mutual positional relationship with the device is reliably and easily assured.
You. If necessary, the developing unit 31 may be connected to the main assembly of the apparatus.
The developer in the developer container by pulling it out from the front of the
It is extremely difficult to replenish or replace the recording medium 11
Easy to do. FIG. 13 shows the recording medium / developing unit 5.
One example of the driving means is shown. Driving support for recording body 11
The rollers 12, 13 and the developing sleeve 34 are
Approximately in a straight line parallel to the unit 31 insertion / drawing direction
The main unit is driven in a substantially vertical direction.
A power transmission gear 63 connected to the power source is arranged, and
The driving gear 64 fixed to the rotating shaft 38 of the moving roller 13
Are engaged. The illustrated power transmission gear 63 is a drive gear.
64, but bites at the upper part of the drive gear 64.
You may make it fit. The drive gear 64 is a developing sleeve
34 also meshes with a driven gear 66 fixed to the rotating shaft 65.
ing. Therefore, the driving force from the driving source of the device body is
The power is transmitted from the gear 63 to the gears 64 and 66. FIG.
This state is shown in a perspective view. The drive system of the recording / developing unit 5 is
With such a configuration, the insertion of the developing unit 31
Pulling out is easy and power transmission when inserted
It is done reliably. Thus, the recording medium and the developing device
Each unit is assembled and assembled.
It can be easily attached and detached, and the position can be regulated reliably.
You. Clearance between recording medium and developing sleeve and each charger
Must be maintained very strictly, but
According to the example, the recording body 11 and the developing device 16 are separated from the apparatus main body.
Despite being detachable, these gaps are numerous
Easy and accurate positioning by positioning means
So there is no need to adjust the position and the relative position may fluctuate
Nor. Also, a large opening is provided as in the conventional device.
With only a small opening and simple guiding means,
Replacement of the recording body 11, other repairs, supply of the developer 32, etc.
It can be performed. Further, the recording medium 11 and the developing device 1
6 is unitized, so the configuration is small and simple.
Yes, the entire recording medium 11 can be easily exchanged,
At the time of replacement, the surface of the recording medium 11 may be scratched,
Is not contaminated with a developer. In addition, the drive system
Power so that the unit can be easily attached and detached.
The unit was installed to ensure transmission of the
There is no difficulty in desorption. Further, as shown in FIG.
The upper bridging portion 11a is designed by the top plate 28 of the support plate.
Has been inside. Therefore, static electricity due to friction between them is
Occur. This static electricity is applied to the top plate 28 of the recording medium.
This appears as a sticking phenomenon, which increases the drive load,
Recording medium feed speed due to sliding between moving roller 13 and recording medium 11
It appears as a defect of unevenness. Therefore, record
The body support plate 26 is securely grounded to discharge static electricity
Need to be. The recording body 11 is made of a flexible rubber or synthetic resin.
Base layer made of oil and aluminum deposited on top of this
A conductive layer composed of a thin film layer and a layer formed on the conductive layer.
Recording layer, that is, a photoconductive layer. Vivid
To obtain an image, an accurate electrostatic latent corresponding to the image information
An image must be formed. To do this, charge the
Charger 14 (see FIG. 2) uniformly by corona discharge
Conductivity only at the exposed area on the charged recording medium surface
Occur and bring the potential at that location as close to the earth potential as possible
It is necessary. Therefore, one side edge in the width direction of the recording body 11
To expose the conductive layer.
Touch the lashes. In FIG. 8, on one side edge of the recording body 11,
An exposed portion 68 exposing the conductive layer is formed. Exposure
The part 68 includes a ground brush 69 made of conductive fiber.
The free ends are in contact. The ground brush 69
Conductively supported by the side plate 67 via the bracket 70
ing. In the moving direction of the recording body 11,
As shown in FIG. 2, the brush 69 is located on the tight side of the recording body 11.
The part that moves linearly near the drive roller 13
It is provided in. The background behind the selection of the installation position is as follows.
There was a problem. Of the endless belt-shaped recording body 11
When the grounding brush comes in contact with the loose side, the rotating bell
The contact state changes with time due to the wave of the
Conduction path impedance fluctuates due to fluctuations in resistance.
U. The most stable recording medium is
Although it is the wrapped part, connect the ground brush to the curvature part.
When touched, the contact angle between each brush fiber and the recording medium
The degree of difference is different, and electrically effective contact is stable
I can't get it. The recording unit 23 is connected to the main body of the apparatus.
Detachable and integrated with the developer unit 31
Is used, the part wound around the driven roller 12 is used.
I have to do it. However, the roller 12 is
Is displaceable to apply tension to the
The relative distance between the brush for printing and the recording medium 11 is not constant and stable.
Since the formation of a conductive path is not expected, the endless belt
The position where the recording medium 11 is stable is determined by its axis 3
8 is near the driving roller 13 rotating at the fixed position,
It is a so-called tension side to which tension is applied. Tension
On the side 11a, the belt is straight, and the vibration accompanying the rotation is also
Be minimized. Therefore, the recording medium 11 and the ground brush
Relative position is always kept constant.
A stable conductive path can be maintained. In FIG. 8, the other side of the recording body 11 is shown.
A sub-scanning synchronization mark 71 is provided on the side edge. Vice
Sub-scan to read the scanning synchronization mark 17
A synchronization detector 72 is provided fixed to the side plate 60.
The sub-scanning synchronization mark 71 detects the rotational position of the recording body 11
And used for image forming sequence control.
You. In FIG. 16, the magnetic brush developing method is adopted.
The developing device 16 used will be described. The developing device 16
A non-magnetic cylindrical developing sleeve 34 that rotates in the measuring direction;
Magnets 111, 112, 11 provided in the sleeve
3, 114, 115 and 116. Development
The leave 34 is an opening of the developer container 33 storing the developer.
Located in the department. As a developer, only magnetic toner
Is used. Developer container 3
The developer regulating member 11 is provided on the third developer delivery side wall 33b.
7 is attached. The developer regulating member 117 is
It is provided at a position facing the stone 116. The magnet 111 is a main developing pole.
The central part is a concave magnet partly cut. And this
Of the recording body 11 and the developing sleeve 34
Slightly in the direction of rotation of the developing sleeve 34 than in the approach position
It is arranged to face the upstream side. On the other hand, other magnets
The N pole and the S pole are arranged alternately. Development
When the leave 34 rotates, the developer is removed from the developer container 33.
The developing sleeve 34 is carried out in the rotation direction. But,
Since the developer regulating member 117 is provided at the outlet,
Excess developer on the developing sleeve is removed and a certain thickness
Is formed. This allows a constant magnetic height
A brush will be formed on the developing sleeve. The main developing electrode 111 is located at the center as described above.
Has been partially cut. For example, the developing sleeve 34
Looking at the magnetic force on the surface, the parts corresponding to both ends of the magnet
The minute is about 1200 gauss, but the part corresponding to the central part
The minute is about 800 Gauss. Use a magnet like this
When the rotation of the developing sleeve 34 is stopped,
Make sure there is no developer in the area corresponding to the central part.
Can be As shown in FIG.
The portion 118 where no developer exists is parallel to the axial direction of No. 4
It is done. Moreover, the portion 118 is shown in FIG.
It must be within the indicated range R. Sand
That is, from the portion where the developer is supplied to the developing sleeve, the developing portion
In between, the developer must be present
Absent. As can be seen from FIG. 17, the portion where the developer does not exist
Reference numeral 118 in the drawing indicates the rotation direction of the developing sleeve.
Is located slightly upstream from the developing section. Now, the developer regulating member 117 and the developing three
As described above, if a foreign object is clogged between
The developer is not supplied only at this portion. Follow
Then, as shown in FIG.
Is not supplied, an unsupplied portion 119 is formed. Place
However, the developer does not exist before the developer reaches the developing section T.
If there is a portion 118 which is not
Is formed, and the developer regulating member 117
The shortage of supply that has occurred is almost eliminated. This is
The agent can easily move to the most stable position
That's why. As a result, as shown in FIG.
The developer is noticeably short across the entire width.
The supply shortage will be resolved. Using such a developing device, the recording medium 11
Visualization of the electrostatic latent image of
The occurrence of white streaks is almost eliminated.
The degree of was slight. 2 and FIG. 16, the developer container 33
Inside, a first stirring member 190 provided on the stirring shaft 189 is provided.
And not in contact with and parallel to the developing sleeve 34
Is provided with the second stirring member 191 provided in. No.
2 The stirring member 191 is made of a shaft-shaped magnetic material.
As shown in FIG. 37, a spiral ridge 192 is formed.
Have been. Further, the second stirring member 191 is reciprocated and rotated,
The second stirring member 191 is moved relative to the developing sleeve 34.
The mechanism 193 for reciprocating in the
It is provided between the stirring shafts 189. The mechanism 193 is, as shown in FIG.
Circular flange 194 fixed to the end of stirring shaft 189
A pin 195 implanted on the flange 194;
195 slidably fit and the base is the end of the second stirring member 191.
And a fork-shaped lever 196 fixed to the part.
You. Therefore, when the stirring shaft 189 rotates in a certain direction,
The rotation movement of the lever 196 is caused by the movement of the second stirring member 191.
The second stirring member 191 is converted into a backward rotation motion,
Reverse rotation will be performed. In the developing device 16 described above, the second stirring
The line of magnetic force of the member 191 is in contact with the projecting portion 192 and the developing screw.
Concentrated in a narrow gap with the groove 34, and the developer
Is partly held between the developing sleeve 34 and
Some of the developer coming in the direction indicated by arrow d in FIG.
As it is moved laterally, lateral stirring is performed. The second stirring member 191 is rotating.
As a result, the developer moves in the direction indicated by arrow e in FIG.
And a developer held between the developing sleeve 34 and the developing sleeve 34.
Is gradually replaced by another developer, and the developing sleeve 34
The removal and stirring of the residual developer are performed. Note that the second stirring member 191 is moved only in one direction.
When rotated, the developer is axially placed on one side in the developer container 33.
Adversely affects development and causes the developer to rotate.
Pressure is applied to the developer and the coagulation of the developer is promoted
However, since the second stirring member 191 reciprocates, it is always
The same developer is used between the second stirring member 191 and the developing sleeve 34.
At low speeds of less than a few rpm
With this, the developer aggregation does not occur and the developing sleeve
Removal of the developer on 34 is agitated. According to the developing device as described above,
The second stirring member 1 is placed in a non-contact state close to the sleeve 34.
91 and the stirring member 191 is attached to the developing sleeve 3
A mechanism 193 for reciprocating relative to 4 is provided.
With the structure, without contacting the developing sleeve 34
It is now possible to stir while removing the residual developer.
To prevent damage to the developing sleeve and aggregation of the developer
Good and stable images can be obtained. The recording medium / developing unit 5 is constructed as described above.
As described above, the recording unit 23 is attached to the developing unit 31.
Is supported, and both units are integrated,
The unit is pulled out of the main unit regularly or irregularly.
Need to be For example, replenishing developer or endless bell
Replacement of the glyph-shaped recording medium is not possible
Work. Compared to the normal recording medium replacement interval,
Replenishment intervals are short and their frequency is high. When the recording medium 11 is exchanged,
Pull out the recording / developing unit 5 completely from the main unit.
If you don't, you can't do the job, but
In this case, it is enough to open the lid 33a of the developer container 33.
It suffices to pull out the protection unit 5. On the other hand, the recording body 11 is unnecessarily moved out of the apparatus main body.
Pulling out and exposing the photoconductive layer can reduce indoor illumination light.
Causes deterioration of photosensitive characteristics and adhesion of scratches and dust
You should avoid as much as possible. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the recording medium
The draw-out amount of the image unit 5 is adjusted according to the content of the maintenance operation.
A configuration that can be selected is adopted. In FIG. 19, guidance
A hole 56a is formed substantially at the center of the plate 56,
The locking piece 121a of the stopper 121 faces the hole of
ing. The stopper 121 is, as shown in FIG.
It is fixed to a support shaft 122 supported between 0 and 67.
A spring 123 is hung on one end of the stopper 121.
And the locking piece 121a of this is inserted into the hole 56a.
Given the swinging habit of the direction. An operation arm 124 is provided at one end of the support shaft 122.
Is fixed to one end 124a. Of the operation arm 124
At the other end, an operation knob 125 is fixed.
As shown in FIG. 1, the knob 125 is located outside the front of the apparatus main body.
Part. On the other hand, on the bottom plate 39 of the unit
Has an engagement hole 39a (see FIG. 15). Then, as shown in FIG.
When the image unit 5 is mounted in the main body of the apparatus,
The stopper 121 is in contact with the lower surface of the bottom plate 39.
You. From this position, move the recording medium / developing unit 5 in the direction of the arrow.
The locking piece 121a slides on the lower surface of the bottom plate 39.
As a result, as shown in FIG.
9a, the pull-out operation is restricted at the position where it is engaged.
Above can not be pulled out. The position shown in FIG.
This is a position where the lid 33a of the imaging agent container 33 can be opened and closed.
At the developer supply position where the developer can be supplied to the developer container 33.
You. In this case, the recording body unit 23 is located inside the apparatus main body.
positioned. Therefore, the recording body 11 can be used as an indoor lighting lamp.
It is possible to prevent the characteristics from being degraded without a waterfall. In the case where the recording medium 11 is replaced, FIG.
The recording medium / developing unit 5 was pulled out to the position shown.
Then, push down the operation knob 125 to move the operation arm 124
The stopper piece 121a of the stopper 121 is swung to make the engagement hole 3
Withdraw the unit from the 9a and pull it out of the machine
I should do it. After the recording medium has been replaced,
When the device 5 is mounted on the apparatus main body, the stopper 121
The tapered portion is the leading edge 39b of the bottom plate 39 (see FIG. 19).
Rotate by being pushed with the
Can be performed. FIG. 19 shows the bottom of the recording medium / developing unit 5.
In this example, the stopper 121 is disengaged from the plate 39.
A stopper may act on 36. This example is shown in FIG.
It is shown on the side of the side plate 36 by a support shaft 126.
Provided stopper 127 is provided. This stopper 1
27 is urged by a spring 128 and has a locking piece 127a.
Are abutted against the side plate 36. One end 1 of stopper 127
27b is in contact with one end of the operation slider 129.
The slider 129 is provided with the guide hole 129a and the fixing pin 13
0 and can slide freely. The side plate 36 has an engaging hole 36b (see FIG. 22).
) Is formed. Arrow on the recording medium / developing unit 5
Pull out in the direction of the mark (see FIG. 21) and insert it into the engagement hole 36b.
When the locking piece 127a is fitted, this position (see FIG. 22)
Restricts the intermediate pull-out position of the recording medium / developing unit 5
It is. The position of the unit 5 at this time is as shown in FIG.
This is the same as the image supply position. At this developer supply position
At the same time, the stopper 127 that has locked the
Push the slider 129 to project the operation knob 129b out of the machine
Let me. Pull the recording medium / developing unit completely out of the machine.
To start the operation, turn the operation knob 129b shown in FIG.
Push the stopper 127 out of the engagement hole 36b.
By releasing the stop state at the intermediate position,
Its complete withdrawal becomes possible. When using an endless belt-shaped recording medium
If the recording medium between the belt rollers is loose or wavy
And other phenomena occur. For that purpose, arrange around the recording medium.
The installation position of each device must be sufficiently considered. The developing unit 16 includes the developing unit 3
1 and the recording unit 23 are integrated,
The image gap can be kept constant. this
That is as described above. The accuracy of the relative positional relationship with the recording medium 11 is
Exposure device 15 is required for developing device 16 and above.
is there. Keep the position of the recording body 11 and the exposure device 15 constant
The best means is the part around the roller pair,
Exposure may be performed in the curvature region. However, in this case,
Premise that the scanning line of the system is parallel to the axis of the roller
The requirements must be met. Small roller diameter
If the two are not parallel, the axial direction of the roller
In other words, exposure unevenness occurs in the width direction of the recording medium 11.
I do. The charging charger 14 is also described.
Set the position so that the relative position with respect to the recording
Is required. In particular, the scorotron type charging switch
In the case of the charger 14, a number of grid wires are
It is required to make all distances to the 11 equal. In the illustrated image forming apparatus, the exposure position and
When setting the charging position,
You. Due to differences in flatness, speed characteristics, etc.,
Divided into two areas. Of these four areas, the recording surface
However, the area where there is little positional fluctuation with other constituent units is the tight side
In the straight area (upper stretch portion 11a) and the drive-side curvature area
You. In areas where the feed speed of the recording medium is stable,
The moving-side curvature region and the tension-side straight region near the moving-side curvature region. Loose side
The straight area (lower stretch) is a phenomenon such as waving on the recording surface
The position and feed speed tend to fluctuate due to the
Tends to cause fluctuations in the feed speed. Each of the above-described endless belt-shaped recording materials 11
Considering the characteristics of the area, charging and
In the light and development processes, the recording medium 11 is driven from the tension-side linear region.
It can be seen that it is desirable to do this while moving to the side curvature region. More specifically, the exposure device 15
Therefore, the fluctuation of the recording surface and the speed fluctuation
The recording medium 11 as a straight line area contacts the drive roller 13
Select the straight side area immediately before the tension side, and set the developing unit 16 to the developing gap.
Recording medium 11 and drive row with the least fluctuations in speed and speed
The charging device 1 is disposed in a curvature region where the charging device
4 is a linear area of the recording medium 11 and the fluctuation of the recording medium surface
It is suitable for the above-mentioned purpose to be provided
I have. That is, as shown in FIG.
The jaw 14 is provided in the tension-side linear region of the recording
Indicates that the recording goes to the straight line area just before the change from the straight area to the curvature area.
Each position is set to irradiate exposure light
ing. The charger 14 is a scorotron type
Charger. The exposure device 15 uses He-N as a light source.
e using a gas laser or semiconductor laser, etc.
Modulates and deflects the beam to create a small beam spot on the recording medium
Scanning (width scanning) while changing the light intensity
This image forming apparatus uses
It is not limited to such an exposure format. As described above, the endless belt-shaped recording medium 1
Exposure to a flat area near the part where 1 changes from flat to curved
By setting the incident position of the device, the scanning beam
The adjustment accuracy of the parallelism with respect to the width direction of the recording medium becomes easy. Next, the recording paper is fed toward the recording medium.
The paper device will be described. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 130 denotes
The paper feeder is shown generally. Stored in paper feeder 130
Recording paper 24 is fed from the highest
For co-operation by roller 17 and friction pad 131
The sheet is fed one by one and transported by being guided by the guide plate 132.
The sheet is sent to the roller pair 18. Paper feeder 1
The presence or absence of the recording paper at 30 is determined by the paper end sensor 1
33. The paper feeder 130 is a box-shaped paper feeder with an open top.
It has a tray 3. Back of the bottom of the paper feed tray 3
The part is constituted by a fixed bottom plate 134, and the front part is movable
It is constituted by a bottom plate 135. The movable bottom plate 135 is
Substantially at the rear end 136 of the paper feed tray 3,
The front end can be tilted up and down around the pivot
Has become. The movable bottom plate 135 includes a compression coil spring 137.
Are urged upward by the spring force of FIG. Salary
One end of the paper tray 3 is pivotally supported by a pivot 138.
Then, an upper lid 4 for opening and closing the upper part of the paper feed tray 3 is provided.
ing. As shown in FIG. 23, the upper lid 4 has a front end.
Bearing portions 139 formed on both sides of the portion.
You. The pivot 138 is attached to a side plate (not shown) of the paper feed tray 3.
It is solid planted. A roller 141 is supported on the bearing piece 139.
Attached with the shaft 142, the locking pin 143 is fixedly implanted
I have. The rollers 141 are provided on the upper surfaces on both sides of the movable bottom plate 135.
Is facing. The front end of the side plate of the paper feed tray 3 has a pivot 1
44 allows the friction arm 145 to swing freely.
Is attached. To one end of friction arm 145
Is made of rubber or rubber-like material fixed to the support 146.
Is supported. free
One end of the action pad 131 is connected to the arm 145.
Paper is fed by the elasticity of the stopped tension coil spring 147
The roller 17 is pressed against the roller 17. Friction arm 1
45 are pivotally attached to both side plates of the tray, respectively.
The friction pad 1 is located approximately at the center of the connecting portion 148.
31 are supported. The other end of the spring 147 is connected to a side plate of the tray.
(Not shown) fixed to a pin 149
You. An interlocking lever 148 is swingably supported on the pin 149.
Have been. One end 148a of the interlocking lever 148 is folded
The arm 145 is bent so as to face one end 145a of the arm 145.
Is facing. The other end 148b of the interlocking lever 148 is
The roller 141 extends below the support shaft 142.
The support shaft 142 can be engaged with the other end 148b of the lever.
Extending to the position. At the front end of the paper feed tray 3, both side plates
Supported by a pair of arms 150 (only one shown) extending from
A shaft 151 is supported. At one end of the support shaft 151,
As shown in FIG. 25, the swing lever 152 is fixed.
I have. Pin 15 fixed at the free end of swing lever 152
3 and the locking pin 143, both ends of the connecting rod 154
Locked. Paper reset on the support shaft 151
The lever 155 is fixed. Paper reset lever
-155, as shown in FIG.
A pair is provided so as to be located between each other. Ma
The free end of the paper reset lever 155 is
2 is located higher than the upper edge of the front plate 156 of FIG.
3, FIG. 24). Lever 1 is provided on the upper edge of front plate 156.
A notch 156a which enters when the shaft 55 is swung;
The notch 156b into which the friction pad 131 enters is
Each is formed. As shown in FIG. 23, the upper lid 4 is closed and
When the friction pad 131 is
7 and the paper reset lever 155 is
6, the compression coil spring 1
37 pushes up the movable bottom plate 135 and feeds it
7 is pressed against the lower peripheral surface. In this case, the bottom plate 135
When recording paper is loaded in the
It is pressed against the lower peripheral surface of b17. To set the recording paper 24, as shown in FIG.
As shown, the closed upper lid 4 is pivoted about the pivot 138.
And swing open counterclockwise, the bearing piece 139
The provided roller 141 contacts the movable bottom plate 135,
The moving bottom plate 135 is shown against the elasticity of the compression coil spring 137.
Press down as shown at 24. After this, open the top lid 4
A bundle of recording paper is inserted between the
The edge is hit against the tray front plate 156. Then, FIG.
When the upper lid 4 is closed as shown in FIG.
The load increased by the elasticity of the compression coil spring 137
Press the top one of the recording papers onto the peripheral surface of paper feed roller 17
wear. The replenishment of the recording paper will be described later.
Paper end sensor 133 detects paper end
To inform the operator of this,
Even if there is paper inside, if you want to add more recording paper to this
There is. In the latter case, the feed roller 17 and the friction
The leading edge of several sheets of recording paper is held between the pad 131
Therefore, it is necessary to drop these recording papers into the tray.
You. When the recording paper is further placed on the recording paper,
As shown in FIG. 23, the closed upper lid 4 is shown in FIG.
Open, the connecting rod 154 connected thereto moves.
Paper through the swing lever 152 and the support shaft 151
While swinging the reset lever 155 clockwise,
The support shaft 142 is engaged with one end 48b of the interlocking lever 148.
Swing the lever clockwise to move the other end 1
48a swings the friction arm 145 counterclockwise.
Let it. That is, when the upper lid 4 is opened, as shown in FIG.
In conjunction with this, the friction pad 131
Since it is separated from b17, it is
Release the tip of the recording paper. At the same time, paper reset
The lever 155 swings, and the leading end of the recording paper is released.
The paper is pushed back into the tray against the leading edge. Follow
And a new sheet of recording paper is still
When replenishing, the feed roller 17 and the friction pad 13
There is no recording paper between 1 and the movable bottom pushed down
That is, the recording paper is placed only on the plate 135.
It is possible to replenish new recording paper on such recording paper.
it can. Moreover, paper can be replenished from the front of the main unit.
You. In the example shown in FIG.
The set lever 155 is directly linked to the upper lid 4.
May be linked to the movable bottom plate 135 that swings in conjunction with
No. This example will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28.
A paper reset lever 158 is fixed to the support shaft 151
Have been. A spring 159 is hung on this lever 158.
And the lever is separated from the front plate 156.
Gives swinging habit. Further, the engagement of the lever 158
The piece 158a is inserted into the tray 156c from the hole 156c formed in the front plate.
And is engaged with the front edge of the movable bottom plate 135.
It is in a position that can be combined. In FIG. 26, the upper cover 4 (see FIG. 23) is
When opened, the movable bottom plate 135 descends as shown in FIG.
You. At the same time, the friction pad 131
The leading edge of the recording paper 24 that is separated from the peripheral surface and held between the two
Release 24a. When the movable bottom plate 135 descends,
The front edge of the paper is engaged with the engagement piece 158a, and the paper is reset.
The lever 158 is swung as shown in FIG. this
When the lever 158 swings, it moves over the upper edge of the front plate 156.
Press the leading edge of the upper recording paper against the lever 158.
By being moved, it moves down together with the movable bottom plate 135
It is pushed back onto the lower recording paper 24. New recording paper
After replenishment, when the top cover 4 is closed, the movable bottom plate 135
When the paper reset lever 158 rises, the spring 159
With the resilience of, it returns to the position shown in FIG. In FIG. 23, above the movable bottom plate 135
The bracket 160 is fixedly arranged. Bracket
G 160, as best shown in FIGS.
The shaft 162 of the filler 161 is rotatably supported
I have. Filler 161 is movable at its filler end 163
Align with opening 135a formed in bottom plate 135 and move
When there is at least one sheet of recording paper 24 on the bottom plate 135, FIG.
As shown by a solid line in FIG. 30, the rotation position on the recording paper
Position, and a single sheet is recorded on the movable bottom plate 135.
When there is no paper, it falls into the opening 135a by its own weight.
And is located at a pivot position as shown by a virtual line in FIG.
It has become. End of shaft 162 of filler 161
In addition, the detection plate 164 has a screw 166 at its hub portion 165.
Is fixedly attached. The detection plate 164 has a shutter piece at its tip.
167, and the shutter piece 167 is a light emitting element.
Of a photoelectric switch 168 in which a photoelectric switch and a light receiving element are arranged to face each other
Selectively enters the gap 169 to receive light from the light emitting element.
The optical axis between the optical element and the optical element is selectively blocked.
You. In the detection plate 164, the filler 161 is indicated by a solid line in FIG.
When in the position shown, the shutter piece 167 faces
Located in gap 169, filler 161
Is in the position indicated by the imaginary line in FIG.
So that the tab 167 escapes from the facing gap 169.
Is attached. The photoelectric switch 168 has the above optical axis.
Different signals when interrupted and when not
Signal to a control device (not shown).
You. In addition, the control device operates when the optical axis is interrupted.
Only to determine that the recording operation can be performed.
good. An interlocking plate 170 is provided on the shaft 162 of the filler 161.
Are fixed by screws 172 at the hub portion 171.
The paper feed tray 3 has a filler 173 on its side plate.
It is pivotally supported by a shaft 174. The filler 173 is the filler end 1
At 75, the lower cover 4 is selectively engaged with the lower bottom surface,
When in the closed position of the ruler, as shown by the solid line in FIG.
Separated from stopper pin 177 against spring force of spring 176
The upper cover 4 is in the closed position.
When opened more than a predetermined angle, as shown in FIG.
The stopper pin 177 due to the spring force of the spring 176.
It turns to the position where it touches. This filler
173 is selected as the interlocking plate 170 at the engagement end 178 thereof.
30 when the upper cover 4 is in the closed position.
As shown in FIG.
The position where the moving plate 170 is indicated by a solid line and the position indicated by a virtual line in the figure
Allowed to move freely between and
The lid 4 is opened from the closed position and the spring 176 turns the counterclockwise as shown in the figure.
Engage with interlocking plate 170 when turned in the counter direction to detect
The plate 164 is set so that its shutter piece 167 is
It moves to a position where it exits from the position 9. Therefore, the shutter piece 167 of the detection plate 164
Is located within the opposing gap 169 of the photoelectric switch 168.
What can be achieved is that the movable bottom plate 153
At least one sheet of recording paper 24 exists on the
Is in the normal closed position. Movable bottom plate 13
When there is no recording paper 24 at all on FIG.
As shown by the phantom line, the filler end of the filler 161
163 falls into the opening 135a to detect the detection plate.
164 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in FIG.
167 exits downward from the facing gap 169 in the figure.
When the top cover 4 is not in the proper closed position,
As shown in 31, the filler 173 and the interlocking plate 170
Therefore, the detection plate 164 rotates clockwise in the figure, and
It comes out upward from the cap 169 in the figure. In addition,
When the filler end 163 is lifted, the movable bottom plate 135 is lifted.
Away from the printer and facilitate supply of recording paper. According to the above description, one photoelectric switch
The recording paper on the bottom plate and the open / closed state of the top cover 4
It will be understood that it can be issued. Also, recording paper
If you want to change the size of the
Just pull it out and install a new tray. The feed roller 17 is provided as shown in FIGS.
Provided above the front plate 156 of the paper feed tray 3.
And is located substantially at the center in the width direction of the tray. This paper feed
As is clear from FIG.
8 so as to be staggered with the peripheral surface of the upper roller 18a
Have been. The upper roller 18a and the lower roller 18b
It is pressed against. About driving these rollers
Will be described later. In the transport direction of the recording paper 24, the transport row
On the downstream side of the pair of rollers 18, as shown in FIG.
The sensor 179 is provided. Registration sensor 179
Is transported out of the tray 3 and clamped by the transport row pair 18.
To detect the recording paper
At this time, the rotation of the transport roller pair 18 and the paper feed roller 17 is
Outputs a sever signal. By the way, above the sheet feeding device 130,
The recording / developing unit 5 is arranged, and
A cleaning device 22 is disposed at an upper position. Chestnut
The cleaning device 22 remains on the surface of the recording medium 11 after the transfer.
To collect and remove the developer. Therefore,
All or one of the units 5 during replacement or developer replenishment
When the part is pulled out of the apparatus main body, the cleaning device 2
The developer collected in 2 is fed to the sheet feeder 1 by vibration or impact.
30, especially the transport roller pair 18, the paper feed roller 17, the flexi
There is a fear of falling on the operation pad 131. Each roller or pad to which the developer has adhered is
The friction coefficient on the surface of the
No longer. Also, if unnecessary developer adheres to the recording paper,
The result is a dirty copy. Further, with the movement of the recording body 11,
A part of the powder image formed on the surface of this
And may contaminate the recording paper 24 and rollers.
You. The recording paper 24 is fed from a tray.
After being delivered, it is brought into close contact with the recording medium 11.
However, the recording paper 24 is sent in a predetermined direction while maintaining its posture.
Need to be done. Therefore, the recording medium / developing unit 5
At the lower level, the recording paper 24 and its transport path are
The recording paper guide cover 180 is attached to prevent the developer from falling.
It is provided detachably. This recording paper guide cover 18
0 is the recording paper and the developer falling toward the transport path of the recording paper
It covers the position and range to prevent from. Recording paper guide
As shown in FIG. 32, the bar 180
Only the positioning pieces 181 and 182 provided on the
And between the side plates 60 and 67 by engaging the female pins 183 and 184.
Are located. The positioning pins 183 and 184
8, only one of the guide plates 56, 56 is shown in FIG.
It is solid planted. The recording paper guide cover 180 is a cover 1
80a, positioning pins 181 and 182, and their leading edges
And a guide portion 180b formed by bending
You. The recording paper guide cover 180 is a recording medium / developing device.
An empty space formed at the mark where the unit 5 is taken out from the apparatus main body
Use the space to attach to the positioning pins 183 and 184.
It is set to be removable. With positioning pins 183, 184
By the engagement of the positioning pieces 181 and 182, the guide cap
The bar 180 has a restricted position in the front / rear, left / right and down directions.
It is. FIG. 33 shows the transport roller pair 18 and the recording paper 24.
To show that the guide cover covers a larger area
2 shows the roller pair 18 and the recording paper 24. The recording paper guide cover 180 is set.
Then, the recording medium / developing unit 5 is attached to the apparatus main body.
And the bottom plate 39 of the receiving portion 35, the upper direction of the cover
Is regulated. As shown in FIG. 2, the recording paper guide cover 1
When 80 is attached to the main body of the apparatus, the guide section at the front end
180b is a guide plate 185 fixed to the main body.
The recording paper path 186 is formed in cooperation with the above. This guide
The bar 180 is used for replacing a recording medium or replenishing a developer.
Whether all or part of the unit 5 during operation is the device body
The image forming area including the recording medium 11
Cleaning device 22, recording paper and its passage
To each other and cause the developer to fall or
To prevent contamination. Furthermore, the guide cover 180
The id portion 180b forms a recording paper path and extends to the transfer area.
It functions to maintain the posture of the recording paper being conveyed. Recording paper guy
Effect obtained by not fixing cover 180
The following can be cited. Paper feed roller 17
If the frictional resistance of the peripheral surface decreases,
It will not be possible to clean it regularly. Heel
When performing cleaning maintenance work, the recording medium / developing unit 5
After pulling out, remove the recording paper guide cover 180
If this occurs, the trace from the opening formed in the front of the
Maintenance work can be performed very easily. In the above description, the recording paper path 186 is formed.
A guide plate 185 is provided on the main body of the apparatus.
As shown in FIG.
6A may be provided to form a recording paper path. Guide cover 18 shown in FIGS. 35 and 36
0 indicates a leaf spring 187 or a spring on the upper surface of the cover portion 180a.
The foam body 188 is fixed to the bottom plate 39 of the unit 5 and the cover.
This is an example in which there is no play between the upper surface. Fixing device 2 applied to the illustrated image forming apparatus
0 indicates a roller fixing method. In FIG. 39, the fixing device
The fixing roller 197 and the pressure roller 198
Are provided in opposing contact to form a fixing roller pair.
ing. The fixing method using the fixing roller pair is a heating method or
Or pressurizing method, but for example,
In the case of the thermal method, it is determined only during the fixing operation where the recording paper 24 passes.
One rotation of the roller so that the pressure required for
Switches and sliding friction mechanisms are provided as appropriate. Further, the shaft 19 is
9 around the spring 9
The tip 201a is urged counterclockwise to fix
Separation claw 201 in contact with the surface of
Cleaning machine for wiping developer adhered to 197 surface
A structure 202 is provided. Then, the fixing roller pair
Rollers 204 and 2 having a guide plate 203 are provided on the discharge side.
A paper discharge roller pair 25 composed of a pair of paper discharge rollers 05 is provided. Therefore, as shown by the dashed line in FIG.
A recording paper transport path 206 is formed. This transport path
A paper ejection sensor 272 is provided at 206, and
Detects recording paper passing through the road. In the case shown, the sensor 272 is used.
Indicates only the filler, and the tip 272a has a through hole.
Located on the street. However, the peripheral speed of the fixing roller 197 is
It is set to be lower than the peripheral speed of the paper roller pair 25. Also,
A part of the separation claw 201 has a front end 201 a at the fixing roller 1.
97 protrudes into the recording paper transport path 206 in contact with the recording paper transport path 206.
The protrusion 201b is provided on the side opposite to the tip 201a.
I have. In this configuration, an unfixed toner image
The recording paper 24 is between the fixing roller 197 and the pressure roller 198.
To be fixed. The leading end of the recording paper 24 is
Contacting the fixing roller 197 by the
From the fixing roller 197 by the tip 201a of the release nail 201
Separated, and along the guide plate 203, the paper discharge roller pair 25 side
Head to. Then, the recording paper 24 is attached to the discharge roller pair 25.
When the leading edge reaches, the recording paper 24 is fixed as shown in FIG.
The roller 197, the pressure roller 198, and the discharge roller pair 25
Causes a state in which the sheet is conveyed by pinching. At this time,
The peripheral speed of the discharge roller pair 25 side is equal to the fixing roller 197
Since it is set faster than the peripheral speed of the pressure roller 198,
The recording paper 24 located in the recording paper conveyance path 206 is a discharge row.
It is pulled by the pair 25 and is in an extended state. Note that, between the fixing roller and the pressure roller 198,
Since the clamping pressure is stronger, there is no hindrance to the fixing operation. one
On the other hand, the protruding portion 201b protrudes from the recording paper transport path 206.
The projections 201 under the tension of the recording paper 24.
b is pushed, and as shown in FIG.
The tip 201a of the fixing roller 19 is
7 will be separated. For this reason, the separation claw 201
Energizing the spring 200 to contact the fixing roller 197
The force is set smaller than this tension. And
The trailing edge of the recording paper 24 is from the fixing roller / pressure roller 198
When it comes out, the tension stops working and the separation claw 201
It is returned by the ring 200 and its tip 201a is fixed
Then, the state returns to the state of contact with the roller 197. Therefore, the recording paper 24 is fixed to the fixing roller 197
Nipped and transported by the pressure roller 198 and the discharge roller pair 25
When the fixing roller 19 is being fed,
7 can be secured, and other than that
Sometimes the tip 201a is brought into contact with the fixing roller 197
The original recording paper 24 is separated and a standby state is performed.
Can be obtained. Because of such behavior
Peripheral speed difference between the fixing roller 197 and the discharge roller pair 25
The tension of the recording paper 24 in the stretched state with
Specially for the contact and separation of the separation claw 201
Simple drive and cost reduction
Can be achieved. Further, the tension of the recording paper 24 in the stretched state.
Roller as a driving source for displacement of the separation claw 201
197 and the discharge roller pair 25 with a peripheral speed difference
However, as a result,
The effect of preventing paper jam can also be obtained. Therefore,
According to this example, the separation claw 201 is fixed to the fixing roller 197.
Of the fixing roller 197, which is a drawback due to
Uncertainty of separation due to toner adhesion to tip 201a
Is easily eliminated, and the life of the fixing roller 197 and the separation claw 201 is reduced.
Extends life, improves separation performance and eliminates jams
And a highly reliable fixing device.
You. Regarding the reliability of the fixing device, the fixing roller
It is also necessary to keep the surrounding surface clean. In FIG.
In the upper non-sheet passing portion of the fixing roller 197, a fixing roller is provided.
The temperature of the heater 207 inside the heater 197 is controlled.
Thermistor TH is in contact. Cleaning mechanism 20
Reference numeral 2 is disposed on the entrance side of the fixing roller 197. Sign
209 is a pad made of heat-resistant felt,
Between the socket 210 and the holder 211 made of aluminum
One end is clamped in between, fixed with screws 212,
The end is pressed along the peripheral surface of the fixing roller 197.
Reference numeral 213 denotes a cushion for softening a foamed silicone rubber or the like.
Made of padded heat-resistant material.
To make the fusing roller 197 flawless.
This is to prevent occurrence. An upper cover 9 of a part of the upper cover 9 of the apparatus main body.
0 (see FIG. 1), as shown in FIG.
The hinge 219 attached to the racket 225 opens and closes automatically.
There is. Also, the unit cover 220 of the fixing device 20
Is openably and closably attached to the stay 222 by the hinge 211.
It is attached. The unit cover 220 has a shaft 199
And a paper discharge roller 205.
Holder 224 is fixed. This cover 22
When 0 is opened, the recording paper conveyance path 206 in the fixing device is released.
It is easy to remove jam paper and inspect the inside
It has become. The image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
A recording paper receiver 10 is provided on the side. Therefore, pudding
The operator extends his arm to remove the loaded recording paper.
There is a need. So, while the operator is sitting on a chair,
It is convenient to configure a paper ejection device that can obtain recording paper in
It is. Next, the configuration of the paper discharge device which is a feature of the present invention.
Will be described in detail. In FIG. 39, the cover 90 is hinged.
After being removed from the hinge 219, the hinge 219 is shown in FIG.
Instead of the hinge 226. The hinge 226 has a paper discharge device.
Lower end 2 of a pair of side plates 228 (only one is shown)
28a is fixed. Bent portion 228 of side plate 228
b, 228c are provided with the unit cover 229 on the stopper plate 23.
It is screwed via 0,231. One side plate 2
As shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the pulley 2
32 and a gear 233 are rotatably supported coaxially integrally.
You. The gear 233 is integrated with the shaft 234 of the discharge roller 206.
Gear 235. The roller 206 is driven
The roller is a driving system, which will be described later. ~ side
The sheets 228, 228 (only one of them is shown)
6 is rotatably supported on its shaft 237. Shaft 23
7 has a pulley 238 fixed to one end thereof.
38 between the pulley 38 and the pulley 232
239 are looped. The unit cover 229 has a discharge port 240
Are formed, and the paper discharge rollers 236 are
Is located inside. The paper discharge roller 236 is made of foamed polyurethane.
It is made of an elastic material such as urethane rubber,
The peripheral surface is pressed against the holding plate 241. Recording paper
The paper is transported by being sandwiched between the rotating paper discharge rollers 236 and the holding plate 241.
Are sent, but they are separated from each other.
May be. This example is shown in FIG.
A pair of protrusions 41 are provided between the end faces of the paper discharge rollers 236.
The protrusion 241a is formed, and the pressing plate and the discharge roller
Is non-contact, but the peripheral surface of the roller and the protrusion are
When viewed from the direction, they are positioned so as to enter each other. Between the discharge roller pair 25 and the discharge roller 236
Is provided with curved guide members 242 and 243
Thus, a recording paper turn path 244 is formed. FIG.
, The recording paper passes through the transport path 206 and the turn path 24.
4 to the upper cover 90 of the apparatus main body from the paper output port 240
It is discharged in the direction of the arrow. Discharge to the upper cover 90 of the device body
The recording paper is placed with its recording surface facing down and
Easy to pick up the operator while sitting on the child
You. The paper discharge device 227 is operated by a hinge 226.
It is attached to the main unit so that it can be opened and closed.
The upper part of the fixing device can be released by opening the
This is the same as the cover 90 shown in FIG. FIG. 40
And rotate the paper discharge device 227 counterclockwise around the hinge 226.
When rotated in the direction, the upper cover 90, the recording paper turn path 2
44 etc. are rotated to expose the recording paper turn path 244.
The device can be ejected, and when the device is turned,
An opening that allows you to look into the turn passage from the front side is formed
Is done. By the way, one end 228d of the side plate 228 is
A gnet 245 is attached to the hinge 221.
When magnetically fixed to the plate 246, the gear 233 and the gear 23
The engagement of No. 5 is ensured. In FIG. 2, the transfer charger 19 is
Discharge electrode 247 connected to high voltage power supply not shown and this
And a shield case 248. Transfer Char
The jaw 19 is shown by opening the side plate 8 (see FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body.
Can be pulled out in the direction of the arrow. The charging charger 14 is a scorotron type
And discharges respectively connected to a power supply (not shown)
The electrode 249 and the grid 250 and their shielded cables
251. Charger 14 is also transferred
Like the charger 19, it can be detached from the main body in the same direction.
Is provided. Then, the charging charger 14 and the transfer
Chargers 19 record corona discharges of the same polarity
11 The radiation is emitted toward the front surface and the back surface of the recording paper. In the case of the example shown in FIG.
DC bias to the opposite polarity to the charging polarity of the flow corona or recording medium
Discharge electrode 252 that emits an alternating current corona and static elimination lamp 2
53 and these shield cases 254
You. In this case, not only the static elimination of the recording
The charger is on the left in the figure to remove static electricity from the recording paper after copying.
To the left of the shield case 254
Are open so that the recording paper does not jam.
A portion of the recording body 11 wound around the roller 12, a so-called curvature portion
In addition to the curvature separation, the static eliminator
The separability between the recording medium and the recording paper is improved. The configuration of the cleaning device 22 is based on FIG.
Will be described. The cleaning device 22 is provided with each charger.
Can be pulled out of the device body in the same direction as
255 and a casing rotatably supported by a casing.
Cleaning rollers 256 provided in parallel with each other
And a magnetic roller 257 and a collection shaft 258.
Has been established. The cleaning roller 256 has a short surface.
And a non-magnetic sleeve with a new fiber implanted inside.
Three magnets 260, 261, 262 placed
It has become. The cleaning roller 256 will be described later.
It is rotated clockwise by the drive train. On the other hand, the magnetic roller 257 has
The cleaning roller 256 is in contact with
Roller 256 magnetically removes the developer removed from the surface of the recording medium.
Move away. The surface of the magnetic roller 257
The blade 263 is pressed and scrapes the transferred developer.
To take. The scraped developer is collected on a collection shaft.
Fall over 258. The collection shaft 258 is screwed around its outer periphery.
With a spiral groove or a coil spring
The developer in the axial direction by rotating in one direction.
It is sent and collected in a collection container provided outside the casing. The recording medium 11 is moved to a pair of rollers 12 and 13.
The rollers are wound around the support plate 26 (FIG. 7).
(See above). And subordinate
The axis of the moving roller 12 is fixed to correct the belt deviation.
And the drive roller 13 is in the exposure position
And that the axis is fixed for grounding.
Was. The bearing 4 of the driven roller 12
Some clearance between the groove 3 and the groove 40 (see FIG. 6)
Is provided. In other words, the device is
The attached recording unit 23 is attached to the shaft 3 of the drive roller 13.
With the fulcrum 8, the support plate 26 can slightly swing. Thus, as shown in FIG.
6 on the lower surface of the top plate 28, the cleaning roller 256
A pair made of a magnetic material is opposed in the entire axial direction.
The direction member 264 is fixed. The means of fixing are adhesion and contact
Appropriate means such as an attaching tape and a screw may be used. Follow
Thus, the facing member 264 is substantially movably disposed.
Attracts the magnet in the non-magnetic sleeve 259
The recording medium 11 and the support member 26 are moved upward.
It is attracted to the surface of the non-magnetic sleeve via the plate 28. Thus, the surface of the non-magnetic sleeve 259
And the parallelism between the surface of the recording body 11 and
Also, the recording body 11 uniformly contacts the surface of the sleeve 259,
The residual magnetic toner on the recording medium 11 is evenly and uniformly cleaned.
To synchronize. A magnet attached to the surface of the non-magnetic sleeve 259
Is transferred by the rotation of the sleeve 259,
Transferred to the magnet roller 257, and
63, and is cleaned by the collection shaft 258.
Out of the device. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG.
The drive system will be described. The rotation axis of the drive motor 273 is
274, 275 are integrally attached. Step
Pulleys 276, 277, 278 and
Endless looped around the pulley 279
Gubert 280 is wound around it. Pulley 276,
277, 278 are the respective shafts 281, 282, 28
3 to be rotatably attached to the side plate 67 (see FIGS. 4 and 8)
Have been. The gear 63 is mounted on the shaft 281 of the pulley 276.
As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG.
Meshes with a gear 64 substantially integral with the roller 13
You. A gear 66 of the developing sleeve 34 meshes with the gear 64.
Matching. A gear 284 is provided on a shaft 282 of the pulley 277.
Is fixed, and this gear 284
Meshing with the gear 86 fixed to the shaft 285 of the gear 256
I have. A gear 287 is attached to the shaft 283 of the pulley 278.
The gear 287 is fixed to the fixing roller 197.
Gear 289 fixed to the shaft 288 of the motor.
The gear 289 has teeth integral with the shaft 291 of the pressure roller 198.
Wheel 290 is meshing. Therefore, the rollers 197, 1
98 rotate without slipping with each other. The shaft 234 of the paper discharge roller 204 is
The gear 235 is fixed as shown in FIG. Gear 23
5 is interlocked with the fixing roller gear 289 via the intermediate gear
doing. A one-way clutch is provided between the gear 289 and the shaft 288.
A latch 294 is provided, and the driving force is
Is transmitted only to the shaft 288. Obedience
Therefore, when the drive system is stopped, the fixing roller 197
Can be freely rotated in the recording paper transport direction. Another pulley 2 of the drive motor 273
75, a timing belt 29 between the pulley 295
6 is wound. As shown in FIG.
95 is a shaft 297 of the lower roller 18b of the conveying roller pair 18.
Via a transfer clutch 299 comprising an electromagnetic clutch
It is installed. The transfer clutch 299 is turned on.
As a result, the pulley 295 and the shaft 297 are integrated with each other.
To rotate. When the clutch is off
Is defined. A gear 297 is provided on the shaft 297 of the lower roller 18b.
8 is fixed, and the upper roller 1
The gear 301 fixed to one end of the shaft 300 of FIG.
ing. As shown in FIG. 4, the other end of the shaft 300 has teeth
A wheel 302 is fixed, and the gear 302 has a gear 3
03 is engaged. Gear 303 is an electromagnetic clutch
The shaft of the feed roller 17 is passed through a feed clutch
305. This paper feed clutch 304
When the power is applied, the rotation of the gear 303 is transmitted to the shaft 305,
The paper feed roller 17 is rotated in the paper feed direction.
You. The feed roller 17 is provided with a one-way rotating clutch (not shown).
Is mounted on the shaft 305, and the shaft 305 rotates
When not present, the rollers can rotate freely.
You. Referring to FIG. 40 and FIG.
The operation of will be described. The visible image is fixed by the fixing device 20
The recording paper 24 is a paper discharge device positioned at a discharge position.
Paper discharge roller pair 25 in the recording paper turn path 244
Sent in. Recording paper sent into turn passage 244
224 was inverted with its recording surface facing down
Thereafter, the paper is discharged onto the upper surface of the upper cover 90 by the paper discharge rollers 236.
Will be issued. The recording paper discharged sequentially has its recording surface facing down.
Orientation will align the page order
And loaded. Recording paper discharged and stacked on the upper cover
Bunch can be picked up from the front of the device body
You. Next, the operation when the recording paper is jammed will be described.
I will tell. When paper jam is detected, the ejection of FIG.
The paper ejection device 227 placed at the position is centered on the hinge 226.
And rotate it counterclockwise to position it at the passage release position.
Then, the recording paper turn path 244 is exposed and the gear 2
33 moves away from the gear 235. By separating the gears
As a result, the transmission of the driving force of the paper discharging device 227 is interrupted.
Thus, the paper discharge rollers 236 can rotate freely. When the paper discharge device 227 is rotated, the device
On the upper surface of the main body, there is a mark on the top
That is, an opening that opens toward the side is formed. This
Through the recording paper turn path 244 through the opening of
Yes, you can see the jammed recording paper. The leading end of the jammed recording paper is the paper discharge port 2.
If it is protruding from 40, this tip
Pull to remove from turn path and remove. This and
And the gears 235 and 233 are separated from each other.
The driving force is cut off,
It is easily driven and rotated following the paper that is pulled out. A part of the jammed recording paper is discharged by a paper discharge roller.
If they are sandwiched between pairs 25, the open tar
The recording paper may be extracted from the entrance of the communication passage 244. This
At this time, the paper discharge roller pair 25 holding the recording paper
The recording paper is driven by the one-way clutch
And rotate easily. And take out the jammed recording paper
Moves in the width direction of the recording paper path regardless of its position
Run without. In other words, jammed recording paper
Moves in the axial direction of the discharge roller pair 25 and the discharge roller 236
The jam paper.
It will not be obstructed, the paper will break and the debris will
Never remain. [0134] According to the present invention, a recording medium / developing unit is provided.
In a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the recording medium, and
And move it in a direction that does not interfere with the road
The recording medium / developing unit can be removed from the
To be detachable by operation from the front of the main body,
The paper tray can be pulled out from the front of the image forming apparatus
That the recording paper on which the image has been transferred is
This image forming apparatus guides toward the front andMosquito on the body
On the barLoading and image forming apparatus
The main body of the image forming apparatus so that the front side of the main body is openMosquito
barThe operator opens the image forming apparatus main body by opening the
You can also check the inside of the image forming apparatus from the front.
Inside the image forming apparatus main body from the front of the image forming apparatus main body.
Can be accessible. In other words, you
Knitting / unloading operation, paper tray pullout operation,
Operation for removing the recording paper from the main body of the image forming apparatus
All access operations to the
From the sideIn operationTo be able to operate the image forming device
Greatly improves the image quality and the side of the image forming apparatus main body.
Eliminates the need for space for the above four tasks from the side,
This minimizes the installation space of the image forming device
It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which the number of images is reduced. Further
Then, pull out the recording medium in the direction orthogonal to the recording medium axis direction.
Reduced damage to jammed paper and the surface of recording media
Sometimes, the operability of attaching and detaching the recording medium can be improved.
You. In other words, a plurality of processors such as a developing device
Since the process means is arranged, the recording medium is moved in the axial direction of the recording medium.
In order to attach / detach in the direction perpendicular to the
After attaching / detaching process means such as a developing device
Inside the main body of the image forming apparatus, where the recording body must be removed
You have to put your hands in the
The surface of the recording medium is exposed to the operator during loading and unloading.
To remove the recording medium without touching the surface of the recording medium.
To solve the problem that the
Operation of pulling out the recording material when pulling out in the direction perpendicular to the
Workability can be greatly improved. Therefore, unity
Operability of daily maintenance work such as replacement of paper and replenishment of recording paper
Improved and stayed in the device during jam clearance
The end of the recording body does not get caught on the jam paper,
Jams can be prevented from being damaged, and if the paper is thick
Also, the edge of the jammed paper will not damage the surface of the recording medium.
It becomes. Also, pull the unit and paper tray from the front.
Operation, confirmation operation inside the main unit, and
Because the recording paper can be removed, the installed device
Work for these operations on the side or near the backforSpace
There is no need to reserve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the internal structure of the above. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a driving system of the above. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the same. FIG. 5 is an exploded side view showing a recording body / developing unit including a recording unit and a developing unit. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an essential part showing an example of a means for applying tension to a recording medium. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a recording medium / developing unit. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the recording unit mounted on the apparatus main body. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a recording medium / developing unit is positioned vertically with respect to the apparatus main body. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a main part of the above. FIG. 11 is a front view showing a positioning mechanism of a recording body unit in a recording body width direction. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the same. FIG. 13 is a schematic side view illustrating an example of a driving unit of a recording medium / developing unit. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a main part of the above. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an essential part showing a receiving portion of a developing device provided with a recording body unit positioning means. FIG. 16 is a side sectional view showing an example of a developing device. FIG. 17 is a partial rear view of the developing sleeve. FIG. 18 is a side sectional view showing a different example of the developing device. FIG. 19 is a side view illustrating an example of a maintenance operation mechanism of the recording medium / developing unit. FIG. 20 is an operation view of the above. FIG. 21 is a main part plan view showing another example of the maintenance operation mechanism. FIG. 22 is an operation view of the above. FIG. 23 is a side view illustrating a main part of the sheet feeding device from which a side plate of the sheet feeding tray is removed. FIG. 24 is an operation view of the above. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a main part of the above. FIG. 26 is a side view showing another example of the paper reset mechanism. FIG. 27 is an operation view of the above. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the same. FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a recording paper sensor. FIG. 30 is a side sectional view showing the recording paper sensor when the upper cover is closed. FIG. 31 is a side sectional view showing the recording paper sensor when the upper cover is open. FIG. 32 is a side sectional view showing an example of a recording paper guide cover. FIG. 33 is a front view of the same. FIG. 34 is a side sectional view of a main part showing a different example of the recording paper guide cover. FIG. 35 is a side view showing still another example of the recording paper guide cover. FIG. 36 is a side view showing still another example of the recording paper guide cover. FIG. 37 is a front view showing a second stirring member. FIG. 38 is a side view showing a mechanism for reciprocatingly rotating a second stirring member. FIG. 39 is a side sectional view showing a fixing device and a sheet discharging device. FIG. 40 is a side cross-sectional view showing a paper discharge device. FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing a paper discharge unit. FIG. 42 is a front view illustrating an example of a paper discharge roller. FIG. 43 is a side view showing a main part of the cleaning device. [Explanation of Symbols] 3 ... Paper feed tray 4 ... Upper lid 5 ... Recording medium / developing unit 11 ... Recording medium 14 ... Charger 15 ... Exposure device 16 ... Development Unit 17 Feed roller 19 Transfer charger 20 Fixing unit 21 Static eliminator 22 Cleaning unit 23 Recording unit 24 Recording paper 25 Discharge Paper roller pair 31 Developing unit 32 Developer 90 Part of upper cover 226 Hinge 227 Recording paper turn path

   ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page    (72) Inventor Yutaka Kodama               1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Ricoh Company (72) Inventor Shigeru Yamazaki               1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Ricoh Company (72) Inventor Masaichi Tanji               1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Ricoh Company (72) Inventor Satoru Tomita               1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Ricoh Company (72) Inventor Kunihiko Ikeda               1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Ricoh Company (72) Inventor Shigeru Suzuki               1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Ricoh Company                (56) References JP-A-55-38527 (JP, A)                 JP-A-53-19834 (JP, A)                 JP-A-53-41228 (JP, A)                 JP-A-56-122761 (JP, A)                 JP-A-53-108430 (JP, A)                 JP-A-54-52543 (JP, A)                 JP-A-56-9758 (JP, A)                 JP-A-56-128958 (JP, A)                 JP-A-55-133076 (JP, A)

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] A recording medium, a plurality of process units including a developing unit disposed around the recording body for recording an image on the recording body, and a recording unit / developing unit holding the recording body and the developing unit A sheet feeder that is pulled out from the front of the main body of the image forming apparatus and includes a sheet feed tray for storing recording sheets, and feeds the recording sheets stored in the sheet feed tray one by one; A recording paper transporting means for transporting the paper through the image transfer unit toward the back side of the image forming apparatus main body opposite to the front surface, and recording the recording paper on which the image has been transferred by reversing the recording surface and reversing the recording surface A turn passage provided on the back side of the image forming apparatus main body, which guides toward the front of the image forming apparatus main body so that the paper conveying direction is reverse to the recording paper conveying direction by the recording paper conveying means; Turn passage With stacking the recording sheet conveyed discharged toward the image forming apparatus main body front via the front side is rotated so as to open the cover <br/> on the image forming apparatus main body, the recording body and development A recording unit provided in the image forming apparatus main body for moving the unit in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the recording body and in a direction not interfering with the turn path to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. Body / developing unit guide means, and in a state where the recording medium / developing unit is attached to the image forming apparatus main body, a part of the recording medium / developing unit is moved with respect to the detaching direction of the recording medium / developing unit. An image forming apparatus configured to occupy a position downstream of the recording medium.