JP4129113B2 - Image forming machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming machine such as an electrostatic copying machine, a printing machine, and a facsimile machine, and more specifically, two types of conveying paths for conveying a sheet member on which an image is to be formed, namely, a main conveying path and the main conveying path. The present invention relates to an image forming machine provided with a sub-transport path extending between an upstream area and a downstream area.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As is well known to those skilled in the art, as an image forming machine such as an electrostatic copying machine, a printing machine, and a facsimile machine, a housing, sheet member supply means disposed at a lower portion of the housing, and the sheet member in the housing. An image carrying means disposed above the supply means, an image forming means for forming a toner image on the image carrying means, and extending from the sheet member supply means to the sheet member discharge port, from the upstream end toward the downstream end Are connected to the upstream area of the main conveyance path from the upstream end connected to the downstream area of the main conveyance path, and the main conveyance path including the upstream area, the transfer area, the intermediate area, the fixing area, and the downstream area that are sequentially arranged. A secondary conveyance path extending to the downstream end, a transfer means for transferring a toner image formed on the image carrying means in the transfer area to a sheet member conveyed through the main conveyance path, and a sheet in the fixing area. Those toner images on members in the form of and a fixing means for allowing the fixing on the sheet member is subjected to practical use widely. Particularly in an image forming machine intended to be miniaturized, at least a main part of the main transport path extends upward on one side of the housing toward the downstream side, and at least a main part of the sub transport path is a main transport on one side of the housing. The outer side of the path extends downward toward the downstream. When a single image is formed on one side of the sheet member, the sheet member sent from the sheet member supply means is conveyed through the main conveyance path. The toner image formed on the image carrying means is transferred to the sheet member in the transfer area, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet member in the fixing area, and then the sheet member is discharged from the sheet member discharge port. When an image is formed on both sides of a sheet member, or when two images are formed on one side of a sheet member by superposition, the sheet member to which a toner image is transferred and fixed on one side is moved from the downstream area of the main conveyance path. It is introduced into the sub-transport path and returned to the upstream area of the main transport path through the sub-transport path.
[0003]
In the image forming machine of the above-described form, when the sheet member is conveyed through the main conveyance path and the sub conveyance path, the sheet member is inevitably jammed. Therefore, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2715539, the main conveyance path and the sub-conveyance path can be opened at least partially as necessary, and the jammed sheet member is It can be removed from the sub-transport path sufficiently easily.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Thus, the conventional image forming machine of the above-described form has the following problems to be solved. The frequency of transporting the sheet member through the main transport path is considerably higher than the frequency of transporting the sheet member through the sub transport path, and therefore the probability of the sheet member jamming in the main transport path compared to the probability of the sheet member jamming in the sub transport path. However, in order to at least partially open the main conveyance path disposed inside the sub conveyance path in order to remove the jammed sheet member in the main conveyance path, a plurality of member movement operations are performed. It is necessary to carry out and is quite complicated. In addition, when opening at least a part of the main conveyance path and opening at least a part of the sub conveyance path require different operations, and when the sheet member jams in both the main conveyance path and the sub conveyance path, The operation for removing the sheet member is considerably complicated and complicated.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned facts, and the main technical problem thereof is that it is possible to open at least most of the main transport path sufficiently easily by a single operation, and at least the main transport path is at least large. With the opening of the part, the sub-transport path is also at least partially opened, and following at least a partial opening of the sub-transport path, it is possible to open at least most of the sub-transport path sufficiently easily if necessary. New and improved image formation Machine Is to provide.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, as an image forming apparatus that achieves the main technical problem, a housing, sheet member supply means disposed in a lower portion of the housing, and in the housing and above the sheet member supply means. An image carrying unit disposed, an image forming unit for forming a toner image on the image carrying unit, and extending from the sheet member supply unit to the sheet member discharge port, and sequentially from the upstream end toward the downstream end A main conveyance path including the arranged upstream area, transfer area, intermediate area, fixing area and downstream area, and an upstream end connected to the downstream area of the main conveyance path connected to the upstream area of the main conveyance path A sub-conveying path extending to the downstream end, a transfer means for transferring a toner image formed on the image carrying means in the transfer area to a sheet member conveyed through the main conveying path, and a sheet in the fixing area Fixing means for fixing the toner image on the material onto the sheet member, and at least a main portion of the main transport path extends upward in one side portion of the housing, and at least the sub transport path The main part extends outwardly downstream from the main conveyance path on the one side part of the housing, and extends downward.
A part of one side wall of the housing is defined by an opening / closing member that is movably mounted between a closed position that closes a part of the side surface of the housing and an open position that opens a part of the side surface of the housing. When the opening / closing member is moved to the open position, at least a part of the upstream area, the transfer area, the intermediate area, and at least a part of the downstream area of the main conveyance path are opened, and the sub-conveyance The upstream end of the path and a part of the main part are opened,
Inside the opening / closing member, when the opening / closing member is moved from the closed position to the open position, the opening / closing member is moved together with the opening / closing member from the closed position to the open position, but the opening / closing member is moved to the open position. And a movable member that can be moved away from the opening / closing member is attached, and after the opening / closing member is moved to the open position, the movable member moves away from the opening / closing member. When formed, image formation in which at least most of the sub-transport path is opened Machine In
The open / close member is provided with a lock member that is pivotably mounted between a locked position and an unlocked position, and is elastically biased to the locked position. A locked member is disposed in the housing, an engaged member is disposed on the movable member, and the opening / closing member is positioned at the closed position. The locking member is engaged with the member to be locked, the opening / closing member is locked in the closed position, the gripping piece is gripped and the locking member is turned to the unlocked position, the locking member is The lock member is released from the locked member to unlock the open / close member, and the open / close member is allowed to move to the open position, and the lock member is engaged with the engaged member. The movable member is opened by When the lock member is returned to the unlocked position, the lock member is released from the engaged member and the movable member moves in a direction away from the opening / closing member. Allowed, characterized by
Alternatively, the opening / closing member is provided with a first lock member that is pivotably mounted between a locked position and an unlocked position and is elastically biased to the locked position. The lock member is formed with a gripping piece, and the movable member is pivotably mounted between a locked position and an unlocked position, and is elastically biased to the locked position. A first locked member and a second locked member are disposed in the housing, and when the opening / closing member is positioned in the closed position, The first locking member is engaged with the first locked member, the opening / closing member is locked in the closed position, and the second locking member is engaged with the second locked member. The movable member is locked in the closed position, and the gripping piece is When the first locking member is turned to the unlocked position, the first locking member is released from the first locked member, and the opening / closing member is unlocked. It is allowed to move to the open position, and the first locking member is engaged with the second locking member and the second locking member is moved to the unlocked position, thereby moving the movable member. When the first locking member is returned to the unlocked position, the first locking member is released from the second locking member, and the movable member is moved to the movable member together with the opening / closing member. It is allowed to move in a direction away from the opening and closing member,
Alternatively, the opening / closing member is provided with a first lock member that is pivotably mounted between a locked position and an unlocked position and is elastically biased to the locked position. Is provided with a second locking member that is pivotably mounted between a locked position and an unlocked position and is elastically biased to the locked position. A piece is formed, a grip piece and an interlocking piece are formed on the second lock member, and a first locked member and a second locked member are disposed in the housing. When the opening / closing member is positioned at the closed position, the first locking member is engaged with the first locked member so that the opening / closing member is locked at the closed position. The second locking member is engaged with the second locked member. When the movable member is locked in the closed position and the gripping piece is gripped and the second lock member is swung to the unlocked position, the second lock member becomes the second locked member. The movable member is released from the unlocked state and the movable member is allowed to move to the open position, and the interlocking piece of the second lock member is interlocked with the first lock member. Acting on a piece to move the first locking member to the unlocked position, thereby OK The open / close member is allowed to move to the open position together with the moving member, and after the open / close member and the movable member are moved to the open position, the open / close member remains in the open position to move the open / close member. There is provided an image forming machine characterized in that only a member can be returned to the closed position.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image forming machine configured according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0013]
Referring to FIG. 1, the illustrated image forming machine includes a housing 2 that may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A pair of sheet member supply means 4 a and 4 b stacked in the vertical direction are disposed in the lower part of the housing 2. The sheet member supply means 4a and 4b are composed of cassette means 6a and 6b and delivery means 8a and 8b, respectively. The cassette means 6a and 6b are mounted so as to be movable between an action position in the housing 2 and a drawing position drawn forward from this action position (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in FIG. 1 and toward the front). A plurality of sheet members, which may be plain paper of a required size, can be loaded in a stacked state by pulling 6a and 6b to the drawing position. The feeding means 8a and 8b, which may be in a known form including the feeding rollers 10a and 10b and the separation rollers 12a and 12b, feed the sheet members one by one from the cassette means 6a and 6b. Above the sheet member supply means 4a and 4b in the housing 2, an image holding means 14 composed of a rotating drum having an electrostatic photographic photoreceptor disposed on the peripheral surface is disposed. In FIG. 1, image forming means for forming a toner image on the image carrying means 14 is disposed around the image carrying means 14 that is driven to rotate clockwise. The image forming unit includes a uniform charging unit 16, an image exposing unit 18, a developing unit 20, and a cleaning unit 22 which are sequentially arranged around the image carrying unit 14 when viewed in the rotation direction. Around the image carrying means 14, a transfer means 24 located between the developing means 20 and the cleaning means 22 is also disposed. The surface of the image carrying means 14 is uniformly charged to a specific polarity by the uniform charging means 16, and then the surface of the image carrying means 14 is selectively exposed and discharged by the image exposure means 18, whereby the image carrying means 14 is discharged. An electrostatic latent image is formed thereon. Next, the developing unit 20 develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. Thereafter, the toner image on the image carrying means 14 is transferred onto a sheet member (more specifically, a sheet member conveyed through a transfer area of a main conveyance path to be described later) by the action of the transfer means 24. The cleaning unit 22 removes the toner remaining on the image carrying unit 14 after the toner image transfer from the image carrying unit 14. A replaceable toner cartridge 26 is attached to the developing means 20, and toner is supplied from the toner cartridge 26 to the developing device 20 through a toner supply path (not shown).
[0014]
A main conveyance path 28 is disposed on one side of the housing 2 (left side in FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, the main conveyance path 28 is substantially upward on one side in the housing 2 from the delivery end of the sheet member supply means 4a to the sheet member discharge port 30 disposed at the top of the housing 2 in the downstream direction. It extends vertically. In addition to the transfer area 32 and the fixing area 34, the main conveyance path 28 includes an upstream area 36 positioned upstream of the transfer area 32, an intermediate area 38 positioned between the transfer area 32 and the fixing area 34, and a fixing area 34. The downstream area 40 located downstream is included. The upstream area 36 of the main conveyance path 28 is defined by guide members 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52. In the upstream area 36 of the main conveyance path 28, a conveyance roller pair 54 and a registration roller pair 56 are disposed. The transfer means 24 described above is disposed in the transfer area 32 of the main conveyance path 28. The transfer means 24 can be composed of a conductive roller to which a required voltage is applied. An intermediate area 38 of the main conveyance path 28 is defined by guide members 58 and 60. A fixing means 62 is disposed in the fixing area 34 of the main conveyance path 28, and the fixing means 62 includes a fixing roller pair 64. A downstream area 40 of the main conveyance path 28 is defined by guide members 65, 66 and 68. A discharge roller pair 70 is disposed at the downstream end of the downstream area 40, that is, at the sheet member discharge port 30.
[0015]
In a normal image forming process, a sheet member is sent from the above-described sheet member supply means 4 a or 4 b to the main conveyance path 28, and the sheet member is conveyed through the main conveyance path 28. When the sheet member passes through the transfer area 32, the toner image on the image carrying means 14 is transferred onto the sheet member by the action of the transfer means 24. When the sheet member passes through the fixing area 34, the toner image transferred onto the sheet member is heated and fixed onto the sheet member by the fixing unit 62. A receiving means 72 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 4, and the sheet member discharged from the sheet member discharge port 30 is discharged onto the receiving means 72.
[0016]
In the illustrated embodiment, an introduction path 74 is attached to the upstream end of the main conveyance path 28. The introduction path 74 extends from an introduction port 76 provided on the lower surface of the housing 2 to the upstream end of the main conveyance path 28. The introduction path 76 is defined by the guide members 78 and 80 and the guide members 42 and 44. A conveyance roller pair 82 is disposed in the introduction path 76. A sheet member supply unit (not shown) of an appropriate form can be combined below the housing 2 as necessary. When the sheet member is sent from the sheet member supply unit, the sheet member sent from the sheet member supply unit is introduced from the introduction port 76 into the introduction path 76 and introduced from the introduction path 76 to the main conveyance path 28. . The main transport path 28 is also provided with an additional discharge path 84 extending from the downstream area 40. This additional discharge path 84 branches off from the downstream area 40 of the main transport path 28 and extends to a discharge port 85 formed on the upper surface of the housing 2. A switching means 86 is disposed at a branch portion between the main conveyance path 28 and the additional discharge path 84. When the switching means 86 is positioned at the first position indicated by the solid line, the sheet member conveyed from the fixing area 34 to the downstream area 40 of the main conveying path 28 is discharged onto the receiving means 72 through the sheet member discharge port 30. Is done. On the other hand, when the switching unit 86 is positioned at the second position indicated by the two-dot chain line, the sheet member conveyed from the fixing area 34 to the downstream area 40 of the main conveyance path 28 is carried into the additional discharge path 84 and discharged to the discharge port. It is discharged through 85. An appropriate unit (not shown) such as a distribution unit called a mailbox can be attached to the upper surface of the housing 2, and the sheet member discharged from the discharge port 85 is introduced into this unit.
[0017]
Continuing the description with reference to FIG. 1, a sub-transport path 88 is further provided in the housing 2. The sub-transport path 88 in the illustrated embodiment extends from the upstream end connected to the downstream area 40 of the main transport path 28 to the downstream end connected to the upstream area 36 of the main transport path 28. Although the upstream end portion and the downstream end portion of the sub-transport path 88 extend substantially horizontally, the main portion of the sub-transport path 88 is substantially outward and downstream from the main transport path 28 on one side of the housing 2. It extends vertically. Such sub-transport path 88 is defined by guide members 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100 and 102. The member 90 can be formed integrally with the member 65 that defines a part of the main conveyance path 28, and the member 102 is formed integrally with the member 44 that defines a part of the main conveyance path 28. can do. Conveying roller pairs 104, 106, and 108 are disposed in the sub conveying path 88. A switching means 110 is disposed at a connection portion between the upstream end of the sub-transport path 88 and the main transport path 28. When the switching means 110 is positioned at the first position indicated by the solid line, the sheet member conveyed to the downstream area 40 of the main conveyance path 28 is not carried into the sub conveyance path 88, and the sheet member is It is conveyed through the downstream area 40 of the conveying path 28 or introduced into the additional discharge path 84 from the downstream area 40. On the other hand, when the switching unit 110 is positioned at the second position indicated by a two-dot chain line, the sheet member conveyed to the downstream area 40 of the main conveyance path 28 is introduced into the sub conveyance path 88. More specifically, when images are formed on both the front and back surfaces of the sheet member, most of the sheet member on which the image is formed on one side is discharged from the sheet member discharge port 30 and the rear end portion is formed on the discharge roller pair 68. It is conveyed through the main conveying path 28 until it is nipped, and then the switching means 110 is switched to the second position indicated by the two-dot chain line and the discharge roller pair 68 is driven to rotate in the opposite direction, thus The sheet member is introduced into the auxiliary conveyance path 88 with its rear end at the top. Then, the sheet is conveyed through the sub-conveying path 88, turned upside down and returned to the upstream area 36 of the main conveying path 28, and passed through the transfer area 32, the intermediate area 38, the fixing area 34, and the downstream area 40 of the main conveying path 28. It is conveyed and discharged from the sheet member discharge port 30 or discharged through the additional discharge path 84. When transported through the transfer area 32, the toner image on the image carrier 14 is transferred to the other surface of the sheet member, and when passing through the fixing area 34, the toner image is fixed on the other surface of the sheet member. Is done. When two images are formed on one side of the sheet member so as to overlap with each other, the second switching device 110 is indicated by a two-dot chain line before the sheet member conveyed through the main conveyance path 28 is introduced into the downstream area 40. The sheet member is switched to the position, and the sheet member is introduced into the sub-conveying path 88 as it is from the leading end. Then, the sheet is conveyed through the sub-conveying path 88 and returned to the upstream area 36 of the main conveying path 28 without being turned upside down. The transfer area 32, the intermediate area 38, the fixing area 34 and the lower area of the main conveying path 28 are returned. It is conveyed through the basin 40 and discharged from the sheet member discharge port 30 or discharged through the additional discharge path 84. When transported through the transfer area 32, the toner image on the image carrier 14 is transferred onto one side of the sheet member, and when passing through the fixing area 34, the toner image is fixed on one side of the sheet member. Is done.
[0018]
In the illustrated embodiment, an additional discharge path 112 is attached upstream of the sub-transport path 88. The additional discharge path 112 branches from the upstream end of the sub-transport path 88 and extends to a discharge port 114 formed on one side wall of the housing 2. A switching means 116 is disposed at a branch portion between the auxiliary transport path 88 and the additional discharge path 112. When the switching unit 116 is positioned at the first position indicated by the solid line, the sheet member introduced into the sub-transport path 88 is transported as it is through the sub-transport path 88 and returned to the main transport path 28. On the other hand, when the switching means 116 is switched to the second position indicated by the two-dot chain line, the sheet member introduced into the sub-conveying path 88 is introduced into the additional discharge path 112 from the upstream end of the sub-conveying path 88 and discharged. It is discharged from the outlet 114. A finisher (not shown) having a sorting function and / or a stapling function can be disposed on one side of the housing 2, and the sheet member discharged from the discharge port 114 can be introduced into the finisher.
[0019]
Thus, the configuration and operation of the illustrated image forming machine as described above may be in a form well known to those skilled in the art, and does not constitute a novel feature of the image forming machine configured according to the present invention. Detailed description thereof will be omitted in this specification.
[0020]
2 and FIG. 3 together with FIG. 1, in the illustrated image forming machine, a part of one side wall (the left side wall in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3) of the housing 2, more specifically, the lower end is formed. The main part except for is defined by an opening / closing member 118 that is pivotably mounted between a closed position shown in FIG. 1 and an open position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In addition, the opening / closing member 118 is separated from the opening / closing member 118 after being turned counterclockwise in FIGS. 1 and 2 to the position shown in FIG. 2 and 3, a movable member 120 that is swung clockwise and is separated from the opening / closing member 118 and returned to the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is mounted. More specifically, a support shaft 122 extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIGS. 1 to 3 is disposed at the lower end of the housing 2, and the opening / closing member 118 and the movable member 120 are supported by the lower ends thereof. The shaft 122 is pivotably mounted. Therefore, the support shaft 122 is pivotably mounted with the central axis of the support shaft 122 as the pivot center axis. When the opening / closing member 118 is positioned at the closed position shown in FIG. 1, the opening / closing member 118 is locked at the closed position so as to be releasable as described in detail later. When the opening / closing member 118 is swung to the open position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, although not shown, a specific portion of the opening / closing member 118 is brought into contact with the stationary restriction member. Further rotation beyond the open position shown in FIG. 3 in the counterclockwise direction in FIGS. 1 to 3 is prevented.
[0021]
As clearly understood by referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the members 44, 48, 52 and 60 defining the main conveyance path 28 are fixed to the movable member 120 or formed integrally with the movable member 120. Has been. Further, the outer roller in the conveyance roller pair 54 disposed in the main conveyance path 28, the outer roller in the registration roller pair 56, and the transfer unit 24 are also mounted on the movable member 120. Further, the inner roller in the transport roller pair 104 in the sub transport path 88, both rollers in the transport roller pair 106, and both rollers in the transport roller pair 108 are also mounted on the movable member 120. On the other hand, the members 90, 96, and 100 that define the sub-transport path 88 are fixed to the opening / closing member 118 or integrally formed with the opening / closing member 118 together with the member 65 that defines the main transport path 28. . Further, a switching means 116 disposed at a branch portion between the sub-transport path 88 and the additional discharge path 112 is also mounted on the opening / closing member 118. Therefore, when the opening / closing member 118 and the movable member 120 are swung to the open position shown in FIG. 2, most of the main conveyance path 28, more specifically, the upstream area 36, the transfer area 32, The upstream half of the intermediate zone 38 and the downstream zone 40 is opened, and a part of the sub-conveying path 88, more specifically, the upstream half of the main portion extending substantially vertically together with the upstream end is also opened. Therefore, when the sheet member is jammed in the main conveyance path 28, the opening / closing member 118 and the movable member 120 are swung to the position shown in FIG. The sheet member can be removed sufficiently easily. Further, even when the sheet member is jammed at the upstream end portion of the auxiliary conveyance path 88 and / or the upstream half of the main portion, the opening / closing member 118 and the movable member 120 are swung to the position shown in FIG. By partially opening the path 88, the jammed sheet member can be removed sufficiently easily. Further, if the movable member 120 is swung to the position shown in FIG. 3 after the opening / closing member 118 and the movable member 120 are swung to the position shown in FIG. 2, most of the sub-transport path 88, more specifically, the downstream. The upstream end and the main part are opened except for the end. Therefore, if the opening / closing member 118 and the movable member 120 are swung to the position shown in FIG. 2 and then the movable member 120 is swung to the position shown in FIG. Even in this case, the jammed sheet member can be removed sufficiently easily.
[0022]
The interlocking and detachment of the opening / closing member 118 and the movable member 120 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The opening / closing member 118 has a locked position indicated by a solid line and a non-locked position indicated by a two-dot chain line around the support pin 124. A lock member 126 is mounted so as to be pivotable between the two. On the other hand, a locked member 128 that can be constituted by a pin is fixed at a predetermined position in the housing 2. A grip piece 129 that can be gripped from the outside of the housing 2 is formed at one end of the lock member 126, and a locking projection 130 is formed at the other end. An inclined surface 132 is formed at the tip of the locking projection 130. A tension spring 133 is disposed between the main body of the opening / closing member 118 and the lock member 126, and the lock member 126 is elastically biased to a lock position indicated by a solid line. The opening / closing member 118 is further provided with an attracted part 134 made of a magnetic material. On the other hand, the movable member 120 is provided with a suction portion 136 formed of permanent magnets corresponding to the suction portion 134 of the opening / closing member 118. A grip piece 138 is also disposed on the movable member 120.
[0023]
When the opening / closing member 118 is positioned at the closed position, the locking protrusion 130 of the lock member 126 that is elastically biased to the lock position by the tension spring 133 is locked to the locked member 128, thereby The opening / closing member 118 is locked in the closed position. The movable member 120 is connected to the opening / closing member 118 by magnetically attracting the attracted portion 134 of the opening / closing member 118 to the attracting portion 136 of the movable member 120. When the user holds the grip piece 129 of the lock member 126 and pivots the lock member 126 to the unlocked position indicated by the two-dot chain line, the locking protrusion 130 of the lock member 126 is detached from the locked member 128, and the opening and closing member The lock 118 is released. Therefore, the opening / closing member 118 can be swung counterclockwise in FIG. 4 and swung to the open position shown in FIG. Since the attracting portion 136 of the movable member 120 attracts the attracted portion 134 of the opening / closing member 118, the opening member 120 is also swung to the open position shown in FIG. After that, when the movement of the opening / closing member 118 is blocked with one hand and the other hand is put on the gripping piece 138 of the movable member 120 and the movable member 120 is swung clockwise in FIGS. The attracting portion 136 of the movable member 120 is detached from the attracted portion 134 of the member 118, and the movable member 120 can be returned to the original position by leaving the opening / closing member 118 in the open position as shown in FIG. When the opening / closing member 118 is swung from the open position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the closed position shown in FIG. 4, the inclined surface 132 of the lock member 126 positioned at the lock position is covered in the final stage. The lock member 126 is brought into contact with the lock member 128, and then the lock member 126 is slightly swung clockwise in FIG. When the opening / closing member 118 is swung to the closed position, the inclined surface 132 of the lock member 126 passes through the locked member 128, so that the lock member 126 is elastically returned to the locked position and the locking projection 130 is covered. The lock member 128 is locked.
[0024]
FIG. 5 illustrates a modified example of the configuration relating to the interlocking and detachment of the opening / closing member 118 and the movable member 120. In the modification shown in FIG. 5, instead of providing the attracting part and the attracted part for magnetically connecting the opening / closing member 118 and the movable member 120, the locking projection 126 is attached to the locking member 126. In addition, an additional locking protrusion 140 is formed, and an engaged member 142 that can be configured from a pin is disposed on the movable member 120. In such a modification, when the gripping piece 129 of the lock member 126 is put on the hand and the lock member 126 is turned to the unlocked position indicated by the two-dot chain line, the additional locking projection 140 of the lock member 126 is covered by the movable member 120. Accordingly, when the opening / closing member 118 is swung to the open position shown in FIG. 2, the movable member 120 is also swung to the position shown in FIG. When the open / close member 118 and the movable member 120 are swung to the open position shown in FIG. 2 and then released from the gripping piece 129 of the lock member 126, the lock member 126 is locked by the elastic biasing action of the tension spring 133. The additional locking projection 140 is released from the engaged member 142 of the movable member 120. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing member 118 remains in the open position, and only the movable member 120 can be returned to the original position.
[0025]
FIG. 6 shows still another modified example of the configuration relating to the interlocking and detachment of the opening / closing member 118 and the movable member 120. In the modification illustrated in FIG. 6, instead of disposing the engaged member on the movable member 120, the movable member 120 has a lock position indicated by a solid line and a non-lock indicated by a two-dot chain line around the support pin 144. A second locking member 146 is mounted so as to be pivotable between positions, and a second locked member 148 that can be constituted by a pin is fixed at a predetermined position in the housing 2. A tension spring 150 is disposed between the movable member 120 and the second lock member 146, and the second lock member 146 is elastically biased to a lock position indicated by a solid line. A locking projection 154 having an inclined surface 152 is formed at one end of the second locking member 146, and an additional locking projection 156 is formed at the other end. When the movable member 120 is positioned together with the opening / closing member 118 in the closed position shown in FIG. 6, the locking protrusion 154 of the second lock member 146 elastically biased to the lock position by the tension spring 150 is covered. The movable member 120 is locked in the closed position by being locked by the lock member 148. When the first locking member 126 is turned to the unlocked position indicated by the two-dot chain line by placing a hand on the gripping piece 129 of the locking member, that is, the first locking member 126 attached to the opening / closing member 118, the first The locking protrusions 130 of the lock member 126 are released from the corresponding locked member, that is, the first lock member 128, and the lock of the opening / closing member 118 is released. In addition, the additional locking protrusion 140 of the first locking member 126 engages with the additional locking protrusion 156 of the second locking member 146 attached to the movable member 120, and the second locking member 146. Is turned to an unlocked position indicated by a two-dot chain line, and thereby the movable member 120 is also unlocked. Therefore, when the opening / closing member 118 is pivoted to the open position shown in FIG. 2, the additional locking projection 140 of the first lock member 126 is engaged with the additional locking projection 156 of the second lock member 146. Therefore, the movable member 120 is also swung to the open position shown in FIG. When the opening / closing member 118 and the movable member 120 are swung to the open position shown in FIG. 2 and then released from the grip piece 129 of the first lock member 126, the first lock member 126 is moved by the elastic biasing action of the tension spring 133. Is returned to the lock position indicated by the solid line, and the additional locking projection 140 is detached from the additional locking projection 156 of the second lock member 146. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing member 118 remains in the open position, and only the movable member 120 can be returned to the original position. When the movable member 120 is swung from the open position illustrated in FIG. 2 to the closed position illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the inclined surface of the second lock member 146 positioned at the lock position in the final stage. 152 is brought into contact with the second member to be locked 148, and then the second locking member 146 is slightly swung clockwise in FIG. When the movable member 120 is swung to the closed position, the inclined surface 152 of the second lock member 146 passes through the second locked member 148, so that the second lock member 146 is elastically returned to the lock position. Then, the locking projection 154 is locked to the locked member 148.
[0026]
FIG. 7 illustrates still another modification of the configuration relating to the interlocking and detachment of the opening / closing member 118 and the movable member 120. In the modification shown in FIG. 7, the first locking member 126 mounted on the opening / closing member 118 is formed with an interlocking piece 158 extending in a downwardly inclined direction toward the left in FIG. 7 instead of the gripping piece. Has been. On the other hand, the second locking member 146 attached to the movable member 120 is formed with an interlocking piece 160 extending leftward in FIG. 7 instead of the additional locking protrusion, and at the tip of the interlocking piece 160. A grip piece 162 is provided. When the gripping piece 162 that can be gripped from the outside of the housing 2 is put on the hand and the second locking member 146 is pivoted to the unlocked position indicated by the two-dot chain line, the locking projection 154 of the second locking member 146 is obtained. Is released from the second locked member 148, and the movable member 120 is unlocked. In addition, the interlocking piece 160 of the second locking member 146 acts on the interlocking piece 158 of the first locking member 126 attached to the opening / closing member 118, and the first locking member 126 is also indicated by a two-dot chain line. The locking projection 130 of the first lock member 126 is also released from the locked member 128, and thereby the lock of the opening / closing member 118 is also released. Therefore, by pulling the grip piece 162 of the second lock member 146, the movable member 120 and the opening / closing member 118 can be swung to the open position shown in FIG. After the opening / closing member 118 is swung to the open position shown in FIG. 2 together with the movable member 120, the opening / closing member 118 remains in the open position shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 can be returned to the closed position.
[0027]
Referring to FIG. 8 together with FIGS. 1 and 2, in the illustrated image forming machine constructed according to the present invention, the main conveyance path is located immediately upstream of the image carrying means 14 composed of a rotating drum. The guide member 50 defining the inner side of 28 is between a first position indicated by a solid line in FIGS. 1 and 8 and a second position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2 and indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. It is mounted movably. In the first position, the guide member 50 defines the inside of the main transport path 28. As will be further described later, when the opening / closing member 118 is positioned at the closed position, the guide member 50 is positioned at the first position, and a part of the peripheral surface of the rotating drum constituting the image carrying means 14 is transferred to the transfer area. At 32, the main conveying path 28 is exposed. Therefore, the toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the rotating drum can be transferred onto the sheet member conveyed through the main conveyance path 28. On the other hand, when the opening / closing member 118 is moved to the open position shown in FIG. 2, the guide member 50 is moved to the second position and covers a part of the peripheral surface of the rotating drum exposed to the main conveyance path 28. .
[0028]
More specifically, as clearly shown in FIG. 8, ribs 164 are formed on both sides of the guide member 50, and arms 166 extending from the ribs 164 are formed. A support pin 168 protruding outward in the width direction is fixed to each of the arms 166, and each of the support pins 168 is freely rotatable on a support substrate (not shown) disposed in the housing 2. Thus, the guide member 50 is mounted so as to be rotatable between the first position indicated by the solid line and the second position indicated by the two-dot chain line with the support pin 168 as the center of rotation. In addition to the support pin 168, a pinion gear 170 is also fixed to one of the arms 166. A spring member 172 is interposed between the other arm 168 and the support substrate disposed in the housing 2. The spring member 172 elastically biases the guide member 50 clockwise in FIG. On the other hand, as can be understood by referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, a protruding lever 174 is attached to one side edge of the guide member 52 fixed to the movable member 120. A rack 176 is engraved. As shown in FIG. 2, when the movable member 120 is positioned at the open position, the guide member 50 is shown by a solid line in FIG. 2 and a second dashed line in FIG. The position of the rotating drum constituting the image carrier 14 is exposed to the exposed main conveyance path 28. Therefore, the image carrying means 14 is effectively prevented from being exposed to ambient light and being deteriorated. When the guide member 50 is positioned at the second position, the ribs 164 formed on both sides thereof are brought into contact with the large-diameter portions 178 formed on both sides of the rotating drum constituting the image carrying means 14. This prevents the guide member 50 from being swung further clockwise in FIG. When the movable member 120 is swung from the open position illustrated in FIG. 2 to the closed position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, a rack 176 formed on the protruding lever 174 is disposed on the guide member 50. The guide member 50 is gradually swung counterclockwise in FIGS. 1 to 3. When the movable member 120 is swung to the closed position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the guide member 50 is positioned at the first position indicated by the solid line in FIGS. 1 and 8, and immediately after the transfer area 32. The inside of the main conveyance path 28 is defined on the upstream side.
[0029]
【The invention's effect】
In the image forming machine configured according to the present invention, at least most of the main conveyance path can be opened sufficiently easily by a single operation, Also With the opening of at least most of the main transport path, the sub-transport path is also at least partially opened. And, further, following at least partial opening of the sub-transport path, at least most of the sub-transport path can be sufficiently easily opened as required. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a simplified cross-sectional view showing an image forming machine configured according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a simplified partial cross-sectional view showing the image forming machine shown in FIG. 1 in a state in which an opening / closing member and a movable member are turned to an open position.
3 is a simplified partial cross-sectional view showing the image forming machine shown in FIG. 1 in a state in which an opening / closing member remains in an open position and only a movable member is returned to a closed position.
4 is a simplified diagram showing interlocking and disengagement modes of an opening / closing member and a movable member in the image forming machine shown in FIG.
5 is a simplified diagram showing a modification of the interlocking and detaching manner of the opening / closing member and the movable member in the image forming machine shown in FIG.
6 is a simplified diagram showing another modification of the interlocking and disengaging modes of the opening / closing member and the movable member in the image forming machine shown in FIG.
7 is a simplified diagram showing still another modified example of the interlocking and detaching manner of the opening / closing member and the movable member in the image forming machine shown in FIG.
8 is a partial perspective view showing a movable guide member in the image forming machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
2: Housing
4: Sheet member supply means
14: Image carrying means
16: Uniform charging means (image forming means)
18: Image exposure means (image forming means)
20: Developing means (image locking means)
22: Cleaning means (image forming means)
24: Transfer means
28: Main transport path
30: Sheet member outlet
32: Transcription area
34: Fixation area
36: Upstream area
38: Intermediate range
40: Downstream area
52: Movable guide member
62: Fixing means
74: Introduction path
84: Additional discharge path
88; Sub-transport route
112: Additional discharge path
118: Opening / closing member
120: Movable member
126: Lock member (first lock member)
129: Locked member (first lock member)
128: gripping piece
142: Engaged member
146: Second locking member
148: Second locked member

Claims (3)

A housing, a sheet member supply unit disposed in a lower portion of the housing, an image carrying unit disposed in the housing and above the sheet member supply unit, and a toner image is formed on the image carrying unit Including an upstream area, a transfer area, an intermediate area, a fixing area, and a downstream area that extend from the sheet member supply means to the sheet member discharge port and are sequentially arranged from the upstream end to the downstream end. A main conveying path, a sub conveying path extending from an upstream end connected to the downstream area of the main conveying path to a downstream end connected to the upstream area of the main conveying path, and a transfer area on the image bearing means. A transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the sheet member to the sheet member conveyed through the main conveyance path, and a fixing means for fixing the toner image on the sheet member on the sheet member in the fixing area. , At least a main portion of the main conveyance path extends upward in one side portion of the housing toward the downstream side, and at least a main portion of the sub-conveyance passageway is located downstream of the main conveyance route in the one side portion of the housing. Extending downward,
A part of one side wall of the housing is defined by an opening / closing member that is movably mounted between a closed position that closes a part of the side surface of the housing and an open position that opens a part of the side surface of the housing. When the opening / closing member is moved to the open position, at least a part of the upstream area, the transfer area, the intermediate area, and at least a part of the downstream area of the main conveyance path are opened, and the sub-conveyance The upstream end of the path and a part of the main part are opened,
Inside the opening / closing member, when the opening / closing member is moved from the closed position to the open position, the opening / closing member is moved together with the opening / closing member from the closed position to the open position, but the opening / closing member is moved to the open position. And a movable member that can be moved away from the opening / closing member is attached, and after the opening / closing member is moved to the open position, the movable member is moved away from the opening / closing member. In the image forming machine in which at least most of the sub-transport path is opened,
The open / close member is provided with a lock member that is pivotably mounted between a locked position and an unlocked position, and is elastically biased to the locked position. A locked member is disposed in the housing, an engaged member is disposed on the movable member, and the opening / closing member is positioned at the closed position. The locking member is engaged with the member to be locked, the opening / closing member is locked in the closed position, the gripping piece is gripped and the locking member is turned to the unlocked position, the locking member is The lock member is released from the locked member to unlock the open / close member, and the open / close member is allowed to move to the open position, and the lock member is engaged with the engaged member. The movable member is opened by When the lock member is returned to the unlocked position, the lock member is released from the engaged member and the movable member moves in a direction away from the opening / closing member. An image forming machine characterized by being allowed. A housing, a sheet member supply unit disposed in a lower portion of the housing, an image carrying unit disposed in the housing and above the sheet member supply unit, and a toner image is formed on the image carrying unit Including an upstream area, a transfer area, an intermediate area, a fixing area, and a downstream area that extend from the sheet member supply means to the sheet member discharge port and are sequentially arranged from the upstream end to the downstream end. A main conveying path, a sub conveying path extending from an upstream end connected to the downstream area of the main conveying path to a downstream end connected to the upstream area of the main conveying path, and a transfer area on the image bearing means. A transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the sheet member to the sheet member conveyed through the main conveyance path, and a fixing means for fixing the toner image on the sheet member on the sheet member in the fixing area. , At least a main portion of the main conveyance path extends upward in one side portion of the housing toward the downstream side, and at least a main portion of the sub-conveyance passageway is located downstream of the main conveyance route in the one side portion of the housing. Extending downward,
A part of one side wall of the housing is defined by an opening / closing member that is movably mounted between a closed position that closes a part of the side surface of the housing and an open position that opens a part of the side surface of the housing. When the opening / closing member is moved to the open position, at least a part of the upstream area, the transfer area, the intermediate area, and at least a part of the downstream area of the main conveyance path are opened, and the sub-conveyance The upstream end of the path and a part of the main part are opened,
Inside the opening / closing member, when the opening / closing member is moved from the closed position to the open position, the opening / closing member is moved together with the opening / closing member from the closed position to the open position, but the opening / closing member is moved to the open position. And a movable member that can be moved away from the opening / closing member is attached, and after the opening / closing member is moved to the open position, the movable member is moved away from the opening / closing member. In the image forming machine in which at least most of the sub-transport path is opened,
The opening / closing member is provided with a first locking member that is pivotably mounted between a locked position and an unlocked position and is elastically biased to the locked position. A grip piece is formed on the member, and a second lock member is mounted on the movable member so as to be pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and is elastically biased to the locked position. A first locked member and a second locked member are disposed in the housing, and when the opening / closing member is positioned at the closed position, the first locked member and the second locked member are disposed. The locking member is engaged with the first locked member to lock the opening / closing member in the closed position, and the second locking member is engaged with the second locked member. The movable member is locked in the closed position and grips the gripping piece. When the first lock member is turned to the unlocked position, the first lock member is released from the first locked member, the lock of the open / close member is released, and the open / close member is moved to the open position. Is allowed to move, and the first locking member is engaged with the second locking member and the second locking member is moved to the unlocked position, whereby the movable member is opened and closed. When the first locking member is returned to the unlocked position, the first locking member is detached from the second locking member, and the movable member is separated from the opening / closing member. An image forming machine characterized in that it is allowed to move in a moving direction. A housing, a sheet member supply unit disposed in a lower portion of the housing, an image carrying unit disposed in the housing and above the sheet member supply unit, and a toner image is formed on the image carrying unit Including an upstream area, a transfer area, an intermediate area, a fixing area, and a downstream area that extend from the sheet member supply means to the sheet member discharge port and are sequentially arranged from the upstream end to the downstream end. A main conveying path, a sub conveying path extending from an upstream end connected to the downstream area of the main conveying path to a downstream end connected to the upstream area of the main conveying path, and a transfer area on the image bearing means. A transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the sheet member to the sheet member conveyed through the main conveyance path, and a fixing means for fixing the toner image on the sheet member on the sheet member in the fixing area. , At least a main portion of the main conveyance path extends upward in one side portion of the housing toward the downstream side, and at least a main portion of the sub-conveyance passageway is located downstream of the main conveyance route in the one side portion of the housing. Extending downward,
A part of one side wall of the housing is defined by an opening / closing member that is movably mounted between a closed position that closes a part of the side surface of the housing and an open position that opens a part of the side surface of the housing. When the opening / closing member is moved to the open position, at least a part of the upstream area, the transfer area, the intermediate area, and at least a part of the downstream area of the main conveyance path are opened, and the sub-conveyance The upstream end of the path and a part of the main part are opened,
Inside the opening / closing member, when the opening / closing member is moved from the closed position to the open position, the opening / closing member is moved together with the opening / closing member from the closed position to the open position, but the opening / closing member is moved to the open position. And a movable member that can be moved away from the opening / closing member is attached, and after the opening / closing member is moved to the open position, the movable member is moved away from the opening / closing member. In the image forming machine in which at least most of the sub-transport path is opened,
The open / close member is provided with a first lock member that is pivotably mounted between a locked position and an unlocked position, and is elastically biased to the locked position. A second lock member that is pivotably mounted between the lock position and the non-lock position and is elastically biased to the lock position is disposed, and the first lock member includes an interlocking piece. The second locking member is formed with a gripping piece and an interlocking piece, and a first locked member and a second locked member are disposed in the housing. When the opening / closing member is positioned at the closed position, the first locking member is engaged with the first locked member to lock the opening / closing member at the closed position. The second locking member is engaged with the second locked member. The movable member is locked in the closed position, and when the gripping piece is gripped and the second lock member is turned to the unlocked position, the second lock member is detached from the second locked member. The movable member is unlocked and allowed to move the movable member to the open position, and the interlocking piece of the second lock member becomes the interlocking piece of the first lock member. said first locking member moved to the non-locking position acts, whereby it is allowed to move the closing member together with the accepted movement member in the open position, the open position the closing member and the movable member An image forming machine characterized in that, after being moved to the position, the opening / closing member can remain in the open position and only the movable member can be returned to the closed position.

Images