JP4151732B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a copying machine, a laser printer, and other image forming apparatuses employing an electrophotographic system or an electrostatic recording system, and more particularly to the configuration of an intermediate transfer body module and a secondary transfer module.

JP 2000-235309 A

  Conventionally, image forming apparatuses employing the above-described copying machines, laser printers, and other electrophotographic systems or electrostatic recording systems generally form an electrostatic latent image by performing image exposure on the surface of a photosensitive drum. The electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum is developed with a developing device to form a toner image of a predetermined color, and this toner image is directly transferred and fixed on a recording sheet, or an intermediate transfer After the image is once transferred onto the body, the image is formed by collectively transferring and fixing the image on a recording sheet.

  At that time, when a color image is formed in the image forming apparatus, the image exposure apparatus 201 performs image exposure on the surface of a single photosensitive drum 200 as shown in FIG. A latent image forming process for forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the color of the image and a developing process for developing the electrostatic latent image by the developing device 202 for the corresponding color are repeated for a predetermined number of colors, and the photosensitive drum A toner image T of a predetermined color that is sequentially formed on the surface of 200 is primary-transferred multiple times onto the intermediate transfer belt 203, and then secondary-transferred collectively onto the recording paper 204 from the intermediate transfer belt 203. Are configured to form a color image.

  Further, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of (for example, four) photosensitive drums each corresponding to a predetermined color, and a toner image of a predetermined color sequentially formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum is intermediated. There is also a so-called tandem-type image forming apparatus configured to form a color image by performing multiple primary transfer onto a transfer belt and then performing secondary transfer collectively from the intermediate transfer belt onto a recording sheet. .

  For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the tandem type image forming apparatus includes a black image forming unit 300K that forms a black (K) image and a yellow image forming unit that forms a yellow (Y) image. There are four image forming units, 300Y, a magenta image forming unit 300M that forms a magenta (M) color image, and a cyan image forming unit 300C that forms a cyan (C) image. These four image forming units 300K, 300Y, 300M, and 300C are horizontally arranged at a predetermined interval. Further, the toners sequentially formed by the image forming units 300K, 300Y, 300M, and 300C are sequentially formed below the black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) image forming units. An intermediate transfer belt 301 that transfers an image in a state of being superimposed on each other is arranged to be rotationally driven along a direction of an arrow by a plurality of rolls 311 to 314 including a drive roll. The intermediate transfer belt 301 is formed, for example, by forming a flexible synthetic resin film such as polyimide in a band shape, and connecting both ends of the synthetic resin film formed in a band shape by means such as welding, thereby providing an endless belt. Configured.

  The black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) image forming units 300K, 300Y, 300M, and 300C are all configured in the same manner, and these four image forming units 300K, In 300Y, 300M, and 300C, as described above, black, yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images are sequentially formed. The image forming units 300K, 300Y, 300M, and 300C for the respective colors include a photoconductive drum 302. The surface of the photoconductive drum 302 is uniformly charged by a scorotron 303 for primary charging, and then image exposure is performed. The apparatus 304 scans and exposes image forming laser light in accordance with image information, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 302 is developed with toner of each color of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan by the developing units 305 of the image forming units 300K, 300Y, 300M, and 300C. As a result, visible toner images are formed, and these visible toner images are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 301 while being superimposed on each other by the transfer charger 306. The black, yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 301 in multiple layers are collectively transferred onto the transfer sheet 307 by the secondary transfer roll 215 that is pressed against the opposing roll 314. After the transfer, a fixing process is performed by the fixing device 308, and a color image is formed.

  In FIG. 29, reference numeral 309 denotes a photoreceptor cleaner, and 310 denotes an intermediate transfer belt cleaner.

  However, in the case of the above prior art, there is a problem that it is difficult to remove the transfer paper when the transfer paper is jammed in the paper transport path, or when a transfer paper transport failure called a jam occurs. Yes.

  That is, when the transfer sheet stops near the transfer from the intermediate transfer belt to the transfer sheet, the transfer sheet can be removed by separating the secondary transfer roll from the intermediate transfer belt, but the hand inside the image forming apparatus can be removed. You will be forced to put it in.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and a first object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily removing jammed paper. There is to do.

  A second object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of removing jammed paper without an operator moving.

  A third object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that reliably removes jammed paper with a simple operation and prevents damage to equipment.

That is, the invention described in claim 1 is, as shown in FIG.
A plurality of image carriers 01A, 01B, 01C, 01D that form visible images of charged color materials of different colors;
A belt-like intermediate transfer in which a visible image formed by the charged color material formed by the plurality of image carriers 01A, 01B, 01C, and 01D is primarily transferred and circulated while the visible image is carried by the charged color material. Body 02,
Secondary transfer means 03 for collectively transferring the visible image transferred onto the belt-shaped intermediate transfer body 02 to a recording material;
A belt module 04 that supports the belt-shaped intermediate transfer member 02 in a circulating manner;
A secondary transfer module 06 for supporting the secondary transfer member 03 so as to be in pressure contact with or close to the belt-shaped intermediate transfer body 02 supported by the belt module 04;
Recording material conveying means for conveying the recording material;
A fixing device for fixing a visible image on the recording material conveyed to the recording material;
In an image forming apparatus comprising:
A slide structure provided with the secondary transfer module 06, the recording material conveying means, and the fixing device and provided so as to be able to be drawn out from the image forming apparatus main body ;
By moving the belt module 04 in the vertical direction with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, the belt-shaped intermediate transfer body 02 is retracted so as to be separated from all the image carriers 01A, 01B, 01C, 01D. Evacuation means,
A second retraction means 07 for retreating the secondary transfer module 06 so that the secondary transfer member is separated from the belt-shaped intermediate transfer body 02 from a position in pressure contact or proximity;
Before the secondary transfer module 06 is separated from the belt-shaped intermediate transfer body 02 by the second retracting means 07, the belt-shaped intermediate transfer body 02 by the first retracting means is moved to all image carriers. Erroneous operation preventing means for prohibiting a retreat operation for separating from 01A, 01B, 01C, 01D,
The erroneous operation preventing means includes a contact member that is provided in the secondary transfer module and that is in contact with the first retracting means and prohibits the operation of the first retracting means. The second retracting means 07 Thus, the secondary transfer module 06 is separated from the belt-shaped intermediate transfer body 02 so that the retracting operation of the first retracting means can be performed .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the direction in which the slide structure is pulled out is a front side of the image forming apparatus. is there.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the slide structure has a rotatable handle, and the secondary transfer is performed by the rotation of the handle. An image forming apparatus comprising: a retreating operation of the module from the intermediate transfer body; and an operation of releasing a locking means for positioning and fixing the slide structure at a fixed position inside the image forming apparatus main body.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus capable of easily removing jammed paper can be provided.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of removing jammed paper without the operator moving.

  Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that reliably removes jammed paper with a simple operation and prevents damage to equipment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 shows a tandem digital color printer as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the tandem type digital color printer is disposed on the image recording apparatus main body 1 and one side (left side in the figure) of the image recording apparatus main body 1. A paper feeding device 2 that feeds recording paper as a recording material of a predetermined size, an image reading device 3 (ImageInputTerminal) provided in a state of being placed on the paper feeding device 2, a paper feeding device 2, and A user interface 4 (UserInterface) that is arranged over the upper part of the image recording apparatus main body 1 and includes a display screen for setting image forming operation conditions, and the other side (right side in the figure) of the image recording apparatus main body 1 The recording paper on which the image is formed in the image recording apparatus main body 1 is subjected to post-processing such as removing curling of the recording paper as necessary. In and a paper discharge device 5 for discharging.

  FIG. 3 shows the image recording apparatus main body 1 of the tandem type digital color printer.

  For example, image data of a document read by the image reading device 3 described above is input to the image recording apparatus main body 1. Further, the image recording apparatus main body 1 is connected to a host computer such as a personal computer (not shown) via a network such as a LAN as needed so that image data is also sent from the host computer or the like. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading device 3 illuminates a document (not shown) placed on the platen glass 6 with a light source, and a reflected light image from the document is composed of a plurality of mirrors and an imaging lens. Scanning exposure is performed on an image reading element 8 composed of a CCD or the like via the reduction optical system 7, and the color material reflected light image of the original is read at a predetermined dot density (for example, 16 dots / mm) by the image reading element 8. It is configured as follows.

  The color material reflected light image of the document read by the image reading device 3 is, for example, an image not shown as document reflectance data of three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) (each 8 bits). The image processing apparatus sends, for example, shading correction, position shift correction, lightness / color space conversion, gamma correction, frame erasing, color / moving editing, etc. to the reflectance data of the original. Predetermined image processing is performed.

  Then, the image data that has been subjected to the predetermined image processing by the image processing apparatus as described above is converted into yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) (each 8 bits) by the same image processing apparatus. And is output to an image output device 10 (ImageOutputTerminal) disposed inside the image recording apparatus main body 1 as described below.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image output apparatus 10 includes four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK). These four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are arranged in parallel inside the image recording apparatus main body 1 at a predetermined distance along the horizontal direction.

  These four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are all configured in the same manner. Broadly speaking, a photosensitive drum 12 serving as an image carrier that rotates at a predetermined speed in the direction of the arrow, Scorotron 13 as primary charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 12, and image exposure means for forming an electrostatic latent image by exposing an image corresponding to a predetermined color on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. ROS 14 (RasterOutputScanner), a developing unit 15 for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 with toner of a predetermined color, and a cleaning for removing untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 12 The apparatus 16 is comprised.

  In the image output apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 3, four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) (8 bits each) output from the image processing apparatus are displayed. Original color material gradation data is sent to ROS 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K of image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK). In these ROSs 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K, image exposure with laser light LB is performed in accordance with document color material gradation data of a predetermined color.

  In the ROS 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K, as shown in FIG. 3, the semiconductor laser 17 is modulated according to the original color material gradation data, and the laser beam LB is emitted from the semiconductor laser 17 according to the gradation data. Emitted. The laser beam LB emitted from the semiconductor laser 17 is deflected and scanned by the rotary polygon mirror 20 via the reflection mirrors 18 and 19, and again the photosensitive drum 12 via the reflection mirror 19 and the plurality of reflection mirrors 21 and 22. Scan exposure is performed on the top.

  From the image processing apparatus, as described above, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K ROSs 14Y, 14M, 14C, Image data of each color is sequentially output to 14K, and laser light LB modulated in accordance with the image data from these ROSs 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K is scanned and exposed on the surface of the respective photosensitive drums 12 to cause electrostatic latent images. An image is formed. The electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 12 are yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) by the developing units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K, respectively. Are developed as toner images of respective colors. 2 and 3, reference numeral 9 denotes a toner cartridge box containing a toner cartridge that supplies toner of a predetermined color to each of the developing units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K.

  The yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) toner images sequentially formed on the photosensitive drums 12 of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are as follows. On the intermediate transfer belt 25 as a belt-like intermediate transfer member arranged over the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, the images are multiply transferred by the primary transfer rolls 26Y, 26M, 26C, and 26K. The intermediate transfer belt 25 is stretched between a driving roll 27, a driven roll 28, a tension roll 29, a backup roll 30 for secondary transfer, and an idle roll 31 with a constant tension. The drive roll 27 is rotationally driven by a dedicated drive motor with excellent constant speed, and is circulated at a predetermined speed along the arrow direction. As the intermediate transfer belt 25, for example, a flexible synthetic resin film such as polyimide is formed in a strip shape, and both ends of the synthetic resin film formed in a strip shape are connected by means such as welding, thereby being endless. A belt-shaped one is used.

  The yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 25 in multiple layers are pressed against the backup roll 30 via the intermediate transfer belt 25. The recording sheet 33 that has been secondarily transferred onto a recording sheet 33 as a recording material by pressure and electrostatic force by the secondary transfer roll 32 and onto which the toner images of these colors are transferred is a double sheet suction and conveyance belt. 34 and 35 are conveyed to the fixing device 36. The recording paper 33 on which the toner images of the respective colors are transferred is subjected to a fixing process by heat and pressure by a fixing device 36. In the case of single-sided printing, as shown in FIG. The paper is discharged onto a discharge tray 37 via a paper discharge device 5 provided outside.

  At that time, as shown in FIG. 2, the recording paper 33 is provided with a plurality of paper feeding cassettes 38, 39, 40 of the paper feeding device 2 arranged on one side (left side in FIG. 2) of the image recording apparatus main body 1. A sheet having a predetermined size is fed by one of the sheet feeding rollers 41 and conveyed to the inside of the image recording apparatus main body 1 through a sheet feeding path 43 provided with a pair of sheet conveying rollers 42. . The recording sheet 33 conveyed to the inside of the image recording apparatus main body 1 is once conveyed to the registration roller 46 via a sheet conveying path 45 having a plurality of sheet conveying roller pairs 44 and stopped. The recording paper 33 is transferred to the backup roll 30 and the secondary transfer on the intermediate transfer belt 25 by a registration roller 46 that is rotated at a predetermined timing in synchronization with the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 25. The roll 32 is sent to a secondary transfer position where the roll 32 comes into pressure contact.

  Further, in the image recording apparatus main body 1, when recording color images on both sides of the recording sheet 33, the recording sheet 33 having an image recorded on one side is directly placed on the discharge tray 37 via the sheet discharge apparatus 5. Instead of discharging, the sheet reversal conveying member 47 provided in the sheet discharge portion of the image recording apparatus main body 1 changes the conveyance direction of the recording sheet 33 downward. Then, the recording sheet 33 on which the image is recorded on one side is once transported to the sheet reversing path 48 provided at the lower end portion in the sheet discharge device 5 by the sheet reversing conveying member 47 and stopped. In a state where the conveying direction is reversed, the sheet is conveyed again into the image recording apparatus main body 1 and includes a plurality of sheet conveying roller pairs 49 provided at the bottom of the image recording apparatus main body 1. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the inside of the sheet feeding device 2. Thereafter, the recording sheet 33 on which the image is formed on one side is the same as the normal recording sheet 33 with the back side facing up through the sheet reversal conveyance path 51 provided inside the sheet feeding device 2. In addition, the recording paper 33 is conveyed to a secondary transfer position on the intermediate transfer belt 25 at a predetermined timing via a paper conveyance path 45 having a plurality of paper conveyance roller pairs 44 and a registration roller 46. An image is recorded on the back side of the. The recording paper 33 on which the color images are recorded on both the front and back sides is discharged onto the discharge tray 37 via the paper discharge device 5, and the double-sided color image recording process is completed.

  In the tandem type digital color printer configured as described above, in the case of forming a single color image, the unfixed toner image T primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 25 is immediately secondary transferred onto the recording paper 26. However, when a color image is formed by superimposing a plurality of color toner images T, toner images T of a predetermined color are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drums 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K. A step of performing primary transfer of the image T onto the intermediate transfer belt 25 in a multiple manner is performed.

  For example, when forming a full-color image in which four color toner images T of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) are superimposed, the photosensitive drums 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K are formed. On the top, toner images T of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) are sequentially formed, and these four color toner images are sequentially formed on the intermediate transfer belt 25. Primary transfer is performed in the superimposed state.

  On the other hand, the intermediate transfer belt 25 rotates in a cycle synchronized with the photosensitive drum 12 while holding the yellow unfixed toner image T that is primarily transferred first, and on the intermediate transfer belt 25, Then, magenta, cyan and black unfixed toner images T are sequentially transferred to predetermined positions determined by a position detection sensor (not shown) in a state of being sequentially superimposed on the yellow unfixed toner image T. .

  The unfixed toner image T primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 25 in this way is conveyed to a secondary transfer position facing the conveyance path of the recording paper 33 as the intermediate transfer belt 25 rotates.

  As described above, the recording paper 33 is fed from the predetermined paper feed cassettes 38, 39, and 40 by the feed roll 41, transported to the registration roller 46 by the transport roll 42, and predetermined timing by the registration roller 46. Thus, the sheet is fed between the nip portion between the secondary transfer roll 32 and the intermediate transfer belt 25.

  Further, a backup roll 30 serving as a counter electrode of the secondary transfer roll 32 is disposed on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 25 at the secondary transfer position. At the secondary transfer position, the semiconductive secondary transfer roll 32 is brought into pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt 25 at a predetermined timing, and a voltage having a polarity opposite to the toner charging polarity is applied to the backup roll 30. The unfixed toner image T transferred onto the belt 25 is secondarily transferred electrostatically onto the recording paper 33 at the secondary transfer position.

  In this embodiment, a voltage having the same polarity as the toner charging polarity is not directly applied to the secondary transfer roll 32, but the backup roll 30 that is in pressure contact with the secondary transfer roll 32 via the intermediate transfer belt 25 is used. A voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner is applied from a high voltage power supply for transfer bias as a transfer bias voltage applying means by a bias roll (not shown). However, it is a matter of course that a voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner may be directly applied to the secondary transfer roll 32.

  Then, the recording sheet 33 on which the unfixed toner image is transferred is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 25 and fixed to the fixing device 36 by the electrode member 55, the guide plate 56, and the conveying belts 34 and 35 disposed downstream of the secondary transfer portion. The unfixed toner image T is fixed.

  On the other hand, after the secondary transfer of the unfixed toner image T is completed, residual toner is removed by an intermediate transfer belt cleaner (not shown).

As the intermediate transfer belt 25, a synthetic resin such as polyimide, polycarbonate, polyester, polypropylene, or various rubbers containing an appropriate amount of an antistatic agent such as carbon black is used, and its volume resistivity is 10 ^9. -10 ¹² Ω · cm. The thickness of the intermediate transfer belt 25 is set to 0.1 mm, for example. The peripheral length of the intermediate transfer belt 25 is set to an integral multiple (for example, eight times) of the peripheral length of the photosensitive drum 12.

  The secondary transfer roll 32 and the intermediate transfer belt cleaner are disposed so as to be able to contact and separate from the intermediate transfer belt 25. When a color image is formed, an unfixed toner image T of the final color is formed. Until the primary transfer is performed on the intermediate transfer belt 25, at least the intermediate transfer belt cleaner is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 25.

Further, the secondary transfer roll 32 includes a surface layer made of a urethane rubber tube in which carbon is dispersed and an inner layer made of foamed urethane rubber in which carbon is dispersed. Is provided with a fluorine coat. The secondary transfer roll 32 has a volume resistivity of 10 ³ to 10 ¹⁰ Ω · cm, a roll diameter of 28 mm, and a hardness of 30 ° (Asuka C), for example.

On the other hand, the backup roll 30 includes a surface layer made of a tube of EPDM and NBR blend rubber in which carbon is dispersed, and an inner layer made of EPDM rubber, and has a surface resistivity of 10 ⁷ to 10 ¹⁰ Ω. / □, the roll diameter is formed to be φ28 mm, and the hardness is set to 70 ° (Asuka C), for example.

  The electrode member 55 disposed downstream of the nip portion at the secondary transfer position is preferably a sheet metal as a conductive plate-like member, and in this embodiment, a stainless steel plate having a thickness of 0.5 mm is used. A sheet having a needle shape on the side of the sheet 26 is used. Further, the tip of the electrode member 55 on the secondary transfer region side is 1 mm from the line formed by the nip portion of the backup roll 30 and the secondary transfer roll 32, and is 7 mm from the exit of the nip portion. Are located apart.

  By the way, the tandem type digital color printer according to this embodiment includes a belt module that supports a belt-like intermediate transfer member so as to be able to circulate, and a secondary transfer roll as a counter roll that supports the belt-like intermediate transfer member. A secondary transfer module that supports the belt module so that the belt-shaped intermediate transfer member is separated from all the image bearing members, and a retracting unit that retracts the belt module including the secondary transfer module. It is comprised so that it may provide.

  Further, in this embodiment, the belt module is retracted so that the belt-shaped intermediate transfer member is separated from all the image carriers, and the secondary transfer module includes the secondary transfer module. And a second retracting means for retracting the roll so as to be separated from the opposing roll.

  4 and 5 show a belt module that supports the intermediate transfer belt in a circulating manner.

  4 and 5, reference numeral 60 denotes a belt module that supports the intermediate transfer belt 25 so as to be able to circulate. As shown in FIG. 6, the belt module 60 includes a drive roll 27, a driven roll 28, a tension roll 29, a backup roll 30 for secondary transfer, and an idle roller. The roll 31 includes a front-side frame 61 and a rear-side frame 62 that are rotatably attached. The belt module 60 is mounted on a holding frame 63 having a rectangular frame shape for holding the belt module 60 so as to be movable up and down and holding the belt module 60 so that the belt module 60 can be pulled out.

  The belt module 60 and the holding frame 63 are first moved to move the belt module 60 in the vertical direction so that the intermediate transfer belt 25 is separated from all the photosensitive drums 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K. The retracting means 64 is provided. The first retracting means 64 includes a total of four lifting rods 65 that are attached to the outside of the front frame 61 and the rear frame 62 of the belt module 60 at a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction. I have. As shown in FIG. 7, these four lifting rods 65 are elastically supported by a recess 67 provided in the lifting member 66 via an elastic member 68 made of a coil spring or the like. As shown in FIG. 8, a lifting member 66 is attached to the holding frame 63 at a position corresponding to the lifting rod 65 of the belt module 60 so as to be movable up and down. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the elevating member 66 is raised or lowered as shown below by a first handle 69 as a first handle member provided on the front surface of the holding frame 63. It is comprised so that.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the first handle 69 is attached with a rotating shaft 70 that is rotatably provided at both left and right ends of the holding frame 63. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, eccentric cams 71 for raising or lowering the elevating member 66 are provided at both ends in the axial direction of the rotary shafts 70 in a fixed state. The eccentric cam 71 is provided with a concave groove 72 set so as to gradually increase in radius, and an elevating shaft member 73 fixed to the elevating member 66 is fitted into the concave groove 72. Are combined.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the first retracting means 64 rotates the first handle 69 attached to the holding frame 63 in the direction of the arrow to thereby The rotary shaft 70 to which the handle 69 is attached is rotated. Then, the eccentric cam 71 fixed to the rotating shaft 70 rotates with the rotating operation of the rotating shaft 70 and is fitted into the concave groove 72 of the eccentric cam 71 as shown in FIG. The elevating member 66 is lowered through the elevating shaft member 73. Then, the belt module 60 elastically held by the elevating member 66 by the coil spring 68 is lowered together with the elevating member 66, and the intermediate transfer belt 25 supported by the belt module 60 is moved as shown in FIG. The belt module 60 is retracted so as to be separated from all the photosensitive drums 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the first retracting means 64 rotates the first handle 69 attached to the holding frame 63 in the opposite direction, thereby rotating the first retraction means 64. The rotary shaft 70 to which the handle 69 is attached is rotated. Then, the eccentric cam 71 fixed to the rotating shaft 70 rotates with the rotating operation of the rotating shaft 70 and is fitted into the concave groove 72 of the eccentric cam 71 as shown in FIG. The elevating member 66 is raised through the elevating shaft member 73. Then, the belt module 60 elastically held by the elevating member 66 by the coil spring 68 is raised together with the elevating member 66, and the intermediate transfer belt 25 supported by the belt module 60 is moved as shown in FIG. The belt module 60 is set so as to be in contact with all the photosensitive drums 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K.

  10 and 11, reference numerals 78 and 79 denote a protrusion and a recess for positioning the belt module 60 at a predetermined position when the belt module 60 is raised.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an auxiliary handle 75 is connected to the first handle 69 via a link 74, and the first handle 69 is rotated to operate the first handle 69. The handle 75 is also configured to rotate in the same direction. When the first handle 69 and the auxiliary handle 75 are intended to move the photosensitive drums 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K toward the front side in the axial direction, the end portions of the photosensitive drums 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K are moved. The photosensitive drums 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K are prevented from being removed unnecessarily. The first handle 69 and the auxiliary handle 75 are moved to positions where the photosensitive drums 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K can be removed by rotating the belt module 60 so as to be lowered. It is configured.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the holding frame 63 to which the belt module 60 is attached is attached to the image recording apparatus main body 1 by slide races 77 as first pulling means provided at both ends thereof. Can be pulled out.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the secondary transfer roll is opposed to the secondary transfer module that supports the secondary transfer roll so as to be in pressure contact with the opposing roll that supports the belt-shaped intermediate transfer member. Second retraction means for retreating away from the roll and second pulling means for pulling out the secondary transfer module from the image recording apparatus main body are provided.

  That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a secondary transfer module 80 that supports the secondary transfer roll 32 so as to be in pressure contact with the opposing roll 30 that supports the intermediate transfer belt 25 is provided. The secondary transfer module 80 can be retracted by the second retracting means 81 so that the secondary transfer roll 32 is separated from the facing roll 30. As shown in FIG. 12, the secondary transfer module 80 is attached to a slide structure 53 slidably attached to the image recording apparatus main body 1 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 82. .

  As shown in FIG. 13, the slide structure 53 includes a secondary transfer module 80, a pair of paper transport rollers as a paper transport member, a paper suction transport belts 34 and 35, a fixing device 36, or a paper reverse transport member. 47 is provided with a bottom frame 52 to which 47 is attached. The bottom frame 52 is horizontally placed on the front side of the image recording apparatus main body 1 by three rails 56 as second pulling means disposed in the horizontal direction with respect to the main body frame 55 of the image recording apparatus main body 1. It is slidable along the direction.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the secondary transfer module 80 is disposed on the bottom frame 52 of the slide structure 53 at a position closer to the left end than the center of the front surface so that the secondary transfer roll 32 is separated from the opposing roll 30. A second handle 83 that is a handle member of the second retracting means 81 to be retracted is rotatably provided. The second handle 83 is configured to perform an operation of pulling out the slide structure 53 and an operation of pushing it into a predetermined position. The second handle 83 is connected via a connecting member 85 to a handle shaft 84 disposed from the front side to the back side of the bottom frame 52. The handle shaft 84 connected to the second handle 83 is rotatable with respect to the bottom frame 52 by bearing plates 86 and 87 erected on the front and back ends of the bottom frame 52, respectively. Is attached. As shown in FIG. 13, an arm 88 for raising or lowering the secondary transfer module 80 is fixed to the inner end of the handle shaft 84. The arm 88 is rotated together with the second handle 83 via the handle shaft 84, and normally stops when the second handle 83 is rotated 90 degrees in the clockwise direction. Then, the arm 88 raises the secondary transfer module 80 so that the secondary transfer roll 32 supported by the secondary transfer module 80 is pressed against the opposing roll 30. When the secondary transfer roll 32 is separated from the facing roll 30, as shown in FIG. 13, the second handle 83 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise so that the second handle 83 is raised. The arm 88 is configured to lower the secondary transfer module 80.

  Still further, in this embodiment, after the first retracting means retracts the secondary transfer module away from the opposing roll by the second retracting means, the belt module is moved to the belt-like shape. The intermediate transfer member is configured to be retracted so as to be separated from all the image carriers.

  Further, in this embodiment, before the secondary transfer module is retracted by the second retracting means so that the secondary transfer roll is separated from the opposing roll, the first retracting means allows the belt module to be retracted. The belt-shaped intermediate transfer member is configured to include erroneous operation preventing means for preventing the belt-like intermediate transfer member from being retracted so as to be separated from all the image carriers.

  That is, on the front surface of the secondary transfer module 80, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 14, an abutting member 90 as an erroneous operation preventing means 89 is formed on the left upper end of the secondary transfer module 80. It is attached. Further, the lower end portion 75 a of the auxiliary handle 75 of the first retracting means 64 constituting a part of the erroneous operation preventing means 89 is brought into contact with the abutting member 90 of the secondary transfer module 80.

  The erroneous operation preventing means 89 uses the first retracting means 64 to move the belt module 80 to the intermediate transfer belt before the secondary transfer module 80 is retracted so that the secondary transfer roll 32 is separated from the facing roll 30. When an operation of retracting 25 so as to be separated from all the photosensitive drums 12 is performed, the lower end portion 75a of the auxiliary handle 75 of the first retracting unit 64 contacts the abutting member 90 of the secondary transfer module 80. It is like that. Therefore, before the secondary transfer module 80 is retracted so that the secondary transfer roll 32 is separated from the opposing roll 30, the belt module 80 is moved from the intermediate transfer belt 25 to all the photosensitive members by the first retracting means 64. The operation of retracting away from the drum 12 is prohibited.

  The second handle 83 is normally configured such that the turning operation of the handle 83 is restricted by a handle stopper 91 as a handle restricting means for restricting the turning operation of the second handle 83. The handle stopper 91 is provided at the end on the back side of the handle shaft 84. The handle stopper 91 normally restricts the turning operation of the second handle 83 and fixes the second handle 83 in a non-rotating state, but the slide structure 52 is provided inside the image recording apparatus main body 1. When the second handle 83 is pushed to the predetermined position, the second handle 83 can be turned.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the handle stopper 91 includes a stopper member 92, and this stopper member 92 is attached to the support plate 93 so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction around the rotation shaft 94. ing. The support plate 93 is attached to a bearing plate 87 provided on the back side of the bottom frame 52. The stopper member 92 is biased by a spring 95 so as to rotate in the direction of the arrow. Normally, the contact portion 96 of the stopper member 92 contacts the support plate 93 as shown in FIG. It stops in a state where it abuts against the contact portion 97. In this state, the first roller 98 provided on the stopper member 92 for preventing the rotation of the second handle 83 is fixed to the end on the back side of the handle shaft 84 as shown in FIGS. In this state, the second handle 83 is configured to abut against the block 99 attached to prevent the second handle 83 from rotating. The second handle 83 is set to have a “play” of about 15 ° until the block 99 attached to the handle shaft 84 comes into contact with the first roller 98.

  Further, when the handle stopper 91 holds the second handle 83 and pushes the slide structure 53 to a predetermined position inside the image recording apparatus main body 1, the second roller 100 of the stopper member 92 is shown in FIG. In this manner, the second roller 100 abuts against the frame sheet metal 101 on the back side of the image recording apparatus main body 1 and rotates in a state where it abuts against the frame sheet metal 101, so that the stopper member 92 rotates in the clockwise direction (in FIG. 17). It stops in a state rotated by a predetermined angle. In this state, as shown in FIG. 17, the first roller 98 for restricting the handle of the stopper member 92 is disengaged from the position for restricting the rotation of the block 99 provided on the handle shaft 84. Can be turned.

  As described above, the handle stopper 91 normally restricts the turning operation of the second handle 83 and fixes the second handle 83 in a non-rotating state. When it is in a state where it is pushed to a predetermined position inside the apparatus main body 1, the second handle 83 can be rotated.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking means 102 for positioning and fixing the slide structure 53 at a fixed position inside the image recording apparatus main body 1 by rotating the second handle 83 to the first position. As shown in FIG. 13, 103 is provided at both left and right ends of the bottom frame 52 of the slide structure 53.

  Of the locking means 102, 103, the left locking means 102 is attached to a support frame 104 fixed to the left end on the back side of the bottom frame 52 via a rotation shaft 105, as shown in FIG. And a fixing rod 106 rotatably attached. A roller 107 is rotatably provided on the fixing rod 106 so as to rotate along a fixing member 117 (described later) provided on the frame 55 side of the image recording apparatus main body 1. Further, a pulley 108 for rotating the fixing rod 106 is attached to one end portion of the rotation shaft 105. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 22, the pulley 108 has a wire 109 attached thereto. Via a driving pulley 110 attached to the end of the handle shaft 58 in a fixed state. In this embodiment, since the pulley 110 is configured to rotate only about 90 degrees, the wire 109 that rotates the pulley 108 is fixed to the pulley 108.

  Of the locking means 102 and 103, the right locking means 103 is, as shown in FIG. 20A, a rotating shaft 112 on a support frame 111 fixed to the right end portion on the back side of the bottom frame 52. There is provided a fixing rod 113 that is pivotably attached via a pin. A roller 114 is rotatably provided on the fixing rod 113 so as to rotate along a fixing member 121 (described later) provided on the frame 55 side of the image recording apparatus main body 1. Further, a pulley 115 for rotating the fixing rod 113 is attached to one end of the rotating shaft 112, and the pulley 115 is connected to the wire 116 as shown in FIGS. And is connected to a driving pulley 110 attached in a fixed state to an end portion on the back side of the handle shaft 86. Since the pulley 115 is also configured to rotate only about 90 degrees like the pulley 108, the wire 116 that rotates the pulley 115 is also fixed to the pulley 115.

  The left and right locking means 102 and 103 rotate the second handle 83 from the upright state to a predetermined position in the clockwise direction, which is the first position. A driving pulley 110 attached via a handle shaft 86 is rotated. Then, among the fixing rods 106 and 117 connected to the driving pulley 110 via the wires 109 and 116 and the pulleys 108 and 105, the left fixing rod 106 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 21 (a), it turns clockwise to stand up, and comes into contact with the back surface 120a side of the fixing member 120 attached to the frame 54 of the image recording apparatus main body 1 as shown in FIG. The image recording apparatus main body 1 is positioned and fixed at a predetermined fixing position. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 20B and 21B, the right fixing rod 117 turns clockwise and faces the horizontal direction, as shown in FIG. The image recording apparatus main body 1 is positioned and fixed at a predetermined fixing position by contacting the back surface 121a of the fixing member 121 attached to the frame 54 of the image recording apparatus main body 1.

  At that time, of the locking means 102 and 103 provided on the slide structure 53 side, the fixing rod 106 of the left locking means 102 is connected to the image recording apparatus main body 1 side as shown in FIG. Before the fixing member 120 is locked to the back surface 120a side, the fixing member 120 is guided along the handle restriction guide portion 122 bent to the front side in the horizontal direction at the lower end portion thereof. Therefore, when the slide structure 53 is pushed into the vicinity of a predetermined fixed position inside the image recording apparatus main body 1 by holding the second handle 83, the fixing rod 106 provided on the slide structure 53 side is Since it contacts the handle regulation guide portion 122 of the fixing member 120 provided on the image recording apparatus main body 1 side, even if the handle stopper 91 is released during that time, the fixing rod 106 may be rotated further. As a result, the rotation operation of the second handle 83 is restricted. At this time, the fixing rods 106 and 113 can smoothly move along the handle regulation guide portion 122 and can smoothly rotate along the back surfaces 120a and 121a of the fixing members 120 and 121. As described above, the rollers 107 and 114 are rotatably provided on the fixing rods 106 and 113 as described above.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the handle member can be folded only after the locking means is locked by the second handle member.

  That is, in this embodiment, when the second handle 83 is rotated 90 degrees in the clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 23A, the roller is rotatably attached to the lower surface of the second handle 83. 125 is positioned in the horizontal direction as the second handle 83 is rotated, and the roller 125 is movable along a semi-circular sheet metal 126 for design as shown in FIG. In the state before that, as shown in FIG. 23, the restricting plate 126 provided on one side surface of the base end portion of the second handle 83 is on the front side of the bearing plate 86 that rotatably supports the handle shaft 86. The handle 83 abuts on the guard member 127 so that the handle 83 cannot be folded. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 23 (a) to 23 (c), the handle 125 is folded upward in a state where it is rotated 90 degrees clockwise, so that the roller 125 positioned on the side surface of the handle 83 is It rotates along the guide plate 126, stops in a state where it stands up 90 degrees upward, and the folding operation is completed.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, when the front covers 130 and 131 of the image recording apparatus main body 1 are opened, only the second handle 83 which is the second retracting means 81 is exposed. The belt module 60, the secondary transfer module 80, and the like are covered with the protective covers 132 and 133 to prevent the user from operating the first retracting means 64 and the like by mistake.

  In the above configuration, in the digital color copying machine according to this embodiment, as described below, in a so-called tandem image forming apparatus having a plurality of image carriers and intermediate transfer belts, the intermediate transfer belt is damaged. The intermediate transfer belt can be separated from the image carrier without giving.

  Further, in the digital color copying machine according to this embodiment, as shown below, the holding position of the intermediate transfer belt is a position where the image is transferred from the image carrier and a position where the image carrier is pulled away from the image carrier. Even if it has two positions and the secondary transfer unit has a position to transfer the image to the recording material and a position to pull it out, there is a risk of damaging the intermediate transfer belt or damaging the device. There is no such thing.

  Furthermore, in the digital color copying machine according to this embodiment, the operation force when moving the positions of the intermediate transfer belt and the secondary transfer portion can be reduced as shown below, and the intermediate transfer belt can be reduced. In addition, the mechanism for moving the position of the secondary transfer portion can be simplified.

  That is, the image recording apparatus main body 1 of the digital color printer according to this embodiment has a case where the intermediate transfer belt 25 is replaced or maintained as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or the photosensitive drum 12K, When the 12Y, 12M, and 12C are replaced or the peripheral members are maintained, the secondary transfer module is arranged so that the intermediate transfer belt 25 is separated from all the photosensitive drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C. It is necessary to evacuate including 80.

  In addition, the image recording apparatus main body 1 of the digital color printer according to this embodiment includes a sheet conveyance path 45 for conveying a recording sheet 33 on which an image is recorded, sheet suction conveyance belts 34 and 35, a fixing device 36, and the like. The paper reversing and conveying member 47 and the paper reversing and conveying path 50 are provided. In these paper conveying paths, there is a possibility that a trouble in conveying the recording paper 33 called a jam jamming the recording paper 33 may occur. Then, the secondary transfer module 80 needs to be retracted in order to remove the recording paper 33 on which the jam has occurred.

  That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the front doors 130 and 131 of the image recording apparatus main body 1 of the digital color printer are opened, and the second handle 83 as the second retracting means 81 is opened. As shown in FIGS. 23 (c) to 23 (a), the second handle 83 is caused to operate in reverse. Then, the second handle 83 is operated to rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the arm fixed to the handle shaft 86 to which the second handle 83 is attached is rotated 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction, and the secondary transfer module 80 moves downward. Then, the secondary transfer roll 32 is separated from the facing roll 30.

  In this state, the locking means 102 and 103 of the slide structure 53 are released, and the slide structure 53 can be pulled out to the front side of the image recording apparatus main body 1.

  Next, the protective cover of the image recording apparatus main body 1 is opened, and the first handle 69 serving as the first retracting means 64 is rotated along the direction of the arrow as shown in FIGS. The belt module 60 can be lowered and retracted so that the intermediate transfer belt 25 is separated from all the photosensitive drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C.

  Before the secondary transfer module 80 is moved downward by the second handle 83 which is the second retracting means 81, the first handle 69 which is the first retracting means 64 is operated to operate the belt module. When lowering 60, as shown in FIG. 14, the lower end portion 75a of the auxiliary handle 75 interlocked with the first handle 69 comes into contact with the abutting member 90 provided in the secondary transfer module 80. The first handle 69 cannot be rotated and prevents erroneous operation.

  As described above, in the above embodiment, the belt module 60 is retracted including the secondary transfer module 80 so that the intermediate transfer belt 25 is separated from all the photosensitive drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C. 64, 81, the retracting means 64, 81 allow the belt module 60 to be separated from the photosensitive drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, 12C by the intermediate transfer belt 25, and the intermediate transfer belt. The intermediate transfer belt 25 can be separated from the photosensitive drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C without damaging the belt 25.

  In the above embodiment, the belt module 60 is retracted so that the intermediate transfer belt 25 is separated from all the photosensitive drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C, and the secondary transfer module. 80 is configured to include a second retracting unit 81 that retracts the secondary transfer roll 32 away from the opposing roll 30, the belt module 60 is moved to the intermediate transfer belt 25 by the first retracting unit 64. Can be prevented from interfering with the secondary transfer module 80 when being separated from all the photosensitive drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the first pulling means 77 for pulling out the belt module 60 from the image recording apparatus main body 1 and the second pulling means 56 for pulling out the secondary transfer module 80 from the image recording apparatus main body 1 are provided. Therefore, the intermediate transfer belt 25 is held at two positions: a position where the image is transferred from the photosensitive drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, 12C, and a position where the intermediate transfer belt 25 is pulled away from the photosensitive drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, 12C. Even if the secondary transfer unit is configured to have a position for transferring an image to a recording material and a position for pulling out the image, there is a risk that the intermediate transfer belt 25 may be damaged or the apparatus may be damaged. It can be avoided.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, after the first retracting unit 64 retracts the secondary transfer module 80 away from the opposing roll 30 by the second retracting unit 81, the belt module 60 is Since the intermediate transfer belt 25 is retracted so as to be separated from all the photosensitive drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C, the belt module 60 is removed from the photosensitive drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C by the first retracting means 64. When the body drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C are separated from each other, the secondary transfer module 80 can be prevented from becoming an obstacle.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, before the secondary transfer module 80 is retracted by the second retracting unit 81 so that the secondary transfer roll 32 is separated from the opposing roll 21, the first retracting unit 64 The belt module 60 is configured to include the erroneous operation preventing means 89 for preventing the intermediate transfer belt 25 from being retracted so as to be separated from all the photosensitive drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C. The operation of retracting the belt module 60 by the first retracting means 64 by mistake can be performed first, and the belt module 60 can be prevented from hitting and being damaged by other members.

  Further, in the above embodiment, if the erroneous operation preventing means 89 does not retract the secondary transfer module 80 away from the facing roll 30 by the second retracting means 81, the first retracting means 64 causes the belt module to be retracted. 60 is configured such that the intermediate transfer belt 25 cannot be retracted so as to be separated from all the photosensitive drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C. Thus, the operation of retracting the belt module 60 can be performed first, and the belt module 60 can be further reliably prevented from hitting and being damaged by other members.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the erroneous operation preventing unit 89 includes the first retracting unit 64 that retracts the belt module 60 so that the intermediate transfer belt 25 is separated from all the photosensitive drums 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C. Since the auxiliary handle 79 and the abutting member 90 provided in the secondary transfer module 80 are configured, the belt module 60 may abut against other members and be damaged without complicating the configuration. Can be more reliably prevented.

  Further, in the above embodiment, since the handle member 69 of the first retracting means 64 is arranged in the vicinity of the positioning portion of the belt module 60, the positions of the intermediate transfer belt 25 and the secondary transfer portion are set. It becomes possible to reduce the operating force when moving.

  In the above embodiment, since the handle member 69 of the first retracting unit 64 is normally covered with the protective cover that is not opened and closed by the user, the handle member of the first retracting unit 64 is mistaken for the user. It is possible to reliably prevent the operation of 69.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a digital color printer as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the image recording apparatus main body of the digital color printer as the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 4 is a front view showing the retracting means of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the same. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the retracting means of the belt module. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the main part showing the retracting means of the belt module. FIG. 8 is a main part front view showing the retracting means of the belt module. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the main part showing the retracting means of the belt module. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the retracting means of the belt module. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the retracting means of the belt module. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the retracting means of the secondary transfer module. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the retracting means of the secondary transfer module. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an erroneous operation preventing means of the secondary transfer module. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the handle stopper. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the operation of the handle stopper. FIG. 17 is a plan view showing the operation of the handle stopper. FIG. 18 is a front view showing the operation of the handle stopper. 19 (a) and 19 (b) are perspective views showing lock means, respectively. 20 (a) and 20 (b) are perspective views showing the locking means, respectively. 21 (a) and 21 (b) are explanatory views showing the operation of the locking means, respectively. FIG. 22 is a perspective view from the back side showing the locking means. FIGS. 23A to 23C are perspective views showing the handle folding mechanism. FIG. 24 is a side view showing the handle folding mechanism. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the image recording apparatus main body. FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image recording apparatus main body. FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a conventional image forming apparatus. FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a conventional image forming apparatus. FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a conventional image forming apparatus. FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a main part of a conventional image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

01A, 01B, 01C, 01D: image carrier, 02: belt-like intermediate transfer member, 03 secondary transfer member, 04: belt module, 06: secondary transfer module, 07: retracting means.

Claims (3)

A plurality of image carriers that form visible images of charged color materials having different colors;
A belt-like intermediate transfer member that is primarily transferred with a visible image formed by the charged color material formed by the plurality of image carriers and that circulates in a state where the visible image is supported by the charged color material,
A secondary transfer means for transferring the visible image transferred onto the belt-shaped intermediate transfer body to a recording material in a batch;
A belt module that supports the belt-like intermediate transfer member in a circulating manner;
A secondary transfer module that supports the secondary transfer member so as to be in pressure contact with or close to a belt-like intermediate transfer member supported by the belt module;
Recording material conveying means for conveying the recording material;
A fixing device for fixing a visible image on the recording material conveyed to the recording material;
In an image forming apparatus comprising:
A slide structure provided with the secondary transfer module, the recording material conveying means, and the fixing device, and provided so as to be able to be pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body ;
First retracting means for retracting the belt-shaped intermediate transfer member so as to be separated from all the image bearing members by moving the belt module in the vertical direction with respect to the image forming apparatus main body;
A second retracting means for retracting the secondary transfer module so that the secondary transfer member is separated from a position in pressure contact with or close to the belt-shaped intermediate transfer member;
Before the secondary transfer module is separated from the belt-shaped intermediate transfer member by the second retracting unit, the belt-shaped intermediate transfer member is separated from all the image carriers by the first retracting unit. An erroneous operation preventing means for prohibiting the operation,
The erroneous operation preventing means includes a contact member that is provided in the secondary transfer module and that is in contact with the first retracting means and prohibits the operation of the first retracting means. An image forming apparatus , wherein the secondary transfer module is separated from the belt-shaped intermediate transfer member, whereby the first retracting unit can be retracted .   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a direction in which the slide structure is pulled out is a front side of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the slide structure has a rotatable handle,
The revolving operation of the secondary transfer module from the intermediate transfer member and the operation of releasing the locking means for positioning and fixing the slide structure at a fixed position inside the image forming apparatus main body by the turning operation of the handle. An image forming apparatus.

Images