JP4681741B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided in a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, or the like, and more specifically, a member (hereinafter referred to as a member) for making a fixing device in a state in which pressure is released at the time of shipment ready. Called a shipping spacer).
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 2 shows a shipping spacer in an image forming apparatus such as a conventional laser beam printer.
[0003]
FIG. 2 shows a state in which a conventional shipping spacer is installed in a known fixing device, wherein 1 is a fixing roller having a heater 5 inside, and 2 is a known addition having a heater 5 supported by a frame 6 inside. A pressure roller, 3 is a known separation claw for peeling the sheet, and 4 is a pair of conveyance rollers provided in the fixing device T. The pressure roller 2 is held by the frame 6 via a heat resistant member (not shown) and a bearing member (not shown).
[0004]
The frame 6 can swing around a support shaft 6 a and is pressurized by a spring 7. Here, the shipping spacer 8 is sandwiched between the fixing portion 9 and the frame 6 in the fixing device T, and as a result, the frame 6 is pushed down so that the pressure roller 2 and the fixing roller 1 do not come into pressure contact with each other.
[0005]
The shipping spacer 8 has a handle 8a for the user to operate. In an image forming apparatus having a large number of prints per sheet (sheets / minute), it is necessary to enlarge the nip in order to improve the fixing property, and the hardness of the pressure roller 2 is lowered and the spring 7 is strengthened. It corresponds.
[0006]
When the fixing device is shipped in such a pressure contact state, the fixing device may be left in such a state for a long time. As a result, a so-called C-set phenomenon occurs in which a part of the pressure roller becomes flat. In this state, when the user performs a printing operation using the image forming apparatus and rotates the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2, noise is generated due to the pressure roller 2 deformed flat, and in some cases the load when rotating the roller As a result, the apparatus main body may not move, and the drive system (not shown) may be damaged to make the apparatus main body M unusable.
[0007]
Therefore, it is widely performed that the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2 are not pressed against each other by the shipping spacer.
[0008]
FIG. 3 shows a state in which a fixing device T having a conventional shipping spacer is provided in the image forming apparatus M.
[0009]
In the figure, 10 is a sheet guide that can be opened and closed around a support shaft 10a, 11 is a conveying roller pair, 12 is a sheet discharge roller, and 13 is a sheet stacking tray. The fixing device T is fixed in the apparatus main body by screws or the like (not shown). In this state, the image forming apparatus is assembled and packed (not shown) at a factory or the like and shipped to the user.
[0010]
Next, an operation performed so that the image forming apparatus reaches the user and the image forming apparatus can be operated will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the description will be made again with reference to FIG.
[0011]
FIG. 3 also shows the image forming apparatus with the user unpacked. Continuing the description, the user first opens the open / close guide 10 in order to make the image forming apparatus printable.
[0012]
FIG. 4 shows the user opening the opening / closing guide 10. Continuing the description with reference to the drawings, the user opens the opening / closing guide 10 and pulls the handle portion 8a of the shipping spacer 8 of the fixing device T in the direction of arrow A to remove the shipping spacer.
[0013]
FIG. 5 shows the fixing device T with the shipping spacer 8 removed. As shown in the figure, when the spacer 8 is removed, the pressure roller 2 is brought into pressure contact with the fixing roller 1 by rotating the frame 6 around the support shaft 6a by the pressure of the spring 7. At this time, there is a gap between the frame 6 and the fixing portion 9 so that the fixing portion 9 is not involved in pressurization of the spring 7. As a result, the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2 are brought into pressure contact with each other, and the sheet printed with the toner can be brought into a state where sufficient fixing is performed by known pressure and heating.
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the conventional shipping spacer is installed inside the apparatus main body, there are the following problems.
[0015]
Since the shipping spacer is inside the device, it is difficult for the user to notice and the printing operation is performed in the shipping state where the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2 are not in pressure contact with each other. In addition to being peeled off and not being readable by the user, it is conceivable that the hands and clothes are stained with toner due to insufficient fixing properties and are uncomfortable.
[0016]
In addition, the conveying path in the apparatus main body is also soiled, and the discharged sheet is soiled and the apparatus is soiled. In particular, in the case of an image forming apparatus having a known automatic duplex function, the image is again formed on the back surface of the insufficiently fixable sheet. In order to print, most of the conveyance path in the apparatus main body may be soiled.
[0017]
In order to avoid the above problem, there is a method of providing a means for detecting that the shipping spacer is mounted and informing the user with an electrical signal, but this increases the cost and places a burden on the user.
[0018]
Further, since there is a shipping spacer 8 in the image forming apparatus, the opening / closing cover 10 is opened, a hand is put in the apparatus, and the grip 8a of the shipping spacer 8 is pulled, which is difficult to operate.
[0019]
Further, since the shipping spacer between the pressurized frame 6 and the fixing member 9 is pulled out, it is difficult to pull out if the force of the spring 7 is strong, and the operability is poor.
[0020]
The object of the invention according to the present application is to solve such a conventional problem, and to make the user perform a stable operation when unpacking and setting it to a usable state, so that it can be used reliably. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of achieving the above.
[0021]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A fixing roller and a pressure roller for pressing and pressing the recording medium at a nip portion to fix the developer image on the recording medium; a pressing pressure holding position for holding the pressing force; A fixing portion having a pressure release means having a lever for moving to a pressure release position that releases or weakens the pressure, and
In an image forming apparatus comprising: an openable / closable cover that can be opened and closed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, and that opens to open the fixing portion.
One end protrudes from the image forming apparatus main body out of the image forming apparatus main body through a gap between the image forming apparatus and the cover in a state where the cover is closed. An operation member for operating the fixing roller and the pressure roller from the pressure release position to the pressure holding position;
The operation member is detachably attached to the lever whose other end is the pressure release position, and when the operator operates the operation member, the fixing roller and the pressure roller are moved to the pressure holding position. The image forming apparatus, wherein the operation member is attached to the lever so as to be detached from the lever after being moved to the position.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the drawings.
[0030]
<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the fixing device F provided with the shipping spacer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0031]
In the figure, members having the same functions as those of the conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0032]
The pressure roller 2 is held by the frame 16 via a heat resistant member (not shown) and a bearing member (not shown). The frame 16 has a U-shaped portion 16b and can move smoothly while being fitted to the shaft 20 in the fixing device. Reference numeral 17 denotes a planar substantially T-shaped lever which can be rotated around a shaft 17a.
Reference numeral 18 denotes a shipping spacer, and 19 denotes a tape (or string) having adhesiveness on one side assembled to the shipping spacer 18. It has an adhesive on the side indicated by 19a (upper surface side in the figure).
The shipping spacer 18 is assembled with a hook portion 18b and a stopper portion 18d holding an overhang portion 17C formed at the tip of the lever 17.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lever 17, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view in which the shipping spacer 18 and the lever 17 are assembled to the lever 17.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lever 17 has two projecting portions 17c, which are positioned by two hook portions 18b (the back side is not shown).
[0033]
Returning to FIG. 7 and continuing the description, the frame 16 is pushed down by the pressing portion 17b of the lever 17, the U-shaped portion 16b is lifted with a gap of a distance D, and the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2 are in contact with each other. Is held. At this time, the spring 7 applies pressure to the frame 16, but due to the lever principle B: C ratio, the pressure contact force between the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2 is very small, so it is left for a long time. However, the pressure roller does not become flat.
[0034]
FIG. 9 shows a state in which the fixing device F is provided in the image forming apparatus. In the figure, members having the same functions as those of the conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Reference numeral 10 b denotes a handle provided in the opening / closing guide 10. The fixing device F is fixed to a frame (not shown) in the image forming apparatus with screws or the like as in the conventional example.
[0035]
The tape 19 passes between the opening / closing guide 10 and the image forming apparatus and comes out of the apparatus.
[0036]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the tape 19 attached to the shipping spacer 18 protrudes from the exterior surface of the image forming apparatus. As shown in the figure, the tape 19 is attached to the exterior member of the image forming apparatus M. Although one tape is attached to the side and the other tape is attached to the upper side, it is not restricted at all.
[0037]
In this state, the image forming apparatus M is packed (not shown) in a factory or the like and shipped to the user.
[0038]
Next, an operation performed so that the image forming apparatus reaches the user and can perform a printing operation will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0039]
Referring back to FIG. 1, when the image forming apparatus arrives at the user and removes the packing (not shown), the state shown in FIG. Next, the user opens the open / close guide 10 by placing a hand on the handle 10b.
[0040]
FIG. 10 shows a state in which the user opens the opening / closing guide. To continue the description, the user opens the open / close guide 10 and then peels off the tape 19 attached to the exterior member of the image forming apparatus and pulls it from the outside in the direction of arrow E. Returning to FIG. 7, the description will be continued. When the tape is pulled in the E direction from the outside of the image forming apparatus, the hooking portion 18b of the shipping spacer 18 is hooked on the lever 17. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Rotates in the direction of arrow G about the shaft 17a.
[0041]
FIG. 11 shows a state in which the lever 17 is rotated and lowered when the tape 19 is pulled. The description will be continued using the drawings. By pulling the tape 19, the lever 17 rotates counterclockwise in the figure, the tip end side of the lever 17 is lowered, and the position of the shipping spacer 18 is also the position shown in the figure. Is released from the lever 17 and the user who has been operating outside the image forming apparatus holds the shipping spacer 18 with the tape 19 in his hand and throws it away.
[0042]
On the other hand, since the frame 16 is pressed by the spring 7 in the fixing device F, the portion in contact with the spring 7 is lifted and the pressure roller 2 is pressed against the fixing roller 1.
[0043]
Here, when the frame 16 is pressed by the spring 7, the U-shaped portion 16 b of the frame moves, and the gap D between the shaft 20 and the U-shaped portion 16 b of the frame 16 disappears and strikes.
[0044]
Further, a gap H is formed between the frame 16 and the lever 17, and the lever 17 is not involved in the pressure applied by the spring 7 at all. Accordingly, the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2 have a printable nip, and the user can perform a printing operation.
[0045]
Here, the conventional example will be described using FIG. 3 again. FIG. 3 also shows the image forming apparatus with the user unpacked. Continuing the description, the user first opens the open / close guide 10 in order to make the image forming apparatus printable. FIG. 4 shows the user opening the opening / closing guide 10. Continuing the description with reference to the drawings, the user opens the opening / closing guide 10 and pulls the handle portion 8a of the shipping spacer 8 of the fixing device T in the direction of arrow A to remove the shipping spacer. FIG. 5 shows the fixing device T with the shipping spacer 8 removed. As shown in the figure, when the spacer 8 is removed, the pressure roller 2 presses against the fixing roller 1 by the frame 6 swinging around the shaft 6a by the pressure of the spring 7. At this time, there is a gap between the frame 6 and the fixing portion 9 so that the fixing portion 9 is not involved in pressurization of the spring 7. As a result, the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2 are brought into pressure contact with each other, and the sheet printed with the toner can be brought into a state where sufficient fixing is performed by known pressure and heating.
Returning to FIG. 1 and supplementing the explanation, the tape 19 is more conspicuous when a color such as orange is used, so that the user can easily notice it. Furthermore, if an operation manual (not shown) is stopped together with the tape 19 on the exterior member, the user will not be confused to perform the above operation.
[0046]
Further, returning to FIG. 9 to supplement the explanation, when the opening / closing guide 10 is closed, the lever 17 does not go down because the opening / closing guide 10 serves as a stopper.
[0047]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
{Circle around (1)} When the shipping spacer 18 is pulled, the hook part is released after the lever 17 is lowered until it is lowered.
{Circle around (2)} Since the tape 19 attached to the shipping spacer 18 is placed on the exterior of the image forming apparatus, it is easy for the user to notice and never forgets to make the fixing device printable (forgetting to remove the shipping spacer).
{Circle around (3)} Since the operation is performed from outside the image forming apparatus M, it can be performed in a wide space and is easy to operate.
{Circle around (4)} Since the pressure of the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2 is applied by lowering the rotatable lever 17, it is possible to make a printable state by simply pulling the tape 19 with a small force during operation.
{Circle around (5)} Since the operation manual is attached to the exterior member with the tape 19, no new adhesive member is required.
{Circle around (6)} Since no pressure is applied to the shipping spacer, it can be made of a relatively inexpensive material that is hard to break and is optimal as a member to be discarded at the end.
[0048]
<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0049]
In the figure, the same members as those in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of components that are not structurally and functionally changed are omitted.
[0050]
In the figure, the tape 19 shown in the first embodiment is affixed to the exterior of the opening / closing guide 10. Next, an operation performed so that the image forming apparatus reaches the user and can perform a printing operation will be described.
[0051]
When the image forming apparatus arrives at the user and unpacks (not shown), the state shown in FIG. 12 is obtained. The user operates by looking at the operation manual 20 attached together with the tape 19. In the operation manual 21, the tape 19 (including the shipping spacer) is written after the opening / closing guide 10 is opened. The user opens the open / close guide 10 by placing a hand on the handle 10b according to the instructions in the manual.
[0052]
As a result, the tape 19 attached to the exterior portion of the open / close guide 10 is pulled, and as a result, the shipping spacer 18 can be pulled, and the lever 17 can be lowered to make it ready for printing. Thereafter, the tape 19 is discarded.
[0053]
With the above configuration, the printing operation can be performed without the need to pull the tape 19.
[0054]
< Reference form 3>
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0055]
The tape 21 is attached to a spacer for removing looseness provided to hold the looseness of the known intermediate plate in the known feeding cassette K. The middle plate in the cassette K can be rotated to lift up the stacked sheets. When shipping the image forming apparatus, it is widely performed to attach a spacer for looseness to the intermediate plate.
[0056]
Embodiments of the present reference 3 are those extended to the image forming apparatus main body exterior portion with a tape 21 to the spacer for the backlash removal. Thereby, the user can remove the spacer at a glance.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the following effects can be obtained by extending the tape as the operation member attached to the shipping spacer as the operated member to the exterior member of the image forming apparatus.
(1): When the tape is pulled, the lever rotates and the shipping spacer is removed, so that the operation can be reliably performed.
{Circle around (2)} Since the tape attached to the shipping spacer is put on the exterior of the image forming apparatus, it is easy for the user to notice and never forgets to make the fixing device printable (forgetting to remove the shipping spacer).
{Circle over (3)} Since the operation is performed from outside the image forming apparatus, it can be performed in a wide space and is easy to operate.
{Circle over (4)} Since the operation manual is pasted on the exterior with tape, no new adhesive member is required.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a main cross-sectional view of a conventional fixing device.
FIG. 3 is a main cross-sectional view of a conventional image forming apparatus at the time of shipment.
FIG. 4 is a main cross-sectional view of a conventional image forming apparatus with an open / close guide opened.
FIG. 5 is a main cross-sectional view of a conventional fixing device in a printable state.
FIG. 6 is a main cross-sectional view of the fixing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention when shipped.
7 is a perspective view of the lever of FIG. 6. FIG.
8 is a perspective view of a shipping spacer attached to the lever of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a main cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment at the time of shipment.
FIG. 10 is a main cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment in a state where an open / close guide is opened.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory detailed view that leads to a printable state of the fixing device of the first embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
Perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to the reference of the third [13] present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fixing roller 2 Pressure roller 3 Separation claw 4 Conveying roller 5 Heater 6 Frame 7 Spring 9 Fixing part 10 Opening / closing guide 11 Conveying roller 12 Discharge roller 13 Scanner 14 Photosensitive drum 16 Frame 17 Lever 18 Shipping spacer 19 Tape 20 Shaft 21 Explanation of operation Letter F Fixer M Image forming device K Cassette

Claims (3)

A fixing roller and a pressure roller for pressing and pressing the recording medium at a nip portion to fix the developer image on the recording medium; a pressing pressure holding position for holding the pressing force; A fixing portion having a pressure release means having a lever for moving to a pressure release position that releases or weakens the pressure, and
In an image forming apparatus comprising: an openable / closable cover that can be opened and closed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, and that opens to open the fixing portion.
One end protrudes from the image forming apparatus main body out of the image forming apparatus main body through a gap between the image forming apparatus and the cover in a state where the cover is closed. An operation member for operating the fixing roller and the pressure roller from the pressure release position to the pressure holding position;
The operation member is detachably attached to the lever whose other end is the pressure release position, and when the operator operates the operation member, the fixing roller and the pressure roller are moved to the pressure holding position. The image forming apparatus, wherein the operation member is attached to the lever so as to be detached from the lever after being moved to the position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation member is a member to which an engagement member for removably attaching to the lever is connected to one end of a tape or a string. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an operation manual for operating the operation member is stopped by an exterior member of a main body of the image forming apparatus by the operation member.

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