JP5113581B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that records an image on a recording material such as paper or a resin film, such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine thereof. Among them, in particular, a magnetic flux generator that generates magnetic flux, a heat generating rotating member that generates heat with the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generating unit, and the heat generating rotating member itself or a rotating member heated by the fixing rotating member are pushed. An electromagnetic induction heating type fixing device having a pressure rotating member that forms a fixing nip by contact, passing the recording material through the fixing nip, while conveying the recording material by rotation of the fixing rotating member and the pressure rotating member, The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that fixes an image on a recording material and discharges the recording material after image fixing from a fixing outlet.

  In recent years, market demands for energy saving and high speed have been increasing for image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and facsimiles. In order to satisfy these performance requirements, it is important to improve the thermal efficiency of the fixing device used in the image forming apparatus. In the fixing device, in addition to the heat roller method and the belt heating method, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, an eddy current is generated in the metal layer (heat generation layer) of the fixing sleeve by the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generation unit. In some cases, an electromagnetic induction heating type fixing device is used that generates heat and generates heat by the Joule heat. In this type of fixing device, since the generation of induced current is used, the fixing film can directly generate heat, and the fixing device is more fixed than a fixing device of a heat roller type or belt heating type using a halogen lamp as a heat source. Process efficiency can be improved.

  In such an image forming apparatus, for example, a fixing sleeve having a release layer, an elastic layer, and a heat generation layer, an elastic layer included in the fixing sleeve, and a fixing auxiliary roller formed of a support (core metal) It is well known to form a fixing nip by forming a fixing roller and pressing a pressure roller against a fixing auxiliary roller of the fixing roller via a fixing sleeve.

  By the way, in such an electromagnetic induction heating type image forming apparatus, the fixing device can be detached from the fixing device main body having the heat generating rotating member, the pressure rotating member, the fixing outlet, and the like with respect to the magnetic flux generating portion. In the jam processing, the jamming process is facilitated by pulling out the fixing device main body with respect to the image forming apparatus main body.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 51-109739 JP 2007-41372 A Japanese Patent No. 3644474

  However, in an image forming apparatus equipped with such an electromagnetic induction heating type fixing device, when the fixing device main body is pulled out during jam processing, the heat generating rotating member is exposed, and the heat generating rotating member is touched carelessly. There have been problems such as damage to the members and burns due to the heated exothermic rotating member.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus equipped with an electromagnetic induction heating type fixing device, facilitating jam processing during jam processing, and an operator inadvertently using a heat generating rotating member. To eliminate the risk of touching.

  A second object of the present invention is to enable the fixing device body to be stably pulled out from the image forming apparatus body.

  A third object of the present invention is to facilitate the removal and replacement of the fixing device main body as well as the repair and replacement.

  A fourth object of the present invention is to prevent damage to the heat-generating rotating member until the fixing device is set in the image forming apparatus main body.

The invention described in claim 1 includes a magnetic flux generator that generates magnetic flux, a heat generating rotating member that generates heat with the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generating unit, and the heat generating rotating member itself or a rotating member that is heated by the heat generating rotating member. A pressure rotating member that presses against the fixing rotating member to form a fixing nip, a fixing inlet positioned below the fixing nip, and a fixing outlet positioned above the fixing nip, from the fixing inlet The inserted recording material such as paper or resin film is passed through the fixing nip to fix the image on the recording material while conveying the recording material by the rotation of the fixing rotating member and the pressure rotating member. An image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, or a facsimile equipped with an electromagnetic induction heating type fixing device that discharges from a fixing outlet, the fixing device body of the fixing device The magnetic flux generator is configured to be detachable, and the fixing device main body is provided so as to be able to be pulled out in the horizontal direction with respect to the image forming apparatus main body . The fixing rotating member and the pressure rotating member are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. together, pressurizing rotary member of the fixing rotary member, in an image forming apparatus that is located in the withdrawal direction downstream of the fixing device body, when pulled out of the fixing device main body, the fixing outlet of the image forming apparatus main body There is provided a stopper member that stops when the fixing device main body abuts between the first position that has reached the outer surface position and the second position immediately before the heat generating rotating member completely protrudes from the outer surface position of the image forming apparatus main body. It is characterized by being. As the heat generating rotating member, a fixing roller to which the pressure rotating member is pressed, a fixing belt that is wound around the roller and pressed against the pressure rotating member, a heating roller that rotates the fixing belt, and the like are used. As the pressure rotating member, a pressure roller, a pressure belt wound around the rollers, or the like is used.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
When the fixing device main body is pulled out to the second position, a portion of the fixing device main body that covers the heat generating rotating member of the fixing device main body from above is inserted into the exterior surface position of the image forming apparatus main body. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect,
A recording material guide member is provided at the fixing outlet so as to be freely opened and closed at a closed position for guiding the recording material after image fixing and an open position for greatly opening the opening of the fixing outlet.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects,
The image forming apparatus main body and the fixing device main body are formed with engagement guides such as grooves and protrusions that engage with each other to guide the pulling direction of the fixing device main body.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect,
A stopper member is provided at the end of the engagement guide of the image forming apparatus main body in the pull-out direction.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
The stopper member is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body by screwing or the like.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects,
The protective member to be removed after the fixing device is set on the image forming apparatus main body is provided so as to cover the image fixing surface of the heat generating rotating member. As the protective member, a sponge material or an air cap is preferably used.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus provided with the electromagnetic induction heating type fixing device, at the time of jam processing, at least the fixing device main body and the fixing outlet reach the exterior surface position of the image forming apparatus main body. Therefore, the jammed paper can be easily taken out without obstructing the exterior surface of the image forming apparatus main body. Further, even when the fixing device main body is pulled out, the heat generating rotating member is pulled out only to the second position immediately before the image forming apparatus main body is completely projected from the exterior surface position. However, it is possible to eliminate the risk of inadvertently touching the heat-generating rotating member and damaging the heat-generating rotating member, or being burned by the heated heat-generating rotating member.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the fixing device main body is pulled out to the second position, the portion of the fixing device main body that covers the heat-generating rotating member from above enters the exterior surface position of the image forming apparatus main body. Therefore, the portion becomes a wrinkle, and the risk of the operator inadvertently touching the heat generating rotating member can be eliminated without further exposing the heat generating rotating member.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the recording material guide member is provided at the fixing outlet so as to be freely opened and closed at a closed position for guiding the recording material after image fixing and an open position for greatly opening the fixing outlet. Therefore, at the time of jam processing, it is possible to further easily remove the jammed paper from the fixing device by opening the recording material guide member to the open position.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus main body and the fixing device main body are formed with the engagement guides that engage with each other and guide the pulling direction of the fixing device main body. When the image forming apparatus main body and the fixing apparatus main body are guided by the mutual engagement guide, the fixing device main body is stably jammed without causing damage to the heat generating rotating member by hitting it against other members. You can move to a position.

  According to the invention of claim 5, since the stopper member is provided at the end of the engagement guide of the image forming apparatus main body in the pull-out direction, the fixing apparatus main body can be pulled out without dropping with a simple configuration. The fixing device main body can be reliably stopped at the jam processing position.

  According to the invention of claim 6, since the stopper member is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body, the fixing device main body can be easily taken out and repaired and replaced by removing the stopper member. .

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the protective member to be removed after the fixing device is set on the image forming apparatus main body is provided so as to cover the image fixing surface of the heat generating rotating member. Until the image forming apparatus is set in the image forming apparatus main body, it is possible to prevent the heat generating rotating member from being damaged.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an appearance of a color copying machine as an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
The illustrated example is a color copying machine, but can also be used as a printer, scanner, or facsimile by connecting with a LAN cable or telephone line.

  The copying machine main body 1 of the illustrated color copying machine is formed by covering the main body structure 40, which will be described later, which constitutes the framework of the copying machine main body 1, which is the main body of the image forming apparatus, with an outer cover, and forms an image in the middle section. The image forming unit 2 to be transferred to the recording material, the recording material storage unit 3 for storing the recording material and sending the recording material sequentially to the image forming unit 2, and the in-body discharge unit for discharging the recorded recording material 4. Image reading unit 5 for reading a document image, operation display unit 6 on the front side indicated by arrow A of the image reading unit 5, and the image forming unit 2 reversed when recording on the back side of the recorded recording material. Are provided with a double-sided device 7 for feeding paper again.

  The operation display unit 6 includes input means (various keys such as a start key, a numeric keypad, a function setting key, a reset key, and a clear / stop key) for operating a plurality of functions of the copier body 1, and various input information and devices. Display means (such as a liquid crystal display panel or a liquid crystal touch panel also serving as input means).

  The arrow A in the figure is the front side that is the operator side of the copying machine main body 1 as described above, the arrow B is the rear side, the arrow C is the left side, and the arrow D is the right side. A double-sided device 7 is provided on the right side surface of the copying machine main body 1 which is an image forming apparatus main body so as to be in contact with the right exterior surface 1D. The double-sided device 7 includes a manual feed table 8 and a lateral opening / closing. Doors 9 are provided so as to be openable and closable up and down. A front opening / closing door 10 is also provided on the front side of the copying machine main body 1 so that it can be opened and closed in the same manner.

FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of the color copying machine shown in FIG.
In the image forming unit 2 of the copier body 1, four image forming stations for forming images of each color of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (B) are endless belts. Are arranged in tandem along an intermediate transfer unit 17 having an intermediate transfer belt 17a, and an optical writing device 13 is installed under four image forming stations.

  Each image forming station has the same configuration, and has photosensitive drums 11Y, 11C, 11M, and 11B as image carriers, respectively, and dedicated charging devices 12Y, 12C, 12M, and 12B, and developing devices, respectively. 14Y, 14C, 14M, 14B, primary transfer rollers 15Y, 15C, 15M, 15B, and cleaning devices 16Y, 16C, 16M, 16B are arranged.

  The optical writing device 13 is arranged for four image forming stations, has one deflector at the center, distributes light beams from four light sources into four systems by one deflector, and performs deflection scanning. Each of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11C, 11M, and 11B writes a latent image, and collimates four light sources using laser diodes (LD) prepared for each color and a laser beam emitted from the light sources. Scanning and imaging lenses such as an optical system, a polygon mirror (rotating polygonal mirror) and a polygon motor and a fθ lens arranged in the optical path of each light source and correction. And an optical system composed of a lens, a mirror and the like. Then, the laser light emitted from the laser diode according to the image information of each color is deflected and scanned by the polygon scanner, and is irradiated to the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11C, 11M, and 11B of each color.

  Also, in the image forming unit 2, toner bottles 32Y, 32C, 32M, and 32B for supplying toner to the developing devices 14Y, 14C, 14M, and 14B of the respective image forming stations are provided below the in-body discharge unit 4. Is provided. The toner bottles 32Y, 32C, 32M, and 32B are filled with yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (B) toners from the left in the drawing. Thus, the toner of each color is supplied to the developing devices 14Y, 14C, 14M, and 14B of each color by a predetermined supply amount.

  The intermediate transfer belt 17a of the intermediate transfer unit 17 is supported by a driving roller, a driven roller, or the like, and is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the drawing. A secondary transfer roller 22 is provided on the right side of the intermediate transfer belt 17a. An intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 18 is provided on the left side of the intermediate transfer belt 17a.

  On the other hand, a recording material storage unit 3 provided under the copying machine main body 1 is provided with two-stage paper feeding cassettes 3a and 3b in which recording paper S as recording material is stored. The recording paper S is fed from the cassette by the paper feeding devices 19a and 19b and fed by the recording material feeding device. That is, the recording sheet S is fed toward the registration roller 21 via the transport rollers 20a and 20b, and the secondary transfer between the secondary transfer roller 22 and the intermediate transfer belt 17a is performed by the registration roller 21 at a predetermined timing. It is sent out toward the nip part.

  A fixing device 35 is installed above the secondary transfer roller 22. Above the fixing device 35, a conveyance roller 23 and a paper discharge roller 24 that convey the recording paper S and discharge the recording paper S toward the in-body paper discharge unit 4 are provided. Further, a switching claw 25 for switching the conveyance path during duplex printing, a reverse conveyance roller 26 for reversing the conveyance direction of the recording paper S in a switchback type, and a reverse conveyance path 27 are provided in front of the conveyance roller 23. ing. Then, the recording paper S temporarily stacked on the reverse conveyance path 27 is reversed in the conveyance direction by the reverse conveyance roller 26, and conveyed by the conveyance rollers 28, 29, and 31 through the double-side conveyance path, and to the registration roller 21. It is configured to be fed again.

  A document reading unit 5 disposed at the upper part of the copying machine body 1 includes a contact glass 5a serving as a document table on which the document is placed, an illumination light source 5b that illuminates the document, and a first light that reflects light reflected from the document. 1 mirror 5c, 2nd mirror 5d, 3rd mirror 5e, an imaging lens 5f that forms an image of reflected light from the document, and an image of a CCD or the like as a reading means that is arranged at the imaging position and reads the document image Sensor 5g is provided.

  On the document reading unit 5, a pressure plate 33 for pressing a document placed on the contact glass 5a, or an automatic document feeder (ADF) for automatically feeding a document to the contact glass 5a, instead of the pressure plate 33, is provided. Provided.

Next, a case where a copy is made using this image forming apparatus will be described.
When taking a copy, first, the pressure plate 33 is opened and the original is set on the contact glass 5a of the original reading unit 5, or when an ADF is provided instead of the pressure plate 33, the original is set on the ADF original table. .

  Next, when the start switch of the operation display unit 6 is pressed, when the document is set on the contact glass 5a, the document reading unit 5 is immediately driven. When the document is set on the document table of the ADF, the document is loaded. After being conveyed and moved onto the contact glass 5a, the document reading unit 5 is driven. Then, the first traveling body on which the light source 5b and the first mirror 5c are mounted and the second traveling body on which the second mirror 5d and the third mirror 5e are mounted are traveled, and the light emitted from the light source 5b is applied to the document surface. The reflected light from the document surface is reflected by the first mirror 5c of the first traveling body and directed toward the second traveling body, and is reflected by the second and third mirrors 5d and 5e of the second traveling body, thereby forming an imaging lens. The image content is read into the image sensor 5g such as a CCD as a reading means through 5f, and the document content is read by the image sensor 5g. Thereafter, when the mode setting on the operation display unit 6 or the automatic mode selection is set on the operation display unit 6, the image forming operation is started in the full color mode or the black and white mode according to the reading result of the document.

  In the image forming unit 2, first, the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11C, 11M, and 11B are uniformly charged by the charging devices 12Y, 12C, 12M, and 12B, and then the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11C, 11M, and 11B are The laser beam is exposed and scanned by an optical writing device 13 having four laser light sources, a common deflector, and four scanning optical systems, and electrostatic latent images are formed on the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11C, 11M, and 11B. Is made.

  Each electrostatic latent image is developed by attaching different color toners by the four color developing devices 14Y, 14C, 14M, and 14B, and is applied to the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11C, 11M, and 11B. Yellow, cyan, magenta, and black toner images are formed.

  Next, a primary transfer voltage is applied to the primary transfer rollers 15Y, 15C, 15M, and 15B, and the toner on the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11C, 11M, and 11B is sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17a. At this time, the image forming operation for each color is executed while shifting the timing from the upstream side toward the downstream side so that the toner image is transferred to the same position on the intermediate transfer belt 17a.

  On the other hand, the recording paper S as the recording material is fed by the paper feeding devices 19a and 19b from any of the paper feeding cassettes 3a and 3b provided in the recording material storage unit 3 in time with the primary transfer operation. Alternatively, when the manual recording paper S is set on the manual feed table 8, the manual recording paper S is fed from the manual feed table 8 by the paper feed roller 30 and sent into the copying machine main body 1 by the transport roller 31. . Then, when the leading edge of the recording sheet S reaches the registration roller 21, it is detected by a sensor (not shown), and the timing is taken based on this detection signal, and the recording sheet S is intermediated between the secondary transfer roller 22 and the registration roller 21. It is sent out toward the secondary transfer nip portion between the transfer belts 17a.

  As described above, the image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 17a is transported to the secondary transfer nip portion on the recording sheet S sent toward the secondary transfer nip portion, and is collectively transferred to the secondary transfer nip portion. . The recording sheet S on which the image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 35, and heat and pressure are applied by passing through the fixing nip to fix the image thereon. Then, the paper is discharged to the in-body discharge unit 4. As a result, a color image is formed on the recording paper S.

  Further, when the duplex mode is selected on the operation display unit 6 and duplex copying is performed, the conveyance path is switched by the switching claw 25, and the fixed recording paper S is temporarily stacked on the reverse conveyance path 27, and then the reverse conveyance roller. In 26, the traveling direction is reversed in a switchback manner, and the conveyance path for both sides is conveyed by the conveyance rollers 28, 29, and 31, and is fed again to the registration roller 21 in time with the image forming operation.

  Then, the sheet is fed again to the secondary transfer nip portion by the registration roller 21, and then the image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 17 a is also transferred to the back side of the recording paper S. The recording sheet S on which the image is also transferred to the back side is conveyed to the fixing device 35 where the image is fixed by heat and pressure, and is conveyed toward the in-body sheet discharge unit 4 by the conveyance roller 23, and the sheet discharge roller 24. Is ejected. As a result, color images are formed on both sides of the recording paper S.

  The residual toner on the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11C, 11M, and 11B is cleaned by the respective cleaning devices 16Y, 16C, 16M, and 16B, and then the charging devices 12Y and 12B in which the bias of the AC component is superimposed and applied to the direct current. 12C, 12M, and 12B are charged at the same time as static elimination, and are prepared for the next image formation. The residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 17a is cleaned by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 18 and is prepared for the next image forming process.

FIG. 3 shows a main body structure 40 constituting the framework of the copying machine main body 1.
The main body structure 40 is made of a steel plate, a base member 41, a pair of opposing first side plates 42 and second side plates 43 standing on the base member 41, and stays and brackets that span between the opposing side plates 42 and 43, etc. Class 44 and the like. The first side plate 42 is a front side plate provided on the operator side indicated by the arrow A of the copying machine main body 1, and the second side plate 43 transmits a driving force to the fixing device 35 and the like on the side opposite to the front side plate. It is a rear side plate provided on the drive transmission side.

  In such a main body structure 40, the above-described photosensitive drums 11Y, 11C, 11M, and 11B, charging devices 12Y, 12C, 12M, and 12B, an optical writing device 13, and developing devices 14Y, 14C, and 14M, 14B, primary transfer rollers 15Y, 15C, 15M, 15B, cleaning devices 16Y, 16C, 16M, 16B, secondary transfer roller 22, fixing device 35, intermediate transfer unit 17, recording material feeding device, etc. are individually unitized. Or, some of them are combined into a process cartridge, and each is supported detachably.

  Among them, the fixing device 35 is positioned and held by a front fixing holding member 45 attached to the first side plate 42 of the main body structure 40 and a rear fixing holding member 46 attached to the second side plate 43, and the first side plate 42. It is supported between the second side plate 43. In FIG. 3, arrow A is the front side that is the operator side of the copying machine main body 1 as described above, arrow B is the rear side, arrow C is the left side, and arrow D is the right side.

FIG. 4 shows the attachment portion of the front fixing holding member 45 as viewed from the inside. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the stopper member 120 is attached to the front fixing holding member 45 using the stopper 121.
As shown in the drawing, a long straight main reference engagement groove 47 and a short sub reference engagement groove 48 are formed in the substantially horizontal direction as engagement guides on the front fixing holding member 45.

  Then, a small step 45a that is slightly lower toward the back of the groove is provided below the entrance of the main reference engagement groove 47, the mounting base 45b of the stopper member 120 is formed upward, and the outer end side of the mounting base 45b ( An insertion groove 45c is provided on the right side surface side of the copying machine main body 1 so as to open toward the front side of the copying machine main body 1. Also, a stopper groove 45e for attaching the stopper 121 is provided at the outer edge 45d on the outer end side of the insertion groove 45c so as to open toward the front side.

  The stopper member 120 has a shape obtained by bending an elongated plate material stepwise in the length direction, a mounting plate portion 120b having a screw hole 120a, a mounting plate portion 120c bent at a right angle therefrom, and then bent again at a right angle. The stopper plate portion 120d has a "<" shape and is bent in parallel with the mounting plate portion 120c. A side plate portion 120e is provided by hanging from one side of the stopper plate portion 120d. On the other hand, the stopper 121 includes a knob portion 121a and a screw portion 121b.

  The stopper member 120 inserts the mounting plate portion 120b into the insertion groove 45c from the front side, positions the mounting plate portion 120b on the inner side of the end edge 45d, and places the mounting plate portion 120c on the mounting base 45b. The stopper plate portion 120d is positioned at the entrance of the engagement groove 47, and the side plate portion 120e is attached to the front fixing holding member 45 with one lower end of the side plate portion 120e applied to the step 45a. Then, the screw portion 121b of the stopper 121 is inserted into the stopper groove 45e and screwed into the screw hole 120a, and the stopper member 120 is securely fixed by the stopper 121 at the end of the main reference engagement grooves 47 and 65 in the pulling direction. ing.

  Then, the fixing holding member 45 is superposed on the outside of the first side plate 42, and is screwed into the screw holes of the first side plate 42 through attachment screws through the plurality of screw insertion long holes of the fixing holding member 45. Attached to the first side plate 42.

FIG. 6 shows the mounting portion of the rear fixing holding member 46 as viewed from the inside. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the stopper member 122 is attached to the rear fixing holding member 46 using the stopper 123.
Corresponding to the front fixing holding member 45 of the first side plate 42, a rear fixing holding member 46 is attached to the second side plate 43. The fixing fixing member 46 on the rear side has, as an engagement guide, a long straight main reference engaging groove 65 corresponding to the main reference engaging groove 47 of the front fixing holding member 45, and a secondary reference engaging groove 48. Correspondingly, a short secondary reference groove 66 is formed substantially horizontally.

  The rear fixing holding member 46 is slightly different in shape from the front fixing holding member 45. Similarly, a small step 46a that slightly lowers toward the back of the groove below the entrance of the main reference engaging groove 65. And the mounting base 46b of the stopper member 122 is formed upward, and an insertion groove 46c is provided on the outer end side of the mounting base 46b so as to open toward the front side. Further, a stopper groove 46e for attaching the stopper 123 is provided on the edge 46d on the outer end side of the insertion groove 46c so as to open upward.

  The stopper member 122 is different in shape from the stopper member 120 on the front side. Similarly, the stopper member 122 has a shape obtained by bending an elongated plate material, and has a mounting plate portion 122b having a screw hole 122a and an elongated mounting plate portion bent at a right angle therefrom. 122c and a stopper plate portion 122d extending straightly after being slightly inclined, and side plate portions 122e are provided by hanging from both sides of the stopper plate portion 120d. On the other hand, the stopper 123 includes a knob portion 123a and a screw portion 123b, just like the front-side stopper 121.

  The stopper member 122 inserts the mounting plate portion 122b into the insertion groove 46c from the front side, positions the mounting plate portion 122b on the inner side of the end edge 46d, and places the mounting plate portion 122c on the mounting base 46b. A stopper plate portion 122d is provided at the entrance of the engagement groove 65, and the lower end of the side plate portion 122e is attached to the step 46a so as to be attached to the rear fixing holding member 46. The screw portion 123b of the stopper 123 is inserted into the stopper groove 46e and screwed into the screw hole 122a. The stopper member 122 is securely fixed by the stopper 123.

8 shows the rear fixing holding member 46 as seen from the outside, and FIG. 9 shows it as seen from the inside.
As shown in the drawing, a fixing lock lever 73 is provided at the position of the secondary reference engagement groove 66 so as to be rotatable upward against the gravity as shown in FIG. Further, in this example, an exhaust hole 100 for airflow is formed, and a rectangular frame-shaped fan holding shape 101 for attaching an exhaust fan is formed around the exhaust hole 100.

  Although not shown in the drawing, the fixing fixing lever 45 is located at the position of the secondary reference engagement groove 48 on the front fixing holding member 45 as well as the rear fixing holding member 46, and the tip end side resists gravity at the base end side as a fulcrum. And it is provided so that it can rotate upwards. In addition, an intake hole 88 (see FIG. 10) is formed in the front fixing holding member 45 so as to face the air exhaust hole 100 of the rear fixing holding member 46.

  Then, the fixing holding members 45 and 46 are superposed on the outer sides of the side plates 42 and 43, and screwed into the screw holes of the side plates 42 and 43 through the respective screw insertion long holes of the fixing holding members 45 and 46, respectively. The holding members 45 and 46 are attached to the side plates 42 and 43. As a result, the main reference engagement groove 65 of the rear fixing holding member 46 is opposed to the main reference engagement groove 47 of the front fixing holding member 45, and the sub reference engagement groove 66 of the rear fixing holding member 46 is changed. It is opposed to the secondary reference engagement groove 48 of the front fixing holding member 45.

FIG. 10 shows a state in which the fixing device 35 is supported between the front and rear fixing holding members 45 and 46 as viewed from the front side.
As will be described later in detail, the fixing device 35 is of an electromagnetic induction heating type, and includes a fixing device main body 75 and a magnetic flux generator 76. The fixing device main body 75 includes a fixing roller 77 as a fixing rotation member and a pressure roller 78 as a pressure rotation member. Reference numeral 63 in the drawing denotes a plurality of mounting screws for attaching the front fixing holding member 45 to the first side plate 42.

FIG. 11 shows the external appearance of the fixing device 35 as viewed from the diagonally upper side on the right side.
As shown in the figure, on the front side and the rear side of the fixing device 35, as an engagement guide, a main reference protrusion 70 and a shaft-like sub reference protrusion 71 respectively protrude forward or rearward with a space therebetween. Is provided. In addition, a hanging handle 72 is formed upward at the front and rear of the upper surface, and a loading / unloading handle 74 is formed at the front and rear of the right side so as to protrude rightward.

FIG. 12 shows an internal configuration of the electromagnetic induction heating type fixing device 35.
The fixing device 35 includes a fixing device main body 75 and a magnetic flux generator 76. The fixing device main body 75 includes a fixing roller 77 as a fixing rotation member and a pressure roller 78 as a pressure rotation member. The fixing roller 77 includes a fixing sleeve 50 that is a heat generating rotating member that generates heat by the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generating means 76, and a fixing auxiliary roller 51 included therein. In the illustrated example, the fixing sleeve 50 is fixed to the outer periphery of the auxiliary fixing roller 51 by bonding or the like. However, the fixing sleeve 50 may be provided so as to freely rotate around the auxiliary fixing roller 51 without being fixed.

  The base material to be the heat generating layer of the fixing sleeve 50 is, for example, a magnetic metal member such as iron, cobalt, nickel, or an alloy of these metals, a nonmagnetic metal member such as SUS304 or SUS316, or polyimide resin or the like with copper, silver, It is made of a good conductor such as aluminum plated with a thickness of 5 to 20 μm, and the thickness is 30 to 100 μm. In the case of a color fixing device such as the illustrated example, in particular, in order to prevent fixing unevenness, an elastic layer made of silicone rubber is provided on the surface, for example, 30 to 200 μm, and further, for example, A release layer with the toner may be formed by covering with a 20 to 50 μm PFA tube.

  The fixing auxiliary roller 51 is configured by providing an elastic member made of heat-resistant elastic member or elastic foamed silicone rubber member around a metal core such as carbon steel. The thickness of the elastic member is, for example, 2 to 10 mm, and the on-axis hardness is about Asker C15 to 50 Hs.

  The pressure roller 78 is urged by a spring (not shown) to press against the fixing auxiliary roller 51 via the fixing sleeve 50 to form a fixing nip with the fixing roller 77. Is rotated in the forward direction. For example, an outer diameter of 40 mm is provided on the surface of a metal core made of a metal cylindrical member such as carbon steel, and an elastic member made of silicone rubber having high heat resistance is provided. It is set as the structure coat | covered with the outstanding PFA tube. The thickness of the elastic member is 1 to 5 mm, and the thickness of the PFA tube is 20 to 50 μm.

The fixing device main body 75 includes a fixing inlet 52 located below the fixing nip, the fixing outlet 53 is provided which is positioned above the fixing nip. The fixing inlet 52 is provided with inlet guides 54 and 55, and the fixing outlet 53 is provided with an outlet guide 56, which is a discharge guide member for the recording paper S, together with a paper separating plate.

  On the other hand, the magnetic flux generator 76 that generates magnetic flux has a coil housing 57 disposed close to the outer peripheral surface of the fixing sleeve 50. An exciting coil 58 is wound around the coil housing 57. In the exciting coil 58, a long exciting coil wire is alternately wound in the axial direction of the fixing sleeve 50 along the coil housing 57, and the oscillation circuit is connected to a frequency variable drive power source (not shown). An excitation coil core 59 is provided outside the excitation coil 58. The exciting coil core 59 is made of a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite, and is fixed to the coil housing 57 and is disposed close to the exciting coil 58. In the illustrated example, a material having a relative permeability of 2500 is used.

  A high frequency alternating current of 10 kHz to 1 MHz, preferably a high frequency alternating current of 20 kHz to 800 kHz is supplied to the exciting coil 58 from the drive power source, thereby generating an alternating magnetic field. This alternating magnetic field acts on the heat generation layer of the fixing sleeve 50 in the fixing sleeve 50 region near the exciting coil 58, and an eddy current flows in the fixing sleeve 50 in a direction that prevents the change of the alternating magnetic field. This eddy current generates Joule heat corresponding to the resistance of the heat generating layer of the fixing sleeve 50, and the fixing sleeve 50 is heated by electromagnetic induction mainly in the fixing sleeve 50 region near the exciting coil 58 and its vicinity.

  Then, the recording sheet S after the image transfer is inserted into the fixing device 35 from the fixing inlet 52, guided by the inlet guides 55 and 56, guided to the fixing nip, passed through the fixing nip, and the fixing roller 77 and the pressure roller 78. While the recording paper S is conveyed by the rotation of the recording paper S, heat and pressure are applied to fix the image on the recording paper S, and the recording paper S on which the image has been fixed is separated from the fixing roller 77 by the paper separation plate, and then is exited. Guided by 56 and discharged from the fixing outlet 53.

  By the way, in the illustrated fixing device 35, the magnetic flux generator 76 is fixed between the front and rear fixing holding members 45 and 46 and is configured to be detachable from the fixing device main body 75. In the fixing device main body 75, the main reference protrusion 70 is inserted into the main reference engagement grooves 47 and 65 of the front and rear fixing holding members 45 and 46, and the sub reference protrusion 71 is inserted into the sub reference engagement grooves of the front and rear fixing holding members 45 and 46. 48 and 66, the fixing device 35 is inserted between the front and rear fixing holding members 45 and 46.

  In the inserted fixing device main body 75, the slave reference projection 71 eventually hits the curved surface 73a (see FIG. 9) of the fixing lock lever 73 provided on the front and rear fixing holding members 45, 46, and pushes it against gravity. Then, the fixing device main body 75 is pushed further into the back. Then, when the main reference projections 70 are respectively abutted in the groove depths of the main reference engagement grooves 47 and 65, the fixing lock lever 73 is returned by gravity and is latched on the sub reference projection 71, and Return is blocked. As a result, the fixing device main body 75 is supported by the first side plate 42 and the second side plate 43 of the main body structure 40 as shown in FIG. 10, and the fixing roller 77 enters the coil housing 57 of the magnetic flux generator 76. The fixing sleeve 50 and the exciting coil 58 are arranged close to each other and attached to the copying machine main body 1. The attached fixing device main body 75 is driven by driving force transmitted from the rear side.

FIG. 13 shows a state in which the fixing device 35 is mounted between the front fixing holding member 45 and the rear fixing holding member 46.
After the fixing device main body 75 is attached, stopper members 120 and 122 are attached to the first side plate 42 and the second side plate 43 using stoppers 121 and 123, respectively.

FIG. 14 shows a state in which the cooling fan 90 is attached to the fan holding shape 89 of the front fixing holding member 45.
When the magnetic flux generator 76 is in operation, the cooling fan 90 is driven to take in outside air from the intake hole 88 of the front fixing holding member 45, and is discharged through the air passage through the exhaust hole 100 of the rear fixing holding member 46. The excitation coil 58 of the magnetic flux generator 76 is cooled so that the heat generation efficiency of the fixing roller 77 does not fall.

  Incidentally, in recent years, space savings in offices have progressed, and downsizing of image forming apparatuses has been demanded, and as a copying machine, the vertical conveyance type as described above has become mainstream today. In such an image forming apparatus, the recording paper S as a recording material is often clogged between the registration roller 21 and the fixing device 35 shown in FIG. The recording paper S is removed.

FIG. 15 shows a case where a jam occurs in the fixing device 35. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the double-sided device 7 is opened to perform jam processing, as viewed from the front of the copying machine main body 1.
As shown in FIG. 15, when the recording paper S is jammed in the fixing device 35 in the middle of passing, the duplex unit 7 is tilted outward with the lower side as a fulcrum as shown in FIG. Open like so. Then, a depressurization mechanism (not shown) works to release the pressing of the pressure roller 78 against the fixing roller 77 as shown in FIG. 15, and the jammed recording paper S can be easily removed by pulling it upward or downward. It has been made possible.

  However, heat is accumulated in the fixing device 35 having the fixing sleeve 50 which is a heat generating rotating member, and is provided in the vicinity of the fixing device 35 of the main body structure 40 or above the fixing device 35 by the heat. The transport rollers 23 and the like are hot, and there is a risk of touching them when removing the recording paper S sandwiched between the fixing devices 35, so care must be taken not to burn yourself.

  Therefore, in the above-described vertical conveyance type copying machine, the jammed recording paper S can be easily taken out without touching the fixing device 35, the main body structure 40, the conveyance roller 23, and the like. The double-sided device 7 also serving as a cover is opened, and the magnetic flux generator 76 is left in the copying machine main body 1 so that only the fixing device main body 75 can be detached from the magnetic flux generating unit 76 and pulled out to the outside from the copying machine main body 1.

When the fixing device main body 75 is taken out from the copying machine main body 1, the fixing device is opened by turning the fixing lock lever 73 with the hand and the latching with respect to the sub-reference projection 71 is removed. The main body 75 is slid in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof, the main reference protrusion 70 is guided by the main reference engagement grooves 47 and 65, and the sub reference protrusion 71 is guided by the sub reference engagement grooves 48 and 66. And pull out. The fixing roller 77 and the pressure roller 78 described above are juxtaposed in the horizontal direction, and the pressure roller 78 is located downstream of the fixing roller 77 in the pull-out direction of the fixing device main body 75. In FIG. 15, reference numeral 60 denotes a paper discharge device having the transport roller 23 and the paper discharge roller 24.

FIG. 17A shows the positional relationship between the main reference projection 70 on the front side and the stopper member 120 before the fixing device main body 75 is pulled out, and FIG. 17B shows the positional relationship after the pulling out.
Before the fixing device main body 75 is pulled out, the front main reference projection 70 and the stopper member 120 are in a position separated from each other as shown in FIG. 17A, but when pulled out, as shown in FIG. The main reference projection 70 abuts against the stopper plate portion 120d and the side plate portion 120e of the stopper member 120. Although not shown in the drawing, the main reference projection 70 on the rear side of the fixing device main body 75 and the stopper member 122 are also initially separated from each other, but when pulled out, the main reference projection 70 on the rear side is a stopper plate of the stopper member 122. It abuts on the portion 122d and the side plate portion 122e.

  At this time, the lower side of the side plate portions 120e and 122e that abut the front and rear main reference protrusions 70 is applied to the steps 45a and 46a, and the main reference protrusion 70 and the stopper members 120 and 122 are subjected to shearing forces between the end surfaces. Therefore, it is possible to reduce deformation when they are abutted together, and even if the main reference protrusion 70 is abutted against the stopper members 120 and 122 with a slight impact by pulling out the fixing device main body 75 with a strong force. Is not generated.

FIG. 18 shows a state in which the fixing device main body 75 is completely pulled out and the main reference projection 70 is abutted against the stopper members 120 and 122.
At the time of jam processing, when the fixing device main body 75 is pulled out and the main reference projection 70 is abutted against the stopper members 120 and 122, at least the fixing device main body 75 and the fixing outlet 53 are the copying machine main body 1 as shown in FIG. It can be pulled out to the first position that has reached the position of the right exterior surface 1D (see FIG. 1). In this way, it is possible to easily remove the jammed paper without disturbing the right exterior surface 1D of the copying machine main body 1.

FIG. 19 shows another state when the fixing device main body 75 is completely pulled out and the main reference projection 70 is abutted against the stopper members 120 and 122.
In the copying machine of this example, when the fixing device main body 75 is pulled out and the main reference projection 70 is abutted against the stopper members 120 and 122 during the jam processing, the fixing sleeve 50 of the fixing roller 77 is attached to the exterior surface of the copying machine main body 1. Only the second position immediately before completely protruding from the 1D position can be pulled out. In this way, without exposing the fixing sleeve 50, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that an operator inadvertently touches the fixing sleeve 50 and damages the fixing sleeve 50 or burns the heated fixing sleeve 50. it can.

  Thus, when the fixing device main body 75 is pulled out, the fixing sleeve 50 is moved from the first position shown in FIG. 18 where the fixing outlet 53 reaches the outer surface 1D position of the copying machine main body 1 to the outer surface 1D of the copying machine main body 1. When the stopper members 120 and 122 that stop when the fixing device main body 75 comes into contact with the second position shown in FIG. 19 immediately before completely protruding from the position are provided, it is easy to take out jammed paper, and The possibility of damaging the fixing sleeve 50 or causing burns by the fixing sleeve 50 can be eliminated.

FIG. 20 shows another example in which the case shape of the fixing device main body 75 is changed.
As shown in the drawing, when the fixing device main body 75 is pulled out to the second position, the case portion 61 that covers the fixing sleeve 50 of the fixing device main body 75 from above enters the position of the exterior surface 1D of the copying machine main body 1. As a result, the case portion 61 becomes a wrinkle, and the possibility of the operator inadvertently touching the fixing sleeve 50 can be further reduced without further exposing the fixing sleeve 50.

FIG. 21 shows a positional relationship between the fixing device main body 75, the magnetic flux generation unit 76, and the paper discharge device 60 when the fixing device main body 75 is pulled out during the jam processing.
Also in this example, when the duplex unit 7 is opened, a pressure-removing mechanism (not shown) works to release the pressing of the pressure roller 78 against the fixing roller 77 as shown in the figure, and the jammed recording sheet S is moved upward or downward. It should be easy to pull out and remove.

  By the way, in this example, an exit guide 56 provided as a recording material guide member at the fixing outlet 53 is a closed position (see FIG. 12) for guiding the recording paper S after image fixing, and an opening shown in the figure that greatly opens the opening of the fixing outlet 53. It can be opened and closed at any position. Therefore, at the time of jam processing, the exit guide 56 is opened to the open position shown in the figure, thereby making it easier to take out jammed paper from the fixing device main body 75 further. Jam paper can be removed safely and easily without touching the hand.

  By the way, when the fixing device main body 75 is pulled out to a position where the main reference projection 70 abuts against the stopper members 120 and 122, further pulling out of the fixing device main body 75 is blocked, and the fixing device main body 75 is taken out from the copying machine main body 1. It is not possible. When the fixing device main body 75 is taken out, the stoppers 120 and 122 that are exposed when the double-sided device 7 is opened are removed, the stopper members 120 and 122 are removed, the fixing device main body 75 is further pulled out, and The main reference protrusion 70 and the sub reference protrusion 71 engaged with the reference engagement grooves 47 and 65 and the sub reference engagement grooves 48 and 66 are removed.

  In the illustrated example, the stoppers 121 and 123 are screwed to fix the stopper members 120 and 122, but the stopper members may be fixed by attaching the stoppers by patching. It is preferable to allow the operator to easily attach and remove without using a tool.

FIG. 22 shows a state immediately after the fixing device 35 of this example is set in the copying machine main body 1.
In this example, until the fixing device 35 is set in the copying machine main body 1, the sheet-like protection member 62 is provided so as to cover the image fixing surface of the fixing sleeve 50 that is a heat generating rotating member. The protective member 62 is made of, for example, a 2 mm-thick sponge material or an air cap and is wound around the image fixing surface of the fixing sleeve 50 and pulled out from the fixing inlet 52. A ring is provided at the leading end of the protective member 62 for pulling out. A handle 64 is formed. The protective member 62 can be removed after the fixing device 35 is set in the copying machine main body 1 in the same manner as when the jammed paper is taken out during the jam processing. Thus, until the fixing device 35 is set in the copying machine main body 1, it can be protected by the protective member 62 to prevent the fixing sleeve 50 from being damaged.

  In the above-described example, the fixing roller 77 that is a fixing rotating member includes the fixing sleeve 50 that is a heat generating rotating member, and a fixing auxiliary roller 51 included therein. The fixing sleeve 50 is fixed to the outer periphery of the auxiliary fixing roller 51 by adhesion or the like. Thus, the fixing rotating member may be the fixing roller 77 constituted by the heat generating rotating member itself, or it may be a fixing belt-like member that itself is constituted by the heat generating rotating member that is wound around one or a plurality of rollers. It may be a thing. Alternatively, a fixing belt that generates heat by the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generation unit 76 using the heating roller as a heat generating rotating member, is wound around the heating roller and heated by the heating roller may be used as the fixing rotating member.

1 is an external view of a color copying machine that is an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. It is an internal block diagram of the color copying machine. It is a perspective view of the main body structure which comprises the framework of the copying machine main body of the color copying machine. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a mounting portion of a front fixing holding member as viewed from the inside. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a stopper member is attached to the front fixing holding member using a stopper. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a mounting portion of a rear fixing holding member as viewed from the inside. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a stopper member is attached to a rear fixing holding member using a stopper. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a rear fixing holding member as viewed from the outside. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a rear fixing holding member as viewed from the inside. FIG. 3 is a front view of a state in which a fixing device is supported between front and rear fixing holding members. It is a perspective view of an electromagnetic induction heating type fixing device. It is an internal block diagram of an electromagnetic induction heating type fixing device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the fixing device is attached between a front fixing holding member and a rear fixing holding member. It is a perspective view showing a state where a cooling fan is attached to the fan holding shape of the front fixing holding member. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram when a jam occurs in the fixing device. FIG. 3 is a front view of a copying machine main body showing a state in which a double-sided device is opened to perform jam processing. (A) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the front main reference projection and the stopper member before pulling out the fixing device main body, and (B) is a diagram showing the positional relationship after pulling out. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state when the fixing device main body is completely pulled out and a main reference protrusion is abutted against a stopper member. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another state when the fixing device main body is completely pulled out and the main reference protrusion is abutted against the stopper member. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example in which the case shape of the fixing device main body is changed. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a fixing device main body, a magnetic flux generation unit, and a paper discharge device when the fixing device main body is pulled out during jam processing. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state immediately after the fixing device of this example is set in the copying machine main body.

Explanation of symbols

1. Copier body (image forming device body)
1D Exterior surface of right side of copying machine body 7 Double-sided device 35 Fixing device 45 Front fixing holding member 46 Rear fixing holding member 47 Main reference engagement groove (engagement guide)
48 Sub-reference engagement groove (engagement guide)
50 Fixing sleeve (heat generating rotating member)
53 Fixing outlet 56 Exit guide (recording material guide member)
61 Case part (part that covers the heat generating rotating member from above)
62 Protection member 65 Main reference protrusion (engagement guide)
66 Secondary reference protrusion (engagement guide)
70 Main reference protrusion (engagement guide)
71 Secondary reference protrusion (engagement guide)
75 Fixing Device Body 76 Magnetic Flux Generator 77 Fixing Roller (Fixing Rotating Member)
78 Pressure roller (Pressure rotating member)
120 Stopper member 121 Stopper 122 Stopper member 123 Stopper S Recording paper (recording material)

Claims (7)

Fixing by pressing against a fixing rotating member composed of a magnetic flux generating unit that generates magnetic flux, a heat generating rotating member that generates heat by the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generating unit, and the heat generating rotating member itself or a rotating member heated by it A pressure rotating member that forms a nip; a fixing inlet positioned below the fixing nip; and a fixing outlet positioned above the fixing nip; and a recording material inserted from the fixing inlet to the fixing nip and through to fix the image on the recording material while conveying the recording medium by the rotation of the fixing rotary member and the pressure rotating member to a recording material after image fixation in an electromagnetic induction heating system for discharging from the fixing exit An image forming apparatus provided with a fixing device, wherein the magnetic flux generator is configured to be detachable from a fixing device main body of the fixing device, and The fixing device main body is provided so as to be pulled out in a horizontal direction, the fixing rotary member and the pressure rotating member with being juxtaposed in the horizontal direction, the pressurizing rotary member, than said fixing rotating member, wherein in the image forming apparatus that is located in the withdrawal direction downstream of the fixing device main body,
When the fixing device main body is pulled out, the fixing outlet immediately reaches the exterior surface position of the image forming apparatus body from the first position where the fixing outlet has reached the exterior surface position of the image forming apparatus body. An image forming apparatus comprising a stopper member that stops when the fixing device main body comes into contact with the second position.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the fixing device main body is pulled out to the second position, a portion of the fixing device main body that covers the heat generating rotating member from above is an exterior surface of the image forming apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is inserted into a position.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording material guide member is openable and closable between a closed position where the recording material guide member guides the recording material after image fixing and an open position where the opening of the fixing outlet is greatly opened. An image forming apparatus provided in the apparatus.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an engagement guide is formed on the image forming apparatus body and the fixing apparatus body to engage with each other and guide a pulling direction of the fixing apparatus body. 5. An image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the stopper member is provided at a terminal end of the engagement guide of the image forming apparatus main body in the pulling direction.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stopper member is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus.   7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a protective member to be removed after the fixing device is set on the image forming apparatus main body is provided so as to cover the image fixing surface of the heat generating rotating member. An image forming apparatus.

Images