JP7039273B2 - Fixing device and image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fixing device and an image forming device.

In recent years, it has been desired for an image forming apparatus to be able to output deliverables corresponding to various media, and various media-compatible technologies are required. Further, in the fixing device of the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to prevent the occurrence of "jam with fixing winding" in which various recording materials that have been passed through the paper are wound without being separated from the fixing member. It is mentioned as one of. In addition, in the unlikely event that "jam with fixing winding" occurs, it is also a necessary technology to detect it immediately and stop it. This is because the detection takes a long time, and the larger the ratio of the length of the recording material wound around the fixing member when stopped, the more difficult the processing of the recording material becomes.

In view of the above problems, Patent Document 1 proposes a fixing device provided with a paper ejection sensor for detecting the occurrence of "fixing winding jam" inside the device. By providing a paper ejection sensor in the vicinity of the nip portion of the fixing member, it is possible to detect when a "fixing winding jam" occurs at an early stage.

As described in Patent Document 1, when a paper ejection sensor is provided in the fixing device, it is combined with a sensor flag having a rotating flag portion and a photointerruptor whose logic is switched by transmitting / blocking light by the flag portion. Is a technique that is often used. In such a configuration, the flag portion of the sensor flag must be assembled so as to sneak into the optical axis portion formed by the light emitting portion (light emitting element) and the light receiving portion (photo sensor) of the photo interrupter.

Further, it is not desirable to arrange the photo interrupter in a high temperature environment because of the heat resistance of the electric substrate mounted on the photo interrupter. In the fixing device of the image forming apparatus, an opening is provided in the housing of the fixing device, the detection unit of the paper ejection sensor is arranged in the transport area of the recording material, and the flag portion is arranged outside the housing through the opening. Therefore, the photo interrupter may be placed outside the housing where the ambient temperature is relatively low. Further, it is desirable to set the opening as small as possible in order to increase the strength and rigidity of the housing itself.

In the prior art, a so-called "tilt assembly" is often used in which the flag portion of the sensor flag is assembled so as not to come into contact with the photo interrupter and the housing.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-99174

Here, in recent years, in the image forming apparatus, in order to achieve high quality and stable operation, it is required to ship the product in an even higher quality state. For that purpose, it is important not only to improve the quality and performance of individual parts, but also to suppress problems that occur when assembling them and when service personnel perform maintenance in the market. Specifically, when the parts are attached, they may be deformed or damaged due to unintentional contact with peripheral parts.

When the sensor flag is assembled in the conventional manner, it may unintentionally come into contact with the photo interrupter or peripheral parts if it moves to a path other than the correct trajectory in the mounting process. As a result, the above problems may occur.

Further, in order to stably assemble the device, it is one of the necessary technologies to configure the device so that it can be automatically assembled by an automatic machine. When assembling with an automatic machine, it is necessary to move the parts with a high degree of freedom, which makes it difficult for the automatic machine to handle. Alternatively, there is a problem that a very expensive automatic machine such as a robot arm must be used.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device capable of accurately positioning with respect to a detection unit in an assembling work of a moving member including a flag unit that moves between a light receiving unit and a light emitting unit of the detection unit.

In order to achieve the above object, the fixing device according to the present invention has the first and second rotating bodies forming the nip portion for fixing the toner image on the recording material, and the downstream of the nip portion with respect to the transport direction of the recording material. A moving member that moves when the recording material reaches a predetermined position on the side and in a passage region through which the recording material can pass in the longitudinal direction of the first rotating body, and is located at the predetermined position. A moving member having a contact portion that comes into contact with the recording material and a flag portion that moves as the contact portion moves due to the recording material that comes into contact with the contact portion, and is located outside the passage region in the longitudinal direction. The first support side plate that rotatably supports the first rotating body and has an opening having a size through which the flag portion can pass, and the longitudinal direction thereof. A second support side plate that is located on the opposite side of the passage region from the first support side plate and rotatably supports the first rotating body, the first support side plate, and the second support side plate. It has a support plate extending in the longitudinal direction and having a first convex portion and a hole portion, a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and moves between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion. A detection unit that detects the flag unit, which is located outside the first support side plate that is opposite to the passage region with the first support side plate sandwiched in the longitudinal direction, and the detection unit. A holding portion that holds a moving member and is assembled to the support plate while holding the moving member, and the flag portion is the passing region in the assembling operation in which the holding portion is assembled to the support plate. The first convex portion fits the movement of the holding portion in the first direction from the passing region side toward the opening so as to pass through the opening of the first support side plate from the side. When the holding portion is moved in the first direction by the guide of the slit portion and the guide of the slit portion and the first convex portion, the holding portion of the support plate is held by abutting with the support plate. The slit portion and the first When the flag portion is positioned between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion in the longitudinal direction by moving the holding portion in the first direction by using the convex portion of the above as a guide, the second convex portion is formed. A fixing device that fits into the hole portion, wherein the flag portion has a second convex portion that comes into contact with the support plate. When the position of the holding portion in the height direction is restricted, the outside of the first support side plate is viewed from the longitudinal direction with the position between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion as a viewpoint in the longitudinal direction. When the second convex portion is fitted in the hole portion on the projection surface and is located inside the opening portion and does not overlap with the detection portion, the detection unit is located on the projection surface. It is characterized by being located at a position that overlaps with.

Further, another fixing device according to the present invention includes the first and second rotating bodies forming the nip portion for fixing the toner image on the recording material, and the downstream side of the nip portion with respect to the transport direction of the recording material. A moving member that moves when the recording material reaches a predetermined position in a passage region through which the recording material can pass in the longitudinal direction of the first rotating body, and is a recording material located at the predetermined position. A moving member having a contact portion in contact with the contact portion, a flag portion in which the contact portion moves as the contact portion moves due to the recording material in contact with the contact portion, and a moving member located outside the passage region in the longitudinal direction. A first support side plate that rotatably supports the first rotating body, the first support side plate having an opening having a size through which the flag portion can pass, and the passage region in the longitudinal direction. A second support side plate that is located on the opposite side of the first support side plate and rotatably supports the first rotating body, and is connected to the first support side plate and the second support side plate. As described above, it has a support plate extending in the longitudinal direction and having a first convex portion and a second convex portion, a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and moves between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion. A detection unit that detects the flag unit, which is located outside the first support side plate that is opposite to the passage region with the first support side plate sandwiched in the longitudinal direction, and the detection unit. A holding portion that holds a moving member and is assembled to the support plate while holding the moving member, and the flag portion is the passing region in the assembling operation in which the holding portion is assembled to the support plate. The first convex portion fits the movement of the holding portion in the first direction from the passing region side toward the opening so as to pass through the opening of the first support side plate from the side. When the holding portion is moved in the first direction by the guide of the slit portion and the guide of the slit portion and the first convex portion, the holding portion of the support plate is held by abutting with the holding portion . The holding portion has a hole portion into which the second convex portion that regulates the position in the height direction of the holding portion, which is a direction orthogonal to the support surface that supports the portion, and a holding portion having the holding portion. When the flag portion is positioned between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion in the longitudinal direction by moving the holding portion in the first direction with the slit portion and the first convex portion as a guide, the said The fixing device in which the second convex portion fits into the hole portion, and the flag portion has the second convex portion abutting on the holding portion . When the position of the holding portion in the height direction is restricted by the above method, the outside of the first support side plate is viewed from the longitudinal direction with the position between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion as a viewpoint in the longitudinal direction. When the second convex portion is fitted in the hole portion on the projected projection surface, which is located inside the opening and does not overlap with the detection portion, the projection surface is said to be the same. It is characterized in that it is located at a position that overlaps with the detection unit.

Further, another fixing device according to the present invention includes a first and second rotating body that forms a nip portion for fixing a toner image on a recording material.
Movement that moves when the recording material reaches a predetermined position on the downstream side of the nip portion in the transport direction of the recording material and in the passage region through which the recording material can pass in the longitudinal direction of the first rotating body. A moving member having a contact portion that comes into contact with a recording material located at a predetermined position, and a flag portion that moves as the contact portion moves due to the recording material that comes into contact with the contact portion. A first support side plate that is located outside the passage region in the longitudinal direction and rotatably supports the first rotating body, and has an opening having a size through which the flag portion can pass. A second support side plate located on the side opposite to the first support side plate across the passage region in the longitudinal direction, and a second support side plate that rotatably supports the first rotating body, and the first support side plate. The flag having a support plate extending in the longitudinal direction so as to connect to the support side plate 1 and the second support side plate, a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and moving between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion. A detection unit that detects a unit, the detection unit located outside the first support side plate on the opposite side of the passage region with the first support side plate sandwiched in the longitudinal direction, and the moving member. It has a holding portion that is held and assembled to the support plate while holding the moving member, and a first convex portion is provided on one of the support plate and the holding portion, and the support plate is provided. And the other of the holding portion, the slit portion for guiding the movement of the holding portion in the first direction from the passing region side toward the opening by fitting the first convex portion is provided. When the holding portion is moved in the first direction by the guide of the slit portion and the first convex portion to one of the support plate and the holding portion, the support plate and the other of the holding portions are in contact with each other. Thereby, the support plate and the holding portion are provided with a second convex portion that regulates the position in the height direction of the holding portion, which is a direction orthogonal to the support surface supporting the holding portion of the support plate. On the other hand, the flag portion is provided with a hole portion into which the second convex portion is fitted, and the holding portion is moved in the first direction by using the slit portion and the first convex portion as a guide. A fixing device in which the second convex portion fits into the hole portion when located between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion in the longitudinal direction, and the flag portion is supported by the second convex portion. When the position of the holding portion in the height direction is restricted by abutting on the other side of the plate and the holding portion, the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion of the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion with respect to the longitudinal direction. In the projection surface looking at the outside of the first support side plate from the longitudinal direction with the position between them as a viewpoint, the projection surface is located inside the opening and does not overlap with the detection portion, and is located at the second position. When the convex portion of the above is fitted in the hole portion, it is characterized in that it is located at a position overlapping with the detection portion on the projection surface.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a device capable of accurately positioning the detection unit in the assembling work of the moving member including the flag unit that moves between the light receiving unit and the light emitting unit of the detection unit.

It is a schematic whole block diagram which shows the image forming apparatus equipped with the fixing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the transport part of the fixing device provided with the sensor flag adjustment unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) is a perspective view showing a sensor flag according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a perspective view showing a state in which a sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is assembled. (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is an exploded view showing the inside of the fixing device according to the present embodiment. It is a side view which shows the sensor flag which concerns on embodiment of this invention with and without paper. It is a perspective view, the sectional view and the enlarged view of the state which assembled the sensor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which looked at the X direction and Z direction of the state which disassembled the sensor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an assembly process diagram (assembly start state) of the sensor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an assembly process diagram (X direction regulation state) of the sensor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an assembly process figure (state which passed through the opening of the front side plate) of the sensor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an assembly process diagram (assembly completion state) of the sensor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<< First Embodiment >>
(Image forming device)
FIG. 1 shows a tandem type full-color printer as an image forming apparatus equipped with a fixing device equipped with a sensor flag adjusting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic configuration cross section along a transport direction of a recording material P. It is a figure. In the recording material P, a toner image is formed at the image forming portion.

The printer shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming unit 10 of each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and Bk (black). The photosensitive drums a to d of the image forming units 1a to 1d are precharged by a charger, and then a latent image is formed by the laser scanner 6. The latent image becomes a toner image by the developer. The toner images of the photosensitive drums a to d are sequentially transferred by the primary transfer rollers 2a to 2d to, for example, the intermediate transfer belt 2 which is an image carrier.

On the other hand, the recording material P is sent out one by one from the paper feed cassette 4, passes through the transport path 45 after paper feed, and is sent to the resist roller pair 9. The resist roller pair 9 once receives the recording material P, and if the recording material P is skewed, straightens it. Then, the resist roller pair 9 feeds the recording material P between the intermediate transfer belt 2 and the secondary transfer roller 3a in synchronization with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 2.

The color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt is transferred to the recording material P by, for example, the secondary transfer roller 3a, which is a transfer body. After that, the toner image on the recording material passes through the transport path 30 before fixing, and the recording material P is heated and pressurized by the fixing device 40 to be fixed to the recording material P.

When the toner image is formed on only one side of the recording material P, the recording material P is discharged to the paper ejection tray 12 via the paper ejection roller 11 by switching the switching flapper 46. When the toner images are formed on both sides of the recording material P, the recording material P on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 40 is conveyed in the vertical direction, and further conveyed by the paper ejection roller 11. Then, when the rear end of the paper reaches the inversion point 42, the paper ejection roller 11 is switched back and conveyed by the reverse rotation.

Then, after passing through the double-sided transport path 47 by the switching flapper 46, a toner image is formed on the other surface through the same process as the one-sided image formation, and the toner image is discharged to the paper output tray 12. The portion composed of the switchback operation of the flapper 46 and the paper ejection roller 11 is an example of the reversing means.

A door 80 is provided on the main body of the apparatus so as to be rotatable to the right side of FIG. 1 with the hinge 90 as the center of rotation for the purpose of removing or maintaining the recording material P when it is clogged in the transport path. One of the pre-fixing transfer path 30, the secondary transfer roller 3a, and the resist roller pair 9 (on the right side in FIG. 1) is provided in the door 80, and when the door 80 is opened, the paper discharge roller 11 is provided from the transfer path 45 after feeding. A transport path other than the fuser 40 is opened between the two.

(Fixing device)
2A and 2B are cross-sectional views showing a transport portion of a fixing device provided with a sensor flag adjusting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the fixing device, and FIG. 4B is a sectional view showing the inside of the fixing device. It is an exploded view which shows the inside of this fixing device. The heating device 110 provided in the fixing device 40 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed against the elasticity of the pressure roller 120 by the following configuration to form the fixing nip portion N. The heating device 110 is provided with flanges 116 at both ends in the vertical direction of the paper surface, and the flanges 116 are connected to the metal stay 114.

One end of the pressure spring 115 (FIG. 4) is connected to a fixing device housing (not shown), and the other end is connected to the pressure arm 123 (FIG. 4). The pressurizing arm 123 is rotatably held around the rotation center C (FIG. 4A), and one end of the pressurizing arm 123 is urged by the pressurizing spring 115 so that the pressurizing arm 123 is flanged. Gives force to 116. Then, the flange 116 is pressed in the direction of the pressure roller 120.

That is, the urging force transmitted to the flange 116 acts on both ends of the metal stay 114 (FIG. 4B), and as a result, the metal stay 114 is pressed toward the pressure roller 120. As a result, the heat insulating holder 112 contact-arranged on the metal stay 114 and the heater 111 contact-arranged on the heat insulating holder 112 are integrated and pressed in the direction of the pressurizing roller 120.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, the metal stay 114 has both ends in the longitudinal direction protruding from the heat insulating holder 112 and is inserted into the flange 116, and the pressure arm 123 arranged on the flange 116 is provided. It is pressurized by the pressurizing spring 115. The load is uniformly transmitted over the longitudinal direction of the insulation holder 112 via the stay 114.

In the fixing nip portion N, the fixing film 113 as a rotating body is bent by being sandwiched between the heating heater 111 and the pressurizing roller 120 as an opposing body (rotating body) due to the pressing force, and the heating heater 111 It will be in close contact with the heated surface. The pressurizing roller 120 obtains a driving force that rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 4A from a motor (not shown) by means of a driving gear 117 (FIG. 4B) provided at the end of the core metal. By driving the pressure roller 120, the recording material P existing in the fixing nip portion N is controlled to receive the conveying force of the speed PS.

Along with the rotational drive of the pressure roller 120, the fixing film 113 is driven to rotate (move) due to the frictional force with the pressure roller 120. At this time, the fixing film 113 slides with respect to the heating heater 111. By interposing a lubricating material such as fluorine-based or silicone-based heat-resistant grease between the fixing film 113 and the heating heater 111, the frictional resistance is suppressed to a low level, and the fixing film 113 can rotate (move) smoothly. Will be.

Further, the temperature control of the heater 111 is a temperature detection element such as a thermistor 118 provided on the back surface of the ceramic substrate and a temperature detection such as a thermistor 119 provided on the inner surface of the fixing film 113 to directly detect the temperature of the fixing film 113. It is performed according to the signal of the element. That is, the heater control unit (not shown) determines the duty ratio, wave number, etc. of the voltage applied to the energization heat generation resistance layer and appropriately controls the temperature in the fixing nip portion N to maintain the desired fixing set temperature.

Further, the metal stay 114 is provided with a grounding means 121 (FIG. 4B) for the purpose of grounding the fixing film 113. The grounding means 121 and thermistor 119 have a spring property at the tip outside the projected shape when the fixing film 113 is attached in a natural state so as to slide and contact the inner surface of the fixing film 113 with the fixing film 113 attached. It is attached so that it protrudes.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the fixing device 40 is provided with an internal paper discharge roller pair (transport roller pair) 70 as a pair of transport rotating bodies forming a transport nip portion. The internal paper ejection roller pair 70 is composed of an internal paper ejection drive roller 70a and an internal paper ejection driven roller 70b. The internal paper ejection drive roller 70a is provided with a drive gear (not shown) at the end in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface, and drive is input from a drive source (not shown). Further, the internal paper discharge driven roller 70b is urged by the internal paper discharge drive roller 70a by an urging means (not shown) to form a nip portion, and the recording material P is conveyed by the nip portion.

In order to keep the posture of the recorded material P to be conveyed suitable, the internal paper ejection drive roller 70a is rotated at a speed set to, for example, about 0 to 5% faster than the rotation speed of the pressure roller 120. Further, it is desirable that the internal paper ejection roller pair 70 is as close as possible to the fixing nip portion N. This is to maintain the recording material P discharged from the fixing nip portion N in a suitable posture as soon as possible and improve the quality of the product.

Further, inside the fixing device 40, a paper ejection sensor (sensor flag, moving member) 133 including a flag portion 133c described in detail later is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the paper discharge sensor 133 is provided between the fixing nip portion N and the nip portion of the internal paper discharge roller pair 70 with respect to the transport direction of P of the recording material. The inner paper discharge roller pair 70 is a roller pair located on the downstream side of the fixing nip portion N with respect to the transport direction of the recording material P, and the recording material P is nipped next to the fixing nip portion N. The paper ejection sensor 133 detects whether or not the recording material P ejected from the fixing nip portion N is normally conveyed.

The paper ejection sensor 133 also has a function of determining whether or not the recording material P has been removed when the recording material P is jammed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the fixing nip portion N in the fixing device 40 (paper). Remaining detection).

The recording material P holding the unfixed toner image is appropriately supplied along the inlet guide 128 (FIG. 2) by a supply means (not shown) at a predetermined timing, and is sandwiched and conveyed by the fixing nip portion N to heat the unfixed toner image. Fixation is performed. The recording material P discharged from the fixing nip portion N is guided by the separation guide 201, further guided by the paper discharge guide 127 provided downstream in the transport direction, and transported to the internal paper discharge roller pair 70.

(Paper ejection sensor)
Next, the paper ejection sensor (sensor flag) 133 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), and FIG. 6 (a). 3 (a) is a perspective view showing a paper ejection sensor 133 and a photo sensor 144, and FIGS. 3 (b), 5 (a) and 6 (a) are a paper ejection sensor 133 and a sensor as a holding unit. It is a figure which shows the relationship of a holder 135.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the recording material P is detected by the photo sensor 144 as a detection unit that detects the phase of the paper ejection sensor 133 and the paper ejection sensor 133. The photo sensor 144 is a transmissive photo sensor, and includes a light emitting unit 144b including a light emitting element and a sensor unit (light receiving unit) 144a including a light receiving element that receives incident light from the light emitting unit 144b. The paper discharge sensor 133 is rotatably supported by a paper discharge sensor contact portion 133a as a contact portion to which the recording material P reaches and contacts, and a support portion 135a of the paper discharge sensor holder 135 shown in FIG. 7 (b). The held portion 133b is provided.

In this way, the paper ejection sensor 133 is rotatably held by the paper ejection sensor holder 135. The paper ejection sensor contact portion 133a comes into contact with the recording material P that has reached a predetermined position. The predetermined position is between the fixing nip portion N and the nip portion of the internal paper discharge roller pair 70 with respect to the transport direction of P of the recording material, and is in the longitudinal direction of the pressure roller 120 (that is, the fixing film 113. With respect to (also in the longitudinal direction), it is a predetermined position within the passage area through which the recording material P can pass.
The paper discharge sensor 133 further includes a paper discharge sensor flag unit (hereinafter, flag unit) 133c that shields the incident light of the photo sensor 144 from the sensor unit 144a by rotating. Further, the abutting portion 133d whose rotational posture is restricted by abutting on the abutting portion 135b (FIG. 7A) of the paper ejection sensor holder 135 is provided.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the state in which the flag unit 133c shields the photosensor 144 from light is defined as the “state in which the recording material P is present”, and the state in which the light is transmitted is defined as the state in which the recording material P is present. It is defined as "a state in which the recording material P does not exist". Further, after the recording material P passes through and becomes the "state in which the recording material P exists", it is urged by an urging means (not shown) so that the state can be returned to the "state in which the recording material P does not exist".

In the unlikely event that a jam occurs in the recording material P at the fixing nip portion N, it is desirable that the paper ejection sensor 133 detects it at an early stage and makes an emergency stop. In the present embodiment, the diameters of the fixing film 113 and the pressure roller 120 are set to about 30 mm, and the paper ejection sensor 133 is arranged so that the arrival of the recording material P can be detected at a position of about 15 mm from the fixing nip portion N. is doing.

(Configuration of paper ejection sensor unit)
Next, the configuration of the paper ejection sensor 133 according to the present embodiment and the paper ejection sensor holder 135 holding the paper ejection sensor 133 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Here, the state in which the paper ejection sensor 133, the paper ejection sensor holder 135, and the urging means shown in the attached illustration are assembled (position adjusted) is referred to as a paper ejection sensor unit 13.

For the sake of simplification of the explanation, the pressurizing direction of the fixing nip portion (nip portion) N is "X direction", the width direction of the recording material P (longitudinal direction of the fixing member) is "Y direction", and the transport direction of the recording material P. Will be described below as "Z direction".

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the paper ejection sensor unit 13 is attached to the fixing device 40. 6 (a) is a perspective view, FIG. 6 (b) is a cross-sectional view at the center of the optical axis of the photo sensor 144 in the Y direction, and FIG. 6 (c) is an enlarged view of the periphery of the photo sensor 144. As shown in FIG. 6, in the fixing device 40, a front side plate (support side plate) 141 and a rear side plate (support side plate) 142 as a housing are provided at both ends in the width direction (Y direction) of the recording material P. ing. The front side plate 141 and the rear side plate 142 have flange holding portions 141a and 142a for holding the flange 116, and pressure roller holding portions 141b and 142b for freely rotating the pressure roller 120 via a bearing (not shown). ..

Further, in order to increase the strength and rigidity of the fixing device 40, a reinforcing stay (support plate) 143 as a housing is provided between the front side plate 141 and the rear side plate 142 in the width direction (Y direction) of the recording material P. It is extended and suspended, and is fastened by means such as screws and welding (not shown). The front side plate 141, the rear side plate 142, and the support plate 143 are made of metal.

A photo sensor 144 attached to the photo sensor holder 145 is attached to the front plate 141. The photo sensor holder 145 and the photo sensor 144 are arranged on the opposite side of the transport path of the recording material P with the front plate 141 interposed therebetween. This is to reduce the influence of heat generated in the fixing device 40 and contamination by paper dust and wax.

The paper ejection sensor unit 13 is arranged so that the flag portion 133c protrudes to the photo sensor 144 side through the opening 141c (having a size that allows the flag portion 133c to pass through) provided in the front side plate 141. There is. In the paper ejection sensor unit 13, the fixing portion 135c provided on the paper ejection sensor holder 135 is fixed to the reinforcing stay 143 by a fixing means (not shown) such as a screw.

Next, the detailed configuration of the paper ejection sensor unit 13 and the reinforcing stay 143 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the paper ejection sensor unit 13 and the reinforcing stay 143. First, the shape will be described, and the effect of the shape will be described later. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the paper ejection sensor holder 135 is provided with height regulating bosses 135d and 135e having a cylindrical shape in the −Z direction (that is, the bottom surface of the paper ejection sensor holder 135).

Further, on the side surface of the paper ejection sensor holder 135, slide auxiliary grooves (slit portions) 135f and 135 g extending along the Y direction, and abutting surfaces (support surfaces supporting the holding portion 135) 135h are provided. The paper ejection sensor holder 135 is made of resin.

On the other hand, the reinforcing stay 143, which is a housing, has positioning holes (holes) 143a and 143b (FIG. 7 (b)) in the X and Y directions having a round hole shape, and a slide assist having a convex portion in the Z direction. The portions 143c and 143d and the height regulating surface 143e in the Z direction (FIG. 7A) are provided. In this embodiment, the slide auxiliary portions 143c and 143d have a plate shape that is elongated in the Y direction and thick in the X direction as shown in FIG. 7.

The height regulation bosses 135d and 135e of the paper ejection sensor holder 135 are arranged at positions corresponding to the positioning holes 143a and 143b as the positioning portions of the reinforcing stay 143 in the assembled state, respectively. The diameter of the positioning hole 143a is set to be several tens of μm larger than the diameter of the height regulation boss 135d, and when the height regulation boss 135d fits into the engaging positioning hole 143a, the X direction of the paper ejection sensor unit 13 And play a role in determining the position in the Y direction.

On the other hand, the diameter of the positioning hole 143b is set to be several mm larger than the diameter of the height regulating boss 135e, and when the height regulating boss 135e fits into the positioning hole 143b (FIGS. 10 (c) and 11 (c)). ) Is also set so that they do not touch each other. Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, tapered shapes Cd and Ce for guiding the introduction of the height regulating bosses 135d and 135e are provided at the tips of the height regulating bosses 135d and 135e. Therefore, the diameters of the height-regulating bosses 135d and 135e become smaller toward the tip from the root (butting surface 135h side), respectively.

The taper shapes Cd and Ce of the height regulation bosses 135d and 135e may be provided from the middle of the bosses. That is, the diameter may be substantially the same from the root (butting surface 135h side) to the tip, and the diameter may be smaller toward the tip from the middle. In this case as well, the diameter on the tip side is smaller than the diameter on the root side.

Further, (in FIG. 6C, the height h1 of the height regulation bosses 135d and 135e projects the flag portion 133c, the photo sensor 144, and the opening portion 141c of the front side plate onto the XZ plane in the assembled state. That is, the height h2 in which the flag portion 133c and the photo sensor 144 overlap in the Z direction, and the flag portion 133c and the opening portion 141c of the front side plate overlap in the Z direction. It is set to be larger than the height h3, that is, the opening of the opening 141c has a size that allows the sensor flag adjusting unit to be displaced in the −Z direction (third direction).

Then, as shown in FIG. 6C, the opening 141c of the front side plate avoids the projection portion in which the flag portion 133c when the flag portion 133c is moved from the assembled state by h1 in the Z direction is projected onto the XZ plane. The opening amount W1 (FIGS. 6 (b) and (c)) is defined in 1.
Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the Y-direction distance C between the center of the height regulation boss 135d and the flag portion 133c is the center of the positioning hole 143a of the reinforcing stay 143 and the optical axis portion of the photo sensor 144. It is set so as to be substantially equal to the Y-direction distance D from the Y-direction center of.

(Slide movement of paper ejection sensor holder 135)
Next, the slide movement (Y direction) of the paper ejection sensor holder 135 will be described. The slide auxiliary grooves 135f and 135g of the paper ejection sensor holder 135 are provided so as to correspond to the slide auxiliary portions 143c and 143d of the reinforcing stay 143, respectively, and are configured to be slidable in the Y direction. That is, the reinforcing stay 143 as a housing has slide auxiliary portions 143c and 143d as regulated portions corresponding to the slide auxiliary grooves 135f and 135 g as the first restricting portion.

Hereinafter, specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, the width of the slide auxiliary groove 135f in the X direction is set to be several tens of μm larger than the width of the slide auxiliary portion 143c in the X direction. Then, as a first region, a slide auxiliary groove rough guide portion (guide groove portion) 135fb, and as a second region, a slide auxiliary groove positioning portion (positioning groove portion) 135fa that regulates rotation in the XY directions in the assembled state are provided. Prepare in the Y direction in order. Here, the guide groove portion 135fb is set to be about several mm larger than the width of the slide auxiliary portion 143c in the X direction, and the introduction into the positioning groove portion 135fa is promoted.

As described above, the slide auxiliary groove 135f has a first region (135fb) regulated by the first accuracy and a second region (135fa) regulated by a second accuracy higher than the first accuracy. Prepare in order in the direction.

Further, the width of the slide auxiliary groove 135 g in the X direction is set to be several hundred μm larger than the width of the slide auxiliary portion 143d in the X direction. During assembly, the slide auxiliary groove positioning portion (positioning groove portion) 135 ga and the slide auxiliary groove rough guide portion (guide groove portion) 135 gb that regulate the rotation in the XY directions with a certain margin are configured.

Here, the guide groove portion 135 gb is set to be several mm larger than the width of the slide auxiliary portion 143c in the X direction, and the introduction into the positioning groove portion 135 ga is promoted.

As described above, the slide auxiliary groove 135 g has a first region (135 gb) regulated by the first accuracy and a second region (135 ga) regulated by a second accuracy higher than the first accuracy. Prepare in order in the direction.

Here, in the slide movement in the −Y direction, when the flag portion 133c passes through the opening 141c of the front side plate and the photo sensor 144, the postures of the paper ejection sensor holder 135 and the paper ejection sensor 133 are restricted as much as possible. It is desirable that it is stable.

Therefore, when the flag portion 133c passes through the opening 141c of the front side plate and the photo sensor 144, the rough guide state by the guide groove portions 135fb and 135gb is changed to the state of being guided by the positioning groove portions 135fa and 135ga.

Here, as shown in FIG. 7A, the Y-direction distances between the end portions of the slide auxiliary portions 143c and 143d extending in the Y direction opposite to the front side plate 141 and the front side plate 141 are set to E and F, respectively. do. On the other hand, the boundary position between the slide auxiliary groove positioning portion 135fa and the slide auxiliary groove rough guide portion 135fb of the paper ejection sensor holder and the Y-direction distance between the flag portion 133c are set to G. Further, the Y-direction distance between the boundary position between the slide auxiliary groove guide portion 135ga and the slide auxiliary groove rough guide portion 135gb of the paper ejection sensor holder and the flag portion 133c is set to H.

In this embodiment, E and F (FIG. 7 (a)) are set to be substantially equal to or greater than G and H (FIG. 7 (b)), respectively. As a result, when the flag portion 133c passes through the opening portion 141c of the front side plate and the photo sensor 144, the state can be changed to a state of being guided by the slide auxiliary groove positioning portion 135fa and the slide auxiliary groove positioning portion 135ga.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the flag portion 133c regulates the position of the holding portion (135) in the height direction by the second convex portion (135d) coming into contact with the support plate (143). , The arrangement relationship is as follows. That is, it fits inside the opening (141c) on the projection surface when the outside of the first support side plate is viewed from the longitudinal direction with the position between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion as a viewpoint in the longitudinal direction, and the photo sensor 144 Located in a position that does not overlap. Then, the flag portion 133c is located at a position where the second convex portion (135d) overlaps with the photo sensor 144 on the projection surface when the second convex portion (135d) is fitted in the hole portion (143a).

(Assembly method of paper ejection sensor unit 13 by sensor flag adjustment unit (adjustment method, manufacturing method))
An assembly method (adjustment method, manufacturing method) of the paper ejection sensor unit 13 by the sensor flag adjustment unit according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. In FIGS. 9 to 11, a method of assembling the paper ejection sensor unit 13 will be described step by step. In each figure, (a) is a view seen from the Y direction (longitudinal direction of the fixing member), (b) is a view seen from the X direction (nip pressurizing direction), and (c) is a Z direction (recording material). It is a figure seen from the transport direction).

The overall outline of the assembly method (manufacturing method) is shown by the arrow shown in FIG. 3 (a). That is, the sensor holder 135 holding the sensor flag 133 is displaced in the −Y direction (first direction) from the passing region side through which the recording material can pass so that the flag portion 133c exceeds the opening 141c. Then, the sensor holder 135 has an X direction (second direction) orthogonal to the −Y direction and an −Z direction (third direction) orthogonal to the −Y direction with respect to the reinforcing stay 143 as the housing before moving. ) Is regulated.

Then, the sensor holder 135 moved in the −Y direction can be displaced in the −Z direction after exceeding the opening 141c. As a result, the position adjustment of the flag portion 133c with respect to the photo sensor 144 is completed by the combination of the translational movement. Hereinafter, it will be described in detail.

First, as shown in FIG. 8C, the slide auxiliary portions 143c and 143d of the reinforcing stay 143 are fitted into the slide auxiliary groove life guide portions 135fb and 135gb of the paper ejection sensor holder 135 (at the position in the X direction). Regulation). At this time, the height regulation bosses 135d and 135e tips of the paper ejection sensor holder 135 as the height regulation portion in the Z direction come into contact (contact) with the height regulation surface 143e of the reinforcing stay 143 to regulate the position in the Z direction. (Fig. 8 (b)). The height of the height regulating bosses 135d and 135e in the Z direction is lower than the height of the slide auxiliary portions 143c and 143d in the Z direction.

As a result, the tips of the slide auxiliary portions 143c and 143d can be fitted into the slide auxiliary groove life guide portions 135fb and 135gb in a state where the position in the Z direction is restricted by the regulation bosses 135d and 135e coming into contact with the regulation surface 143e. .. The heights of the slide auxiliary portions 143c and 143d are the lengths in the Z direction with respect to the height regulation surface 143e of the reinforcing stay 143.

Here, the heights of the height regulating bosses 135d and 135e shown in FIG. 8B and the opening amounts of the opening 141c of the front side plate 141 are set to h1 and W1 as described above, respectively (FIG. 6). (C)). Therefore, the flag portion 133c does not overlap with the sensor portion 144a of the photo sensor 144 or the front side plate 141 in the projection direction of XX (when viewed from the Y direction). Further, at this time, the flag portion 133c exists on the side opposite to the photo sensor 144 with respect to the front side plate 141 (FIGS. 8 (b) and 8 (c)).

Next, the paper ejection sensor unit 13 is slid in the −Y direction so that the flag portion 133c faces the photo sensor 144 (FIG. 9). The slide auxiliary portions 143c and 143d of the reinforcing stay 143 begin to fit into the slide auxiliary groove positioning portion 135fa and the slide auxiliary groove guide portion 135ga of the paper ejection sensor holder. As a result, the paper ejection sensor unit 13 is restricted in the X direction, and the rotation is suppressed in the XY directions as well. At this time, since E ≧ G and F ≧ H as described with respect to FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), the position in the Z direction does not change.
By the time the flag portion 133c reaches the opening portion 141c of the front side plate 141, it is in a state of being guided by the slide auxiliary groove positioning portion 135fa and the slide auxiliary groove guide portion 135ga (FIG. 9 (c)).

When the paper ejection sensor holder 135 is further moved in the −Y direction from the state of FIG. 9, the flag portion 133c passes through the opening 141c of the front side plate and further passes above the photo sensor 144 (FIG. 10 (c)). .. At this time, the position of the paper ejection sensor unit 13 in the Z direction remains regulated by the height regulation bosses 135d and 135e and the height regulation surface 143e. Therefore, the flag portion 133c is moved in the −Y direction without contacting the front side plate 141 and the sensor portion 144a of the photo sensor 144 (FIG. 10).

Here, the distance C in the Y direction between the center of the height regulation boss 135d and the flag portion 133c shown in FIG. 7B, the center of the positioning hole 143a of the reinforcing stay 143, and the center of the optical axis portion 144 of the photo sensor 144 in the Y direction. The distance D in the Y direction to (the intermediate position between the light emitting element and the sensor) is substantially equal. Therefore, when the flag portion 133c is moved to the center of the optical axis portion of the photo sensor 144 in the Y direction (that is, the center position of the sensor portion 144a and the light emitting portion 144b in the Y direction), the height regulation surface of the paper ejection sensor unit 13 The Z direction regulation by 143e is removed.

As a result, the paper ejection sensor unit 13 can move in the −Z direction as shown in FIGS. 10 (b) to 11 (b), and the height regulating boss 135d enters the positioning hole 143a of the reinforcing stay 143. Then, the abutting surface 135h of the paper ejection sensor holder 135 and the height regulating surface 143e of the reinforcing stay 143 come into contact (contact), and the set is set in the assembled state in which the position adjustment is completed (FIG. 11).

The above-mentioned assembly work of the paper ejection unit 13 may be performed by an operator or may be assembled by an automatic machine. When performed by the operator, the operator holds the paper ejection sensor holder 135 and moves the paper ejection sensor holder 135 in the −Y direction and the −Z direction with respect to the reinforcing stay 143 and the front plate 141 as described above. Assembling work is done by this. Further, when assembled by an automatic machine, the arm of the automatic machine holds the paper discharge sensor holder 135, and as described above, the paper discharge sensor holder 135 is used in the −Y direction and −Z with respect to the reinforcing stay 143 and the front plate 141. Assembling work is performed by moving it in the direction.

(Effect of this embodiment)
By using this embodiment, it is possible to provide a device capable of accurately positioning the detection unit in the assembling work of the moving member including the flag unit that moves between the light receiving unit and the light emitting unit of the detection unit.

Specifically, by using this embodiment, the paper ejection sensor unit 13 can be assembled without unintentionally contacting peripheral parts as described above. Further, since the movement locus of the paper ejection sensor unit 13 can be restricted to the minimum, the opening amount W1 of the opening 141c of the front side plate 141 can be minimized, and the strength and rigidity of the front side plate 141 can be reduced. It is possible to increase it to the maximum. In addition, it is possible to assemble the paper ejection sensor unit 13 in the minimum necessary space only by combining translational movements, and it is possible to assemble with an inexpensive automatic machine without tilting as in the past. Can be done.

(Modification example)
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and modifications can be made within the scope of the gist thereof.

(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiment, the height regulation bosses 135d and 135e and the positioning holes 143a and 143b are set to two, but this is for stabilizing the posture of the paper ejection sensor holder 135, and three or more may be provided. Further, the height regulation bosses 135d and 135e and the positioning holes 143a and 143b may be one. In one case, it is preferable to have a large contact area at the tip of the height regulating boss 135d in order to stabilize the posture.

Similarly, the slide auxiliary grooves 135f and 135g and the slide auxiliary portions 143c and 143d are also set to two, but three or more may be provided. Further, the slide auxiliary grooves 135f and 135g and the slide auxiliary portions 143c and 143d may be one. In one case, it is preferable to make the auxiliary lengths of the slide auxiliary portion 143c and the slide auxiliary groove 135f sufficiently long in order to stabilize the posture.

(Modification 2)
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the sensor holder 135 is provided with height regulating bosses 135d and 135e, and the reinforcing stay 142 is provided with positioning holes 143a and 143b. However, if the height and the rotation direction can be regulated, the convex portion (convex shape) and the concave portion (hole) shape may be arranged in the opposite arrangement. That is, one of the second regulating portion 135d and the positioning portion 143a may be a convex portion and the other may be a concave portion. Specifically, the sensor holder 135 may be provided with positioning holes 143a and 143b, and the reinforcing stay 142 may be provided with height regulating bosses 135d and 135e.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the support plate 143 is provided with the first convex portion (143c, 143d), and the holding portion 135 is fitted with the slit portion (135f, 135d) into which the first convex portion (143c, 143d) is fitted. ) Was provided. However, the convex portion (convex shape) and the concave portion (hole) may be arranged in reverse. That is, one of the support plate 143 and the holding portion 135 may be provided with a convex portion, and the other may be provided with a concave portion.

(Modification 3)
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the height-regulating bosses 135d and 135e are illustrated with a convex portion having a circular cross section on the XY plane and positioning holes 143a and 143b in the form of circular holes. However, as long as the height restricting bosses 135d and 135e fit into the positioning holes 143a and 143b at predetermined positions, the shape may be another shape.

(Modification example 4)
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the height regulation bosses 135d and 135e and the slide auxiliary grooves 135f and 135g have different shapes, but the height regulation function and the slide assist function are provided by one stepped shape. , May be achieved.

(Modification 5)
Further, in the photo sensor 144, the front side plate 141, the sensor unit 144a, and the light emitting unit 144b are arranged in this order in the −Y direction. However, in the arrangement of the photo sensor 144, the positional relationship between the sensor unit 144a and the light emitting unit 144b may be reversed in the Y direction. That is, the front side plate 141, the light emitting unit 144b, and the sensor unit 144a may be arranged in this order in the −Y direction. In this case, the height regulating bosses 135d and 135e are positioned in the Z direction so that the flag portion 133c does not collide with the light emitting portion 144b when the paper ejection sensor holder 135 is moved in the −Y direction in the above-mentioned assembly work. regulate.

(Modification 5)
Further, the opening 141c of the front plate 141 has a hole shape in which the edges of the openings are connected (that is, a hole penetrating the front plate 141 in the Y direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as the flag portion 133c does not collide with the surface of the front side plate 141 when the paper ejection sensor holder 135 is moved in the −Y direction in the assembling work. For example, it may be a U-shaped opening that is open in the X direction.

(Modification 6)
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the paper ejection sensor unit 13 is assembled to the front side plate 141 and the rear side plate 142 that rotatably support the pressure roller 13 and the reinforcing stay 143 has been described. The paper ejection sensor unit 13 can also be applied to a configuration that is assembled to a front side plate and a rear side plate that rotatably support the internal paper ejection roller pair 70, and a reinforcing stay.

(Modification 6)
Further, although the photo sensor 144 is arranged on the front side plate 141 side, it may be arranged on the back side plate 142 side. Further, the relationship between the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction is not limited to the direction indicated by the present embodiment, and if the directional relationship in assembling the paper ejection sensor holder 135 with respect to the reinforcing stay 143 is the same, the X direction. , Y direction and Z direction may be interchanged.

113 ... Fixing film, 120 ... Pressurized roller 133 ... Paper ejection sensor (sensor flag, moving member), Paper ejection sensor (sensor flag), 133c ... Flag section, 135 ... Paper ejection sensor holder ( Sensor holder), 135d ... Height regulation boss, 141 ... Front side plate (support side plate, 141c ... Opening, 142 ... Rear side plate (support side plate). 143 ... Reinforcing stay (support plate), 143a ... Positioning hole, 144 ... Photo sensor

Claims (20)

The first and second rotating bodies forming the nip portion for fixing the toner image on the recording material, and
Movement that moves when the recording material reaches a predetermined position on the downstream side of the nip portion in the transport direction of the recording material and in the passage region through which the recording material can pass in the longitudinal direction of the first rotating body. A moving member having a contact portion that comes into contact with a recording material located at a predetermined position, and a flag portion that moves as the contact portion moves due to the recording material that comes into contact with the contact portion.
A first support side plate that is located outside the passage region in the longitudinal direction and rotatably supports the first rotating body, and has an opening having a size through which the flag portion can pass. Support side plate and
With respect to the longitudinal direction, a second support side plate located on the opposite side of the passage region from the first support side plate and rotatably supporting the first rotating body, and a second support side plate.
A support plate extending in the longitudinal direction so as to connect to the first support side plate and the second support side plate, and comprising a first convex portion and a hole portion.
It is a detection unit that has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit and detects the flag unit that moves between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. A detection unit located on the outer side of the first support side plate on the opposite side,
A holding portion that holds the moving member and is assembled to the support plate while holding the moving member.
In the assembling operation in which the holding portion is assembled to the support plate, the flag portion is directed from the passing region side to the opening so as to pass through the opening of the first support side plate from the passing region side. The holding portion has a slit portion that guides the movement of the holding portion in one direction by fitting the first convex portion, and the holding portion is guided by the guide of the slit portion and the first convex portion. A second position that regulates the position in the height direction of the holding portion, which is a direction orthogonal to the support surface supporting the holding portion of the support plate by abutting against the support plate when moved in the direction. A holding portion having a convex portion, and a holding portion having
Have,
When the flag portion is positioned between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion in the longitudinal direction by moving the holding portion in the first direction with the slit portion and the first convex portion as a guide. A fixing device in which the second convex portion fits into the hole portion.
The flag part is
When the position of the holding portion in the height direction is restricted by the contact of the second convex portion with the support plate, the position between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion in the longitudinal direction is used as a viewpoint. On the projection surface looking at the outside of the first support side plate from the longitudinal direction, it is located at a position that fits inside the opening and does not overlap with the detection portion.
A fixing device characterized in that when the second convex portion is fitted in the hole portion, the second convex portion is located at a position overlapping the detection portion on the projection surface. The first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the second convex portion has a tapered shape such that the diameter on the tip end side of the second convex portion is smaller than the diameter on the root side of the second convex portion. The fixing device described. The holding portion has a third convex portion and has a third convex portion.
The third convex portion is held by the support plate by abutting against the support plate when the holding portion is moved in the first direction by the guide of the slit portion and the first convex portion. Regulate the position of the part in the height direction,
The support plate has a second hole and has a second hole.
In the second hole portion, the holding portion is moved in the first direction by the guide of the slit portion and the first convex portion, so that the flag portion has the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion in the longitudinal direction. The fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing device is provided at a position where the third convex portion is fitted when the portion is located between the portions. The slit portion is characterized in that when the holding portion is moved in the first direction, the position of the first convex portion in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and the height direction is restricted. Item 6. The fixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 3. The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the moving member rotates when the contact portion comes into contact with a recording material located at a predetermined position. The support plate is made of metal and is made of metal.
The holding portion is made of resin and is made of resin.
The first convex portion has an elongated plate shape in the longitudinal direction and is provided on the support plate.
The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the slit portion is provided in the holding portion. .. A transport nip portion that is located on the downstream side of the nip portion in the transport direction, is provided at a position adjacent to the first rotating body and the second rotating body, and transports recording materials transported from the nip portion. With a pair of transport rotating bodies, and
The one according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the contact portion comes into contact with a recording material located at the predetermined position between the nip portion and the transport nip portion in the transport direction. Fixing device. When the second convex portion abuts on the support plate to regulate the position of the holding portion in the height direction, the flag portion fits inside the opening on the projection surface. Moreover, it is located at a position that does not overlap with the light receiving part of the detection part.
Claims 1 to 7 are characterized in that, when the second convex portion is fitted in the hole portion, the flag portion is located at a position overlapping the light receiving portion of the detection portion on the projection surface. The fixing device according to any one of the above items. When the second convex portion abuts on the support plate to regulate the position of the holding portion in the height direction, the flag portion fits inside the opening on the projection surface. Moreover, it is located at a position that does not overlap with the light emitting portion of the detection unit.
Claims 1 to 1, wherein when the second convex portion is fitted in the hole portion, the flag portion is located at a position overlapping the light emitting portion of the detection portion on the projection surface. 8. The fixing device according to any one of 8. The first and second rotating bodies forming the nip portion for fixing the toner image on the recording material, and
Movement that moves when the recording material reaches a predetermined position on the downstream side of the nip portion in the transport direction of the recording material and in the passage region through which the recording material can pass in the longitudinal direction of the first rotating body. A moving member having a contact portion that comes into contact with a recording material located at a predetermined position, and a flag portion that moves as the contact portion moves due to the recording material that comes into contact with the contact portion.
A first support side plate that is located outside the passage region in the longitudinal direction and rotatably supports the first rotating body, and has an opening having a size through which the flag portion can pass. Support side plate and
With respect to the longitudinal direction, a second support side plate located on the opposite side of the passage region from the first support side plate and rotatably supporting the first rotating body, and a second support side plate.
A support plate extending in the longitudinal direction so as to connect to the first support side plate and the second support side plate, and having a first convex portion and a second convex portion.
It is a detection unit that has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit and detects the flag unit that moves between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. A detection unit located on the outer side of the first support side plate on the opposite side,
A holding portion that holds the moving member and is assembled to the support plate while holding the moving member.
In the assembling operation in which the holding portion is assembled to the support plate, the flag portion is directed from the passing region side to the opening so as to pass through the opening of the first support side plate from the passing region side. The holding portion has a slit portion that guides the movement of the holding portion in one direction by fitting the first convex portion, and the holding portion is guided by the guide of the slit portion and the first convex portion. The second position in the height direction of the holding portion, which is a direction orthogonal to the support surface supporting the holding portion of the support plate by abutting against the holding portion when moved in the direction. A holding portion having a hole into which the convex portion of the
Have,
When the flag portion is positioned between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion in the longitudinal direction by moving the holding portion in the first direction with the slit portion and the first convex portion as a guide. A fixing device in which the second convex portion fits into the hole portion.
The flag part is
When the position of the holding portion in the height direction is restricted by the contact of the second convex portion with the holding portion , the position between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion in the longitudinal direction is used as a viewpoint. On the projection surface looking at the outside of the first support side plate from the longitudinal direction, it is located at a position that fits inside the opening and does not overlap with the detection portion.
A fixing device characterized in that when the second convex portion is fitted in the hole portion, the second convex portion is located at a position overlapping the detection portion on the projection surface. The tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the second convex portion has a tapered shape such that the diameter of the tip end side of the second convex portion is smaller than the diameter of the root side of the second convex portion. The fixing device described. The support plate has a third convex portion and has a third convex portion.
When the holding portion is moved in the first direction by the guide of the slit portion and the first convex portion, the third convex portion abuts on the holding portion to hold the holding portion against the support plate. Regulate the position of the part in the height direction,
The holding portion has a second hole portion and has a second hole portion.
In the second hole portion, the holding portion is moved in the first direction by the guide of the slit portion and the first convex portion, so that the flag portion has the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion in the longitudinal direction. The fixing device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the third convex portion is provided at a position where the third convex portion fits when the portion is located between the portions. The slit portion is characterized in that when the holding portion is moved in the first direction, the position of the first convex portion in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and the height direction is restricted. Item 2. The fixing device according to any one of Items 10 to 12. The fixing device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the moving member rotates when the contact portion comes into contact with a recording material located at a predetermined position. The support plate is made of metal and is made of metal.
The holding portion is made of resin and is made of resin.
The first convex portion has an elongated plate shape in the longitudinal direction and is provided on the support plate.
The fixing device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the slit portion is provided in the holding portion. A transport nip portion that is located on the downstream side of the nip portion in the transport direction, is provided at a position adjacent to the first rotating body and the second rotating body, and transports recording materials transported from the nip portion. With a pair of transport rotating bodies, and
The one according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the contact portion comes into contact with a recording material located at the predetermined position between the nip portion and the transport nip portion in the transport direction. Fixing device. When the second convex portion abuts on the holding portion to regulate the position of the holding portion in the height direction, the flag portion fits inside the opening on the projection surface. Moreover, it is located at a position that does not overlap with the light receiving part of the detection part.
Claims 10 to 16 are characterized in that, when the second convex portion is fitted in the hole portion, the flag portion is located at a position overlapping the light receiving portion of the detection portion on the projection surface. The fixing device according to any one of the above items. When the second convex portion abuts on the holding portion to regulate the position of the holding portion in the height direction, the flag portion fits inside the opening on the projection surface. Moreover, it is located at a position that does not overlap with the light emitting portion of the detection unit.
Claims 10 to 17 are characterized in that, when the second convex portion is fitted in the hole portion, the flag portion is located at a position overlapping the light emitting portion of the detection unit on the projection surface. The fixing device according to any one of the above items. The first and second rotating bodies forming the nip portion for fixing the toner image on the recording material, and
Movement that moves when the recording material reaches a predetermined position on the downstream side of the nip portion in the transport direction of the recording material and in the passage region through which the recording material can pass in the longitudinal direction of the first rotating body. A moving member having a contact portion that comes into contact with a recording material located at a predetermined position, and a flag portion that moves as the contact portion moves due to the recording material that comes into contact with the contact portion.
A first support side plate that is located outside the passage region in the longitudinal direction and rotatably supports the first rotating body, and has an opening having a size through which the flag portion can pass. Support side plate and
With respect to the longitudinal direction, a second support side plate located on the opposite side of the passage region from the first support side plate and rotatably supporting the first rotating body, and a second support side plate.
A support plate extending in the longitudinal direction so as to connect to the first support side plate and the second support side plate, and
It is a detection unit that has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit and detects the flag unit that moves between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. A detection unit located on the outer side of the first support side plate on the opposite side,
A holding portion that holds the moving member and is assembled to the support plate while holding the moving member.
Have,
A first convex portion is provided on one of the support plate and the holding portion, and the first convex portion is fitted to the other of the support plate and the holding portion, whereby the opening portion is opened from the passage region side. A slit portion for guiding the movement of the holding portion in the first direction toward
When the holding portion is moved in the first direction by the guide of the slit portion and the first convex portion to one of the support plate and the holding portion, it hits the other of the support plate and the holding portion. The support plate and the holding portion are provided with a second convex portion that regulates the position in the height direction of the holding portion, which is a direction orthogonal to the support surface that supports the holding portion of the support plate by contacting the support plate. On the other side, a hole into which the second convex portion is fitted is provided.
When the flag portion is positioned between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion in the longitudinal direction by moving the holding portion in the first direction with the slit portion and the first convex portion as a guide. A fixing device in which the second convex portion fits into the hole portion.
The flag part is
When the second convex portion abuts on the other side of the support plate and the holding portion to regulate the position of the holding portion in the height direction, the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion of the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion with respect to the longitudinal direction. It is located at a position that fits inside the opening and does not overlap with the detection portion on the projection surface when the outside of the first support side plate is viewed from the longitudinal direction with the position between the viewpoints as a viewpoint.
A fixing device characterized in that when the second convex portion is fitted in the hole portion, the second convex portion is located at a position overlapping the detection portion on the projection surface. An image forming part that forms a toner image on the recording material,
A fixing portion for fixing the toner image to a recording material, the fixing portion including the fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.
An image forming apparatus characterized by having.

Images