Image formation apparatus and component replacement method for image formation apparatus

Abstract

To reduce the installation work time compared to a configuration of switching to a position where a second sheet member is attached to a second barrel member after switching to a position where one end and the other end of a first sheet member are attached to a first barrel member.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes: first and second cylindrical barrel members extending in one direction; first and second sheet members which are replaceably wound around the outer peripheries of the first and second barrel members and contact a medium where an image is formed; and an angular displacement mechanism which switches a first attachment position, a second attachment position and a third attachment position in this order by angularly displacing the first and second barrel members interlockingly to the first attachment position where one end of the first sheet member is attached to the first barrel member in a state where the first sheet member is removed, the second attachment position where the second sheet member is attached to the second barrel member in a state where the second sheet member is removed, and the third attachment position where the other end of the first sheet member attached at the first attachment position is attached to the first barrel member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a method for replacing parts of the image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a transfer device having a conveying means for moving a transfer material along a circular movement path, and a gripper piece attached to the conveying means, supported by a rotating shaft, rotating relative to a base member, and gripping the leading edge of the transfer material, thereby transferring an image on an image carrier to the transfer material. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 58-005769 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The objective of the present disclosure is to reduce the time required for attachment work compared to a configuration in which one end and the other end of a first sheet member are switched to a position where they are attached to a first body member, and then a second sheet member is switched to a position where they are attached to a second body member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises first and second cylindrical body members extending in one direction, first and second sheet members interchangeably wrapped around the outer periphery of the first and second body members with one end and the other end spaced apart in the circumferential direction and in contact with a medium on which an image is formed, and an angular displacement mechanism that switches between a first mounting position, a second mounting position, and a third mounting position in which the other end of the first sheet member attached at the first mounting position is attached to the first body member in a state in which the first sheet member is removed, a second mounting position, and a third mounting position in which the other end of the first sheet member attached at the first mounting position is attached to the first body member, in that order, by angularly displacing the first and second body members in conjunction with each other.

[0006] An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the first body member extends in the one direction and has a notch formed between one end and the other end of the first sheet member, the one end and the other end of the first sheet member are circumferentially spaced apart across the notch, and the angular displacement mechanism switches the positions of the first and second body members to a first removal position where the first sheet member is removed from the first body member before the first attachment position, and the first removal position exposes the notch of the first body member.

[0007] An image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the first sheet member has a claw at one end, the first body member has a holding member capable of holding the claw of the first sheet member in the notch, and the angular displacement mechanism exposes the holding member of the first body member at the first mounting position.

[0008] An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the second body member extends in the one direction and has a notch formed between one end and the other end of the second sheet member, and the second mounting position exposes the notch of the second body member.

[0009] An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the cutout of the second body member has a bottom surface in the radial direction of the second body member to which one end of the second sheet member is attached.

[0010] An image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the angular displacement mechanism has a gripping portion for gripping the medium, and switches the positions of the first and second body members to a first removal position where the first sheet member is removed from the first body member before the first mounting position, and a gripping portion removal position where the gripping portion is removed from the angular displacement mechanism and is disposed between the first removal position and the first mounting position.

[0011] A part replacement method for an image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure includes a first step of removing a first sheet member that is in contact with a medium on which an image is formed from an outer periphery of a first body member; a second step of attaching one end of the first sheet member to the first body member that has been angularly displaced in one direction after the first step; a third step of removing the second sheet member and attaching a second sheet member to the outer periphery of a second body member that angularly displaces in conjunction with the first body member that has been angularly displaced in the one direction after the second step; and a fourth step of attaching the other end of the first sheet member used in the second step to the first body member that has been angularly displaced in the one direction after the third step, all of which are performed within a range in which the angular displacement of the first body member from the first step to the fourth step is 360° or less. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the time required for the attachment operation is reduced compared to a configuration in which one end and the other end of the first sheet member are switched to a position for attachment to one body member and then the second sheet member is switched to a position for attachment to the other body member.

[0013] According to the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, one end and the other end of the first sheet member are removed at the first removal position.

[0014] According to the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the first body member temporarily holds the first sheet member.

[0015] According to the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the second sheet member is replaced at the second attachment position.

[0016] According to the image forming device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a wider range for forming an image is ensured compared to a configuration in which one end of the second sheet member is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the second body member.

[0017] According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the time required for replacing each sheet member and grip part is reduced compared to a configuration in which the grip part is replaced after switching from the first mounting position to the second mounting position.

[0018] According to the part replacement method for an image forming device relating to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the time required for installation work is reduced compared to a method in which one end and the other end of a first sheet member are switched to a position where they are attached to one body member and then the second sheet member is switched to a position where they are attached to the other body member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view showing the periphery of an opposing roll provided in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of an opposing roll provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of a transfer jacket provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is a top perspective view showing a chain conveying device and a fixing roll and the surrounding area provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view of a fixing device provided in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of a fixing jacket provided in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a front view showing a first position in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a third position of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a fourth position of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a fifth position in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] (Configuration of the embodiment) An example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. Note that, in the figures, arrow H indicates the up-down direction (vertical direction) of the apparatus, arrow W indicates the width direction (horizontal direction) of the apparatus, and arrow D indicates the depth direction (horizontal direction) of the apparatus.

[0021] (Image forming apparatus 10) 1 is a schematic front view showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that forms a toner image on paper P. Paper P is an example of a medium on which an image is formed. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming section 20, a chain conveying device 50, a fixing device (fixing roll 60 and heating roll 61), and a control section (not shown).

[0022] (Image forming unit 20) The image forming section 20 includes a toner image forming section 22 that forms a toner image, and a transfer device 30 that transfers the toner image formed in the toner image forming section 22 onto paper P.

[0023] Furthermore, a plurality of toner image forming units 22 are provided to form toner images for each color. The image forming device 10 is provided with toner image forming units 22 (22Y, 22M, 22C, 22K) for a total of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following description, Y, M, C, and K may be omitted unless there is a particular distinction between them.

[0024] The toner image forming units 22 for each color are basically configured to have the same specifications except for the toner used. Specifically, the toner image forming units 22 for each color include a photoconductor drum 23 that rotates in a predetermined direction (the direction of arrow B) and a charger 24 that is charged by the photoconductor drum. The toner image forming units 22 for each color also include an exposure device 25 that exposes the photoconductor drum charged by the charger to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum, and a development device 26 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum by the exposure device using toner.

[0025] The transfer device 30 includes a primary transfer roll 32 , a transfer belt 34 , a secondary transfer roll 36 , and an opposing roll 40 .

[0026] The primary transfer roll 32 transfers the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 23 onto the transfer belt 34 at T 1 , which is located between the photoconductor drum 23 and the primary transfer roll 32 .

[0027] The transfer belt 34 is endless and its position is determined by being wound around a plurality of rolls 38. When at least one of the plurality of rolls 38 is driven to rotate, the transfer belt 34 rotates in the direction of arrow A and transports the primarily transferred image.

[0028] At least a portion of the transfer belt 34 is wound around the secondary transfer roll 36, and the opposing roll 40 is disposed to face the secondary transfer roll 36 with the transfer belt 34 sandwiched therebetween. This causes the secondary transfer roll 36 to rotate in the direction of arrow B along with the rotating transfer belt 34. Paper P supplied from the upstream side is conveyed sandwiched between the opposing roll 40 and the transfer belt 34, and the transfer belt 34 transfers (secondary transfer) the toner image onto the paper P at transfer position T2.

[0029] The facing roll 40 includes a transfer cylinder 42 and a transfer jacket 44. The transfer cylinder 42 and the transfer jacket 44 are examples of a first cylinder member and a first sheet member, respectively. Fig. 2 is a top perspective view showing the periphery of the facing roll 40 provided in the image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] The transfer cylinder 42 is cylindrical and extends in the depth direction, has a transfer jacket 44 fixed to its outer periphery, and is supported by a sprocket 54A of a chain conveying device 50, which will be described later. The transfer cylinder 42 is angularly displaced by the chain conveying device 50 via a shaft 421 provided in the center. The angular displacement is also called rotation or inching. The transfer cylinder 42 has a recess 422.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a front view of the opposing roll 40 provided in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The recess 422 extends in the depth direction and has a groove shape that opens in the radial direction on the outer circumferential surface of the transfer cylinder 42, and extends from one axial end (right side in the figure) to the other end (left side) of the transfer cylinder 42. The recess 422 accommodates the gripper 56 of the chain conveying device 50 described later at a predetermined timing. The recess 422 is an example of a notch. The recess 422 also has a step portion 424. The step portion 424 extends in the depth direction and is recessed into the inner surface of one circumferential end side of the recess 422, and has a surface facing outward in the radial direction and a surface facing the other end side of the recess 422 in the circumferential direction. The surface of the step portion 424 facing the other end side of the recess 422 in the circumferential direction is an inclined surface that is inclined so that the outer circumferential side of the transfer cylinder 42 protrudes more toward the other end side of the recess 422 than the inner circumferential side. As a result, step portion 424 receives claw 442, which will be described later, and is hooked onto the inclined surface. That is, step portion 424 is capable of holding claw 442, which will be described later. Step portion 424 is an example of a holding member.

[0032] 4 is a front view of a transfer jacket 44 provided in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The transfer jacket 44 is a sheet-like and layered member extending in the depth direction, and is replaceably wrapped around the outer periphery of the transfer cylinder 42, and is in contact with the paper P at the outer periphery. One end of the transfer jacket 44 is fixed to one end side of the recess 422 in the circumferential direction, and the other end of the transfer jacket 44 is fixed to the other end side of the recess 422 in the circumferential direction via a fixing member 46. That is, the transfer jacket 44 is wrapped around the transfer cylinder 42 in a state in which one end and the other end of the transfer jacket 44 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction with the recess 422 sandwiched therebetween. The transfer jacket 44 has a base layer 444, a surface layer 441, and a claw 442.

[0033] The surface layer 441 is a sheet-like member extending in the depth direction, and forms the outer portion of the transfer jacket 44. The outer peripheral surface of the surface layer 441 and the secondary transfer roll 36 come into contact with the paper P.

[0034] The base layer 444 is a sheet-like member extending in the depth direction, forms the inner part of the transfer jacket 44 that is wound around the transfer cylinder by adhesion, and ensures the winding strength of the transfer jacket 44. The surface layer 441 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the base layer 444 by adhesion, and a claw 442 is fixed to a portion of the inner circumferential surface that forms one end of the transfer jacket 44. The base layer 444 is longer in the circumferential direction than the surface layer 441 when wound around the transfer cylinder 42, and forms the other end of the transfer jacket 44 with a part of it protruding from the surface layer 441. The base layer 444 as the other end of the transfer jacket 44 is fixed to the transfer cylinder 42 via a fixing member 46.

[0035] The claw 442 has a tapered end corresponding to the inclined surface of the step portion 424 in a front view (as viewed in the axial direction of the transfer cylinder 42) and a flat other end corresponding to the inner surface of the recess 422, and is formed to extend in the depth direction as a whole. The claw 442 has a function of hooking the transfer jacket 44 onto the step portion 424 of the transfer cylinder 42. When one end of the claw 442 hooks onto the step portion 424 of the transfer cylinder 42, the transfer jacket 44 is temporarily held on the transfer cylinder 42. That is, the step portion 424 of the transfer cylinder 42 temporarily holds the transfer jacket 44 via the claw 442. Note that the temporary holding refers to a state in which the claw 442 is hooked onto the step portion 424 and the transfer jacket 44 is fastened by a fixing member (not shown) at a predetermined position with less than a predetermined torque.

[0036] (Chain conveyor device 50) FIG. 5 is a top perspective view showing the periphery of a chain conveying device 50 and a fixing roll 60 provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The chain conveying device 50 is an example of an angular displacement mechanism. The chain conveying device 50 includes a pair of chains 52, a pair of sprockets 54, a gripper 56, and a mounting member 58. As shown in FIG. 1, the chain conveying device 50 conveys a paper P from a transfer position T2 by the opposing roll 40 to a fixing position NP by the fixing roll 60 described later. The chain conveying device 50 synchronizes the opposing roll 40 and the fixing roll 60 described later by meshing the pair of chains 52 with the pair of sprockets 54, and angularly displaces both of them. On the other hand, at a maintenance position described later, the chain conveying device 50 angularly displaces the opposing roll 40 and the fixing roll 60 described later in conjunction with each other based on a control signal from a control unit, thereby sequentially switching the positions of both of them.

[0037] The pair of chains 52 are endless and spaced apart in the device depth direction. As shown in Fig. 2, the pair of chains 52 are arranged on one and the other axial ends of the opposing roll 40, and are wound around at least a pair of sprockets 54A whose axial direction is the depth direction, and a pair of sprockets 54B arranged on one and the other axial ends of a fixing roll 60, which will be described later, as shown in Fig. 5, to determine their posture. When either of the pair of sprockets 54A or 54B rotates, the chain 52 moves in the direction of arrow C.

[0038] Further, a gripper 56 for gripping the paper P is attached to the pair of chains 52 via an attachment member 58 .

[0039] A plurality of grippers 56 are provided and are attached to the mounting member 58 at predetermined intervals along the depth direction. The grippers 56 are an example of a gripping portion. The gripper 56 has a plurality of clamping portions (not shown) that can be brought into contact with and separated from each other. As a result, the gripper 56 grips the leading end of the paper P by clamping the leading end of the paper P between the clamping portions (not shown).

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the gripper 56 is accommodated in a recess 422 formed in the transfer cylinder 42 when the paper P passes between the transfer belt 34 and the opposing roll 40.

[0041] (Fixing device) The fixing device includes a fixing roll 60 and a heating roll 61. As shown in Fig. 5, the fixing roll 60 is disposed on the opposite side of the heating roll 61 with the paper P (not shown) sandwiched therebetween, in contact with the downwardly facing surface of the paper P, and extends in the depth direction with the axial direction being the depth direction. As shown in Fig. 1, the fixing roll 60 fixes the toner image to the paper P at a fixing position NP together with the heating roll 61. The fixing roll 60 includes a fixing cylinder 62 and a fixing jacket 64. The fixing cylinder 62 and the fixing jacket 64 are examples of a second cylinder member and a second sheet member, respectively.

[0042] 5, fixing cylinder 62 is cylindrical and extends in the depth direction, has fixing jacket 64 fixed on its outer periphery, and is supported by a pair of sprockets 54B of chain conveying device 50. Fixing cylinder 62 is angularly displaced by chain conveying device 50 via shaft 621 provided in the center. Fixing cylinder 62 has a recess 622.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a front view of the fixing roll 60 provided in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The recess 622 extends in the depth direction, forms a groove that opens in the radial direction on the outer circumferential surface of the fixing cylinder 62, and extends from one axial end (right side in the figure) to the other end (left side in the figure) of the fixing cylinder 62. The recess 622 accommodates the gripper 56 of the chain conveying device 50 at a predetermined timing. The recess 622 is an example of a notch. The recess 622 also has a bottom 623. The bottom 623 is a bottom surface that extends in the depth direction and is formed at one end side of the recess 622 at a position from the outer circumferential surface side of the recess 622 toward the radial direction of the fixing cylinder. The bottom 623 is an example of a bottom surface.

[0044] 7 is a front view of the fixing jacket 64 provided in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The fixing jacket 64 is a sheet-like member extending in the depth direction, and is replaceably wrapped around the outer periphery of the fixing drum 62, and comes into contact with the paper P at the outer periphery.

[0045] The fixing jacket 64 has an arc shape and is wound around the outer periphery of the fixing cylinder 62. One end of the fixing jacket 64 extends toward the center of the arc and is bent into an L-shape, and is fixed to the bottom 623 of the recess 622 of the fixing cylinder 62 via a fixing member 66 in a state where it faces the bottom 623. The other end of the fixing jacket 64 bends inwardly of the arc and extends to the one end side, and is fixed to the other end side of the recess 622 of the fixing cylinder 62 via a fixing member 68. In other words, the fixing jacket 64 is wound around the fixing cylinder 62 in a state where one end and the other end of the fixing jacket 64 are separated from each other in the circumferential direction across the recess 622 of the fixing cylinder 62, and tension is applied to the fixing jacket 64.

[0046] (Drawer) The drawer, not shown, is a frame-shaped body, and is provided inside a housing constituting the image forming apparatus 10. The drawer, not shown, houses the opposing roll 40, the chain transport device 50, the fixing device (fixing roll 60 and heating roll 61), and peripheral members 72 (see FIG. 2), which are parts of the image forming apparatus 10. When the drawer is pulled out from the housing, the opposing roll 40, the chain transport device 50, the fixing device, and the peripheral members 72 are moved to the outside of the housing, where the image forming unit 20, excluding the opposing roll 40, remains inside. In the image forming apparatus 10, the state in which the drawer is pulled out corresponds to a state in which the drawer is moved to the outside of the housing and maintenance or replacement of elements is performed (a state in which the drawer is located in a maintenance position, which will be described later).

[0047] (Replacement of transfer jacket and fixing jacket) In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the transfer jacket 44, the fixing jacket 64, and the gripper 56 are replaced at a set time. The term "replacement" refers to an action that includes both removal and installation.

[0048] In replacing the transfer jacket 44, the fixing jacket 64, and the gripper 56, the worker pulls out a drawer (not shown) from inside the image forming apparatus 10 to the outside, toward the front side in the depth direction (see FIG. 1), to the maintenance position. The maintenance position is the position where the drawer (not shown) is pulled out to its maximum extent.

[0049] All positions from the first position to the fifth position are stored in advance in the control unit. Every time an operator presses an operation button at the maintenance position, a control signal is sent to the chain conveying device 50, and the positions of the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 are switched between the first position, the second position, the third position, the fourth position, and the fifth position in sequence.

[0050] The chain conveying device 50 switches between the first position, the second position, the third position, the fourth position, and the fifth position in that order by angularly displacing the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 in conjunction with each other. The angular displacement of the transfer cylinder 42 from the first position to the fifth position by the chain conveying device 50 is performed within a range of 360° or less. The first position, the second position, the third position, the fourth position, and the fifth position are examples of the first detachment position, the gripper detachment position, the first attachment position, the second attachment position, and the third attachment position, respectively.

[0051] (1st position) 8 is a front view showing a first position of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. When the operator presses the operation button while the transfer jacket 44 is fixed to the transfer cylinder 42, the chain conveying device 50 angularly displaces the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 counterclockwise based on a control signal to switch to the first position. Counterclockwise is an example of one direction. At the first position, the transfer jacket 44 is removed from the transfer cylinder 42. That is, at the first position, a first step is performed in which the transfer jacket 44, which is in contact with the paper P on which an image is formed, is removed from the outer periphery of the transfer cylinder 42.

[0052] At the first position, the chain conveying device 50 exposes the recess 422 of the transfer cylinder 42 upward in the vertical direction (see FIG. 2). The exposure of the transfer cylinder 42 means that the working part of the transfer cylinder 42 is angularly displaced to a range H1 where the worker can access the working part. The accessible range H1 means a range where the pair of chains 52 are wound around the pair of sprockets 54A and where the peripheral member 72 is not provided. At the first position in FIG. 8, both one end and the other end of the recess 422 of the transfer cylinder 42 are in the range H1. At the first position, the worker removes the fixing member and the fixing member 46 (not shown), and then the transfer jacket 44 is removed from the transfer cylinder 42. At the first position, both one end and the other end of the recess 622 of the fixing cylinder 62 are in a non-exposed position described later, and the fixing jacket 64 cannot be removed from the fixing cylinder 62.

[0053] (2nd position) Next, when the operator presses the operation button, the chain conveying device 50 angularly displaces the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 counterclockwise based on the control signal to switch from the first position to the second position. In the second position, the gripper 56 and the mounting member 58 are both exposed in the range of H1, one end and the other end of the recess 622 of the fixing cylinder 62 are in a position where they are not exposed, and the fixing jacket 64 cannot be removed from the fixing cylinder 62. In the second position, the gripper 56 and the mounting member 58 are removed from the recess 422 of the transfer cylinder 42 in a state where the transfer jacket 44 has been removed. Note that the second position is a position different from the first position, but the first position and the second position may be the same position. In this case, the chain conveying device 50 does not angularly displace the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62. Also, the second position may be the same position as a third position described later.

[0054] (3rd position) FIG. 9 is a front view showing the third position of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. When an operator presses the operation button, the chain conveying device 50 angularly displaces the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 counterclockwise based on a control signal, and switches from the second position to the third position to expose the step portion 424 of the transfer cylinder 42. In the third position, the step portion 424 of the transfer cylinder 42 is in the range of H1, and the step portion 424 faces directly upward (the position of 0 o'clock in the clock) in the vertical direction. In the third position, the claw 442 at one end of the transfer jacket 44 is temporarily held by the step portion 424 of the transfer cylinder 42 in a state in which the transfer jacket 44 has been removed. That is, in the third position, after the first process, the second process of attaching one end of the transfer jacket 44 to the transfer cylinder 42 angularly displaced counterclockwise is performed. In the third position, one end and the other end of the recess 622 of the fixing cylinder 62 are in a position where they are not exposed, and the fixing jacket 64 cannot be removed from the fixing cylinder 62 .

[0055] Furthermore, at the third position, a cover 74 is installed by the operator on one side of the peripheral member 72, on the opposite side of the transfer cylinder 42 with the peripheral member 72 in between. The cover 74 is a sheet-like cushioning material, and covers at least the area where one side of the temporarily held transfer jacket 44 contacts the peripheral member 72. By providing the cover 74 to the peripheral member 72, one side of the transfer jacket 44 is protected even if the temporarily held transfer jacket 44 sags.

[0056] (4th position) FIG. 10 is a front view showing a fourth position of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. When an operator presses the operation button, the chain conveying device 50 angularly displaces the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 counterclockwise based on a control signal, and switches from the third position to the fourth position, exposing the recessed portion 622 of the fixing cylinder 62. The exposure of the fixing cylinder 62 means that the working portion of the fixing cylinder 62 is angularly displaced to a range H2 where the operator can access the working portion. The accessible range H2 means a range where the chain 52 is wound around the sprocket 54B and where the heating roll 61 is not provided. In the fourth position of FIG. 10, both one end and the other end of the recessed portion 622 of the fixing cylinder 62 are in the range H2, and the recessed portion 622 is exposed. In the fourth position, the fixing member 66 and the fixing member 68 are removed by the operator.

[0057] Next, the fixing jacket 64 is removed from the fixing cylinder 62 by an operator, and then the fixing jacket 64 is attached to the fixing cylinder 62 from which the fixing jacket 64 has been removed, and the fixing jacket 64 is replaced with the fixing cylinder 62. That is, at the fourth position, after the second step, a third step is performed in which the fixing jacket 64 is removed and attached to the outer periphery of the fixing cylinder 62, which is angularly displaced in conjunction with the transfer cylinder 42, which is angularly displaced counterclockwise. Note that, at the fourth position, one end and the other end of the recess 422 of the transfer cylinder 42 are in a position where they are not exposed, and the transfer jacket 44 is temporarily held by the transfer cylinder 42 and is not fixed.

[0058] (5th position) FIG. 11 is a front view showing the fifth position of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. When an operator presses the operation button, the chain conveying device 50 angularly displaces the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 counterclockwise based on a control signal, and switches from the fourth position to the fifth position. At the fifth position, at least the other end of the recess 422 of the transfer cylinder 42 is exposed. In FIG. 11, the fifth position is the same position as the first position. At the fifth position, the other end of the transfer jacket 44 attached at the third position is fixed to the transfer cylinder 42 by the operator. When the transfer jacket 44 is fixed to the transfer cylinder 42, the replacement of the transfer jacket is completed. That is, at the fifth position, after the third step, the fourth step is performed in which the other end of the transfer jacket 44 in the second step is attached to the transfer cylinder 42 angularly displaced counterclockwise.

[0059] (Action and effect) Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0060] In the image forming apparatus 10 or the part replacement method for the image forming apparatus 10, in a state in which the transfer jacket 44 is temporarily held on the transfer cylinder 42 from which the transfer jacket 44 has been removed, the chain transport device 50 angularly displaces the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 in conjunction with each other. Next, the fixing jacket 64 is replaced with respect to the fixing cylinder 62. Then, after the fixing jacket 64 has been replaced, the transfer jacket 44 is fixed to the transfer cylinder 42.

[0061] The image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a cylindrical transfer cylinder 42 and a fixing cylinder 62 extending in one direction, a transfer jacket 44 and a fixing jacket 64 that are interchangeably wrapped around the outer periphery of the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 with one end and the other end spaced apart in the circumferential direction and come into contact with the paper P on which an image is formed, and a chain conveying device 50 that switches between a third position, a fourth position, and a fifth position in which one end of the transfer jacket 44 is attached to the transfer cylinder 42 in a state in which the transfer jacket 44 is removed, a fourth position in which the fixing jacket 64 is attached to the fixing cylinder 62 in a state in which the fixing jacket 64 is removed, and a fifth position in which the other end of the transfer jacket 44 attached at the third position is attached to the transfer cylinder 42, in that order, by angularly displacing the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 in conjunction with each other.

[0062] In addition, the part replacement method for the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first step of removing the transfer jacket 44, which is in contact with the paper P on which an image is formed, from the outer periphery of the transfer cylinder 42; a second step of attaching one end of the transfer jacket 44 to the transfer cylinder 42 which has been angularly displaced in one direction after the first step; a third step of removing the fixing jacket 64 and attaching the fixing jacket 64 to the outer periphery of the fixing cylinder 62 which angularly displaces in conjunction with the transfer cylinder 42 which has been angularly displaced in the one direction after the second step; and a fourth step of attaching the other end of the transfer jacket 44 in the second step to the transfer cylinder 42 which has been angularly displaced in the one direction after the third step, all of which are performed within a range in which the angular displacement of the transfer cylinder 42 from the first step to the fourth step is 360° or less.

[0063] In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the time required for the installation work can be reduced compared to a configuration in which one end and the other end of the transfer jacket 44 are switched to a position for attaching to the transfer cylinder 42 and then the fixing jacket 64 is switched to a position for attaching to the fixing cylinder 62. Also, in the part replacement method for the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the time required for the installation work can be reduced compared to a method in which one end and the other end of the transfer jacket 44 are switched to a position for attaching to the transfer cylinder 42 and then the fixing jacket 64 is switched to a position for attaching to the fixing cylinder 62.

[0064] In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the transfer cylinder 42 extends in the one direction and has a notch formed between one end and the other end of the transfer jacket 44, the one end and the other end of the transfer jacket 44 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction with the recess 422 sandwiched therebetween, and the chain conveying device 50 switches the positions of the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 to a first position where the transfer jacket 44 is removed from the transfer cylinder 42 before the third position, and the first position exposes the recess 422 of the transfer cylinder 42. Then, the chain conveying device 50 exposes one end and the other end of the recess 422 of the transfer cylinder 42 at the first position, and the one end and the other end of the transfer jacket 44 are removed at the first position.

[0065] In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the transfer jacket 44 has a claw 442 at one end, the transfer cylinder 42 has a step portion 424 capable of holding the claw 442 of the transfer jacket 44 in the recess 422, and the chain conveying device 50 exposes the step portion 424 of the transfer cylinder 42 at the third position. The transfer cylinder 42 temporarily holds the transfer jacket 44.

[0066] In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing cylinder 62 extends in the one direction and has a recess 622 formed between one end and the other end of the fixing jacket 64, and the fourth position exposes the recess 622 of the fixing cylinder 62. Then, one end and the other end of the recess 622 of the fixing cylinder 62 are exposed, and at the fourth position, the fixing jacket 64 is replaced.

[0067] In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the recess 622 of the fixing cylinder 62 has a bottom 623 to which one end of the fixing jacket 64 is attached in the radial direction of the fixing cylinder 62. Compared to a configuration in which one end of the fixing jacket 64 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the fixing jacket 64, a wider range is ensured for image formation.

[0068] In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the chain transport device 50 has a gripper 56 that grips the paper P, and switches the positions of the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 to a first position where the transfer jacket 44 is removed from the transfer cylinder 42 before the third position, and a second position where the gripper 56 is removed from the chain transport device 50, which is disposed between the first and third positions. The time required for replacing the transfer jacket 44, the fixing jacket 64, and the gripper 56 is reduced compared to a configuration in which the gripper 56 is replaced after switching from the third position to the fourth position.

[0069] (Modification) Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments, and that the present disclosure can take on various other embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] Regarding the order of jacket replacement, one end of the fixing jacket 64 may be temporarily held on the fixing cylinder 62 from which the fixing jacket 64 has been removed, and then the transfer jacket 44 may be replaced with respect to the transfer cylinder 42, and the other end of the fixing jacket 64 may be fixed to the fixing cylinder 62.

[0071] If there is a cleaner (not shown) arranged along the transfer cylinder 42 to remove toner adhering to the transfer cylinder 42, when removing the transfer jacket 44 from the transfer cylinder 42, the cleaner may be retracted in a direction away from the transfer cylinder 42, and then the transfer jacket 44 may be removed.

[0072] Regarding the attachment of the cover 74 to the peripheral member 72, the cover 74 may be attached to the peripheral member 72 permanently or temporarily.

[0073] With regard to replacement of the gripper 56, only the transfer jacket 44 and the fuser jacket 64 need to be replaced, and not the gripper 56.

[0074] Although the drawer is pulled out to the maintenance position by an operator, this is not limited to the above. The drawer may be automatically moved to the maintenance position based on a control signal from the control unit. Furthermore, the angular displacement of the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 is performed based on a control signal when the operator presses an operation button, but this is not limited to the above. For example, a maintenance mode for automatically replacing elements may be provided, and the angular displacement of the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 may be performed automatically based on an instruction from the control unit to switch to the maintenance mode.

[0075] Regarding the positions at which the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 are stopped, the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 may be marked with engravings or other markings corresponding to each position, and the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 may then be angularly displaced by the operator in accordance with the markings for some or all of the processes.

[0076] In the embodiment, the direction in which the transfer cylinder 42 and the fixing cylinder 62 are angularly displaced is counterclockwise, but the direction may be clockwise as long as the direction is constant during replacement work.

[0077] (Additional Note) (((1))) First and second cylindrical body members extending in one direction; a first sheet member and a second sheet member which are interchangeably wrapped around the outer periphery of the first body member and the second body member with one end and the other end spaced apart in the circumferential direction and which come into contact with a medium on which an image is to be formed; an angular displacement mechanism which switches between a first mounting position, a second mounting position, a third mounting position, and a first mounting position, in which one end of the first sheet member is mounted to the first body member in a state in which the first sheet member is removed, a second mounting position, a third mounting position, in which the other end of the first sheet member mounted at the first mounting position is mounted to the first body member, by angularly displacing the first and second body members in conjunction with each other; An image forming apparatus comprising: (((2))) the first body member extends in the one direction and has a notch formed between one end and the other end of the first sheet member; The first sheet member has one end and the other end spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction with the notch therebetween, The angular displacement mechanism includes: Prior to the first attachment position, the positions of the first and second body members are switched to a first removal position where the first sheet member is removed from the first body member; The first removal position exposes a cutout of the first body member. The image forming apparatus according to (((1))). (((3))) The first sheet member has a claw at one end, the first body member has a holding member capable of holding a claw of the first sheet member in the cutout, The angular displacement mechanism exposes a holding member of the first body member at the first mounting position. The image forming apparatus according to (((2))). (((4))) the second body member extends in the one direction and has a notch formed between one end and the other end of the second sheet member, The second mounting position exposes a cutout of the second body member. The image forming apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))). (((5))) The cutout of the second body member has a bottom surface in a radial direction of the second body member to which one end of the second sheet member is attached. The image forming apparatus according to (((4))). (((6))) The angular displacement mechanism includes: a gripping portion that grips the medium, The positions of the first and second body members are switched to a first removal position where the first sheet member is removed from the first body member before the first attachment position, and a gripper removal position that is disposed between the first removal position and the first attachment position and where the gripper is removed from the angular displacement mechanism. The image forming apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))). (((7))) a first step of removing a first sheet member, which contacts a medium on which an image is to be formed, from an outer periphery of a first body member; a second step of attaching one end of a first sheet member to the first body member angularly displaced in one direction after the first step; a third step of removing a second sheet member from an outer periphery of a second body member which is angularly displaced in conjunction with the first body member which is angularly displaced in the one direction after the second step and attaching a second sheet member thereto; a fourth step of attaching the other end of the first sheet member in the second step to the first body member angularly displaced in the one direction after the third step; The method for replacing a part of an image forming apparatus includes the steps of: performing the above-mentioned step (1) to the above-mentioned step (4) within a range in which the angular displacement of the first body member is 360° or less from the first step to the fourth step.

[0078] According to the configuration (((1))), the time required for the attachment work is reduced compared to a configuration in which one end and the other end of the first sheet member are switched to a position for attachment to one body member and then the second sheet member is switched to a position for attachment to the other body member. According to the configuration (((2))), one end and the other end of the first sheet member are removed at the first removal position. According to the configuration (((3))), the first body member temporarily holds the first sheet member. According to the configuration (((4))), the second seat member is replaced at the second mounting position. According to the configuration (((5))), one end of the second sheet member is attached to the bottom surface, thereby ensuring a wider area for image formation compared to a configuration in which one end of the second sheet member is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the second body member. According to the configuration of (((6))), the time required for the replacement operation is reduced compared to a configuration in which one end and the other end of the first sheet member are switched to a position where they are attached to the first body member, and then the second sheet member is switched to a position where they are attached to the second body member, and then the gripping portion is replaced. According to the configuration (((7))), the time required for the installation work is reduced compared to a configuration in which one end and the other end of the first sheet member are switched to a position for attaching to one body member and then the second sheet member is switched to a position for attaching to the other body member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 10 Image forming device 20 Image forming section 22 Toner image forming unit 30 Transcription device 32 Primary transfer roll 34 Transfer belt 36 Secondary transfer roll 38 rolls 40 Opposing Roll 42 Transfer cylinder (first cylinder member) 421 Shaft 422 Recess (cutout) 424 Step (retaining member) 44 Transfer jacket (first sheet member) 441 Surface layer 441 442 Claws 444 Base layer 50 Chain conveyor (angular displacement mechanism) 52 Chain 54 Sprocket 56 Gripper (gripping part) 58 Mounting material 60 Fixing device 61 Heating Roll 62 Fixing cylinder (second cylinder member) 621 Shaft 622 Recess (cutout) 623 Bottom (Bottom) 64 Fixing jacket (second sheet member) 72 Peripheral parts 74 Cover

Claims

1. First and second cylindrical body members extending in one direction; a first sheet member and a second sheet member which are interchangeably wrapped around the outer periphery of the first body member and the second body member with one end and the other end spaced apart in a circumferential direction and which come into contact with a medium on which an image is to be formed; an angular displacement mechanism which switches between a first mounting position, where one end of the first sheet member is attached to the first body member in a state in which the first sheet member is removed, a second mounting position, where the second sheet member is attached to the second body member in a state in which the second sheet member is removed, and a third mounting position, where the other end of the first sheet member attached at the first mounting position is attached to the first body member, by angularly displacing the first and second body members in conjunction with each other; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. the first body member extends in the one direction and has a notch formed between one end and the other end of the first sheet member; The first sheet member has one end and the other end spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction with the notch therebetween, The angular displacement mechanism includes: Prior to the first attachment position, the positions of the first and second body members are switched to a first removal position where the first sheet member is removed from the first body member; The first removal position exposes a cutout of the first body member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The first sheet member has a claw at one end, the first body member has a holding member capable of holding a claw of the first sheet member in the cutout, The angular displacement mechanism exposes a holding member of the first body member at the first mounting position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. the second body member extends in the one direction and has a notch formed between one end and the other end of the second sheet member, The second mounting position exposes a cutout of the second body member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. The cutout of the second body member has a bottom surface in a radial direction of the second body member to which one end of the second sheet member is attached. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

6. The angular displacement mechanism includes: a gripping portion that grips the medium, The positions of the first and second body members are switched to a first removal position where the first sheet member is removed from the first body member before the first attachment position, and a gripping portion removal position that is disposed between the first removal position and the first attachment position and where the gripping portion is removed from the angular displacement mechanism. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

7. a first step of removing a first sheet member, which contacts a medium on which an image is to be formed, from an outer periphery of a first body member; a second step of attaching one end of a first sheet member to the first body member angularly displaced in one direction after the first step; a third step of removing a second sheet member from an outer periphery of a second body member which is angularly displaced in conjunction with the first body member which is angularly displaced in the one direction after the second step and attaching a second sheet member thereto; a fourth step of attaching the other end of the first sheet member in the second step to the first body member angularly displaced in the one direction after the third step; the angular displacement of the first body member from the first step to the fourth step being within a range of 360° or less.

Images