Transport device and image formation device

Abstract

To suppress variations in a position of peeling means with respect to transport means, as compared with a configuration in which peeling means is not positioned with respect to endless belt-like transport means and a configuration in which the peeling member is positioned on a body side of a transport device.SOLUTION: A transport device (F) includes: endless first transport means (1); a second transport means (Fp) that transports media (S) while sandwiching it between the first transport means (1) and the second transport means; first support means (21) that supports the first transport means (1); a second support means (26) that supports the first support means (21) and being relatively movable with respect to the first support means (21); and peeling means (31) that is supported by the second support means (26) and peels the media (S) from the first transport means (1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium transport device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art With regard to a technique for peeling off a medium downstream of a fixing device that fixes an unfixed image in an image forming apparatus, the techniques described in the following Patent Documents 1 to 3 are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1: JP 2020-134885 A describes a configuration in which a release sheet (108) is disposed downstream of a fixing belt (101). The release sheet (108) peels off the recording material (S) from the fixing belt (101). The release sheet (108) has a release member (108a) and a support member (108b). The positioning portion (108b-c-1) abuts against the fixing flange (104), so that the release sheet (108) is positioned on the fixing flange (104).

[0004] Patent Document 2: JP 2008-292793 A describes a technique for peeling off a paper (33) from a heating roller (1) using a peeling guide (4) of a fixing device (10). Patent Document 2 also describes a technique for correcting bias of a pressure belt (2) by rotating a belt regulation member (41) at an end of the pressure belt (2) around a protrusion (42).

[0005] Patent Document 3: JP-A-08-286548 describes a configuration that includes peeling members (14, 15) for peeling off a recording sheet from fixing rollers (4, 5). The peeling member (14) is rotatably supported by a link plate (21). The peeling member (14) is elastically pressed against the fixing roller (4) by a spring. A paper discharge unit (13) including the peeling member (14) is configured to be rotatable about a fulcrum (17). When the paper discharge unit (13) rotates about the fulcrum (17), the link plate (21) comes into contact with a peeling member positioning stopper (18), thereby positioning the peeling member (14). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-134885 A ("0039" to "0114" (especially "0039" to "0043"), Figures 3 to 9) [Patent Document 2] JP 2008-292793 A ("0016" to "0032", Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 6) [Patent Document 3] JP-A-08-286548 ("0019" to "0028", Figs. 1, 3 to 6) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The technical objective of the present invention is to suppress variation in the position of the peeling means relative to the conveying means, compared to a configuration in which the peeling means is not positioned relative to the endless belt-shaped conveying means or a configuration in which the peeling member is positioned on the main body side of the conveying device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problem, the conveying device of the invention described in claim 1 is: An endless first conveying means for conveying a medium; a second conveying means disposed opposite to the first conveying means and configured to convey a medium by sandwiching the medium between the second conveying means and the first conveying means; a first support means for supporting the first conveying means; a second support means that supports the first support means and is movable relative to the first support means; a peeling means supported by the second supporting means and configured to peel the medium from the first conveying means; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is the conveying device described in claim 1, a heating means disposed inside the first transport means and configured to generate heat for fixing the unfixed developer on the surface of the medium; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is the conveying device described in claim 1, a transfer means disposed inside the first transport means and to which a transfer voltage is applied for transferring an image onto a medium; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is the conveying device described in claim 1, the first support means supporting both ends in a width direction of the first conveying means; The present invention is characterized by comprising

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is the conveying device described in claim 1, a guide means that is disposed at least at one end of the first conveying means in the width direction and that comes into contact with the first conveying means to guide the first conveying means when the first conveying means moves in the width direction; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0013] The invention as set forth in claim 6 is the conveying device as set forth in claim 5, the guiding means for guiding the first conveying means that has come into contact with the first conveying means to the opposite side in the width direction to correct the deviation of the first conveying means; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is the conveying device described in claim 1, a pressing means supported by the second supporting means and configured to press the first conveying means against the second conveying means; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is the conveying device described in claim 7, a switching means for switching between pressing the first transport means against the second transport means and releasing the pressing by the pressing means; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0016] In order to solve the above technical problem, the image forming apparatus according to the invention described in claim 9 comprises: an image forming means for forming an image; A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which conveys a medium on which an image formed by the image forming means is held; The present invention is characterized by comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the inventions described in claims 1 and 9, it is possible to suppress variation in the position of the peeling means relative to the conveying means, compared to a configuration in which the peeling means is not positioned relative to the endless belt-shaped conveying means or a configuration in which the peeling member is positioned on the main body side of the conveying device. According to the invention as recited in claim 2, the medium that is likely to stick to the first transport means due to the developer that melts when heated can be stably peeled off by the peeling means. According to the invention as set forth in claim 3, the medium can be stably peeled off from the first transport means in the transfer area. According to the invention as recited in claim 4, the peeling performance on both sides in the width direction can be stabilized, compared to a configuration in which the first support means is disposed only on one side in the width direction and the other side is fixed.

[0018] According to the invention as recited in claim 5, damage to the first conveying means can be suppressed compared to a case in which no guide means is provided. According to the invention as recited in claim 6, the guiding means can correct the deviation of the first conveying means. According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the first conveying means can be positioned relative to the second conveying means, compared to a case in which the pressing means does not press the first conveying means against the second conveying means. According to the invention described in claim 8, the switching means makes it possible to release the pressure, so that even if the paper becomes jammed while sandwiched between the first conveying means and the second conveying means, the pressure can be released and the paper jam can be cleared. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory view of the visible image forming device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are perspective views of the main part of the fixing device of the first embodiment, in which FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a heating belt portion, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view of FIG. 4A with an outer frame removed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Next, specific examples of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as examples) will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. In order to make the following explanation easier to understand, in the drawings, the front-to-back direction is the X-axis direction, the left-to-right direction is the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and the directions or sides indicated by arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, Z, and -Z are respectively the front, rear, right, left, upper, and lower, or the front side, rear side, right side, left side, upper side, and lower side. In addition, in the figures, a "·" inside a "○" means an arrow going from the back to the front of the page, and an "×" inside a "○" means an arrow going from the front to the back of the page. In the following description using the drawings, illustrations of components other than those necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate to facilitate understanding. EXAMPLES

[0021] FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory view of the visible image forming device of the first embodiment. In Figure 1, a copier U as an example of an image forming device has a user interface UI as an example of an operation unit, a scanner unit U1 as an example of an image reading device, a feeder unit U2 as an example of a media supply device, an image creating unit U3 as an example of an image recording device, and a media processing device U4.

[0022] (User Interface UI Description) The user interface UI has an input button UIa used to start copying, set the number of copies, etc. The user interface UI also has a display unit UIb on which the contents input by the input button UIa and the status of the copier U are displayed.

[0023] (Explanation of Feeder Section U2) 1, the feeder unit U2 has a plurality of paper feed trays TR1, TR2, TR3, and TR4 as an example of a medium storage container. The feeder unit U2 also has a medium supply path SH1 that takes out recording paper S as an example of an image recording medium stored in each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 and transports it to the imaging unit U3.

[0024] (Explanation of the imaging unit U3 and media processing device U4) In FIG. 1, the image forming unit U3 has an image recording unit U3a that records an image on the recording paper S conveyed from the feeder unit U2 based on an original image read by the scanner unit U1. 1 and 2, a driving circuit D of the latent image forming device of the imaging unit U3 outputs corresponding driving signals to latent image forming devices ROSy, ROSm, ROSc, and ROSk of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) at preset times based on image information input from the scanner unit U1. Photoconductor drums Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk as an example of image holding means are arranged below each of the latent image forming devices ROSy to ROSk as an example of writing means.

[0025] The surfaces of the rotating photoconductor drums Py to Pk are uniformly charged by charging rolls CRy, CRm, CRc, and CRk, which are an example of a charging means, respectively. Electrostatic latent images are formed on the charged surfaces of the photoconductor drums Py to Pk by laser beams Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk, which are an example of latent image writing light outputted from the latent image forming devices ROSy to ROSk. The electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums Py to Pk are developed into toner images, which are an example of visible images, of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), by developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk, which are an example of a developing means. In the developing devices Gy to Gk, the developer consumed by development is replenished from toner cartridges Ky, Km, Kc, and Kk, which are an example of a developer storage means. The toner cartridges Ky to Kk are detachably mounted in the developer replenishing device U3b.

[0026] The toner images on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums Py to Pk are transferred in a sequentially overlapping manner in primary transfer areas Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k onto an intermediate transfer belt B as an example of an intermediate transfer means by primary transfer rolls T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k as an example of a primary transfer device, which are an example of a transfer means, and a color toner image as an example of a multi-color visible image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt B. The color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B is transported to a secondary transfer area Q4. When only K-color image information is recorded, only the K-color photoconductor drum Pk and the developing device Gk are used, and only the K-color toner image is formed. After the primary transfer, residual developer, paper powder, and other residues adhering to the surfaces of the photoconductor drums Py to Pk are removed by drum cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, and CLk, which are an example of a cleaning means for an image holding means.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the photoconductor drum Pk, the charging roll CRk, and the drum cleaner CLk are integrated as a photoconductor unit UK for the color K, which is an example of an image carrier unit. Similarly, for the other colors Y, M, and C, the photoconductor drums Py, Pm, and Pc, the charging rolls CRy, CRm, and CRc, and the drum cleaners CLy, CLm, and CLc constitute photoconductor units UY, UM, and UC. Furthermore, the K-color photoconductor unit UK and the developing device Gk having the developing roll R0k as an example of the developer holding device constitute the K-color image forming means UK+Gk. Similarly, the Y-, M-, and C-color photoconductor units UY, UM, and UC and the developing devices Gy, Gm, and Gc having the developing rolls R0y, R0m, and R0c constitute the Y-, M-, and C-color image forming means UY+Gy, UM+Gm, and UC+Gc, respectively.

[0028] A belt module BM as an example of intermediate transfer means is disposed below the photoconductor drums Py-Pk. The belt module BM has an intermediate transfer belt B as an example of image holding means, a drive roll Rd as an example of drive means for the intermediate transfer means, a tension roll Rt as an example of tension applying means, a walking roll Rw as an example of meandering prevention means, a plurality of idler rolls Rf as an example of driven means, a backup roll T2a as an example of opposing means, and the primary transfer rolls T1y-T1k. The intermediate transfer belt B is supported so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow Ya. In the first embodiment, the primary transfer rolls T1y, T1m, and T1c for Y, M, and C colors are supported so as to be able to approach and move away from the photoconductor drums Py, Pm, and Pc. In the case of multi-color printing (color printing), the primary transfer rolls T1y to T1c for Y, M, and C colors approach the photoconductor drums Py to Pc and pinch the intermediate transfer belt B with a predetermined contact pressure. On the other hand, in the case of single-color printing (monochrome printing) using only black, they move away from the photoconductor drums Py to Pc.

[0029] A secondary transfer unit Ut is disposed below the backup roll T2a. The secondary transfer unit Ut has a secondary transfer roll T2b as an example of a secondary transfer means. A secondary transfer area Q4 is formed by an area where the secondary transfer roll T2b contacts the intermediate transfer belt B. The secondary transfer roll T2b faces the backup roll T2a with the intermediate transfer belt B sandwiched therebetween. The backup roll T2a is in contact with a contact roll T2c as an example of a power supply means. A secondary transfer voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner is applied to the contact roll T2c. The backup roll T2a, the secondary transfer roll T2b, and the contact roll T2c constitute a secondary transfer unit T2, which is an example of a transfer means.

[0030] The secondary transfer unit Ut in the first embodiment is configured to be movable toward and away from the intermediate transfer belt B. The secondary transfer unit Ut moves depending on the type of recording paper S being used to change the contact pressure between the secondary transfer roll T2b and the intermediate transfer belt B. For example, when thick paper is used, the contact pressure can be weakened compared to when plain paper is used, thereby mitigating the impact when the leading edge of the thick paper enters the secondary transfer area Q4.

[0031] A medium transport path SH2 is disposed below the belt module BM. The recording paper S fed from the medium supply path SH1 of the feeder unit U2 is transported by a transport roll Ra, which is an example of a medium transport means, to a registration roll Rr, which is an example of a transport timing adjustment means. The registration roll Rr transports the recording paper S downstream in accordance with the timing at which the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B is transported to the secondary transfer area Q4. The recording paper S sent out by the registration roll Rr is guided by a registration side paper guide SGr and a pre-transfer paper guide SG1, and transported to the secondary transfer area Q4. The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred to the recording paper S by the secondary transfer device T2 as it passes through the secondary transfer area Q4. In the case of a color toner image, the toner images that are primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B in a superimposed manner are secondarily transferred to the recording paper S all at once. The primary transfer rolls T1y to T1k, the secondary transfer unit T2, and the intermediate transfer belt B constitute a transfer device (transfer means) T1y to T1k+T2+B of the first embodiment.

[0032] After the secondary transfer, the intermediate transfer belt B is cleaned by a belt cleaner CLB, which is an example of a cleaning means for the intermediate transfer means and is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer area Q4. The belt cleaner CLB removes residual matter such as developer and paper powder that has not been transferred from the intermediate transfer belt B in the secondary transfer area Q4.

[0033] The recording paper S onto which the toner image has been transferred is guided by a post-transfer paper guide SG2 and sent to a belt conveying device BH, which is an example of a medium conveying means. The belt conveying device BH conveys the recording paper S to a fixing device F, which is an example of a conveying means. The fixing device F has a heating belt Fh as an example of a heat fixing means, and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure fixing means. The recording paper S is transported to a fixing area Q5 where the heating belt Fh and the pressure roll Fp come into contact with each other. When the toner image on the recording paper S passes through the fixing area Q5, the toner image is heated and pressed by the fixing device F and fixed. The image forming means UY+Gy-UK+Gk, the transfer devices T1y-T1k+T2+B, and the fixing device F constitute an image recording unit U3a as an example of the image forming means in the first embodiment.

[0034] A switching gate GT1, which is an example of a switching means, is provided downstream of the fixing device F. The switching gate GT1 selectively switches the recording paper S that has passed through the fixing area Q5 to either the discharge path SH3 or the reversal path SH4 on the media processing device U4 side. The recording paper S transported to the discharge path SH3 is transported to the paper transport path SH5 of the media processing device U4. A curl correction member U4a, which is an example of a warp correction means, is disposed on the paper transport path SH5. The curl correction member U4a corrects the warp, or so-called curl, of the recording paper S that has been brought in. The recording paper S, whose curl has been corrected, is discharged by discharge rolls Rh, which are an example of a medium discharge member, to a discharge tray TH1, which is an example of a medium discharge section, with the image fixing surface of the paper facing upward.

[0035] The recording paper S conveyed to the reverse path SH4 side of the image forming unit U3 by the switching gate GT1 passes through a second gate GT2, which is an example of a switching means, and is conveyed to the reverse path SH4 of the image forming unit U3. At this time, when the recording paper S is discharged with the image fixing surface facing downward, the conveying direction of the recording paper S is reversed after the trailing end of the recording paper S in the conveying direction passes through the second gate GT2. Here, the second gate GT2 in the first embodiment is made of a thin-film elastic member. Therefore, the second gate GT2 passes the recording paper S conveyed to the reversing path SH4 once as it is, and when the recording paper S that has passed through is reversed, that is, switched back, it is guided to the conveying paths SH3 and SH5. Then, the switched back recording paper S passes through the curl correction member U4a and is discharged to the discharge tray TH1 with the image fixing surface facing downward.

[0036] A circulation path SH6 is connected to the inversion path SH4 of the imaging unit U3, and a third gate GT3 as an example of a switching means is disposed at the connection point between them. The downstream end of the inversion path SH4 is connected to an inversion path SH7 of the media processing device U4. The recording paper S transported to the reverse path SH4 through the switching gate GT1 is transported to the reverse path SH7 side of the media processing device U4 by the third gate GT3. The third gate GT3 in the first embodiment is made of a thin elastic material, similar to the second gate GT2. Therefore, the third gate GT3 allows the recording paper S transported along the reverse path SH4 to pass through once, and when the recording paper S that has passed through is switched back, it is guided to the circulation path SH6 side.

[0037] The recording paper S transported to the circulation path SH6 is sent again to the secondary transfer area Q4 via the medium transport path SH2, where the second side is printed. The elements denoted by the reference characters SH1 to SH7 constitute the sheet transport path SH. The elements denoted by the reference characters SH, Ra, Rr, Rh, SGr, SG1, SG2, BH, and GT1 to GT3 constitute the sheet transport device SU of the first embodiment.

[0038] (Description of Fixing Device) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device according to the first embodiment. 4A and 4B are perspective views of the main part of the fixing device of the first embodiment, in which FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a heating belt portion, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view of FIG. 4A with an outer frame removed. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4B. In Figures 3 to 5, a fixing device F, which is an example of a fixing means and an example of a conveying means, has the heating belt Fh, which is an example of a first conveying means, and the pressure roll Fp, which is an example of a second conveying means.

[0039] The heating belt Fh has a belt body 1 as an example of a body of a first conveying means. The belt body 1 is formed in an endless belt shape. An internal frame 2 as an example of an internal support means is disposed inside the belt body 1. The internal frame 2 extends along the width direction of the belt body 1, and has an upside-down U-shaped cross section. A resistor support portion 3 as an example of a heat support means is supported on the fixing region Q5 side of the internal frame 2. A heating resistor 4, which is an example of a heating means, is supported on the fixing area Q5 side of the resistor support section 3. The heating resistor 4 is disposed in the fixing area Q5 facing the pressure roll Fp with the belt main body 1 sandwiched therebetween. The heating resistor 4 generates heat when energized. Therefore, the fixing temperature in the fixing area Q5 can be controlled by controlling whether the heating resistor 4 starts / stops generating heat.

[0040] 3, 4A, and 5, belt guides 11 as an example of a guide means are disposed at both ends of the belt body 1 of the first embodiment. The belt guide 11 has a plate-shaped plate portion 12 as an example of a main body portion. The plate portion 12 is formed in an arc shape along the circumferential direction of the belt body 1. The outer end of the belt body 1 can come into contact with the plate portion 12 when the belt body 1 moves in the belt width direction. The plate portion 12 is provided with a guide portion 13 as an example of a guide portion. The guide portion 13 is formed in a rib shape that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the belt body 1 in the width direction. Therefore, the guide portion 13 guides the posture of the rotating belt body 1 to a predetermined posture as shown in Fig. 3. The plate portion 12 is provided with a swing protrusion 14 as an example of a swing fulcrum portion. The swing protrusion 14 is formed in a protrusion shape that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the belt body 1 in the width direction.

[0041] A first fixing frame 21, which is an example of a first support means, is supported at both ends of the inner frame 2 and the resistor support portion 3 in the longitudinal direction (width direction of the belt body 1). In FIG. 5, a support surface 21a is formed in the first fixing frame 21 at a position facing the swinging protrusion 14. Therefore, the belt guide 11 is supported by the first fixing frame 21 so as to be swingable about the tip of the swinging protrusion 14 as a fulcrum. Therefore, when the belt body 1 moves in the belt width direction, that is, when the belt body 1 is offset or meanders, the outer end of the belt body 1 comes into contact with the plate portion 12, and the plate portion 12 is pressed in the belt width direction, the belt guide 11 swings and tilts about the swinging protrusion 14 as a fulcrum. With this tilt, the tension state of the belt body 1 and the position corresponding to the rotation center of the belt body 1 change, and the belt body 1 moves in a direction that corrects the offset of the belt body 1. Therefore, the bias and meandering of the belt body 1 are corrected by the belt guide 11, which is an example of a bias correction means.

[0042] In addition, it is desirable to provide the rocking protrusion 14 and the support surface 21a on both sides in the belt width direction, but this is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to design the belt body 1 so that it is easy to lean to one side in a specific direction in the belt width direction, and provide the rocking protrusion 14, etc. only on the side that is easy to lean to one side, and not provide the rocking protrusion 14, etc. on the opposite side.

[0043] A second fixing frame 26, which is an example of a second support means, is supported on the outside of the belt body 1. The second fixing frame 26 has a pair of side plate portions 27 arranged at both ends in the belt width direction. A rotation center portion 27a is formed in the side plate portion 27 at the upstream end in the paper transport direction. An opening portion 27b that supports the first fixing frame 21 is also formed in the side plate portion 27. The opening portion 27b supports the first fixing frame 21 so that it can move up and down, i.e., along the direction in which the heating belt Fh approaches and moves away from the pressure roll Fp.

[0044] The second fixing frame 26 has an upper plate portion 28 that connects the pair of side plate portions 27 together, and a downstream plate portion 29. The downstream plate portion 29 has bolt through holes 29a, which are an example of a pressed portion, formed at both ends in the belt width direction. The downstream plate portion 29 also has a peeling support portion 29b that extends downstream in the paper conveying direction along the belt width direction. A released portion 29c is formed on the outer end side of the peeling support portion 29b in the belt width direction.

[0045] The peeling support portion 29b supports a peeling claw 31 as an example of a peeling means. The peeling claw 31 is disposed downstream of the fixing area Q5 in the paper conveying direction with a tip end 31a close to the belt body 1 and spaced a predetermined gap therebetween. The pressure roll Fp is rotatably supported by a third fixing frame 41, which is an example of a third supporting means. A rotation support part 42 is formed in the third fixing frame 41 at a position corresponding to the rotation center part 27a. The rotation support part 42 rotatably supports the second fixing frame 26 by a rotation shaft 42a.

[0046] The third fixing frame 41 also has a bolt support portion 43 extending toward the bolt through hole 29a as an example of a pressing support portion. The bolt support portion 43 supports a bolt 44. The bolt 44 extends through the bolt through hole 29a. A spring 46 as an example of a pressing means is attached between the head 44a of the bolt 44 and the outer edge of the bolt through hole 29a. The spring 46 exerts an elastic force that presses the outer edge of the bolt through hole 29a. Therefore, the second fixing frame 26 is pressed in the clockwise direction in FIG. 3 around the rotation shaft 42a. Therefore, the first fixing frame 21 and the belt body 1 supported by the second fixing frame 26 are pressed toward the pressure roll Fp. Therefore, a predetermined fixing pressure acts on the fixing area Q5, and the recording paper S passing through the fixing area Q5 is pressed. The first fixing frame 21 can move in the vertical direction relative to the second fixing frame 26, but is positioned in the horizontal direction. Therefore, when the fixing pressure is applied, the belt body 1 is also positioned in the vertical direction, which is the direction opposite to the pressure roll Fp.

[0047] The third fixing frame 41 has a release support portion 47 formed at a position facing the release target portion 29c. A switching cam 48 as an example of a switching means is supported on the release support portion 47 so as to be rotatable about a rotation center 48a. The switching cam 48 is configured as a so-called eccentric cam. The switching cam 48 is rotatable between a pressing execution position shown by a solid line in FIG. 3 and a pressing release position shown by a broken line in FIG. 3. At the pressing release position, the switching cam 48 contacts the release target portion 29c. Therefore, the second fixing frame 26 moves upward about the rotation shaft 42a while facing the pressing force of the spring 46. Therefore, the pressing of the heating belt Fh against the pressure roll Fp is released. Therefore, the contact pressure (fixing pressure) between the heating belt Fh and the pressure roll Fp is weakened. Therefore, even if a paper jam occurs with the recording paper S sandwiched between the heating belt Fh and the pressure roll Fp, it is possible to release the pressing and remove the jammed paper. At the pressing release position, the switching cam 48 is separated from the released portion 29c. Therefore, the heating belt Fh is pressed against the pressure roll Fp at the fixing pressure by the spring force of the spring 46. The switching cam 48 can be configured to be manually operable with a knob (not shown), or can be configured to be automatically controlled by a motor or the like.

[0048] (Function of Example 1) In the fixing device F of the first embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, the third fixing frame 41 supporting the pressure roll Fp is supported by the copier U, and the second fixing frame 26 is supported rotatably relative to the third fixing frame 41. In the first embodiment, the first fixing frame 21 supporting the heating belt Fh is supported by the second fixing frame 26 so as to be movable in a direction pressed against the pressure roll Fp.

[0049] In the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, the release sheet (108) is positioned relative to the fixing belt (101) by abutting the end of the support member (108b) against the fixing flange (104) at the end of the fixing belt (101) in the belt width direction. The fixing flange (104) described in Patent Document 1 is a member corresponding to the belt guide 11 of the first embodiment. Therefore, if the fixing flange (104) is a fixed member, i.e., if it does not have the swinging protrusion 14, it is not possible to prevent the fixing belt (101) from being misaligned or meandering. In other words, if the fixing flange (104) including the release sheet (108) is positioned on the main body or fixed frame side of the fixing device (an example of a conveying device), it is not possible to take measures against the misalignment of the fixing belt (101). Therefore, the fixing belt (101) may be misaligned or meandered, which may cause poor fixing or breakage of the fixing belt (101).

[0050] On the other hand, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, if the fixing flange (104) is configured to be oscillating, the release sheet (108) positioned on the fixing flange (104) will also oscillate. In other words, the release sheet (108) will not be positioned properly. In this case, the position of the release sheet (108) relative to the fixing belt (101) is likely to vary. In other words, the distance between the fixing belt (101) and the release sheet (108) will not be stable. This may result in poor release. In the conventional technology described in Patent Document 2, no peeling guide (4) is provided on the endless pressure belt (2) side, and no structure is described for maintaining the gap between the belt and the peeling means. Patent Document 3 describes a peeling member (14) for the fixing rollers (4, 5), but no structure is described for maintaining the gap between the belt and the peeling means.

[0051] In contrast to these, in the fixing device F of Example 1, the belt body 1 is supported by the first fixing frame 21 via the internal frame 2 and the resistor support part 3. The first fixing frame 21 is supported by the second fixing frame 26, and the peeling claw 31 is fixed and supported by the second fixing frame 26. In a state where the fixing pressure is applied, the first fixing frame 21 and the belt body 1 are pressed by the second fixing frame 26 to be positioned. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the variation in the position of the peeling claw 31 with respect to the heating belt Fh, compared to the configuration in which the peeling means is not positioned or the conventional configuration of Patent Document 1 in which the peeling member is positioned on the main body side of the conveying device. That is, in the fixing device F of Example 1, the belt guide 11 can correct the deviation and meandering of the belt body 1, and the variation in the position of the peeling claw 31 can also be suppressed.

[0052] In particular, in the fixing device F as a conveying device in the first embodiment, the recording paper S is likely to stick to the heating belt Fh due to the melting of the developer when heated. In contrast, the peeling claw 31 in the first embodiment, in which the positional variation is suppressed, has stable peeling performance. Therefore, the sticking of the recording paper S to the heating belt Fh is stably suppressed. Therefore, the occurrence of paper jams due to sticking is also suppressed. Furthermore, when the application / release of the fixing pressure is switched by the switching cam 48, the heating belt Fh moves relative to the pressure roll Fp. In the first embodiment, even if the heating belt Fh moves when the fixing pressure is released, the positions of the heating belt Fh and the peeling claw 31 are stable when the fixing pressure is applied. Therefore, even in a configuration in which the heating belt Fh is movable, it is possible to stabilize the peeling performance.

[0053] (Example of change) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. Modifications (H01) to (H08) of the present invention are illustrated below. (H01) In the above embodiment, a copier U is shown as an example of an image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a facsimile or a multifunction machine having multiple functions such as a facsimile, printer, and copier. In addition, the present invention is not limited to an image forming apparatus that develops multiple colors, but can be configured as a single-color, so-called monochrome image forming apparatus. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to an image forming apparatus, but can be applied to any electronic device or mechanical device that uses a motor and gears.

[0054] (H02) In the above embodiment, the fixing device F is exemplified as an example of a conveying device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a conveying device that has a transfer roll (an example of a transfer means) that transfers an image from a photosensitive member inside a transfer conveying belt, and conveys the recording paper S by sandwiching it between the photosensitive member and the transfer conveying belt. In addition, the present invention can be applied to a conveying device that conveys the recording paper S by sandwiching it between an intermediate transfer belt B and a secondary transfer roll T2b, in which a backup roll T2a as an example of a transfer means is disposed inside. (H03) In the above embodiment, it is desirable to provide the switching cam 48 for releasing the fixing pressure, but it is also possible to configure it without providing it.

[0055] (H04) In the above embodiment, the belt guide 11 is configured to suppress deviation or meandering, but is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the belt guide 11 to have only a shock-absorbing or cushioning function to suppress breakage of the end of the belt body 1. (H05) In the above embodiment, the belt guide 11 is configured to operate a bias correction function when the belt body 1 comes into contact with the belt guide 11 in a biased state, i.e., a so-called passive type configuration, but is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to use a so-called active type configuration in which the bias of the belt body 1 is detected by a sensor or the like, and the belt guide 11 is tilted by a motor or the like to correct the bias.

[0056] (H06) In the above embodiment, the peeling claw 31 is exemplified as the peeling means, but the peeling means is not limited to this. For example, the peeling means may be in any shape, such as a sheet, plate, block, or finger shape. (H07) In the above embodiment, if the position of the peeling means is adjustable with respect to the belt body 1 when assembling the peeling means, the peeling performance can be further stabilized, which is preferable. (H08) In the above embodiment, by forming the peeling means integrally with the second fixing frame 26, it is possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0057] (Additional Note) (((1))) An endless first conveying means for conveying a medium; a second conveying means disposed opposite to the first conveying means and configured to convey a medium by sandwiching the medium between the second conveying means and the first conveying means; a first support means for supporting the first conveying means; a second support means that supports the first support means and is movable relative to the first support means; a peeling means supported by the second supporting means and configured to peel the medium from the first conveying means; A conveying device comprising: (((2))) a heating means disposed inside the first transport means and configured to generate heat for fixing the unfixed developer on the surface of the medium; The conveying device according to (((1))) is characterized by comprising: (((3))) a transfer means disposed inside the first transport means and to which a transfer voltage is applied for transferring an image onto a medium; The conveying device according to ((1))) or (((2))) comprising: (((4))) the first support means supporting both ends in a width direction of the first conveying means; A conveying device according to any one of ((1)) to ((3)) comprising: (((5))) a guide means that is disposed at least at one end of the first conveying means in the width direction and that comes into contact with the first conveying means to guide the first conveying means when the first conveying means moves in the width direction; A conveying device according to any one of ((1)) to ((4))), comprising: (((6))) the guiding means for guiding the first conveying means that has come into contact with the first conveying means to the opposite side in the width direction to correct the deviation of the first conveying means; The conveying device according to (((5))) is characterized by comprising: (((7))) a pressing means supported by the second supporting means and configured to press the first conveying means against the second conveying means; A conveying device as described in any one of ((1))) to (((6))), comprising: (((8))) a switching means for switching between pressing the first transport means against the second transport means and releasing the pressing by the pressing means; The conveying device according to (((7))) is characterized by comprising: (((9))) an image forming means for forming an image; A conveying device according to any one of ((1)) to ((8)) that conveys a medium on which an image formed by the image forming means is held; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0058] According to the conveying device of (((1))), it is possible to suppress variation in the position of the peeling means relative to the conveying means, compared to a configuration in which the peeling means is not positioned relative to the endless belt-shaped conveying means or a configuration in which the peeling member is positioned on the main body side of the conveying device. According to the transport device of (((2))), the medium that tends to stick to the first transport means due to the developer that melts when heated can be stably separated by the separating means. According to the transport device of (((3))), the medium can be stably peeled off from the first transport means in the transfer area. According to the conveying device of (((4))), the peeling performance on both sides in the width direction can be stabilized compared to a configuration in which the first support means is arranged on only one side in the width direction and the other side is fixed. According to the conveying device of (((5))), damage to the first conveying means can be suppressed compared to a case in which no guiding means is provided. According to the conveying device of (((6))), the guiding means can correct the deviation of the first conveying means. According to the transport device of (((7))), the first transport means can be positioned relative to the second transport means, compared to a case in which the pressing means does not press the first transport means against the second transport means. According to the conveying device of (((8))), the pressing force can be released by the switching means, so that even if the paper becomes jammed between the first conveying means and the second conveying means, the pressing force can be released and the paper jam can be cleared. According to the image forming apparatus of (((9))), it is possible to suppress variation in the position of the peeling means relative to the conveying means, compared to a configuration in which the peeling means is not positioned relative to the endless belt-shaped conveying means or a configuration in which the peeling member is positioned on the main body side of the conveying device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1...First conveying means, 4...Heating means, 11... Guidance means, 21...first support means, 26...second support means, 31...peeling means, 46... Pressing means, 48...Switching means, F...Transportation device, Fp: second conveying means; S...media, T2: Transfer means; U: Image forming device, UY+Gy~UK+Gk...image forming means.

Claims

1. an endless first conveying means for conveying a medium; a second conveying means disposed opposite to the first conveying means and configured to convey a medium by sandwiching the medium between the second conveying means and the first conveying means; a first support means for supporting the first conveying means; a second support means for supporting the first support means and movable relative to the first support means; a peeling means supported by the second supporting means and configured to peel the medium from the first conveying means; A conveying device comprising:

2. a heating means disposed inside the first transport means and configured to generate heat for fixing the unfixed developer on the surface of the medium; The conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. a transfer means disposed inside the first transport means and to which a transfer voltage is applied for transferring an image onto a medium; The conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. the first support means supporting both ends in a width direction of the first conveying means; The conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. a guide means arranged at least at one end of the first conveying means in the width direction, and contacting the first conveying means to guide the first conveying means when the first conveying means moves in the width direction; The conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. the guiding means for guiding the first conveying means in contact with the first conveying means to the opposite side in the width direction to correct the deviation of the first conveying means; The conveying device according to claim 5, further comprising:

7. a pressing means supported by the second supporting means and configured to press the first conveying means against the second conveying means; The conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising:

8. a switching means for switching between pressing the first transport means against the second transport means and releasing the pressing by the pressing means; The conveying device according to claim 7, further comprising:

9. an image forming means for forming an image; a conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which conveys a medium on which an image formed by the image forming means is held; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images