JP2000198571A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily find a recording medium jammed between a pair of plate members by providing an interlocking means for moving one of a pair of plate members by interlocking it with the movement of a feeder. SOLUTION: In the paper jamming, a feeder releasing lever 40 is rotated about a rotary shaft 40a in the direction of an arrow C. In accompany with this rotation, an end 162b of a feeder 162 is downwardly rotated about a rotary shaft 162a, and the feeder 162 is separated from a photosensitive drum. In interlocking with the rotation of the feeder 162, a bottom part 162c of the feeder 162 presses down an upper end part 242b of an arm 242. Whereby a lower end part 242a of the arm 242 is rotated about a rotary shaft 244 in the direction of an arrow D, and in interlocking with this rotation, a plate-shaped upper member 224 is also rotated about a rotary shaft 224a in the direction of an arrow D. As a result, an interval between the plate-shaped upper member 224 and a plate-shaped lower member 22 is widened to form a wide space, whereby the recording paper jammed therebetween can be easily found and removed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method has been widely used. In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, for example, while rotating a drum-shaped image carrier (photosensitive drum) at a predetermined process speed, the photosensitive drum is uniformly charged by a charging device and recorded on a document. The photosensitive drum is irradiated with light carrying image information to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum, and the electrostatic latent image is developed using a developer to form a developed image, and the developed image is recorded. This is an apparatus that transfers the image to a recording medium such as paper by a transfer charger, fixes the transferred image by a fixing device, and discharges the recording paper from a paper discharge unit to obtain a print image (copy image).

In the above-described image forming apparatus, the recording medium being conveyed may cause a paper jam (jam). In order to remove the recording medium having caused the paper jam, a part provided in the image forming apparatus is rotated about a predetermined axis by rotating a lever provided in the image forming apparatus, and a hand or the like is rotated. Form a space to fit. Looking at this space, if there is a recording medium having a paper jam, remove it.

Some of the above-described image forming apparatuses can form an image not only on one side of a recording sheet but also on both sides. In this type of image forming apparatus (double-sided image forming apparatus), usually, a recording sheet having an image formed on one side (front side) is stacked and a double-sided conveyance for forming an image on the other side (back side) is performed. Unit is incorporated. This double-sided conveyance unit has a pair of plate-like members for holding a plurality of recording papers each having an image formed on a surface thereof and holding the recording papers therebetween. Paper jam may also occur between the pair of plate members.

[0005]

However, there is a case where the above-mentioned pair of plate-like members is arranged in a place where it is difficult to see from the outside. In this case, it is difficult to find a paper jam generated between the pair of plate members, and it may take time to process the paper jam.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus in which a paper jam generated between a pair of plate members can be easily found.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: a transfer area for transferring a developed image formed on an image carrier to a recording medium; An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: a transporter that transports the recording medium to a fixing device that fixes an image, and a pair of plate members facing each other disposed below the transporter. (1) An interlocking means for moving any one of the pair of plate-like members in conjunction with the movement of the transporter is provided.

Here, (2) the pair of plate-like members may be in a standby state with a recording medium having an image formed on one of the two surfaces interposed therebetween.

(3) The pair of plate-like members are a plate-like upper member facing the transporter and a plate-like lower member disposed on the opposite side of the plate-like upper member from the transporter. And (4) the interlocking means moves the plate-like upper member upward to move the plate-like upper member upward when the transporter is moved downward. The distance from the member may be increased.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, an external configuration of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a copying machine in which doors and the like are open as viewed from the front.

An original table cover 12 which can be opened and closed is arranged on the top surface of the copying machine 10. An operation unit (operation panel) 14 for inputting the number of copies and the like is arranged on the front side of the top surface. A power switch 16 for turning on the power of the copying machine 10 is disposed on the right side of the operation unit 14.

In the copying machine 10, an image can be formed on both sides of the recording paper, and two cassettes 18 and 20 each accommodating a plurality of recording papers are provided so as to be able to be taken in and out of the main body of the copying machine 10. Cassette 18 is located above cassette 20 but is not shown in FIG. The copying machine 10 also includes a manual feed tray 22 on which small-sized recording paper such as a postcard can be placed, and a paper discharge tray 26 on which recording paper on which an image is formed is stacked. Two cassettes 18,
A front door 28 is provided above and below 20 to be openable and closable. When the front door 28 is opened, a fixing device knob 30, a total counter 32, a hopper 34, and a developing device pressure lever 3
6, the registration knob 38, the transporter release lever 40, the lateral registration knob 42, the double-sided transport handle lever 44, and the like appear.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the internal structure and image forming operation of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the copying machine during image formation, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the internal structure of the copying machine during processing of a paper jam.

When the power switch 16 (see FIG. 1) is turned on, the copying machine 10 enters a copy-enabled state (standby state). In this standby state, the operation unit 14
Operating the cassettes 18 and 2 (see FIG. 1).
0 or the manual feed tray 22 is used to feed the recording paper. By selecting the paper size automatic selection mode (APS mode) with the operation unit 14,
The size of the document placed on the platen glass 13 is read by a photo sensor or the like (not shown), and the recording paper is automatically fed from one of the cassettes 18 and 20 and the manual feed tray 22. Here, the case where the recording paper stored in the cassette 18 is selected will be described. However, even when the recording paper in the cassette 20 or the manual feed tray 22 is selected, the operation is substantially the same.

When the copy start button of the operation unit 14 (see FIG. 1) is pressed, a main motor (not shown) starts rotating, and the recording paper stored in the cassette 18 is fed by the pickup roller 112. Feeding roller 1
14 and separated by a separation roller 116, and only one sheet is conveyed.
And the second vertical path roller 120 conveys the sheet to the stopped registration roller 122. Registration roller 122
Immediately before (slightly upstream in the recording paper transport direction), a pre-registration sensor (not shown) for detecting recording paper is arranged.
After a lapse of a predetermined time from the detection of the recording paper by the pre-registration sensor, the rotation of the first vertical pass roller 118 and the second vertical pass roller 120 is stopped. As a result, the recording paper is moved from the first vertical pass roller 118 and the second vertical pass roller 120 while the leading end of the recording paper is kept in contact with the registration roller 122.
As a result, the recording paper is conveyed for a predetermined time, so that a recording paper loop of about 10 mm is formed between the registration roller 122 and the second vertical path roller 120. By forming this loop, the leading edge of the recording paper is aligned with the nip portion of the registration roller 122, so that the skew of the recording paper is corrected.

The registration roller 122 is arranged for the purpose of adjusting the position of the recording paper and the position of the image on the photosensitive drum 126 to form an image at an appropriate position from the leading end of the recording paper. Therefore, the recording paper is transferred to the transfer area 12 by the registration rollers 122 at the timing when the toner image on the photosensitive drum 126 reaches the transfer area 128.
8.

Immediately before the first vertical path roller 118 (slightly upstream of the first vertical path roller 118 in the recording paper transport direction), a vertical path sensor (not shown) for detecting the recording paper being transported is arranged. . After a lapse of a predetermined time from the time when the recording paper is detected by the vertical path sensor, the document illumination lamp 132 is turned on, and the document (not shown) placed on the document table glass 13 starts to be illuminated. The start of this illumination is the start of the image forming operation. Original illumination lamp 1
The scanner 32 is mounted in a scanner unit 134, and the scanner unit 134 is arranged below the platen glass 13. The scanner unit 134 includes a first mirror unit 138 having a document illumination lamp 132 and a first mirror 136, and a second mirror unit 144 having a second mirror 140 and a third mirror 142. When illuminating a document, an optical motor (not shown) for scanning the first and second mirror units rotates. The reflected light from the original is converted into an image signal by a first mirror 136, a second mirror 140, a third mirror 142, a lens driving system 146 having a lens, a fourth mirror 148, a fifth mirror 150, and a sixth mirror.
The light is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 126 via the mirror 152, whereby an original image is formed on the photosensitive drum 126.

The photosensitive drum 126 has a rotating shaft extending in the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2 and rotates in the direction of arrow A. The photosensitive drum 126 is located upstream of the irradiation position where the reflected light from the document is irradiated in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 126.
A primary charger 154 for uniformly charging 6 is provided. The photosensitive drum 126 is uniformly charged by the primary charger 154 to form a charged surface. The charged surface is irradiated with the reflected light from the document to form an electrostatic latent image.

The photosensitive drum 126 is shifted from the above-described irradiation position.
A developing device 15 for developing an electrostatic latent image
6 are arranged. Photosensitive drum 126 and developing unit 156
Is a development area where the electrostatic latent image is developed. When the electrostatic latent image reaches the developing area by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 126, toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image from the developing sleeve 158 to form a toner image (developed image).

A transfer charger 160 for transferring a toner image onto recording paper is disposed downstream of the developing area in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 126. The area where the photosensitive drum 126 and the transfer charger 160 face each other is a transfer area 128 where the toner image is transferred to the recording paper. Before the toner image reaches the transfer area 128 due to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 126,
At a predetermined timing, the registration roller 122 starts rotating, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 126 is transferred to the recording paper conveyed to the transfer area 128. The recording paper on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 126 by a static elimination needle (not shown) or the like, and is conveyed by the transporter 1 rotating in the direction of arrow B.
The sheet is transported to the fixing device 164.

Usually, about 90% of the toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum 126 is transferred to the recording paper, but the remaining toner remains on the photosensitive drum 126. The remaining toner is removed from the photosensitive drum 126 by a cleaner (not shown). The residual charges remaining on the photosensitive drum 126 are discharged by a discharge lamp (not shown). As a result, the photosensitive drum 126 is ready for the next image formation.

The recording paper is sent to a fixing device 164 by a transporter 162 in order to securely fix the toner electrostatically attached to the surface of the recording paper to the surface of the recording paper. Fixing device 164
Then, the toner adhering to the recording paper is fixed to the high-temperature fixing roller 1.
68 and melts, and the fine iron powder contained in the toner pierces the recording paper in a wedge-like manner, whereby the toner is reliably fixed to the recording paper.

The recording paper that has passed through the fixing device 164 has a strong tendency to curl under the influence of high temperature and pressure by the fixing roller 168. For this reason, immediately after the recording paper has passed through the fixing device 164, the leading end of the recording paper is nipped by the first paper discharge roller 170, and the first paper discharge roller 170 is rotated faster than the fixing roller 168 to be conveyed. Thereby, the fixing roller 168
The recording paper is apparently pulled between the first paper discharge roller 170 and the first paper discharge roller 170, and the curl is corrected. However, since the pressure at which the first paper discharge roller 170 nips the recording paper is set lower than the pressure at which the fixing roller 168 nips the recording paper, the recording paper is slipped at the first paper discharge roller 170. As long as the recording paper is held between the fixing rollers 168, the recording paper is conveyed according to the rotation speed of the fixing roller 168. After the recording paper is separated from the fixing roller 168, the recording paper is discharged outside the apparatus by the first and second discharge rollers 170 and 172. Immediately after the first paper discharge roller 170 (slightly downstream of the first paper discharge roller 170 in the recording paper discharge direction), a paper discharge sensor (not shown) for detecting recording paper
Is arranged.

As described above, the copying machine 10 can also form an image on the back side of the recording paper. Whether the image is formed on one side (one side) of the two sides of the recording paper (single side copy) or the image is formed on both sides (double side copy), the operation unit 14 is provided before the operator instructs the copy start. (See FIG. 1). The basic image forming operation for both one-sided copying and two-sided copying is performed by the above-described process. In the case of single-sided copying, the copying operation ends when the recording paper having an image formed on one side is discharged outside the apparatus. Next, two-sided copying will be described.

Below the transporter 162, a double-sided transport unit 176 is provided for loading the recording paper copied on one side and transporting the recording paper so that the recording paper is also copied on the other side (back side). . The two-sided conveyance unit 176 includes first and second setback rollers 178 and 180, which will be described later, and the recording paper sent from the fixing device 164 is moved by the first and second discharge rollers 170 and 172. It is transported to the duplex transport unit 176. The first and second setback rollers 178 and 180 are rotatably fixed to the pair of plate members 220. The plate-like member 220 includes a plate-like upper member 224 facing the transporter 162 and a transporter 162 with the plate-like upper member 224 interposed therebetween.
And a plate-like lower member 222 disposed on the opposite side to the above.

Between the paper discharge sensor (not shown) and the second paper discharge roller 172, a reverse feed prevention mylar (not shown) for preventing the recording paper from being fed back is provided. For this reason, the leading end of the recording paper that has passed through the first discharge roller 170 is immediately detected by the discharge sensor, passes through the reverse feed prevention mylar, and is sent to the second discharge roller 172. The timing at which the leading edge of the recording paper is detected by the paper ejection sensor and the timing at which the trailing edge of the recording paper obtained based on the recording paper size data passes through the fixing roller 168 are calculated, and based on this calculation result. At the timing when the recording paper has passed through the fixing roller 168, the paper feed speed of the second paper discharge roller 172 is made faster than the paper feed speed of the first paper discharge roller 170.

The second paper discharge roller 172 is configured so that the force for nipping the recording paper is stronger than that of the first paper discharge roller 170. This configuration is also a configuration for correcting the curl of the recording paper described above. In this configuration, the feed speed of the recording sheet depends on the second discharge roller 172, and the recording sheet is in a spread state between the first discharge roller 170 and the second discharge roller 172. Actually, the recording paper slips at the first paper discharge roller 170, and therefore, the curl of the recording paper is corrected. In this way, the recording paper is sent out of the apparatus from the leading end while being nipped by the second paper discharge roller 172. The trailing end of the recording paper is the first discharge roller 170
Immediately after passing through, the trailing edge of the recording paper is detected by a paper ejection sensor (not shown). Based on the timing of this detection and the paper feed speed, the trailing end of the recording paper passes through the reverse feed prevention mylar and reaches approximately 10 mm before the position of the second discharge roller 172 (upstream in the recording paper discharge direction). At this point, the rotation of the second discharge roller 172 is stopped.

In the case of the single-sided copy mode, the copy operation is completed when the recording paper is discharged outside the apparatus at the feed speed of the second discharge roller 172. In the case of the double-sided copy mode,
The recording paper returns to the inside of the machine without being discharged outside the machine. The outline of this operation will be described.

As described above, the recording paper whose rear end is detected by the paper discharge sensor is conveyed by the second paper discharge roller 172, the rear end of the recording paper passes through the reverse feed prevention mylar, and the second paper discharge roller 172. When the position reaches about 10 mm before the position, the second paper discharge roller 172 temporarily stops. Next, the second paper discharging roller 172 is rotated (reversely rotated) so that the recording paper is conveyed in a direction opposite to the paper discharging direction. As a result, the trailing end of the recording paper up to now becomes the leading end of the recording paper, and the recording paper is transported toward the lower transport entrance roller 186. The speed of this conveyance is about twice the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 126, and the second paper discharge roller 172 conveys the recording paper quickly,
The recording paper is removed from the conveyance path between the fixing and the paper discharge. As a result, the next recording paper can be sent out to the second paper discharge roller 172, so that a plurality of recording papers can be efficiently conveyed.

By reversing the second discharge roller 172, the recording paper is guided by the reverse feed prevention mylar and is conveyed not to the first discharge roller 170 but to the lower conveyance inlet roller 186. The lower transport inlet roller 186 is rotated by the drive of a paper discharge motor (not shown) when the second paper discharge roller 172 is rotating in reverse (rotation for transporting the recording paper in a direction opposite to the paper discharge direction). . On the other hand, when the second paper discharge roller 172 is rotating forward, it is configured to rotate by driving of a setback motor (not shown). The forward rotation of the setback roller described below refers to the rotation of the first and second setback rollers 178 and 180 when the recording paper is conveyed toward the right side in FIG. The reverse rotation refers to rotation when the first and second setback rollers 178 and 180 convey the recording paper toward the left side in FIG.

The recording paper held by the lower transport entrance roller 186 is sent to the first setback roller 178. When the leading edge of the recording paper reaches the first setback roller 178, the first setback roller 178 has stopped. The recording paper reaches the first setback roller 178,
Further, when the recording paper is fed by a predetermined amount, the lower conveyance entrance roller 186 is stopped. As a result, a loop of recording paper is formed about 10 mm between the lower conveyance inlet roller 186 and the first setback roller 178. The reason for forming the loop in this way is to correct the skew of the recording paper conveyed to the first setback roller 178.

The trailing end of the recording paper is the second paper discharge roller 172.
Has passed. Therefore, the paper discharge motor (not shown) can rotate the second paper discharge roller 172 again.
Lower conveyance inlet roller 186 is a one-way gear (not shown)
And a driving force of the paper discharge motor (not shown) is transmitted to the lower conveyance inlet roller 186 only when the paper discharge motor (not shown) rotates reversely. Therefore, the second paper discharge roller 172 and the lower conveyance entrance roller 186 are rotated independently in the opposite direction, and the second paper discharge roller 172 can receive the next recording paper. Also, a setback motor (not shown)
Of the first and second setback rollers 17
Only the drive to rotate 8,180 forward is the lower transport entrance roller 1
A one-way gear is provided and connected between the setback motor (not shown) and the lower conveyance inlet roller 186 so as to be transmitted to the motor 86. Both the first and second setback rollers 178, 180 operate in exactly the same way by the rotation of the setback motor. As mentioned above,
When the first and second setback rollers 178, 180 start to rotate forward, the lower conveyance inlet roller 186 also starts to rotate in the same direction, and the recording paper is rotated by the first and second setback rollers 178, 180.
It is conveyed toward 180.

The first and second setback rollers 178,
When 180 rotates forward, the lower transport entrance roller 186 feeds out the recording paper, and the first setback roller 178 sandwiches the recording paper and transports it toward the second setback roller 180. Immediately after the lower conveyance entrance roller 186 (slightly downstream in the recording paper conveyance direction), a lower conveyance sensor (not shown) for detecting the recording paper is arranged.

The recording paper re-fed by the lower conveyance exit roller 200 reaches the horizontal registration roller 202. When the recording paper reaches the horizontal registration roller 202, the horizontal registration roller 202 is stopped, but the recording paper is fed by a predetermined amount by the lower conveyance exit roller 200. This allows
A loop of recording paper is formed between the lower conveyance exit roller 200 and the horizontal registration roller 202. With this loop formed, start rotating the lateral registration roller 202,
The conveyance of the recording paper toward the registration roller 122 starts.

The transporter 162 and the plate-like upper member 22
Reference numeral 4 is adapted to rotate in conjunction therewith. For this,
The interlocking machine 24 is provided between the transporter 162 and the plate-shaped upper member 224.
0 (an example of the interlocking means according to the present invention) is arranged. When the transporter 162 is rotated downward by the interlocking device 240 around the rotation shaft 162a on the opposite side to the rotation shaft 162a, the plate-shaped upper member 224 is rotated about the rotation shaft 224a. Then, the portion on the opposite side to the rotating shaft 224a is rotated upward.

The interlocking device 240 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which both the transporter and the plate-like upper member are at the position where an image is being formed. FIG.
It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which the plate-shaped upper member rotated in conjunction with a conveyance machine. In these drawings, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The transporter 162 rotates the endless belt 163 to transport the recording medium. This transporter 1
An interlocking device 240 is arranged below 62. Interlocking machine 2
Numeral 40 has an arm 242 that extends obliquely toward the plate-like upper member 224 from near the bottom of the portion of the transporter 162 opposite to the rotating shaft 162a. A pivot 244 is formed at the center of the arm 242 in the longitudinal direction.
Reference numeral 42 rotates around the rotation shaft 244. Also,
The lower end 242a of the arm 242 is fixed to the plate-like upper member 224, and the upper end 242b is not fixed to any component or member.

During image formation, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 3, the transporter 162 is rotated upward about a rotation shaft 162a, and the recording medium is transferred from the transfer area 128 to the fixing device 16A.
4 can be conveyed. In this state, the upper end 242b of the arm 242 is not in contact with the transporter 162.

When a paper jam occurs, the transporter release lever 40 is rotated in the direction of arrow C about the rotation shaft 40a. With this rotation, the end portion 162b of the transporter 162 rotates downward about the rotation shaft 162a, and the transporter 162
2 moves away from the photosensitive drum 126. In conjunction with the rotation of the transporter 162, the bottom 162c of the transporter 162 is
2 is pushed down. This allows arm 2
42 rotates in the direction of arrow D about the rotation shaft 244, and in conjunction with this rotation, the plate-like upper member 224 is rotated.
Also rotates in the direction of arrow D about the rotation shaft 224a.
As a result, the space between the plate-shaped upper member 224 and the plate-shaped lower member 222 is widened to form a wide space, and the recording paper jammed between the plate-shaped upper member 224 and the plate-shaped lower member 222 can be easily found. It can be removed.

When the transporter releasing lever 40 is returned to the position shown in FIG. 4, the plate-like upper member 224 is rotated downward (in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow D) to be in a state where an image is being formed. .
As shown in FIG. 3, when the transporter 162 is lowered, the transfer charger 160 is also lowered together with the transporter 162. The reason for this is that the user touches the photosensitive drum 126 accidentally or the photosensitive drum 1
This is because the 26 is not damaged.

[0044]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when a paper jam occurs in a recording medium inside the image forming apparatus, the conveying machine is used to find and remove the jammed recording medium. In this case, since one of the pair of plate members also moves in conjunction with the movement of the transporter, a recording medium jammed between the pair of plate members is easily found.

Here, in the case where the pair of plate members are to be put on standby with a recording medium having an image formed on one of the two surfaces interposed therebetween, the pair of plate members is Even if the recording medium is jammed between the sheets, one of the plate members moves, so that the jam can be easily detected.

Further, the pair of plate-like members is composed of a plate-like upper member facing the conveyor and a plate-like lower member disposed on the opposite side of the plate-like upper member from the conveyor. And the interlocking means moves the plate-like upper member upward when the transfer device is moved downward to increase the distance between the plate-like upper member and the plate-like lower member. In this case, the plate-shaped upper member close to the transporter is linked to the transporter, so that the configuration of the linking member does not become complicated and a simple configuration is sufficient.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a copying machine in which doors and the like are open as viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal structure of the copying machine during image formation.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an internal structure of a copying machine during processing of a paper jam.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which both the transporter and the plate-like upper member are at positions during image formation.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a plate-shaped upper member is rotated in conjunction with a transporter.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Copier 128 Transfer area 162 Conveyor 164 Fixer 220 A pair of plate members 222 Plate lower member 224 Plate upper member 240 Interlocking member

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A transporter for transporting a recording medium from a transfer area for transferring a developed image formed on an image carrier to a recording medium to a fixing device for fixing the transferred image transferred to the recording medium, and the transporter An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: a pair of plate members opposed to each other disposed below the recording medium; any one of the pair of plate members linked to movement of the transporter An image forming apparatus comprising an interlocking means for moving at least one of them. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pair of plate-shaped members are arranged to stand by with a recording medium having an image formed on one of the two surfaces interposed therebetween. Image forming apparatus. 3. The pair of plate-like members includes a plate-like upper member facing the transporter, and a plate-like lower member disposed on the opposite side of the plate-like upper member from the transporter. Wherein the interlocking means moves the plate-like upper member upward when the transporter is moved downward to increase the distance between the plate-like upper member and the plate-like lower member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: