JP2008083202A - Electrical connection structure and image forming apparatus to which the structure is applied - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To speedily and surely confirm locking of an attached state of a unit to an apparatus main body after suppressing rising of apparatus cost. <P>SOLUTION: An electrical connection structure 30 electrically connects the apparatus main body 11 of an image forming apparatus 10 and a prescribed paper conveying unit 20 loaded to be freely attachable to/detachable from this apparatus main body 11. The electrical connection structure 30 is provided with: a main body side connector 42 provided to the apparatus main body side 11; a unit side connector 41 provided to the paper conveying unit 20 side to face the main body side connector 42; and a load applying means 60 applying a prescribed load for a connecting operation immediately before the connection of the unit side connector 41 to the main body side connector 42 and canceling the load in a state that both connectors 41 and 42 are completely connected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical connection structure for electrically connecting a predetermined unit to a predetermined apparatus body in a detachable manner and an image forming apparatus to which this structure is applied.

  DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Conventionally, the banknote depositing / withdrawing apparatus by which the electrical connection structure was employ | adopted as described in patent document 1 is known. This banknote depositing / withdrawing apparatus includes an apparatus main body and a unit that is detachably mounted on a mounting recess provided in the apparatus main body. A main body side connector is provided at the back of the mounting recess of the apparatus main body, and a unit side connector corresponding to the main body side connector is provided in the unit. Then, by pushing the unit into the mounting recess of the apparatus main body, both connectors are fitted to each other, whereby the apparatus main body side and the unit side are electrically connected.

  The main body of the apparatus is provided with a hold rail extending in the insertion / removal direction of the unit on the bottom side of the mounting recess, while the unit is integrated with the unit while being guided by the hold rail when the unit is inserted / removed. A seesaw link is provided. The tip of the seesaw link is pressed against the hold rail by the biasing force of the spring. Therefore, when the unit is inserted into and removed from the mounting recess, the seesaw link moves with its tip pressed against the hold rail.

  The tip of the seesaw link is provided with a locking projection (interference portion 5b in Patent Document 1) projecting toward the hold rail. Then, the locking projection is locked to the end of the hold rail in a state where the unit is pushed into the mounting recess and the unit side connector is connected to the body side connector, thereby mounting the unit in the mounting recess. The state is locked.

The unit is provided with an operating portion (knob 5C in Patent Document 1) for operating the seesaw link to release the lock, and the locking projection of the locking projection is rotated by rotating the seesaw link around a predetermined axis by the operation of the operating unit. The lock on the end of the hold rail is released (that is, the lock is released), whereby the unit can be pulled out of the apparatus main body.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-222593

  As described above, the electrical connection structure between the unit side connector and the main body side connector has a seesaw link having a locking projection at the tip provided on the unit side, and when the unit is inserted into and removed from the apparatus main body. The seesaw link is guided, and the unit is configured to include a hold rail provided on the apparatus main body side in which the locking projection is locked in a state where the unit is mounted in the mounting recess. Since the unit is locked so that it cannot be pulled out when the unit side connector is connected to the main unit side connector, electrical connection between the two connectors can be caused by unexpected movement of the unit. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconvenience that eliminates the problem.

  However, in such an electrical connection structure, when the unit is pushed into the mounting recess of the apparatus body, there is a so-called lock in which the locking protrusion of the seesaw link is not securely locked to the end of the hold rail. The unit side connector and the main body side connector may be electrically connected in spite of being in a semi-effective state. In such a semi-effective state of the lock, it can be said that the electrical connection state between the unit and the device main body is ensured, but if the unit is accidentally applied with a force in the pulling direction from the device main body, There may be a disadvantage that the connection state of both connectors is eliminated.

  In order to eliminate such inconvenience, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, a sensor is provided for detecting whether or not the locking projection is locked to the seesaw link when the unit is pushed in, and this sensor detects the locking. Sometimes, an electric circuit formed by connecting the unit side connector and the main body side connector is energized.

  Therefore, since the bill depositing / dispensing device does not function electrically when both connectors are not securely connected, the operator can recognize that the unit has not been pushed into the device main body.

  However, if it is detected whether or not the unit is securely locked to the apparatus main body using a sensor, and energization of the electric circuit is turned on / off based on the detection result, a sensor and a control means must be provided for that purpose. In other words, there is a problem that the cost of the apparatus increases.

  Moreover, since it is recognized only after operating a banknote depositing / withdrawing apparatus after pushing a unit into an apparatus main body, it will be troublesome in confirmation of a lock | rock, and there also exists a problem that lacks quickness.

  The present invention has been made in view of the conventional situation as described above, and it is possible to quickly and surely confirm the lock of the mounting state of the unit with respect to the apparatus main body while suppressing an increase in apparatus cost. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connection structure that can be used and an image forming apparatus to which the structure is applied.

  The invention according to claim 1 (electrical connection structure) is an electrical connection structure for electrically connecting a predetermined device body and a predetermined unit detachably attached to the device body. A main body side connector provided on the apparatus main body side, a unit side connector provided on the unit side so as to face the main body side connector, and the connection immediately before the unit side connector is connected to the main body side connector. A load applying means for applying a predetermined load to the operation and canceling the load in a state where both the connectors are completely connected is provided.

  According to such a configuration, by pushing the unit into the apparatus main body, the unit side connector provided in the unit is connected to the main body side connector arranged opposite to the main body side, whereby the apparatus main body and the unit are electrically connected. Connected to the.

  The electrical connection structure has load applying means for applying and releasing the load to the mounting operation of the unit with respect to the apparatus main body, and the load applying means immediately before the unit side connector is connected to the main body side connector In addition, a predetermined load is applied to the connection operation, and the load is eliminated in a state where both connectors are completely connected. Therefore, an operator who performs the mounting operation (that is, push-in operation) of the unit on the apparatus body feels a load on the push-in operation immediately before the unit-side connector is completely connected to the main-unit connector, and both connectors are completely connected. At that time, the pressing operation of the unit suddenly becomes lighter, and a click feeling is obtained by applying and eliminating these loads, and it is recognized that both connectors are securely connected by this click feeling.

  In this manner, the load applying means applies a predetermined load to the connection operation immediately before the unit side connector is connected to the main body side connector, and cancels the load in a state where both connectors are completely connected. With such a configuration, the operator recognizes the complete connection state of both connectors based on the click feeling obtained when the unit is pushed into the apparatus main body.

  Therefore, when a click feeling is not obtained during the connection operation of both connectors as in the prior art, the unit-side connector is not completely connected to the main body-side connector, but can be energized unstablely between them. Even if the half-effect state occurs, the operator can recognize the half-effect state based on the fact that the operator does not feel between the clicks, and as a result, a reliable energization state is always obtained between the apparatus main body and the unit. .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention (electrical connection structure), in the first aspect of the invention, the load applying means includes an elastic generating member provided on the apparatus main body side or the unit side, and the elastic generating member The load is applied by elastic deformation of the elastic member, and the load is eliminated by restoring the elastic generating member from the elastic deformation.

  According to such a configuration, when the unit is pushed into the apparatus main body, the elastic generating member is elastically deformed immediately before the unit side connector is connected to the main body side connector, and a load is applied to the pushing operation of the unit by this elastic deformation. At the same time, the load is eliminated by the restoration from the elastic deformation of the elastic member by the completion of the pushing operation.

  As described above, the load applying means is configured to apply the load by elastic deformation of the elastic generating member provided on the apparatus main body side or the unit side, and to cancel the load by restoring from the elastic deformation of the elastic generating member. Thus, the structure of the load applying means is simplified, and it is reliably recognized that the connector is completely connected in the mounting operation of the unit to the apparatus main body.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention (electrical connection structure), in the second aspect of the invention, the elasticity generating member is parallel to an attaching / detaching direction of the unit that is rotatable around a fulcrum provided on the apparatus main body side. An arm that extends toward the unit, an arm-side protruding piece that protrudes toward the side surface of the unit formed at the tip of the arm, and a biasing member that biases the arm toward the unit. Is provided with a unit-side projecting piece that interferes with the arm-side projecting piece between a position immediately before the unit-side connector is connected to the body-side connector and a position immediately after the connection. It rotates around a fulcrum against the urging force of the urging member between the immediately preceding position and the immediately following position.

  According to such a configuration, by pushing the unit into the apparatus main body, the unit-side projecting piece is provided at the position immediately before the unit-side connector is connected to the main-unit-side connector. A load is applied by rotating around the fulcrum of the arm against the urging force of the urging member due to interference with the piece. The unit-side protruding piece does not interfere with the arm-side protruding piece at a position immediately after both connectors are connected, thereby eliminating the load on the pushing operation of the unit. You can feel the click feeling by adding and releasing the load.

  As described above, the elastic member is urged toward the unit side by the arm that can rotate around the fulcrum provided on the apparatus main body side, the arm-side protruding piece formed at the tip of the arm, and the arm side. By configuring with the urging member, the structure of the elasticity generating member is simplified, and it is surely recognized that the connector is completely connected in the mounting operation of the unit to the apparatus main body.

  The invention according to claim 4 (electrical connection structure) is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the unit is mounted on the apparatus main body side in a state where the unit is mounted on the apparatus main body. A joint member for transmitting a driving force is provided.

  According to such a configuration, since the driving force on the apparatus main body side is transmitted to the unit side via the joint member in a state where the unit is mounted on the apparatus main body, it is not necessary to provide a driving source on the unit side. Contributes to lighter and more compact units.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention (image forming apparatus), the electrical connection structure according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is applied to an image forming apparatus in which various units for image formation are mounted on the unit. It is characterized by being.

  According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus can enjoy the operation of the electrical connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention (electrical connection structure), the electrical connection structure has load applying means for applying and releasing the load to the mounting operation of the unit with respect to the apparatus main body, and the load applying means. Is configured to apply a predetermined load to the connection operation immediately before the unit side connector is connected to the main body side connector, and to cancel the load in a state where both connectors are completely connected. The operator who pushes the unit into the main body of the unit feels a load on the push-in operation immediately before the unit side connector is completely connected to the main unit side connector, and when both connectors are completely connected, The pressing operation suddenly becomes lighter, and you can feel the click feeling by applying and removing these loads. That connected to can be recognized.

  Therefore, as in the conventional case, when the click feeling is not obtained during the connection operation of both connectors, the unit side connector is not completely connected to the main body side connector, but it is possible to energize unstablely between them. An effective state does not occur, and a reliable energized state can always be obtained between the apparatus main body and the unit.

  According to the invention described in claim 2 (electrical connection structure), the load applying means applies a load to the operator by the elastic deformation of the elastic generating member provided on the apparatus main body side or the unit side. Since the load is eliminated by restoring from the elastic deformation, the structure of the load applying means is simplified, and it is ensured that the connector is completely connected in the mounting operation of the unit to the device body. Can be recognized.

  According to the invention described in claim 3 (electrical connection structure), the arm on which the elasticity generating member is rotatable around a fulcrum provided on the apparatus main body side, and the arm side protruding piece formed at the tip of the arm And an urging member for urging the arm toward the unit, the connector is completely connected in the mounting operation of the unit to the apparatus body after simplifying the structure of the elasticity generating member. It is possible to reliably recognize that the connection has been established.

  According to the invention of claim 4 (electrical connection structure), since the driving force on the apparatus main body side is transmitted to the unit side via the joint member in a state where the unit is mounted on the apparatus main body, There is no need to provide a drive source, and the unit can be made lighter and more compact.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention (image forming apparatus), the image forming apparatus can enjoy the action of the electrical connection structure according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

  First, an image forming apparatus as an apparatus to which the electrical connection structure according to the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of an internal structure of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which an electrical connection structure according to the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, a copier is taken as an example of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a sheet feeding unit 12 disposed at a lower portion of a box-shaped apparatus main body 11, an image forming unit 13 disposed above the sheet feeding unit 12, and a diagram of the image forming unit 13. 1, an image reading unit 15 having an optical system member disposed above the image forming unit 13 and the fixing unit 14, and image formation from the paper feeding unit 12. And a sheet transport unit 16 that reaches the sheet discharge through the unit 13 and the fixing unit 14.

  The image reading unit 15 irradiates a document placed or supplied on the contact glass 151 with light from an unillustrated exposure lamp, and guides the reflected light to the photoelectric conversion unit through a reflecting mirror. The image information of the original is read, and this image information is transmitted to the exposure device 133 described later.

  The paper feed unit 12 feeds a bundle of sheets P stacked on the paper feed cassette 121 to the paper transport unit 16 one by one. The sheet conveying unit 16 conveys the sheet P fed from the sheet feeding unit 12 toward the image forming unit 13 via the conveying roller pair 161 and the registration roller pair 162, and further, the image forming unit 13 and the fixing unit 14. Then, the discharge roller pair 163 is driven to discharge onto a discharge tray 164 provided on the outer wall of the apparatus main body 11.

  The image forming unit 13 transfers a predetermined toner image onto the paper P by an electrophotographic process. The photosensitive drum 131 is rotatable around an axis, and around the photosensitive drum 131 in the rotation direction. A charger 132, an exposure device 133, a developing device 134, a transfer device 135, a cleaning device 136, and a static eliminator 137 are provided along the line.

  The photosensitive drum 131 is for forming an electrostatic latent image and a toner image along the electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 131 has a tough surface and a very smooth amorphous silicon layer excellent in wear resistance laminated on the peripheral surface, and is thus suitable for forming these images. Yes.

  Each of the photosensitive drums 131 is supplied with a developer (toner) from a corresponding developing device 134 while being rotated clockwise in FIG.

  The charger 132 applies a predetermined potential to the surface of the photosensitive drum 131 by corona discharge.

  The exposure device 133 selectively attenuates the potential of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 131 by irradiating the photosensitive drum 131 with laser light based on the image data of the original read by the image reading unit 15. Thus, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 131.

  The developing device 134 develops the electrostatic latent image with toner to form a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 131.

  The transfer device 135 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 131 onto the paper P. The transfer device 135 imparts a charge opposite to the charge of the toner image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 131 to the paper P, thereby electrostatically peeling off the toner image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 131 and thereby the paper P. It is designed to be transferred to the top.

  The cleaning device 136 removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 131 after transfer, and the charge eliminator 137 removes residual charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 131.

  The fixing unit 14 performs processing for fixing the toner transferred onto the paper P by the image forming unit 13 onto the paper P. The fixing unit 14 discharges the sheet P discharged from the fixing device 141 disposed on the downstream side of the fixing device 141 and the fixing device 141 disposed on the downstream side of the image forming unit 13 in the sheet conveying direction. And a guide plate 145 as a guide for guiding toward the roller pair 163.

  The fixing device 141 includes a box-shaped casing 142, a heat roller 143 that is rotatably supported around the axis within the casing 142, and a peripheral surface that presses against the peripheral surface of the heat roller 143. A pressure roller 144 in contact therewith.

  The sheet P transported from the image forming unit 13 receives heat from the heat roller 143 while being transported by the rotation of the sheet P while being held between the heat roller 143 and the pressure roller 144 by the nip portion. The fixing process of the image onto the paper P is performed, and the image is discharged toward the discharge tray 164 via the guide plate 145 and the discharge roller pair 163.

  In this embodiment, the apparatus main body 11 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1 is inserted into and removed from the apparatus main body 11 mainly composed of the sheet conveying section 16 including the registration roller pair 162, the discharge roller pair 163 and the fixing section 14. A possible paper transport unit 20 is provided. The paper transport unit 20 is provided so as to be detachable from the apparatus main body 11 so that the paper transport unit 20 can be easily removed from the apparatus main body 11 to eliminate paper jams and perform various maintenance operations. Because.

  2 is an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 (A) shows a state where the lid 17 is closed, and FIG. 2 (B) and FIG. The state where the lid 17 is opened is shown. 2B particularly shows a state in which the paper transport unit 20 (shown by stippling) is stored in the apparatus main body 11 (a state where the paper transport unit 20 is set at the storage position U1), and FIG. A state where the unit 20 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 11 (a state where the unit 20 is set at the pull-out position U2) is shown. In FIG. 2, the XX direction is referred to as the left-right direction and the Y-Y direction is referred to as the front-rear direction. In particular, the -X direction is referred to as the left, the + X direction is referred to as the right, the -Y direction is referred to as the front, and the + Y direction is referred to as the rear.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2A, the image forming apparatus 10 includes the paper feeding unit 12 having a plurality of paper feeding cassettes 121 provided at a lower portion of the apparatus main body 11 having a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped shape. ing. Each paper feed cassette 121 can be pulled out forward. The sheet conveying unit 20 shown in stipple in FIG. 2B, which includes the fixing unit 14 and the sheet conveying unit 16 at a position directly above the sheet feeding unit 12, is installed, and the positions above these units. The image forming unit 13 is formed on the surface.

  In addition, an operation panel 111 having a numeric keypad, a liquid crystal display panel, and various operation keys is provided at the front position of the top panel of the apparatus body 11, and at the rear position of the top panel, An automatic document feeder 152 that can be opened and closed is provided so as to cover the contact glass 151 (FIG. 1).

  A lid body 17 that can be opened and closed laterally is provided at a position above the sheet feeding unit 12 on the front surface of the apparatus main body 11. The lid 17 is normally closed as shown in FIG. 2 (A), but as shown in FIGS. 2 (B) and 2 (C) during paper jam clearing work and various maintenance work. In addition, it is opened to the right.

  As shown in FIG. 2B (particularly, in FIG. 2B, the paper transport unit 20 is easily distinguished from other members by stippling) and FIG. The frame body 21 having an L shape is provided. The frame 21 has a pair of registration rollers 162 and a transfer device 135 that are a part of the paper transport unit 16, a transport belt 165 provided immediately downstream of the transfer device 135, and further the fixing device 141 and a guide. A plate 145 and the like are mounted. As shown in FIG. 2B, the sheet transport unit 20 has a storage position U1 stored in the apparatus main body 11, and a pull-out position U2 pulled out from the apparatus main body 11 as shown in FIG. The position can be changed between.

  Then, when the frame body 21 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 11 and set at the pull-out position U2, the registration roller pair 162, the transfer device 135, the conveyance belt 165, the fixing device 141, the guide plate 145, and the like are shown in FIG. As shown to C), since it will be in the state exposed to the outside, various maintenance work, such as a paper jam removal work and parts replacement | exchange which occurred in this part, can be performed easily.

  The electrical connection structure according to the present invention is formed between such a frame body 21 and the inner part of the unit storage chamber V in which the paper transport unit 20 is mounted. Hereinafter, the electrical connection structure will be described with reference to FIGS.

  3 and 4 are partially cutaway perspective views showing an embodiment of the electrical connection structure. FIG. 3 shows the unit side connector 41 of the paper transport unit 20 pushed into the unit storage chamber V on the main body side. FIG. 4 shows a state immediately before being connected to the connector 42, and FIG. 4 shows a state in which the unit side connector 41 is connected to the main body side connector 42. 3 and 4 are the same as those in FIG. 1 (X is the left-right direction (-X: leftward, + X: rightward), Y is the front-rear direction (-Y: forward, + Y: backward). ).

  The frame 21 that is a component of the paper transport unit 20 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, and has a front plate 22 that is long in the left-right direction, and a rear plate 23 that is disposed opposite to the front plate 22 at the rear. The left plate 24 is provided between the left edges of the front plate 22 and the rear plate 23, and the right plate 25 is provided between the right edges of the front plate 22 and the rear plate 23. The registration roller pair 162, the transfer device 135, the transport belt 165, the fixing device 141, the guide plate 145, and the like are mounted in a space surrounded by the front plate 22, the rear plate 23, the left plate 24, and the right plate 25. Yes.

  On the other hand, the apparatus main body 11 has a rear frame plate 112 extending vertically in the vertical direction at the back (rear) of the unit storage chamber V and a front edge from the lower edge of the rear frame plate 112. And a left side plate 114 erected from the left edge of the bottom plate 113, and a right side plate 115 erected from the right edge of the bottom plate 113. The unit storage chamber V is formed by a space surrounded by the back frame plate 112, the bottom plate 113, the left side plate 114, and the right side plate 115.

  The paper transport unit 20 is detachably attached to the unit storage chamber V by sliding back and forth on the bottom plate 113 while being sandwiched between the left plate 24 and the right plate 25. .

  The electrical connection structure 30 includes the connector 40 interposed between the apparatus main body 11 and the frame body 21, and the paper in a state where the paper transport unit 20 is set at the storage position U1 in the unit storage chamber V. A lock mechanism 50 that locks the movement of the transport unit 20 and a load are applied to the pushing operation immediately before the paper transport unit 20 is pushed into the unit storage chamber V and is surely set at the storage position U1. And a load applying means 60 that cancels the load after applying the load (that is, provides the operator with a click interval for the pushing operation of the paper transport unit 20).

  The connector 40 includes a unit side connector 41 provided on the paper transport unit 20 side and a main body side connector 42 provided on the apparatus main body 11 side so as to face the unit side connector 41.

  The unit-side connector 41 is provided at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction of the rear plate 23 of the frame body 21. On the other hand, the main body side connector 42 is provided at a position facing the unit side connector 41 in the back frame plate 112. A mounting hole 421 into which the unit-side connector 41 is fitted is recessed in the front surface of the main body-side connector 42. Accordingly, by pushing the paper transport unit 20 into the unit storage chamber V, the unit-side connector 41 is fitted into the mounting hole 421 of the main body-side connector 42, whereby both connectors 41 and 42 are electrically connected. It has become so.

  The locking mechanism 50 includes a locking claw 51 provided on the frame body 21 side, a stopper 52 provided on the apparatus main body 11 side facing the locking claw 51, and the stopper 52 of the locking claw 51. And an operating rod 53 for releasing the locked state.

  The locking claw 51 protrudes to the outside from a square hole 241 formed at a substantially central position in the front-rear direction of the left plate 24. The latching claw 51 is formed in a right triangle shape in a plan view in a state of projecting outside from the square hole 241, and a latching edge surface 511 extending in the left-right direction is formed on the front edge surface. An inclined edge surface 512 that is inclined downward from the left end portion of the stop surface 511 toward the rear is formed. Both the locking edge surface 511 and the inclined edge surface 512 extend to the inside of the square hole 241.

  Such a locking claw 51 is biased so as to protrude outward from the square hole 241 by a biasing force of a biasing member (not shown) provided in the frame body 21.

  The stopper 52 is provided at a position corresponding to the locking claw 51 on the left side plate 114 of the apparatus main body 11. Specifically, in a state where the paper transport unit 20 is set at the storage position U1 (that is, in a state where the unit side connector 41 is connected to the main body side connector 42), the left side plate 114 is diagonally opposed to the locking claw 51. A stopper 52 is provided at this position.

  In the present embodiment, the stopper 52 is formed by pushing up the left side plate 114 from left to right. Such a stopper 52 includes a locking edge surface 521 that is orthogonal to the left side plate 114 corresponding to the locking edge surface 511 of the locking claw 51, and a forward end from the right end of the locking edge surface 521. And an inclined edge surface 522 inclined downward.

  The amount of protrusion of the stopper 52 from the left side plate 114 is set to be substantially the same as the amount of protrusion of the locking claw 51 from the left side plate 24. Further, the paper transport unit 20 is inserted into and removed from the unit storage chamber V in a state of being separated from the left side plate 114 by substantially the same distance as the protruding amount.

  For this purpose, the bottom plate 113 is provided with a pair of left and right guide rails 113a formed by pushing and raising the bottom plate 113 upward and extending in the front-rear direction. A pair of guided recesses 210 corresponding to 113a is provided. The paper conveyance unit 20 can be inserted into and removed from the unit storage chamber V with the guided recesses 210 guided by the guide rails 113a in the horizontal direction.

  Then, when the paper transport unit 20 is pushed into the storage position U 1 in the unit storage chamber V, the inclined edge surface 512 of the locking claw 51 comes into contact with the inclined edge surface 522 of the stopper 52. Then, the locking claw 51 is temporarily immersed in the square hole 241 against the urging force of the urging member when the inclined edge surface 512 is pressed relatively to the inclined edge surface 522 of the stopper 52. Thereafter, the locking claw 51 protrudes outside from the square hole 241 by the urging force of the urging member after passing the stopper 52.

  Therefore, when the sheet conveying unit 20 is set at the storage position U1 and the unit side connector 41 is connected to the main body side connector 42, the locking edge surface 511 of the locking claw 51 is locked to the locking edge surface of the stopper 52. This abuts against 521, thereby locking the mounting state of the paper transport unit 20 in the unit storage chamber V.

  The load applying means 60 is provided for the operation of pushing the paper transport unit 20 into the unit storage chamber V by elastic deformation of some members of the elastic generating member 61 which will be described in detail after being provided on the apparatus main body 11 side. The load is applied and the load is eliminated by restoring the elastic generating member 61 from the elastic deformation.

  The load application due to the elastic deformation of the elastic generating member 61 is started when the unit side connector 41 starts to be inserted into the mounting hole 421 of the main body side connector 42 when the paper transport unit 20 is pushed into the unit storage chamber V. When the side connector 42 is completely inserted into the mounting hole 421 of the unit side connector 41 (that is, when both the connectors 41 and 42 are electrically connected completely), the side connector 42 is eliminated.

  By applying the load and eliminating the load, the operator obtains a click feeling when pushing the paper transport unit 20 into the unit storage chamber V, so that the click feels that the connectors 41 and 42 are securely connected. This eliminates the so-called half-effect state where both connectors are not fully connected but are energized.

  Such a load applying means 60 includes an elasticity generating member 61 provided on the apparatus main body 11 side and a unit side protruding piece 62 provided on the paper transport unit 20 side.

  The elasticity generating member 61 protrudes toward the side of the paper conveyance unit 20 formed at the tip of the arm 611 and the arm 611 extending in parallel with the attachment / detachment direction of the paper conveyance unit provided on the apparatus main body 11 side. And a coil spring (biasing member) 613 for urging the arm 611 toward the paper transport unit 20 side.

  The arm 611 is provided at a position facing the stopper 52 on the left side plate 114 in the back frame plate 112 of the apparatus main body 11. The arm 611 includes a shaft hole portion 611a formed on the base end side (rear end side) and having a shaft hole extending in the vertical direction.

  On the other hand, the rear frame plate 112 on the apparatus main body 11 side is provided with a pair of upper and lower brackets 112a for supporting the arm 611, which are formed by being raised rearward at a position facing the left plate 114. It has been. A support shaft (fulcrum) 112b extending in the vertical direction is installed between the pair of brackets. The arm 611 is pivotally supported around the support shaft 112b by fitting the shaft hole of the shaft hole portion 611a to the support shaft 112b.

  The arm-side protruding piece 612 is formed by folding the tip (front end) of the arm 611 toward the right. The arm-side projecting piece 612 is inclined toward the arm 611 so as to be orthogonal to the arm 611 from the rear end of the inclined edge surface 612a and the inclined edge surface 612a inclined upward from the front end of the arm 611 to the rear. And an extended orthogonal edge surface 612b. A sharpened portion 612c is formed at the intersection of the inclined edge surface 612a and the orthogonal edge surface 612b.

  The coil spring 613 biases the arm 611 counterclockwise around the support shaft 112b in plan view in FIG. The coil spring 613 includes an arm-side locking protrusion 611b provided near the base end of the upper edge of the arm 611, and a right side of the arm-side locking protrusion 611b. A part of the back frame plate 112 is stretched between the cut-and-raised piece 112c formed by being cut and raised forward so as to face the piece 611b.

  On the other hand, the back frame plate 112 is provided with a stopper 112 d formed by cutting and raising a portion of the arm 611 rightward to the arm 611. The stopper 112d is set to have a cut-and-raised amount so that the front end of the stopper 112d comes into contact with the right surface of the arm 611 in a state of being orthogonal to the back frame plate 112.

  Accordingly, the arm 611 is urged counterclockwise around the support shaft 112b in a plan view in FIG. 3 by the urging force of the coil spring 613 and stops against the stopper 112d. It faces to the front in a state orthogonal to it.

  The unit-side protruding piece 62 protrudes leftward so as to correspond to the arm 611 at a position slightly behind the locking claw 51 in the left plate 24 of the paper transport unit 20. The unit-side projecting piece 62 is formed in a right triangle shape in plan view, and an orthogonal edge surface 621 orthogonal to the left plate 24 is formed at the rear end, and forward from the left end of the orthogonal edge surface 621. An inclined edge surface 622 formed so as to descend toward the front is formed. A sharpened portion 623 is formed at the intersection of the inclined edge surface 622 and the orthogonal edge surface 621.

  The unit-side projecting piece 62 and the elasticity generating member 61 are elastic when the unit-side connector 41 starts to fit into the mounting hole 421 of the main body-side connector 42 when the paper transport unit 20 is pushed into the unit storage chamber V. When the inclined edge surface 612a of the generating member 61 is in contact with the orthogonal edge surface 621 of the unit side protruding piece 62 and the unit side connector 41 is completely connected to the main body side connector 42, the sharpened portion 612c of the arm side protruding piece 612 is obtained. Are located on the inclined edge surface 622 of the unit-side projecting piece 62 by passing over the sharpened portion 623 of the unit-side projecting piece 62.

  In this embodiment, driving for transmitting the driving force of a driving source (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 11 to the fixing device 141, the registration roller pair 162, the conveying belt 165, and the like in the sheet conveying unit 20. A force transmission mechanism 70 is provided.

  The driving force transmission mechanism 70 is provided on the side of the sheet conveying unit 20 and the driving shaft 71 that transmits the driving force of the driving source that has passed through the inner frame plate 112 in a sliding contact state with the inner frame plate 112. And a joint member 72 connected to the drive shaft 71 in a state in which the paper transport unit 20 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11. The joint member 72 is concentrically provided at a rear end portion of a driven shaft (not shown) penetrating the rear plate 23 of the frame body 21 so as to be integrally rotatable.

  In the present embodiment, the drive shaft 71 is provided slightly on the left side of the main body side connector 42, and the installation position is set so that the driven shaft concentrically faces the drive shaft 71.

  A predetermined key protrusion 711 projects from the front end surface of the drive shaft 71, while a keyhole is fitted on the rear end surface of the joint member 72 so as to be integrally rotatable with the key protrusion 711. 721 is recessed. The amount of protrusion of the drive shaft 71 from the back frame plate 112 and the amount of protrusion of the joint member 72 from the rear plate 23 are determined by the unit-side connector 41 when the paper transport unit 20 is pushed into the unit storage chamber V of the apparatus body 11. Are properly set so that the key protrusions 711 are fitted into the keyholes 721 in a state where is connected to the main body side connector 42.

  Accordingly, when the sheet transport unit 20 is pushed into the unit storage chamber V of the apparatus main body 11 and the unit side connector 41 is connected to the main body side connector 42, the drive shaft 71 and the joint member 72 are simultaneously coupled to each other. As a result, the driving force of the driving source on the apparatus main body 11 side is transmitted to the paper transport unit 20 side.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view in plan view for explaining the operation of the electrical connection structure 30. FIG. 5A shows the paper transport unit 20 pulled out from the unit storage chamber V of the apparatus main body 11. FIG. FIG. 5B shows a state where the unit-side connector 41 is being connected to the main body-side connector 42 as the paper transport unit 20 is pushed into the unit storage chamber V, and FIG. The state where the unit side connector 41 and the main body side connector 42 are securely connected by the unit 20 being completely pushed into the unit storage chamber V is shown. The direction display by X and Y in FIG. 5 is the same as in FIG. 2 (X is the left-right direction (−X: leftward, + X: rightward), Y is the front-rear direction (−Y: forward, + Y: rearward). )). Incidentally, in FIG. 5, illustration of the driving force transmission mechanism 70 is omitted.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the paper transport unit 20 is pulled out from the unit storage chamber V, the locking claw 51 of the lock mechanism 50 is moved by the urging force of the urging member (not shown). It is in a state of protruding from the left to the left. In addition, the elastic member 61 extends straight toward the front of the arm 611.

  In this state, when the paper transport unit 20 is pushed into the unit storage chamber V, as shown in FIG. 5B, the inclined edge surface 512 of the locking claw 51 on the paper transport unit 20 side is on the apparatus main body 11 side. The stopper 52 is pressed against and brought into contact with the inclined edge surface 522, whereby the locking claw 51 begins to enter the frame body 21 against the biasing force of the biasing member (not shown).

  At the same time, the sharpened portion 623 of the unit-side protruding piece 62 slides on the inclined edge surface 612a while pressing the inclined edge surface 612a of the arm-side protruding piece 612 of the arm 611 provided in the apparatus main body 11, thereby the arm 611. The front end side is inclined to the left against the urging force of the coil spring 613.

  At this time, the unit-side connector 41 starts to connect to the main body-side connector 42, whereby both the connectors 41, 42 are in an electrically connected state or unstable but electrically. It is in a connected state.

  In this state, if the pushing operation to the unit storage chamber V of the paper transport unit 20 is continued, the connection state of the unit side connector 41 to the main body side connector 42 is ensured, and the locking claw 51 on the paper transport unit 20 side is connected to the apparatus. As shown in FIG. 5 (C), the locking edge surface 511 of the locking claw 51 and the locking edge surface 521 of the stopper 52 are in contact with each other. become. Therefore, in this state, the paper transport unit 20 does not move forward and the connection of the unit side connector 41 to the main body side connector 42 is not canceled.

  At the same time, the sharpened portion 623 of the unit-side protruding piece 62 presses the inclined edge surface 612a toward the left while slidingly contacting the inclined edge surface 612a of the arm-side protruding piece 612 on the apparatus body 11 side. 611 rotates counterclockwise around the support shaft 112b against the urging force of the coil spring 613 (FIG. 5B). At this time, the operator senses a load based on the elastic deformation of the coil spring 613.

  When the pushing operation of the paper transport unit 20 is continued, the sharpened portion 623 of the unit-side protruding piece 62 gets over the sharpened portion 612c of the arm-side protruding piece 612, whereby the arm 611 is supported by the biasing force of the coil spring 613. It rotates counterclockwise around 112b and the sharpened portion 612c of the arm-side protruding piece 612 strikes the inclined edge surface 622 of the unit-side protruding piece 62 (FIG. 5C). At this time, the operator is released from the load by the coil spring 613 to obtain a click feeling and can recognize that the unit side connector 41 is securely connected to the main body side connector 42.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, when pulling out the paper transport unit 20 once stored in the unit storage chamber V of the apparatus main body 11, the operating rod 53 is operated in a predetermined direction. By doing so, the stopper 52 is immersed in the frame 21 of the paper transport unit 20, and thereby the locking state of the locking claw 51 with respect to the stopper 52 is released, so that the paper transport unit 20 is pulled out from the unit storage chamber V. be able to.

  As described above in detail, the electrical connection structure 30 according to the present embodiment electrically connects the apparatus main body 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 and the predetermined paper transport unit 20 that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 11. A main body side connector 42 provided on the apparatus main body 11 side, a unit side connector 41 provided on the paper transport unit 20 side so as to face the main body side connector 42, and a unit side connector 41. And a load applying means 60 for applying a predetermined load to the connection operation immediately before the connector is connected to the main body side connector 42 and for eliminating the load in a state where both the connectors 41 and 42 are completely connected. Yes.

  By configuring the electrical connection structure 30 in this way, when the paper transport unit 20 is pushed into the apparatus main body 11, the unit side connector 41 provided in the paper transport unit 20 is disposed on the main body side facing the main body side. Connected to the connector 42, the apparatus main body 11 and the paper transport unit 20 can be brought into an electrically connected state.

  The electrical connection structure 30 includes a load applying unit 60 that applies and releases a load to the mounting operation of the paper transport unit 20 with respect to the apparatus main body 11. A predetermined load is applied to the connection operation immediately before being connected to the main body side connector 42, and the load is eliminated in a state where both the connectors 41 and 42 are completely connected.

  Therefore, the operator who performs the mounting operation of the paper transport unit 20 on the apparatus main body 11, that is, the pressing operation, feels a load on the pressing operation immediately before the unit side connector 41 is completely connected to the main body side connector 42, and both When the connectors 41 and 42 are completely connected, the paper transport unit 20 is suddenly lightened, and a click feeling can be obtained by applying and eliminating the load, and the connectors 41 and 42 are securely connected by the click feeling. Can be recognized.

  As described above, the load applying means 60 applies a predetermined load to the connection operation immediately before the unit side connector 41 is connected to the main body side connector 42, and the both connectors 41 and 42 are completely connected. By configuring so that the load is eliminated, the operator can recognize the complete connection state of the connectors 41 and 42 by the click feeling obtained when the paper transport unit 20 is pushed into the apparatus main body 11. it can.

  Therefore, as in the conventional case, when the click feeling is not obtained at the time of connecting the two connectors 41 and 42, the unit side connector 41 is not completely connected to the main body side connector 42, but unstable current is passed between them. Although a so-called half-effect state that has become possible may occur, this embodiment does not cause such inconvenience, and a reliable energization state can always be obtained between the apparatus main body 11 and the paper transport unit 20. .

  The load applying means 60 includes an elasticity generating member 61 provided on the apparatus main body 11 side or the paper transport unit 20 side. The load applying means 60 applies a load by elastic deformation of the elasticity generating member 61 and elastic deformation of the elasticity generating member 61. Therefore, when the paper transport unit 20 is pushed into the apparatus main body 11, the elasticity generating member 61 is elastic immediately before the unit side connector 41 is connected to the main body side connector 42. This deformation causes a load to be applied to the pushing operation of the paper transport unit 20, and the load is eliminated by restoring from the elastic deformation of the elasticity generating member 61 by continuing the pushing operation.

  As described above, the load applying unit 60 applies the load by elastic deformation of the elastic generating member 61 provided on the apparatus main body 11 side or the paper transport unit 20 side, and loads the elastic generating member 61 by restoring from the elastic deformation. In order to eliminate the above, the structure of the load applying means 60 is simplified, and the connectors 41 and 42 are completely connected in the mounting operation of the paper transport unit 20 to the apparatus main body 11. Can be recognized reliably.

  Such an elastic generating member 61 includes an arm 611 extending in parallel with the attaching and detaching direction of the paper transport unit 20 that is rotatable around the support shaft 112 b provided on the apparatus main body 11 side, and a paper sheet formed at the tip of the arm 611. An arm-side protruding piece 612 that protrudes toward the side surface of the transport unit 20 and a coil spring 613 that biases the arm 611 toward the sheet transport unit 20 are provided.

  On the other hand, the sheet transport unit 20 has a unit-side protruding piece 62 that interferes with the arm-side protruding piece 612 between a position immediately before the unit-side connector 41 is connected to the main body-side connector 42 and a position immediately after the connection. The arm 611 is configured to rotate around the support shaft 112b against the urging force of the coil spring 613 between the immediately preceding position and the immediately following position.

  According to such a configuration of the elasticity generating member 61, the unit-side protruding piece is positioned at a position immediately before the unit-side connector 41 is connected to the body-side connector 42 by pushing the paper transport unit 20 into the apparatus body 11. 62 interferes with the arm-side protruding piece 612 of the arm 611 provided on the apparatus main body 11 side, and a load is applied by the rotation of the arm 611 around the support shaft 112b against the urging force of the coil spring 613. The unit-side projecting piece 62 does not interfere with the arm-side projecting piece 612 at a position immediately after the connectors 41 and 42 are connected, thereby eliminating the load on the pushing operation of the paper transport unit 20. A click feeling can be obtained by applying a load and eliminating the load by a series of movements.

  As described above, the elastic generating member 61 is made to rotate around the support shaft 112b provided on the apparatus main body 11 side, the arm-side protruding piece 612 formed at the tip of the arm 611, and the arm 611. By constituting the coil spring 613 biased toward the paper transport unit 20 side, the structure of the elasticity generating member 61 is simplified, and both the operations for mounting the paper transport unit 20 on the apparatus main body 11 are performed. It is possible to reliably recognize that the connectors 41 and 42 are completely connected.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since the paper transport unit 20 is provided with the joint member 72 for transmitting the driving force on the apparatus main body 11 side in a state where the paper transport unit 20 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11. The driving force on the apparatus body 11 side can be transmitted to the sheet conveyance unit 20 side via the joint member 72 in a state where the sheet conveyance unit 20 is mounted on the apparatus body 11. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a drive source on the paper transport unit 20 side, and the paper transport unit 20 can be made lighter and more compact accordingly.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and includes the following contents.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the electrical connection structure 30 according to the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 10. However, in the present invention, the electrical connection structure 30 is applied to the image forming apparatus 10. The present invention is not limited, and can be applied to various electric devices such as computers, banknote depositing and dispensing devices, and ticket vending machines.

  (2) In the above embodiment, a copying machine has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus 10 to which the electrical connection structure 30 according to the present invention is applied. However, in the present invention, the image forming apparatus 10 is a copying machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a facsimile machine, a printer, or the like.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, the arm 611 provided on the apparatus main body 11 side is configured to be applied with a biasing force by the coil spring 613. Instead of this, the arm 611 is made of metal or composite. The arm 611 itself may be elastically deformed by a resin leaf spring material.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the arm 611 in the load applying means 60 is provided on the apparatus main body 11 side, and the protruding piece (unit-side protruding piece 62) corresponding to the arm 611 is provided on the paper transport unit 20 side. However, the present invention is not limited to providing the arm 611 on the apparatus main body 11 side and providing the projecting piece corresponding to the arm 611 on the paper transport unit 20 side, and may be reversed.

  (5) In the above embodiment, if the urging force of the urging member that applies the urging force to the engaging claw 51 provided with the paper conveyance unit 20 is made strong, the inside of the apparatus main body 11 of the paper conveyance unit 20 It is necessary to push the paper transport unit 20 with a large force in order to immerse the locking claw 51 in contact with the stopper 52 into the frame body 21 during the pushing operation, and the locking claw 51 pushes the stopper 52 down. When getting over, the operator can get a big click feeling. Therefore, since a double click feeling can be obtained together with the click feeling by the load applying means 60 according to the present invention, a more reliable connection state between the unit side connector 41 and the main body side connector 42 is ensured. Can do.

1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of an internal structure of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which an electrical connection structure according to the present invention is applied. 2A and 2B are perspective views of an external appearance of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, in which FIG. 1A illustrates a state in which the lid is closed, and FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate a state in which the lid is opened. . It is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an embodiment of an electrical connection structure, and shows a state immediately before the unit side connector of the paper transport unit pushed into the unit storage chamber is connected to the main body side connector. It is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an embodiment of an electrical connection structure, and shows a state in which a unit side connector is connected to a main body side connector. It is typical explanatory drawing of planar view for demonstrating the effect | action of an electrical connection structure, (A) is the state with which the paper conveyance unit was pulled out from the unit storage chamber of the apparatus main body, (B) is paper conveyance. The state where the unit side connector is being connected to the main body side connector as the unit is pushed into the unit housing chamber, (C) shows the unit side connector and the main body side when the paper transport unit is completely pushed into the unit housing chamber. The state where the connector is securely connected is shown.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Main body 111 Operation panel 112 Back frame board 112a Bracket 112b Support shaft (fulcrum)
112c Cut and raised piece 112d Stopper 113 Bottom plate 113a Guide rail 114 Left side plate 115 Right side plate 12 Paper feed unit 121 Paper feed cassette 13 Image forming unit 131 Photosensitive drum 132 Charger 133 Exposure device 134 Development device 135 Transfer device 136 Cleaning device 137 Removal Electric device 14 Fixing unit 141 Fixing device 142 Case 143 Heat roller 144 Pressure roller 145 Guide plate 15 Image reading unit 151 Contact glass 152 Automatic document feeder 16 Paper transport unit 161 Transport roller pair 162 Registration roller pair 163 Discharge roller pair 164 Discharge Tray 165 Conveying belt 17 Lid 20 Paper conveying unit 21 Frame 210 Guided recess 22 Front plate 23 Back plate 24 Left plate 241 Square hole 25 Right plate 30 Electrical connection structure 40 Connector 41 U Knit side connector 42 Body side connector 421 Mounting hole 50 Lock mechanism 51 Locking claw 511 Locking edge surface 512 Inclined edge surface 52 Stopper 521 Locking edge surface 522 Inclined edge surface 53 Operating rod 60 Load applying means 61 Elasticity generating member 611 Arm 611a Shaft hole portion 611b Arm side locking projection 612 Arm side projection 612a Inclined edge surface 612b Orthogonal edge surface 612c Sharpened portion 613 Coil spring (biasing member)
62 Unit-side protruding piece 621 Orthogonal edge surface 622 Inclined edge surface 623 Pointed portion 70 Driving force transmission mechanism 71 Drive shaft 711 Key protrusion 72 Joint member 721 Keyhole P Paper U1 Storage position U2 Pull-out position V Unit storage chamber

Claims (5)

An electrical connection structure for electrically connecting a predetermined device body and a predetermined unit detachably attached to the device body,
A main body side connector provided on the apparatus main body side;
A unit-side connector provided on the unit side so as to face the body-side connector;
Immediately before the unit side connector is connected to the main body side connector, a predetermined load is applied to the connection operation, and load applying means for eliminating the load in a state where both the connectors are completely connected is provided. An electrical connection structure characterized by that.   The load applying means includes an elasticity generating member provided on the apparatus main body side or the unit side, and applies the load by elastic deformation of the elasticity generating member and restores the elasticity generating member from the elastic deformation. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is configured to eliminate the load. The elasticity generating member includes an arm extending in parallel with an attaching / detaching direction of the unit that is rotatable around a fulcrum provided on the apparatus main body side;
An arm-side protruding piece protruding toward the side surface of the unit formed at the tip of the arm;
A biasing member that biases the arm toward the unit;
The unit is provided with a unit-side projecting piece that interferes with the arm-side projecting piece between a position immediately after the unit-side connector is connected to the body-side connector and a position immediately after the unit-side connector is connected.
The electrical connection structure according to claim 2, wherein the arm rotates about a fulcrum against the urging force of the urging member between the immediately preceding position and the immediately following position.   4. The joint unit for transmitting a driving force on the apparatus main body side in a state where the unit is mounted on the apparatus main body is provided in the unit. The electrical connection structure described.   5. An image forming apparatus in which the electrical connection structure according to claim 1 is applied to an image forming apparatus in which various units for image formation are mounted on the unit.

Images