JP2020030912A - Connector pair connection state detecting device, composite machine, and connector pair connection state detection method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a connector pair connection state detecting device capable of detecting all of a connection state of a plurality of connector pairs.SOLUTION: A connector pair connection state detecting device detecting a connection state of a plurality of connector pairs, comprises: a first resistance in which one end is connected to a first connection point; a circuit network that is the circuit network containing a plurality of second resistances, in which its one end is connected to the other end of the first resistance, the other end is connected to a second connection point, and a combined resistance is changed in accordance with the connection state of the plurality of connector pairs; and detection means of detecting the connection state of the plurality of connector pairs on the basis of a voltage or a current measured by the other end of the first resistance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector pair connection state detection device, a multifunction peripheral including the same, and a connector pair connection state detection method.

  A circuit of a multifunction peripheral having other functions such as a facsimile function, a communication function, as well as an image reading function, an image forming function, and an image copying function, is often formed over a plurality of substrates. When a circuit spans a plurality of boards, by providing a connector pair and a cable between the boards, the circuit spanning between the boards can operate in conjunction with each other. Each function can be activated.

JP-A-9-289064 JP 2011-215465 A

  Here, the connector pair for connecting a circuit extending over a plurality of substrates is, for example, a plug-in type, and one end or both ends may float due to a defective assembly. In such a case, the MFP may not be able to activate its original function.

  Therefore, if the one-sided or two-sided floating is detected by monitoring the connection state of the connector pair, it is necessary to notify a user or an administrator of the detection and to have the connection state of the connector pair normal.

  For example, the connection state of each connector pair can be detected by a detection device as disclosed in Patent Literature 1 or Patent Literature 2. In such a case, the number of connector pairs is equal to the number of connector pairs. Since it is necessary to prepare such a detecting device, the cost increases.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector pair connection state detection device capable of detecting the connection state of a plurality of connector pairs at once, a multifunction peripheral including the same, and a connector pair connection state detection method.

According to the present invention,
A connector pair connection state detection device that detects a connection state of a plurality of connector pairs,
A first resistor having one end connected to the first connection point;
A network including a plurality of second resistors, one end of which is always connected to the other end of the first resistor, and the other end of which can be connected to a second connection point; A network in which the combined resistance changes according to the connection state of the connector pair of
Detecting means for detecting a connection state of the plurality of connector pairs based on a voltage or a current measured at the other end of the first resistor;
And a connector pair connection state detecting device provided with:

  Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a multi-functional peripheral including the above-described connector pair connection state detecting device.

Further, according to the present invention,
A connector pair connection state detection device that detects a connection state of a plurality of connector pairs,
Providing a first resistor having one end connected to the first connection point;
A network including a plurality of second resistors, one end of which is always connected to the other end of the first resistor, and the other end of which can be connected to a second connection point; Preparing a circuit network in which the combined resistance changes according to the connection state of the connector pair of
A detecting step of detecting a connection state of the plurality of connector pairs based on a voltage or a current measured at the other end of the first resistor;
A method for detecting a connector pair connection state is provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the connection state of a some connector pair can be detected collectively.

1 is a circuit diagram illustrating a connector pair connection state detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of sets of connectors whose connection states are detected by the connector pair connection state detection device. 2 is a table showing an example of a resistance value included in the connector pair connection state detecting device shown in FIG. 1. 5 is a table showing a relationship between a connector connection state, a combined resistance value, and a voltage Vout in the connector pair connection state detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a circuit diagram showing a connector pair connection state detecting device and a plurality of sets of connectors from which a connection state is detected by the third embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a table showing an example of a resistance value included in the connector pair connection state detection device shown in FIG. 12 is a table illustrating a relationship between a connector connection state, a combined resistance value, and a voltage Vout in the connector pair connection state detection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a circuit diagram showing a connector pair connection state detecting device in a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and a plurality of sets of connectors from which a connection state is detected. 8 is a table illustrating an example of a resistance value included in the connector pair connection state detection device illustrated in FIG. 7. It is a table | surface which shows the connection state of the connector in the connector pair connection state detection apparatus in 4th Embodiment of this invention, the value of a combined resistance, and the voltage Vout. It is a circuit diagram showing a connector pair connection state detecting device and a plurality of sets of connectors from which a connection state is detected by the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a conceptual sectional view of a multifunction peripheral according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a connector pair connection state detection device according to the first embodiment and a plurality of sets of connectors whose connection state is detected by the apparatus.

  Referring to FIG. 1, three connectors (connectors CN # A1, CN # B1, and CN # C1) are mounted on the control board. The board A has a connector CN # A2 mounted thereon, the board B has a connector CN # B2 mounted thereon, and the board C has a connector CN # C2 mounted thereon.

  The connector CN # A2 is connected to the connector CN # A1, the connector CN # B2 is connected to the connector CN # B1, and the connector CN # C2 is connected to the connector CN # C1.

  Terminals at both ends of the connector CN # A2 are connected to GND. Similarly, the terminals at both ends of the connector CN # B2 are also connected to GND, and the terminals at both ends of the connector CN # C2 are also connected to GND.

  One of the terminals at both ends of the connector CN # A1 is connected to one end of a resistor R1, and the other of the terminals at both ends of the connector CN # A1 is connected to one end of a resistor R2.

  Similarly, one end of a resistor R3 is connected to one of the terminals at both ends of the connector CN # B1, and one end of a resistor R4 is connected to the other of the terminals at both ends of the connector CN # B1.

  Similarly, one of the terminals at both ends of the connector CN # C1 is connected to one end of a resistor R5, and the other of the terminals at both ends of the connector CN # C1 is connected to one end of a resistor R6.

  The control board is provided with a resistor R0 having one end connected to the power supply V0.

Here, the resistance value is
R1 = R2, R3 = R4, R5 = R6,
And R1, R3, R5,
R1 // R3, R1 // R5, R3 // R5
R1 // R3 // R5
Are all different. That is, R1 = R2, R3 = R4, and R5 = R6, and the parallel resistance values in each combination of one to three resistors selected from the resistors R1, R3, and R5 are all different.

  An example is shown in FIG.

  The other end of the resistor R0, the other end of the resistor R1, the other end of the resistor R2, the other end of the resistor R3, the other end of the resistor R4, the other end of the resistor R5, and the other end of the resistor R6 are connected to each other. The point is a point at which voltage should be detected. The connection state of the connector can be known from the voltage Vout at this point.

  FIG. 3 is a table showing the relationship between the connection state of the connector, the value of the combined resistance, and the voltage Vout.

  To explain some examples, as shown in the top row, if all the connectors are normally connected, the resistance between GND and the connection point is the combined resistance when the resistances R1 to R6 are connected in parallel. Equals the resistance, which is 41.28 ohms. Therefore, if the power supply V0 = 5V, the divided voltage Vout = 5 × 41.28 / (500 + 41.28) = 0.38136V.

  If one end of the connector CN # A1 floats, one of the resistors R1 and R2 becomes infinite. Therefore, the resistance between GND and the connection point is equal to the combined resistance when resistors R2 to R6 are connected in parallel, which is 62.94 ohms. Therefore, if the power supply V0 = 5V, the divided voltage Vout = 5 × 69.94 / (500 + 62.94) = 0.55901V.

  If both ends of the connector CN # A1 float, both the resistances R1 and R2 become infinite. Therefore, the resistance between GND and the connection point is equal to the combined resistance when the resistors R3 to R6 are connected in parallel, which is 132.35 ohm. Therefore, if the power supply V0 = 5V, the divided voltage Vout = 5 × 132.35 / (500 + 132.35) = 1.04651V.

  As shown in the bottom row, if all connectors are not connected, all of the resistors R1 to R6 become infinite. Therefore, the resistance between GND and the connection point becomes infinite, and if the power supply V0 = 5V, the divided voltage Vout = 5V.

  The table shown in FIG. 3 shows the numerical values of the partial pressure Vout for a total of 27 cases including the normal case, Case 1 to Case 25, and all missing cases.

  Since the partial pressure Vout differs for each of the 27 cases, it can be determined based on the partial pressure Vout which connector has floating on one side and which connector has floating on both sides. .

  Next, a method for collectively detecting the connection states of a plurality of connectors from the divided voltage Vout will be described.

  The left table in FIG. 3 shows the correspondence between the connection states of a plurality of connectors and the partial pressure Vout and the like arranged in each case. The right table of FIG. 3 is obtained by rearranging the data of the left table in the ascending order of the partial pressure Vout.

By selecting the resistance values as shown in FIG. 2, the difference between the two divided voltages Vout corresponding to the vertically adjacent cases in the right table of FIG.
It is 0.013696 volts. Therefore, the partial voltage Vout ′ is measured using an analog-to-digital converter having a resolution enough to identify this difference, and the partial voltage Vout closest to the measured partial voltage Vout ′ is calculated as shown in the left table of FIG. 2, and the corresponding connection relation can be found from the left table of FIG. 2 or the right side of FIG.

  Further, the comparator compares the analog voltage gradually decreasing from 5 volts with the divided voltage Vout at the measurement point, and detects the divided voltage Vout based on the analog voltage when the output of the comparator changes. 2 can be found from the left table of FIG. 2 or the right side of FIG. 2, and the corresponding connection relationship can be found from the left table of FIG. 2 or the right side of FIG.

  Further, the comparator compares the analog voltage gradually rising from zero volts with the divided voltage Vout at the measurement point, and detects the divided voltage Vout based on the analog voltage when the output of the comparator changes. The partial pressure Vout closest to the partial pressure Vout can be found from the left table of FIG. 2 or the right side of FIG. 2, and the corresponding connection relation can be found from the left table of FIG. 2 or the right side of FIG.

  Further, the comparator compares the analog voltage gradually decreasing from 5 volts with the divided voltage Vout at the measurement point, and detects the divided voltage Vout based on the analog voltage when the output of the comparator changes. 2 can be found from the left table of FIG. 2 or the right side of FIG. 2, and the corresponding connection relationship can be found from the left table of FIG. 2 or the right side of FIG. Here, when decreasing the analog voltage stepwise, the voltage may be decreased so as to connect a voltage having a predetermined offset to the expected value of the divided voltage Vout.

  Further, the comparator compares the analog voltage gradually increasing from zero volts with the divided voltage Vout at the measurement point, and detects the divided voltage Vout based on the analog voltage when the output of the comparator changes. The partial pressure Vout closest to the partial pressure Vout can be found from the left table of FIG. 2 or the right side of FIG. 2, and the corresponding connection relation can be found from the left table of FIG. 2 or the right side of FIG. Here, when decreasing the analog voltage stepwise, the voltage may be decreased so as to connect a voltage having a predetermined offset to the expected value of the divided voltage Vout.

  Since the current flowing through the resistor R0 also changes according to the connection state of the connector, the connection state of the connector can be determined by measuring this current.

  If disconnection of one or more connectors is detected by the above method or the like, an alarm is output by a method that can identify the disconnected connector by any method. For example, the content may be displayed on the display unit of the device, or the content may be transmitted by e-mail or message. Further, the operation of the device may be interrupted as necessary.

[Second embodiment]
The configuration of the second embodiment is similar to the configuration of the first embodiment, but the condition relating to the resistance value in the second embodiment is different from the condition relating to the resistance in the first embodiment.

  The conditions relating to the resistance value in the second embodiment are as follows.

R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6,
R1 // R2, R1 // R3, R1 // R4, R1 // R5, R1 // R6
R2 // R3, R2 // R4, R2 // R5, R2 // R6,
R1 // R2 // R3, R1 // R2 // R4, R1 // R2 // R5,
R1 // R2 // R6,
R2 // R3 // R4, R2 // R3 // R5, R2 // R3 // R6,
R3 // R4 // R5, R3 // R4 // R6,
R1 // R2 // R3 // R4, R1 // R2 // R3 // R5,
R1 // R2 // R3 // R6, R2 // R3 // R4 // R5,
R2 // R3 // R4 // R6, R3 // R4 // R5 // R6
R2 // R3 // R4 // R5 // R6,
R1 // R3 // R4 // R5 // R6,
R1 // R2 // R4 // R5 // R6,
R1 // R2 // R3 // R5 // R6,
R1 // R2 // R3 // R4 // R5,
R1 // R2 // R3 // R4 // R5,
Are all different. That is, the parallel resistance values in each combination of one to five resistors selected from the resistors R1 to R6 are all different.

  In the first embodiment, it is possible to detect that any one of the connectors is floating, but it is not possible to determine which one end of which connector is floating. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, it is possible to determine which side of the connector has one end floating.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a connector pair connection state detecting device according to the third embodiment and a plurality of sets of connectors whose connection states are detected by the apparatus.

  Referring to FIG. 4, three connectors (connectors CN # A1, CN # B1, and CN # C1) are mounted on the control board. The board A has a connector CN # A2 mounted thereon, the board B has a connector CN # B2 mounted thereon, and the board C has a connector CN # C2 mounted thereon.

  The connector CN # A2 is connected to the connector CN # A1, the connector CN # B2 is connected to the connector CN # B1, and the connector CN # C2 is connected to the connector CN # C1.

  The terminals at both ends of the connector CN # A2 are connected to each other. Similarly, the terminals at both ends of the connector CN # B2 are also connected to each other, and the terminals at both ends of the connector CN # C2 are also connected to each other.

  Terminals at both ends of the connector CN # A1 are connected to each other via a resistor R1.

Similarly, the terminals at both ends of the connector CN # B1 are connected to each other via a resistor R2. Similarly, the terminals at both ends of the connector CN # C1 are connected to each other via a resistor R3.

  The control board is provided with a resistor R0 having one end connected to the power supply V0.

  One end of a resistor R1 is connected to the other end of the resistor R0.

  One end of a resistor R2 is connected to the other end of the resistor R1, one end of a resistor R3 is connected to the other end of the resistor R2, and GND is connected to the other end of the resistor R3.

  If the connector CN # A1 is normally connected to the connector CN # A2, both ends of the resistor R1 are short-circuited. However, when the connector CN # A2 is floating from the connector CN # A1, regardless of whether both ends are floating or one end is floating, both ends of the resistor R1 are not short-circuited.

  Similarly, if the connector CN # B1 is normally connected to the connector CN # B2, both ends of the resistor R2 are short-circuited. However, when the connector CN # B2 is floating from the connector CN # B1, both ends of the resistor R2 are not short-circuited regardless of whether both ends are floating or one end is floating.

  Similarly, if the connector CN # C1 is normally connected to the connector CN # C2, both ends of the resistor R3 are short-circuited. However, when the connector CN # C2 floats from the connector CN # C1, both ends of the resistor R3 are not short-circuited regardless of whether both ends are floating or one end is floating.

Here, the resistance value is
R1 ≠ R2, R1 ≠ R3, R2 ≠ R3
R1 ≠ R2 + R3
R2 ≠ R1 + R3
R3 ≠ R1 + R2
It has been chosen to be. An example is shown in FIG.

  The connection point between the resistor R0 and the resistor R1 is a point at which a voltage is to be detected. The connection state of the connector can be known from the voltage Vout at this point.

  In the first embodiment, it is possible to detect which connector has a floating on one side and which connector has a floating on both sides. Further, in the second embodiment, it was possible to detect which side of the connector has floating on one side of the connector. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, it is possible to detect which connector has one side or both sides floating.

  FIG. 6 is a table showing the relationship between the connection state of the connector, the value of the combined resistance, and the voltage Vout.

  To illustrate some examples, as shown in the top row, if all connectors are properly connected, the resistance between GND and the connection point will be zero ohms. Therefore, if the power supply V0 = 5V, the divided voltage Vout = 5 × 0 / (1000 + 0) = 0V.

  Also, as shown in the second row, if only one side or both sides of the connector A is missing, the resistance between GND and the connection point is R1 = 200 ohms. Therefore, if the power supply V0 = 5V, the divided voltage Vout = 5 × 200 / (1000 + 200) = 0.833333V.

  Also, as shown in the fifth row, if the connector A and the connector B have one or both sides missing, the resistance between GND and the connection point is R1 + R2 = 530 ohms. Therefore, if the power supply V0 = 5V, the divided voltage Vout = 5 × 530 / (1000 + 530) = 1.73203V.

  The table shown in FIG. 6 shows the numerical values of the partial pressure Vout for eight cases including the normal case, Case 1 to Case 6, and all of the cases.

  Since the partial pressure Vout differs for each of the eight cases, it is possible to determine, based on the partial pressure Vout, which connector has a floating on one side and which connector has a floating on both sides. .

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a connector pair connection state detecting device according to the fourth embodiment and a plurality of sets of connectors whose connection states are detected by the apparatus.

  Referring to FIG. 7, three connectors (connectors CN # A1, CN # B1, and CN # C1) are mounted on the control board. The board A has a connector CN # A2 mounted thereon, the board B has a connector CN # B2 mounted thereon, and the board C has a connector CN # C2 mounted thereon.

  The connector CN # A2 is connected to the connector CN # A1, the connector CN # B2 is connected to the connector CN # B1, and the connector CN # C2 is connected to the connector CN # C1.

  The terminals at both ends of the connector CN # A2 are connected to each other. Similarly, the terminals at both ends of the connector CN # B2 are also connected to each other, and the terminals at both ends of the connector CN # C2 are also connected to each other.

  One terminal of the connector CN # A1 is connected to GND, and the other terminal is connected to one end of the resistor R1.

  Similarly, a terminal at one end of the connector CN # B1 is connected to GND, and a terminal at the other end is connected to one end of the resistor R2.

  One terminal of the connector CN # C1 is connected to GND, and the other terminal is connected to one end of the resistor R3.

  The control board is provided with a resistor R0 having one end connected to the power supply V0.

  The other end of the resistor R0 is connected to the other end of the resistor R1, the other end of the resistor R2, and the other end of the resistor R3.

  If the connector CN # A1 is normally connected to the connector CN # A2, one end of the resistor R1 is connected to GND. However, when the connector CN # A2 is floating from the connector CN # A1, one end of the resistor R1 is opened regardless of whether both ends are floating or one end is floating.

  Similarly, if the connector CN # B1 is normally connected to the connector CN # B2, one end of the resistor R2 is connected to GND. However, when the connector CN # B2 is floating from the connector CN # B1, one end of the resistor R2 is opened regardless of whether both ends are floating or one end is floating.

  Similarly, if the connector CN # C1 is normally connected to the connector CN # C2, one end of the resistor R3 is connected to GND. However, when the connector CN # C2 is floating from the connector CN # C1, one end of the resistor R3 is opened regardless of whether both ends are floating or one end is floating.

Here, the resistance value is
R1, R2, R3,
R1 // R2, R1 // R3, R2 // R3
R1 // R2 // R3
Are all different. That is, the parallel resistance values in each combination of one to three resistors selected from the resistors R1, R2, and R3 are all different.

  One example is shown in FIG.

  The connection point between the resistor R0, the resistor R1, the resistor R2, and the resistor R3 is a point at which a voltage is to be detected. The connection state of the connector can be known from the voltage Vout at this point.

  As in the third embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, it is possible to detect which connector has one or both sides floating.

  FIG. 9 is a table showing the relationship between the connection state of the connector, the value of the combined resistance, and the voltage Vout.

  To explain some examples, as shown in the top row, if all the connectors are properly connected, the value of the resistor between GND and the connection point becomes the value of the resistor R1, the resistor R2, and the resistor R3. The value of the parallel resistance becomes 120 ohms. Therefore, if the power supply V0 = 5V, the divided voltage Vout = 5 × 120 / (1000 + 120) = 0.96645V.

  Also, as shown in the second row, if there is only one side or both sides of the connector A, the value of the resistance between GND and the connection point is the value of the parallel resistance of the resistors R2 and R3. .76 ohms. Therefore, if the power supply V0 = 5V, the divided voltage Vout = 5 × 298.76 / (1000 + 298.76) = 1.87015V.

  Also, as shown in the fifth row, if the connector A and the connector B have one or both sides missing, the resistance value between GND and the connection point is R3 = 820 ohms. Therefore, if the power supply V0 = 5V, the divided voltage Vout = 5 × 820 / (1000 + 820) = 3.10606V.

  The table shown in FIG. 9 shows the numerical values of the partial pressure Vout for eight cases including the normal case, Case 1 to Case 6, and all the cases.

  Since the partial pressure Vout differs for each of the eight cases, it is possible to determine, based on the partial pressure Vout, which connector has a floating on one side and which connector has a floating on both sides. .

[Fifth Embodiment]
The fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is a modification of the fourth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the resistors R1, R2, and R3 connected between the divided voltage detection point and one end of each connector in the fourth embodiment are respectively replaced with the other end of the same connector and GND. Going to be connected.

  The voltage Vout for each connection state of the connector detected in the fifth embodiment is the same as that in the fourth embodiment, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In the first to fifth embodiments, the power supply Vo may be generated inside the control board, or may be supplied from outside to the control board. Further, the resistor may be provided outside the control board.

  For example, in the first embodiment, the resistors R1 to R6 may be moved from the control substrate to the substrates A, B, and C. Taking the resistor R1 as an example, the resistor R1 may be moved so as to be inserted between the connector CN # A2 and GND.

  Further, in the first to fifth embodiments, the resistances R0 to Rn (n varies depending on the embodiment) are not used for the control substrates, and also for the substrates A to C, while maintaining the electrical connection relationship. May be arranged on a substrate that does not.

[Seventh Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the connectors CN # A2, CN # B2, and CN # C2 on the boards A, B, and C may be connected to a common power supply instead of GND. In this case, the power supply Vo may be replaced with GND.

[Eighth Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the GND connected to the resistor R3 and the connector CN # C1 on the control board may be replaced with a predetermined power supply. In this case, the power supply Vo may be replaced with GND.

[Ninth embodiment]
In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the GND connected to the connectors CN # A1, CN # B1, and CN # C1 on the control board may be replaced with a predetermined power supply. In this case, the power supply Vo may be replaced with GND.

[Tenth embodiment]
In the first to ninth embodiments, one end of the resistor R0 is connected to a constant voltage source, but in the tenth embodiment, the constant voltage source is changed to a constant current source. Also in this mode, the connection state of the connector can be known based on the detection voltage Vout. In this case, both ends of the resistor R0 may be short-circuited.

[Eleventh embodiment]
The eleventh embodiment relates to a multifunction peripheral 800 including the document reading apparatuses according to the first to fifth embodiments. 11 and 12 show the configuration of the multifunction peripheral 800 and the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the multifunction peripheral 800 includes a document reading device 820 that reads an image of a document, a multifunction device main body (image forming unit main body) 830 that forms an image on a sheet, a document reading device 820 and a multifunction peripheral. An operation panel unit 843 for operating the main unit 830 and an arithmetic processing unit 841 for controlling the original reading device 820 and the multifunction device main unit 830 based on the operation on the operation panel unit 843 are provided.

  The control board, the board A, the board B, and the board C shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 7, and 10 respectively include, for example, a board on which the arithmetic processing unit 841 is mounted and a circuit included in the document reading device 820. And a substrate on which a circuit included in the operation panel unit 843 is mounted.

  In addition to using the document reading device 820 alone for reading an image and using the multifunction device main body 830 alone for forming an image, they can also be linked to copy an image. Further, the multifunction peripheral 800 may include a storage device and a facsimile device (not shown). The storage device can store an image read by the document reading device 820 and an image received by the facsimile device. The facsimile device can transmit an image read by the document reading device 820 or an image stored in the storage device, and can receive an image from the outside. Furthermore, the multifunction peripheral 800 may include an interface for connecting to a personal computer via a network. The personal computer connected to the multifunction peripheral 800 can use the functions of the multifunction peripheral for data that can be managed by the personal computer.

  The document reading device 820 includes an automatic document feeding unit SPF (Single Pass Feeder) 824 that automatically feeds a document, and a reading device main body 822 that reads an image of the document. The document reading device 820 includes, in addition to the components shown in FIG. 12, the components shown in FIG. 11 although not shown in FIG. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, the reading device main body 822 is provided with a document table 826.

  The MFP main body 830 includes a sheet feeding unit 10 for feeding a sheet, a manual feeding unit 20 capable of manually feeding a sheet, and a sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 10 or the manual feeding unit 20. And an image forming unit 30 for forming an image.

  The sheet feeding section 10 includes a sheet stacking section 11 for stacking sheets, and a separation feeding section 12 for separating and feeding the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section 11 one by one. The sheet stacking unit 11 includes a middle plate 14 that rotates around a rotation shaft 13, and the middle plate 14 rotates when feeding a sheet and lifts the sheet upward. The separation feeding unit 12 includes a pickup roller 15 that feeds the sheet lifted by the middle plate 14, and a separation roller pair 16 that separates the sheets fed by the pickup roller 15 one by one. .

  The manual feed unit 20 includes a manual tray 21 on which sheets can be stacked, and a separation feed unit 22 for separating and feeding the sheets stacked on the manual tray 21 one by one. The manual feed tray 21 is rotatably supported by the multifunction device main body 830, and when feeding by hand, fixing the sheet at a predetermined angle enables stacking of sheets. The separation feeding unit 22 includes a pickup roller 23 that feeds the sheets stacked on the manual feed tray 21, and a separation roller 24 and a separation pad 25 that separate the sheets fed by the pickup roller 23 one by one. Have.

  The image forming unit 30 includes four process cartridges 31Y to 31K for forming images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K described later. An exposure device 32 for exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 740Y to 740K, a transfer unit (transfer unit) 33 for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 740Y to 740K to a sheet, and a fixing unit 34 for fixing the transferred toner image to the sheet. And The alphabets (Y, M, C, K) added to the end of the reference numerals indicate the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black).

  Each of the four process cartridges 31 </ b> Y to 31 </ b> K is configured to be detachable from the MFP main body 830, and is replaceable. Since the four process cartridges 31Y to 31K have the same configuration except that the color of the image to be formed is different, only the configuration of the process cartridge 31Y for forming a yellow (Y) image will be described. The description of ~ 31K is omitted.

  The process cartridge 31Y includes a photosensitive drum 740Y as an image carrier, a charger 741Y for charging the photosensitive drum 740Y, a developing device 742Y for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 740Y, And a drum cleaner for removing toner remaining on the surface of the body drum 740Y. The developing device 742Y includes a developing device main body (not shown in detail) for developing the photosensitive drum 740Y, and a toner cartridge (not shown in detail) for supplying toner to the developing device main body. The toner cartridge is configured to be detachable from the developing device main body, and can be removed from the developing device main body and replaced when the stored toner runs out.

  The exposure device 32 includes a light source (not shown) for irradiating laser light, a plurality of mirrors (not shown) for guiding the laser light to the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K, and the like. The transfer unit 33 includes an intermediate transfer belt 35 that carries the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K, and a primary transfer roller that primarily transfers the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K to the intermediate transfer belt 35. 36Y to 36K, a secondary transfer roller 37 for secondarily transferring the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 to a sheet, and a belt cleaner 38 for removing toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 35. The intermediate transfer belt 35 is stretched over a driving roller 39a and a driven roller 39b, and is pressed against the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K by the primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K. The secondary transfer roller 37 nips (nips) the intermediate transfer belt 35 with the drive roller 39a, and transfers the toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 to a sheet at a nip portion N. The fixing unit 34 includes a heating roller 34a that heats the sheet, and a pressure roller 34b that presses against the heating roller 34a.

  The operation panel unit 843 includes a display unit 845 that displays predetermined information, and an input unit 847 that allows the user to input instructions to the document reading device 820 and the multifunction device main body 830. In the present embodiment, the operation panel unit 843 is disposed on the front side of the reading device main body 822. The front side corresponds to the near side of the paper surface of FIG. 11, and the back side corresponds to the back side of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the arithmetic processing unit 841 includes a CPU 841a that drives and controls the sheet feeding unit 10, the manual feeding unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the document reading device 820, and various programs for operating the CPU 841a. A memory 841b for storing various information used by the CPU 841a. The arithmetic processing unit 841 integrates and controls the operations of the sheet feeding unit 10, the manual feed unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the document reading device 820 based on the operation on the operation panel unit 843 by the user. An image is formed on the sheet.

  Next, an image forming operation (image forming control by the arithmetic processing unit 841) by the MFP 800 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 30 forms an image of a read document fed by the automatic document feeder 824 and read by the reading device main body 822 on a sheet fed by the sheet feeder 10. An image forming operation will be described as an example.

  When an image formation start signal is transmitted by an input to the input unit 847 of the operation panel unit 843 by the user, the read document placed on the automatic document feeder 824 is automatically turned to the document reading position by the user. The image is fed and the image is read by the reading device main body 822 at the document reading position.

  When the image of the document is read by the reading device main body 822, the exposure device 32 irradiates a plurality of laser beams corresponding to the respective photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K based on the read image information of the document. At this time, the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K are charged in advance by the chargers 741Y to 741K, respectively, and are irradiated with the corresponding laser beams, so that the respective electrostatic latents are placed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K. An image is formed. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K are developed by the developing devices 742Y to 742K, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K. ) And black (K) toner images are formed. The toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K are superimposed and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 by the primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K, and the superimposed transferred toner image (full color toner image) is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt. The sheet is transported to the nip portion N while being carried by 35.

  In parallel with the above-described image forming operation, the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit 11 are fed to the sheet conveyance path 26 by the pickup roller 15 while being separated one by one by the separation feeding unit 12. Then, the skew is corrected by the registration roller pair 27 located upstream of the nip portion N in the sheet conveyance direction, and the sheet is conveyed to the nip portion N at a predetermined conveyance timing. The full-color toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 35 is transferred to the sheet conveyed to the nip N by the secondary transfer roller 37.

  The sheet to which the toner image has been transferred is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 34 so that the toner image is fused and fixed, and is discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 18. The sheets discharged outside the apparatus are stacked on the discharged sheet stacking unit 19.

  When images are formed on both sides (first and second surfaces) of the sheet, the discharge roller pair 18 is rotated in reverse before the sheet on which the image is formed on the first surface is discharged out of the apparatus. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 17 and re-conveyed to the image forming unit 30 via the double-sided conveyance path 17. Then, similarly to the first surface, an image is formed on the second surface and discharged outside the apparatus. The sheets discharged outside the apparatus are stacked on the discharged sheet stacking unit 19.

  The above-mentioned connector pair connection state detecting device can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Further, the method for detecting a connector pair connection state performed by the above-described connector pair connection state detection device can also be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, being realized by software means being realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

  The program may be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to a computer. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium include a magnetic recording medium (for example, a flexible disk, a magnetic tape, and a hard disk drive), a magneto-optical recording medium (for example, a magneto-optical disk), a CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), and a CD-ROM. R, CD-R / W, and semiconductor memory (for example, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)). Also, the program may be supplied to the computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer readable media can provide the program to a computer via a wired communication line such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication line.

  The present invention may be embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and should not be construed as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, and is not limited by the text of the specification. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention can be utilized for detecting the connection state of a connector pair.

820 Document reading device 830 Multifunction machine body 841 Operation processing unit 843 Operation panel unit

Claims (13)

A connector pair connection state detection device that detects a connection state of a plurality of connector pairs,
A first resistor having one end connected to the first connection point;
A network including a plurality of second resistors, one end of which is always connected to the other end of the first resistor, and the other end of which can be connected to a second connection point; A network in which the combined resistance changes according to the connection state of the connector pair of
Detecting means for detecting a connection state of the plurality of connector pairs based on a voltage or a current measured at the other end of the first resistor;
A connector pair connection state detecting device, comprising: It is a connector pair connection state detection apparatus of Claim 1, Comprising:
The circuit network includes a plurality of second resistor pairs respectively corresponding to the plurality of connector pairs,
One end of two resistors included in each second resistor pair is commonly connected to the other end of the first resistor,
The other ends of the two resistors included in each second resistor pair are connected to both ends of one connector included in the corresponding connector pair,
A connector pair connection state detecting device, wherein both ends of the other connector included in each connector pair are connected to a second connection point. It is a connector pair connection state detection apparatus of Claim 2, Comprising:
The resistance value of the plurality of second resistance pairs is different for each resistance pair. It is a connector pair connection state detection apparatus of Claim 2, Comprising:
The resistance value of the plurality of second resistor pairs is different for each resistor, and the connector pair connection state detection device is characterized in that: It is a connector pair connection state detection apparatus of Claim 1, Comprising:
The network includes a plurality of second resistors respectively corresponding to the plurality of connector pairs,
The plurality of second resistors are connected in series between the first connection point and the second connection point,
Both ends of each second resistor are connected to both ends of one connector included in the corresponding connector pair,
A connector pair connection state detecting device, wherein both ends of the other connector included in each connector pair are short-circuited to each other. It is a connector pair connection state detection apparatus of Claim 1, Comprising:
The network includes a plurality of second resistors respectively corresponding to the plurality of connector pairs,
One end of each second resistor is commonly connected to the other end of the first resistor,
The other end of each second resistor is connected to one end of one connector included in the corresponding connector pair,
The other end of the one connector included in the connector pair is connected to the second connection point,
A connector pair connection state detecting device, wherein both ends of the other connector included in each connector pair are short-circuited to each other. It is a connector pair connection state detection apparatus of Claim 1, Comprising:
The network includes a plurality of second resistors respectively corresponding to the plurality of connector pairs,
The other end of the first resistor is connected to one end of one of the connectors included in the plurality of connector pairs,
One end of each second resistor is connected to the other end of the one connector included in the plurality of connectors,
The other end of the second resistor is connected to the second connection point,
A connector pair connection state detecting device, wherein both ends of the other connector included in each connector pair are short-circuited to each other. It is a connector pair connection state detection apparatus as described in any one of Claims 5 thru | or 7, Comprising:
The resistance value of the second resistor is different for each resistor. It is a connector pair connection state detection apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8, Comprising:
The detecting means detects a connection state of the plurality of connector pairs based on a comparison between a potential at the other end of the first resistor and an expected voltage different according to a connection state of the plurality of connector pairs. Connector pair connection state detecting device. It is a connector pair connection state detection apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9, Comprising:
A connector pair connection state detecting device, wherein a potential difference is provided between the first connection point and the second connection point. It is a connector pair connection state detection apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9, Comprising:
A connector / connection state detecting device, wherein a constant current source for supplying a constant current is connected between the first connection point and the second connection point.   A multifunction device comprising the connector pair connection state detecting device according to claim 1. A connector pair connection state detection device that detects a connection state of a plurality of connector pairs,
Providing a first resistor having one end connected to the first connection point;
A network including a plurality of second resistors, one end of which is always connected to the other end of the first resistor, and the other end of which can be connected to a second connection point; Preparing a circuit network in which the combined resistance changes according to the connection state of the connector pair of
A detecting step of detecting a connection state of the plurality of connector pairs based on a voltage or a current measured at the other end of the first resistor;
A connector pair connection state detection method, comprising: