JP2020194073A

JP2020194073A - Electrical relay device and image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP2020194073A
Application number: JP2019099345A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 門脇　英明; Hideaki Kadowaki; 英明門脇
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2019-05-28
Filing date: 2019-05-28
Publication date: 2020-12-03
Anticipated expiration: 2039-05-28
Also published as: JP7278869B2

Abstract

To provide an electrical relay device that can reduce a component cost by achieving standardization of components.SOLUTION: An electrical relay device 100 comprises: a plurality of conduction paths 102Y, 102M, 102C, and 102K having different path lengths; and a housing 104 that holds these conduction paths at predetermined positions. The plurality of conduction paths can be respectively formed by first conductive wire members 130 and second conductive wire members 132 by changing, for each of the plurality of conduction paths, the length to extend and contract pulling coil spring parts 154b formed in the second conductive wire members.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

この発明は電気中継装置および画像形成装置に関し、特にたとえば、複数の導通経路を備え、複数の入力端子と複数の出力端子との間をそれぞれ電気的に接続する、電気中継装置およびそれを備える画像形成装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an electric relay device and an image forming device, and in particular, for example, an electric relay device and an image including the electric relay device, which includes a plurality of conduction paths and electrically connects a plurality of input terminals and a plurality of output terminals. Regarding the forming device.

従来の電気中継装置（接点ばねが設けられた電線保持ガイド）を備える画像形成装置の一例が特許文献１に開示される。特許文献１の技術では、接点ばねは、電線保持ガイドのガイド溝に収容される裸線部材であって、高圧電源基板の端子と作像ユニットの端子とを電気的に接続する。この接点ばねの長さ方向一方端から他端までの途中には、ガイド溝の屈曲部と対応する箇所に、コイルばねからなる屈曲予定部が形成されている。 Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an image forming apparatus including a conventional electric relay device (electric wire holding guide provided with a contact spring). In the technique of Patent Document 1, the contact spring is a bare wire member housed in the guide groove of the electric wire holding guide, and electrically connects the terminal of the high voltage power supply board and the terminal of the image forming unit. In the middle of the contact spring from one end to the other end in the length direction, a planned bending portion made of a coil spring is formed at a portion corresponding to the bending portion of the guide groove.

特開２０１６−１３３７８６号公報JP-A-2016-133786

特許文献１の技術では、接点ばねは、複数のガイド溝のうち、対応する１つのガイド溝に嵌め込み可能なように、コイルばねからなる各屈曲予定部の形成位置、平均コイル径、総巻数など、および、各屈曲部の形成位置、曲率、曲げ方向などが予め設計され、その設計に基づき製造される。すなわち、特許文献１の技術では、導通経路ごとに規格（形状）の異なる接点ばねを用意しなければならないので、部品コストがかかる。 In the technique of Patent Document 1, the contact spring has a forming position, an average coil diameter, a total number of turns, etc. , And the formation position, curvature, bending direction, etc. of each bent portion are designed in advance, and are manufactured based on the design. That is, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to prepare contact springs having different specifications (shapes) for each conduction path, component cost is high.

それゆえに、この発明の主たる目的は、新規な、電気中継装置および画像形成装置を提供することである。 Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel electric relay device and image forming device.

この発明の他の目的は、コストを低減できる、電気中継装置および画像形成装置を提供することである。 Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric relay device and an image forming device that can reduce the cost.

第１の発明は、経路長の異なる複数の導通経路と、複数の導通経路のそれぞれを所定位置に保持する経路保持部を有する筐体とを備え、当該複数の導通経路によって複数の端子間を電気的に接続する電気中継装置であって、複数の導通経路のそれぞれは、第１導通線部材および第２導通線部材によって構成され、第１導通線部材のそれぞれは、一方端部に形成される第１接触端子部と、他端部に形成される第１連結部とを有する同一規格品であり、第２導通線部材のそれぞれは、一方端部に形成される第２接触端子部と、他端部に形成されて第１連結部と連結される第２連結部と、第２接触端子部と第２連結部との間に形成される引張コイルばね部とを有する同一規格品であり、引張コイルばね部を伸張させる長さを複数の導通経路ごとに変えることで、経路長の異なる当該複数の導通経路のそれぞれを第１導通線部材および第２導通線部材によって構成した、電気中継装置である。第１の発明によれば、それぞれが同一規格品である第１導通線部材と第２導通線部材とを用いて、経路長の異なる複数の導通経路のそれぞれを構成することができる。つまり、部品の共通化を図ることができるので、部品コストを低減できる。 The first invention includes a plurality of conduction paths having different path lengths and a housing having a path holding portion for holding each of the plurality of conduction paths at a predetermined position, and the plurality of conduction paths are used to provide a plurality of terminals. An electrically relay device that is electrically connected, each of a plurality of conduction paths is composed of a first conduction wire member and a second conduction wire member, and each of the first conduction wire members is formed at one end. It is a product of the same standard having a first contact terminal portion and a first connecting portion formed at the other end, and each of the second conduction wire members has a second contact terminal portion formed at one end. , A product of the same standard having a second connecting portion formed at the other end and connected to the first connecting portion, and a tension coil spring portion formed between the second contact terminal portion and the second connecting portion. By changing the length of extension of the tension coil spring portion for each of a plurality of conduction paths, each of the plurality of conduction paths having different path lengths is composed of a first conduction wire member and a second conduction wire member. It is a relay device. According to the first invention, it is possible to configure each of a plurality of conduction paths having different path lengths by using the first conduction wire member and the second conduction wire member, each of which is the same standard product. That is, since the parts can be standardized, the parts cost can be reduced.

第２の発明は、第１の発明に従属し、引張コイルばね部は、導通経路の直線部分に配置される。 The second invention is dependent on the first invention, in which the tension coil spring portion is arranged in a straight portion of the conduction path.

第３の発明は、第１または第２の発明に従属し、第１導通線部材のそれぞれは、第１接触端子部が互いに直線状に並ぶように配置され、第１接触端子部が並ぶ方向に対して第１接触端子部と第１連結部とを結ぶ線がなす角度が、導通経路ごとに異なる。 The third invention is dependent on the first or second invention, and each of the first conduction wire members is arranged so that the first contact terminal portions are arranged linearly with each other, and the direction in which the first contact terminal portions are arranged. On the other hand, the angle formed by the line connecting the first contact terminal portion and the first connecting portion differs for each conduction path.

第４の発明は、第１から第３のいずれかの発明に従属し、第１接触端子部および第２接触端子部は、筐体内に配置される圧縮コイルばね部と、筐体から外部に突出するように配置される密着コイル巻き部とを有する。 The fourth invention is subordinate to any one of the first to third inventions, and the first contact terminal portion and the second contact terminal portion are a compression coil spring portion arranged in the housing and externally from the housing. It has a close-contact coil winding portion that is arranged so as to protrude.

第５の発明は、第１から第４のいずれかの発明に従属し、第１連結部は、環状に形成され、第２連結部は、鉤状に形成され、第１連結部に第２連結部を引っ掛けることで当該第１連結部と当該第２連結部とが連結される。 The fifth invention is subordinate to any one of the first to fourth inventions, the first connecting portion is formed in a ring shape, the second connecting portion is formed in a hook shape, and the second connecting portion is formed in a second. By hooking the connecting portion, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected.

第６の発明は、第１から第５のいずれかの発明に従属し、第１接触端子部が端子の一方に接触する方向と、第２接触端子部が端子の他方に接触する方向とが直交する。 The sixth invention is dependent on any one of the first to fifth inventions, and the direction in which the first contact terminal portion contacts one of the terminals and the direction in which the second contact terminal portion contacts the other of the terminals are different. Orthogonal.

第７の発明は、複数の出力端子を有する高圧基板、複数の入力端子を有する転写ユニット、および複数の出力端子と複数の入力端子とを電気的に接続する第１から第６までのいずれかの発明に係る電気中継装置を備える、画像形成装置である。 The seventh invention is any one of the first to sixth, which electrically connects a high-voltage board having a plurality of output terminals, a transfer unit having a plurality of input terminals, and the plurality of output terminals and the plurality of input terminals. An image forming apparatus including an electric relay device according to the present invention.

第８の発明は、第７の発明に従属し、電気中継装置の筐体は、画像形成装置の装置本体に対する係止部とロックレバーとを有し、装置本体に対して着脱可能に取り付けられる。 The eighth invention is subordinate to the seventh invention, and the housing of the electric relay device has a locking portion and a lock lever for the device main body of the image forming device, and is detachably attached to the device main body. ..

第９の発明は、第８の発明に従属し、係止部は、筐体の経路保持部に形成される柱状突起を含み、柱状突起は、電気中継装置が備える第１導通線部材の第１連結部を所定位置に保持する連結部保持部として兼用される。 The ninth invention is subordinate to the eighth invention, in which the locking portion includes a columnar protrusion formed in the path holding portion of the housing, and the columnar protrusion is the first conduction wire member included in the electric relay device. 1 It is also used as a connecting part holding part that holds the connecting part at a predetermined position.

この発明によれば、それぞれが同一規格品である第１導通線部材と第２導通線部材とを用いて、経路長の異なる複数の導通経路のそれぞれを構成することができる。つまり、部品の共通化を図ることができるので、部品コストを低減できる。 According to the present invention, each of a plurality of conduction paths having different path lengths can be configured by using the first conduction wire member and the second conduction wire member, which are the same standard products. That is, since the parts can be standardized, the parts cost can be reduced.

この発明の上述の目的、その他の目的、特徴および利点は、図面を参照して行う後述の実施例の詳細な説明から一層明らかとなろう。 The above-mentioned object, other object, feature and advantage of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of the examples described below with reference to the drawings.

この発明の第１実施例である電気中継装置を備える画像形成装置を正面側から見た内部構造を概略的に示す図解図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows typically the internal structure of the image forming apparatus provided with the electric relay apparatus which is 1st Example of this invention seen from the front side. 画像形成装置の装置本体が備える中継装置装着部と電気中継装置とを示す図解図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows the relay device mounting part and the electric relay device provided in the apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus. 電気中継装置に対する基板ユニットおよび中間転写ユニットの当接方向を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the contact direction of a substrate unit and an intermediate transfer unit with respect to an electric relay device. 電気中継装置に対する基板ユニットおよび中間転写ユニットの当接方向を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the contact direction of a substrate unit and an intermediate transfer unit with respect to an electric relay device. 電気中継装置の左側面側および前面側を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the left side surface side and the front surface side of an electric relay device. 電気中継装置の右側面側および前面側を一部断面にして示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the right side surface side and the front surface side of an electric relay device with a partial cross section. 電気中継装置が備える筐体を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the housing provided with the electric relay device. 電気中継装置が備える第１導通線部材を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the 1st conduction wire member included in the electric relay device. 電気中継装置が備える第２導通線部材を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd conduction wire member included in the electric relay device. 第１導通線部材と第２導通線部材とを連結して形成した導通経路の配置構造を示す図解図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows the arrangement structure of the conduction path formed by connecting the 1st conduction wire member and the 2nd conduction wire member. 第１導通線部材と第２導通線部材との連結部分を拡大して示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the connecting part of the 1st conduction wire member and the 2nd conduction wire member in an enlarged manner. この発明の第２実施例の電気中継装置が備える第２導通線部材を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the 2nd conduction wire member provided in the electric relay device of 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

［第１実施例］
図１を参照して、この発明の一実施例である電気中継装置１００は、電子写真方式によって用紙（記録媒体）に画像を形成する画像形成装置１０に設けられる。詳細は後述するように、電気中継装置１００は、複数の導通経路１０２を備え、基板ユニット６２に設けられる複数の出力端子のそれぞれと中間転写ユニット４２に設けられる複数の入力端子のそれぞれとを電気的に接続する。 [First Example]
With reference to FIG. 1, the electric relay device 100, which is an embodiment of the present invention, is provided in an image forming device 10 that forms an image on paper (recording medium) by an electrophotographic method. As will be described in detail later, the electric relay device 100 includes a plurality of conduction paths 102, and electrically connects each of the plurality of output terminals provided on the substrate unit 62 and each of the plurality of input terminals provided on the intermediate transfer unit 42. Connect to.

先ず、画像形成装置１０の構成について概略的に説明する。なお、この実施例では、画像形成装置１０を操作するユーザの立ち位置に対向する面、つまり操作パネルが設けられる側の面を前面（正面）として画像形成装置１０およびその構成部材の前後方向（奥行方向）を規定し、画像形成装置１０およびその構成部材の左右方向（横方向）は、ユーザから画像形成装置１０を見た状態を基準として規定する。 First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be schematically described. In this embodiment, the surface facing the standing position of the user who operates the image forming apparatus 10, that is, the surface on the side where the operation panel is provided is set as the front surface (front surface) in the front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus 10 and its constituent members ( The depth direction) is defined, and the left-right direction (lateral direction) of the image forming apparatus 10 and its constituent members is defined based on the state in which the image forming apparatus 10 is viewed by the user.

図１に示すように、画像形成装置１０は、複写機能、プリンタ機能、スキャナ機能およびファクシミリ機能などを有するカラー複合機であって、画像形成部３０を備える装置本体１２と、その上方に配置される画像読取装置１４とを含む。ただし、画像形成装置１０は、複写機、ファクシミリおよびプリンタ等のいずれか、またはこれらの少なくとも２つを組み合わせた複合機であってもよい。また、画像形成装置１０は、電子写真方式によるものに限られず、インクジェット方式によるものであってもよい。 As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 is a color multifunction device having a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like, and is arranged above the apparatus main body 12 having an image forming unit 30. The image reading device 14 is included. However, the image forming apparatus 10 may be any of a copier, a facsimile, a printer, and the like, or a multifunction device in which at least two of these are combined. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and may be an inkjet method.

画像読取装置１４は、透明材によって形成される原稿載置台１６を備える。原稿載置台１６の上方には、ヒンジ等を介して原稿押えカバー１８が開閉自在に取り付けられる。この原稿押えカバー１８の上面には、原稿供給トレイ２０が設けられており、その内部には、ＡＤＦ（自動原稿送り装置）が設けられる。ＡＤＦは、原稿供給トレイ２０に載置された原稿を画像読取位置２２に対して１枚ずつ自動的に供給し、原稿排出トレイ２４に排出する。 The image reading device 14 includes a document mounting table 16 formed of a transparent material. A document holding cover 18 can be opened and closed above the document placing table 16 via a hinge or the like. A document supply tray 20 is provided on the upper surface of the document holding cover 18, and an ADF (automatic document feeder) is provided inside the tray for supplying documents. The ADF automatically supplies the documents placed on the document supply tray 20 one by one to the image reading position 22, and ejects the documents to the document ejection tray 24.

また、画像読取装置１４に内蔵される画像読取部２６は、光源、複数のミラー、結像レンズおよびラインセンサ等を備える。画像読取部２６は、原稿表面を光源によって露光し、原稿表面から反射した反射光を複数のミラーによって結像レンズに導く。そして、結像レンズによって反射光をラインセンサの受光素子に結像させる。ラインセンサでは、受光素子に結像した反射光の輝度や色度が検出され、原稿表面の画像に基づく画像データが生成される。ラインセンサとしては、ＣＣＤ（Charge Coupled Device）またはＣＩＳ（Contact Image Sensor）等が用いられる。 Further, the image reading unit 26 built in the image reading device 14 includes a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like. The image reading unit 26 exposes the surface of the document with a light source, and guides the reflected light reflected from the surface of the document to the imaging lens by a plurality of mirrors. Then, the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element of the line sensor by the imaging lens. The line sensor detects the brightness and chromaticity of the reflected light imaged on the light receiving element, and generates image data based on the image of the surface of the document. As the line sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), or the like is used.

画像読取装置１４の前面側には、ユーザによる印刷指示等の入力操作を受け付ける操作パネル（図示せず）が設けられる。操作パネルは、タッチパネル付きのディスプレイおよび複数の操作ボタン等を有する。 An operation panel (not shown) that accepts input operations such as printing instructions by the user is provided on the front side of the image reading device 14. The operation panel has a display with a touch panel, a plurality of operation buttons, and the like.

また、装置本体１２には、ＣＰＵやメモリ等を含む制御部（図示せず）、および画像形成部３０が設けられる。制御部は、操作パネルへの入力操作などに応じて、画像形成装置１０の各部位に制御信号を送信し、画像形成装置１０に種々の動作を実行させる。 Further, the apparatus main body 12 is provided with a control unit (not shown) including a CPU, a memory, and the like, and an image forming unit 30. The control unit transmits a control signal to each part of the image forming apparatus 10 in response to an input operation to the operation panel, and causes the image forming apparatus 10 to execute various operations.

画像形成部３０は、露光ユニット３２、現像器３４、感光体ドラム３６、クリーナユニット３８、帯電器４０、中間転写ユニット４２、転写ローラ４４および定着ユニット４６等を備え、給紙カセット４８等から搬送される用紙上に画像を形成し、画像形成済みの用紙を排紙トレイ５０に排出する。用紙上に画像を形成するための画像データとしては、画像読取部２６で読み取った画像データまたは外部コンピュータから送信された画像データ等が利用される。 The image forming unit 30 includes an exposure unit 32, a developing device 34, a photoconductor drum 36, a cleaner unit 38, a charging device 40, an intermediate transfer unit 42, a transfer roller 44, a fixing unit 46, and the like, and is conveyed from a paper feed cassette 48 and the like. An image is formed on the paper to be formed, and the image-formed paper is ejected to the output tray 50. As the image data for forming an image on the paper, the image data read by the image reading unit 26, the image data transmitted from an external computer, or the like is used.

なお、画像形成装置１０において扱われる画像データは、ブラック（Ｋ）、シアン（Ｃ）、マゼンタ（Ｍ）およびイエロー（Ｙ）の４色のカラー画像に応じたものである。このため、現像器３４、感光体ドラム３６、クリーナユニット３８および帯電器４０のそれぞれは、各色に応じた４種類の潜像を形成するように４個ずつ設けられ、これらによって４つの画像ステーションが構成される。 The image data handled by the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to four color images of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). Therefore, each of the developer 34, the photoconductor drum 36, the cleaner unit 38, and the charger 40 is provided so as to form four types of latent images corresponding to each color, thereby forming four image stations. It is composed.

感光体ドラム３６は、導電性を有する円筒状の基体の表面に感光層が形成された像担持体であり、帯電器４０は、この感光体ドラム３６の表面を所定の電位に帯電させる部材である。また、露光ユニット３２は、レーザ出射部および反射ミラー等を備えたレーザスキャニングユニット（ＬＳＵ）として構成され、帯電された感光体ドラム３６の表面を露光することによって、画像データに応じた静電潜像を感光体ドラム３６の表面に形成する。現像器３４は、感光体ドラム３６の表面に形成された静電潜像を４色（ＹＭＣＫ）のトナーによって顕像化するものである。また、クリーナユニット３８は、現像および画像転写後における感光体ドラム３６の表面に残留したトナーを除去する。 The photoconductor drum 36 is an image carrier in which a photosensitive layer is formed on the surface of a conductive cylindrical substrate, and the charger 40 is a member that charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 36 to a predetermined potential. is there. Further, the exposure unit 32 is configured as a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser emitting unit, a reflection mirror, and the like, and by exposing the surface of the charged photoconductor drum 36, electrostatic latency corresponding to image data is obtained. An image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 36. The developing device 34 visualizes an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 36 with four-color (YMCK) toner. In addition, the cleaner unit 38 removes the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 36 after development and image transfer.

中間転写ユニット４２は、中間転写ベルト５２、駆動ローラ５４、従動ローラ５６および４色（ＹＭＣＫ）に対応する４つの中間転写ローラ５８等を備え、感光体ドラム３６の上方に配置される。画像形成時には、中間転写ローラ５８に所定の電圧が印加されることによって、感光体ドラム３６と中間転写ベルト５２との間に転写電界が形成される。そして、この転写電界の作用により、各感光体ドラム３６の外周面に形成されたトナー像が、周回移動する中間転写ベルト５２の外周面に順次転写される。このような中間転写ユニット４２は、装置本体１２の中間転写ユニット収容部６０（図３参照）に対して着脱可能に装着される。そして、中間転写ユニット４２に設けられる４色に対応する４つの入力端子（図示せず）のそれぞれは、電気中継装置１００を介して、基板ユニット６２の４つの出力端子のそれぞれと電気的に接続される。 The intermediate transfer unit 42 includes an intermediate transfer belt 52, a drive roller 54, a driven roller 56, four intermediate transfer rollers 58 corresponding to four colors (YMCK), and the like, and is arranged above the photoconductor drum 36. At the time of image formation, a predetermined voltage is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 58 to form a transfer electric field between the photoconductor drum 36 and the intermediate transfer belt 52. Then, by the action of this transfer electric field, the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of each photoconductor drum 36 is sequentially transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 52 that moves around. Such an intermediate transfer unit 42 is detachably attached to the intermediate transfer unit accommodating portion 60 (see FIG. 3) of the apparatus main body 12. Then, each of the four input terminals (not shown) provided in the intermediate transfer unit 42 corresponding to the four colors is electrically connected to each of the four output terminals of the substrate unit 62 via the electric relay device 100. Will be done.

転写ローラ４４は、駆動ローラ５４の近傍において中間転写ベルト５２を押圧するように設けられる。画像形成時には、転写ローラ４４に所定の電圧が印加されることによって、中間転写ベルト５２と転写ローラ４４との間に転写電界が形成される。そして、この転写電界の作用により、中間転写ベルト５２と転写ローラ４４との間の転写ニップ部を用紙が通過する間に、中間転写ベルト５２の外周面に形成されたトナー像が用紙に転写される。 The transfer roller 44 is provided so as to press the intermediate transfer belt 52 in the vicinity of the drive roller 54. At the time of image formation, a predetermined voltage is applied to the transfer roller 44 to form a transfer electric field between the intermediate transfer belt 52 and the transfer roller 44. Then, due to the action of this transfer electric field, the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 52 is transferred to the paper while the paper passes through the transfer nip portion between the intermediate transfer belt 52 and the transfer roller 44. Toner.

定着ユニット４６は、ヒートローラおよび加圧ローラを備え、転写ローラ４４の上方に配置される。ヒートローラは、所定の定着温度となるように設定されており、ヒートローラと加圧ローラとの間のニップ域を用紙が通過することによって、用紙に転写されたトナー像が溶融、混合および圧接されて、用紙に対してトナー像が熱定着される。 The fixing unit 46 includes a heat roller and a pressure roller, and is arranged above the transfer roller 44. The heat roller is set to a predetermined fixing temperature, and when the paper passes through the nip area between the heat roller and the pressure roller, the toner image transferred to the paper is melted, mixed, and pressure-welded. The toner image is heat-fixed to the paper.

また、基板ユニット６２は、図示しない高圧基板およびこれを収容する筐体を備え、装置本体１２の左側部に着脱可能に装着される。高圧基板は、商用電源からの電力供給を受けて、帯電、現像および転写時に必要な所定の電圧を各部位に出力するものである。この実施例では、高圧基板は、中間転写ユニット４２の４つの入力端子に対応する４つの出力端子（図示せず）を有しており、電気中継装置１００を介して中間転写ローラ５８のそれぞれに所定の電圧を印加する。 Further, the substrate unit 62 includes a high-voltage substrate (not shown) and a housing for accommodating the high-voltage substrate, and is detachably attached to the left side portion of the apparatus main body 12. The high-voltage substrate receives power from a commercial power source and outputs a predetermined voltage required for charging, developing, and transferring to each part. In this embodiment, the high-voltage substrate has four output terminals (not shown) corresponding to the four input terminals of the intermediate transfer unit 42, and is attached to each of the intermediate transfer rollers 58 via the electric relay device 100. A predetermined voltage is applied.

このような装置本体１２内には、給紙カセット４８等から搬送される用紙をレジストローラ６４、転写ローラ４４および定着ユニット４６を経由させて排紙トレイ５０に送るための第１用紙搬送路Ｌ１が形成される。また、用紙に対して両面印刷を行う際に、片面印刷が終了して定着ユニット４６を通過した後の用紙を、転写ローラ４４の用紙搬送方向の上流側において第１用紙搬送路Ｌ１に戻すための第２用紙搬送路Ｌ２が形成される。この第１用紙搬送路Ｌ１および第２用紙搬送路Ｌ２には、用紙に対して補助的に推進力を与えるための複数の搬送ローラ６６が適宜設けられる。 In such an apparatus main body 12, the first paper transport path L1 for feeding the paper conveyed from the paper feed cassette 48 or the like to the output tray 50 via the resist roller 64, the transfer roller 44, and the fixing unit 46. Is formed. Further, when double-sided printing is performed on paper, the paper after single-sided printing is completed and has passed through the fixing unit 46 is returned to the first paper transport path L1 on the upstream side of the transfer roller 44 in the paper transport direction. The second paper transport path L2 is formed. A plurality of transport rollers 66 for additionally applying a propulsive force to the paper are appropriately provided in the first paper transport path L1 and the second paper transport path L2.

続いて、基板ユニット６２の各出力端子と中間転写ユニット４２の各入力端子とを電気的に接続するための電気中継装置１００について説明する。 Subsequently, the electric relay device 100 for electrically connecting each output terminal of the substrate unit 62 and each input terminal of the intermediate transfer unit 42 will be described.

なお、符号に与えた添え字Ｋ、Ｍ、ＣおよびＹは、いずれの色用に設けられた要素であることを示すためのものであり、添え字Ｋ、Ｍ、ＣおよびＹのそれぞれは、ブラック、マゼンタ、シアンおよびイエローのそれぞれを示す。ただし、各部位の説明において、いずれの色用であるかの区別を特に要する場合を除き、添え字Ｋ、Ｍ、ＣおよびＹは適宜省略して総括的に説明する。 The subscripts K, M, C and Y given to the reference numerals are for indicating that the elements are provided for any color, and each of the subscripts K, M, C and Y is Indicates black, magenta, cyan and yellow respectively. However, in the description of each part, the subscripts K, M, C and Y will be omitted as appropriate and will be comprehensively described unless it is particularly necessary to distinguish which color is used.

図１および図２に示すように、電気中継装置１００は、装置本体１２の左側部に着脱可能に設けられる。具体的に説明すると、装置本体１２の左側部に配置される樹脂フレーム７０に、中継装置装着部７２が設けられる。中継装置装着部７２には、後述する電気中継装置１００の筐体１０４に形成される係止部１２２との係合部７４、筐体１０４の左端部（第２接触端子部１５０が配置される部分）が嵌め込まれる端部保持部７６、および筐体１０４に設けられるロックレバー１２４の爪部１２４ａを係止するレバー係止部７８などが形成される。中継装置装着部７２に電気中継装置１００を取り付ける際には、筐体１０４の左端部を端部保持部７６に嵌め込むと共に、係止部１２２を係合部７４に係合させる。これにより、電気中継装置１００が所定位置に位置決めされて保持される。そして、ロックレバー１２４の爪部１２４ａをレバー係止部７８に係止させることで、中継装置装着部７２に対して電気中継装置１００が抜け止めされて固定される。一方、中継装置装着部７２から電気中継装置１００を取り外す際には、ロックレバー１２４を操作して爪部１２４ａとレバー係止部７８との係合を解除した後、中継装置装着部７２から電気中継装置１００を引き抜くとよい。このように、装置本体１２の中継装置装着部７２に対する電気中継装置１００の着脱は容易に行うことができる。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric relay device 100 is detachably provided on the left side portion of the device main body 12. More specifically, the relay device mounting portion 72 is provided on the resin frame 70 arranged on the left side portion of the device main body 12. The relay device mounting portion 72 is arranged with an engaging portion 74 with a locking portion 122 formed in the housing 104 of the electric relay device 100, which will be described later, and a left end portion (second contact terminal portion 150) of the housing 104. An end holding portion 76 into which the portion) is fitted, a lever locking portion 78 for locking the claw portion 124a of the lock lever 124 provided on the housing 104, and the like are formed. When the electric relay device 100 is attached to the relay device mounting portion 72, the left end portion of the housing 104 is fitted into the end portion holding portion 76, and the locking portion 122 is engaged with the engaging portion 74. As a result, the electric relay device 100 is positioned and held at a predetermined position. Then, by locking the claw portion 124a of the lock lever 124 to the lever locking portion 78, the electric relay device 100 is prevented from coming off and fixed to the relay device mounting portion 72. On the other hand, when removing the electric relay device 100 from the relay device mounting portion 72, the lock lever 124 is operated to release the engagement between the claw portion 124a and the lever locking portion 78, and then electricity is supplied from the relay device mounting portion 72. It is preferable to pull out the relay device 100. In this way, the electric relay device 100 can be easily attached to and detached from the relay device mounting portion 72 of the device main body 12.

図３および図４に示すように、中継装置装着部７２に電気中継装置１００を装着した状態では、装置本体１２の左側面側において、４つの第１接触端子部１４０が前側からＹＭＣＫの順で前後方向に直線状に並ぶように露出する。第１接触端子部１４０の軸中心間の距離は、たとえば３５ｍｍである。また、装置本体１２の前面側において、４つの第２接触端子部１５０が上側からＹＭＣＫの順で上下方向に直線状に並ぶように露出する。第２接触端子部１５０の軸中心間の距離は、たとえば１２.５ｍｍである。そして、基板ユニット６２が、電気中継装置１００の左側面側（外面側）を覆うように装置本体１２の樹脂フレーム７０に装着されることで、基板ユニット６２の各出力端子と電気中継装置１００の各第１接触端子部１４０とがそれぞれ当接して電気的に接続される。また、中間転写ユニット４２が前側から中間転写ユニット収容部６０に装着されることで、中間転写ユニット４２の各入力端子と電気中継装置１００の各第２接触端子部１５０とがそれぞれ当接して電気的に接続される。すなわち、この実施例では、基板ユニット６２の各出力端子に対する第１接触端子部１４０の接触方向（第１接触端子部１４０の突出方向）と、中間転写ユニット４２の各入力端子に対する第２接触端子部１５０の接触方向（第２接触端子部１５０の突出方向）とは直交する。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the electric relay device 100 is mounted on the relay device mounting portion 72, the four first contact terminal portions 140 are arranged in the order of YMCK from the front side on the left side surface side of the apparatus main body 12. It is exposed so that it is aligned in a straight line in the front-back direction. The distance between the shaft centers of the first contact terminal portion 140 is, for example, 35 mm. Further, on the front side of the apparatus main body 12, the four second contact terminal portions 150 are exposed so as to be linearly arranged in the vertical direction in the order of YMCK from the upper side. The distance between the shaft centers of the second contact terminal portion 150 is, for example, 12.5 mm. Then, the substrate unit 62 is mounted on the resin frame 70 of the apparatus main body 12 so as to cover the left side surface side (outer surface side) of the electric relay device 100, so that each output terminal of the substrate unit 62 and the electric relay device 100 Each of the first contact terminal portions 140 is in contact with each other and is electrically connected. Further, by mounting the intermediate transfer unit 42 on the intermediate transfer unit accommodating portion 60 from the front side, each input terminal of the intermediate transfer unit 42 and each second contact terminal portion 150 of the electric relay device 100 come into contact with each other to generate electricity. Is connected. That is, in this embodiment, the contact direction of the first contact terminal portion 140 with respect to each output terminal of the board unit 62 (the protruding direction of the first contact terminal portion 140) and the second contact terminal with respect to each input terminal of the intermediate transfer unit 42. It is orthogonal to the contact direction of the portion 150 (the protruding direction of the second contact terminal portion 150).

以下、電気中継装置１００の構成について具体的に説明する。図５および図６に示すように、電気中継装置１００は、経路長の異なる複数（この実施例では４つ）の導通経路１０２と、これらを保持する筐体１０４とを備える。 Hereinafter, the configuration of the electric relay device 100 will be specifically described. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electric relay device 100 includes a plurality of (four in this embodiment) conduction paths 102 having different path lengths, and a housing 104 that holds them.

図５および図６と共に、図７を参照して、筐体１０４は、電気絶縁性を有する合成樹脂などによって矩形板状に形成される。この筐体１０４の右側面側（内面側）には、４つの導通経路１０２のそれぞれを所定位置に保持する４つの経路保持部１０６が並行して形成される。経路保持部１０６は、導通経路１０２を嵌め込んで収容可能な溝状に形成され、隣り合う経路保持部１０６の間は、区画壁１０８によって区画される。これにより、導通経路１０２同士の短絡が防止される。 With reference to FIGS. 7 and 5 and 6, the housing 104 is formed in a rectangular plate shape by a synthetic resin having electrical insulation or the like. On the right side (inner surface side) of the housing 104, four path holding portions 106 for holding each of the four conduction paths 102 at predetermined positions are formed in parallel. The path holding portion 106 is formed in a groove shape in which the conduction path 102 is fitted and can be accommodated, and the adjacent path holding portions 106 are partitioned by a partition wall 108. This prevents short circuits between the conduction paths 102.

経路保持部１０６の一方端部には、第１接触端子部１４０を伸縮可能に保持する第１端子保持部１１０が形成される。この実施例では、第１端子保持部１１０は、対向する２つの円弧板によって構成され、筐体１０４の左側面側から突出するように設けられる。そして、４つの第１端子保持部１１０は、前側からＹＭＣＫ用の順に、前後方向に直線状に並ぶように配置される。これら第１端子保持部１１０の基端部（右側面側の端部）には、第１接触端子部１４０の基端面を係止する弓形板状のストッパ１１６が形成される。また、第１端子保持部１１０の基端部には、ストッパ１１６と対向する位置に、右側面側に向かって拡がるように傾斜するテーパ部１１８が形成される。このようなテーパ部１１８を有することにより、後述する第１導通線部材１３０を経路保持部１０６に対して着脱し易くなる。 A first terminal holding portion 110 that stretchably holds the first contact terminal portion 140 is formed at one end of the path holding portion 106. In this embodiment, the first terminal holding portion 110 is composed of two arc plates facing each other, and is provided so as to project from the left side surface side of the housing 104. Then, the four first terminal holding portions 110 are arranged so as to be linearly arranged in the front-rear direction in the order for YMCK from the front side. At the base end portion (end portion on the right side surface side) of the first terminal holding portion 110, a bow-shaped plate-shaped stopper 116 for locking the base end surface of the first contact terminal portion 140 is formed. Further, at the base end portion of the first terminal holding portion 110, a tapered portion 118 is formed at a position facing the stopper 116 so as to expand toward the right side surface side. By having such a tapered portion 118, the first conduction wire member 130, which will be described later, can be easily attached to and detached from the path holding portion 106.

一方、経路保持部１０６の他端部には、第２接触端子部１５０を伸縮可能に保持する第２端子保持部１１２が形成される。この実施例では、第２端子保持部１１２は、筐体１０４の前面側から突出するように、有底円筒状に形成される。そして、４つの第２端子保持部１１２は、上側からＹＭＣＫ用の順に、上下方向に直線状に並ぶように配置される。また、第２端子保持部１１２の下側には、後述する第２導通線部材１３２を経路保持部１０６に取り付けるための挿入口１２０が形成される。この挿入口１２０は、第２端子保持部１１２と連通する細溝部１２０ａおよび円筒部１２０ｂによって構成される。 On the other hand, at the other end of the path holding portion 106, a second terminal holding portion 112 that holds the second contact terminal portion 150 in a stretchable manner is formed. In this embodiment, the second terminal holding portion 112 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape so as to project from the front surface side of the housing 104. Then, the four second terminal holding portions 112 are arranged so as to be linearly arranged in the vertical direction in the order for YMCK from the upper side. Further, an insertion port 120 for attaching the second conduction wire member 132, which will be described later, to the path holding portion 106 is formed below the second terminal holding portion 112. The insertion port 120 is composed of a narrow groove portion 120a and a cylindrical portion 120b that communicate with the second terminal holding portion 112.

また、筐体１０４には、中継装置装着部７２の係合部７４に係止される複数の係止部１２２が形成される。これら係止部１２２の中には、経路保持部１０６に形成される柱状突起１２２ａが含まれ、柱状突起１２２ａは、第１導通線部材１３０の第１連結部１４２を所定位置に保持する連結部保持部として兼用される。さらに、筐体１０４の後端部には、ロックレバー１２４が回動可能に設けられる。上述のように、ロックレバー１２４の爪部１２４ａをレバー係止部７８に係止させることで、中継装置装着部７２に対して電気中継装置１００が抜け止め固定され、ロックレバー１２４による係止を解除することで、中継装置装着部７２からの電気中継装置１００の取り外しが可能となる。 Further, the housing 104 is formed with a plurality of locking portions 122 that are locked to the engaging portion 74 of the relay device mounting portion 72. These locking portions 122 include columnar protrusions 122a formed on the path holding portion 106, and the columnar protrusions 122a are connecting portions that hold the first connecting portion 142 of the first conduction wire member 130 at a predetermined position. Also used as a holding part. Further, a lock lever 124 is rotatably provided at the rear end of the housing 104. As described above, by locking the claw portion 124a of the lock lever 124 to the lever locking portion 78, the electric relay device 100 is fixed to the relay device mounting portion 72 so as not to come off, and the lock lever 124 locks the lock lever 124. By releasing the electric relay device 100, the electric relay device 100 can be removed from the relay device mounting portion 72.

このような電気中継装置１００において、連結する対象となる入力端子と出力端子との距離は、各色（ＹＭＣＫ）で異なるので、これらに対応する位置に設けられる第１接触端子部１４０と第２接触端子部１５０との距離も各色で異なるものとなる。つまり、導通経路１０２の経路長（第１接触端子部１４０と第２接触端子部１５０との距離）は、導通経路１０２ごとに異なり、ＹＭＣＫの順に大きくなっていく。このため、本来なら、導通経路１０２ごとに規格の異なる専用の導通線部材を用意する必要があるが、これでは部品コストが大きくなってしまう。 In such an electric relay device 100, the distance between the input terminal and the output terminal to be connected is different for each color (YMCK), so that the first contact terminal portion 140 and the second contact are provided at the positions corresponding to these. The distance to the terminal portion 150 is also different for each color. That is, the path length of the conduction path 102 (distance between the first contact terminal portion 140 and the second contact terminal portion 150) differs for each conduction path 102, and increases in the order of YMCK. For this reason, it is originally necessary to prepare a dedicated conduction wire member having a different standard for each conduction path 102, but this increases the component cost.

そこで、この実施例では、経路長の異なる導通経路１０２のそれぞれを、２種類の導通線部材（第１導通線部材１３０および第２導通線部材１３２）の組み合わせによって構成できるようにした。すなわち、それぞれが同一規格品である複数の第１導通線部材１３０と、それぞれが同一規格品である複数の第２導通線部材１３２とを用いて、複数の導通経路１０２のそれぞれを構成するようにした。 Therefore, in this embodiment, each of the conduction paths 102 having different path lengths can be configured by a combination of two types of conduction wire members (first conduction wire member 130 and second conduction wire member 132). That is, each of the plurality of conduction paths 102 is configured by using the plurality of first conduction wire members 130, each of which is the same standard product, and the plurality of second conduction wire members 132, each of which is the same standard product. I made it.

なお、ここで言う同一規格品であるとは、形状、寸法および成分などの製品規格（基準）が同じ部品であることを意味する。ただし、この場合の同一は、厳密に同じである必要はなく、少なくとも、複数の経路保持部１０６のうち、どの経路保持部１０６にも取り付け可能であって、複数の導通経路１０２のうち、どの導通経路１０２に用いられても導通線部材としての機能を発揮できる程度に規格が同じであればよい。 The same standard products referred to here mean that the parts have the same product standards (standards) such as shape, dimensions, and components. However, the same in this case does not have to be exactly the same, and at least, it can be attached to any of the plurality of path holding portions 106, and any of the plurality of conduction paths 102. Even if it is used for the conduction path 102, the standard may be the same to the extent that it can function as a conduction wire member.

図８および図９に示すように、第１導通線部材１３０および第２導通線部材１３２のそれぞれは、導電性を有する１本の線材を変形加工することによって形成される。線材としては、ステンレス鋼線、硬鋼線、ピアノ線、およびオイルテンパー線などのばね鋼線材を用いるとよい。この実施例では、第１導通線部材１３０および第２導通線部材１３２のそれぞれは、以下に説明するような形状を有しており、手作業による２次加工を必要としない、自動巻き機での作製が可能なものである。 As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the first conductive wire member 130 and the second conductive wire member 132 is formed by deforming one conductive wire rod. As the wire rod, a spring steel wire rod such as a stainless steel wire, a hard steel wire, a piano wire, and an oil tempered wire may be used. In this embodiment, each of the first conduction wire member 130 and the second conduction wire member 132 has a shape as described below, and is an automatic winding machine that does not require manual secondary processing. Can be produced.

図８に示すように、第１導通線部材１３０は、一方端部に形成される第１接触端子部１４０と、他端部に形成される第１連結部１４２とを有する。また、第１接触端子部１４０と第１連結部１４２とは、直線状の第１経路部１４４によって連結されている。 As shown in FIG. 8, the first conduction wire member 130 has a first contact terminal portion 140 formed at one end portion and a first connecting portion 142 formed at the other end portion. Further, the first contact terminal portion 140 and the first connecting portion 142 are connected by a linear first path portion 144.

第１接触端子部１４０は、基板ユニット６２の出力端子と当接する部分であり、線材が螺旋状に複数回巻かれた円筒状に形成される。具体的には、第１接触端子部１４０は、軸方向に伸縮可能な圧縮コイルばね部１４０ａを基端側に有し、密着コイル巻き部１４０ｂを先端側に有する。図６から分かるように、圧縮コイルばね部１４０ａは、筐体１０４の第１端子保持部１１０内に配置され、軸方向に圧縮されることで、基板ユニット６２の出力端子に対する付勢力を第１接触端子部１４０に生じさせる。また、密着コイル巻き部１４０ｂは、第１端子保持部１１０（つまり筐体１０４）から外部に突出するように配置され、圧縮コイルばね部１４０ａの伸縮によって第１端子保持部１１０に出入りする。このように、第１端子保持部１１０から外部に突出する部分を密着コイル巻き部１４０ｂとすることにより第１端子保持部１１０に安定して案内保持されるので、第１接触端子部１４０の座屈が防止される。 The first contact terminal portion 140 is a portion that comes into contact with the output terminal of the substrate unit 62, and is formed in a cylindrical shape in which a wire rod is spirally wound a plurality of times. Specifically, the first contact terminal portion 140 has a compression coil spring portion 140a that can expand and contract in the axial direction on the base end side, and a close contact coil winding portion 140b on the tip end side. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the compression coil spring portion 140a is arranged in the first terminal holding portion 110 of the housing 104, and is compressed in the axial direction to exert a first urging force on the output terminal of the substrate unit 62. It is generated in the contact terminal portion 140. Further, the close contact coil winding portion 140b is arranged so as to project outward from the first terminal holding portion 110 (that is, the housing 104), and moves in and out of the first terminal holding portion 110 by expanding and contracting the compression coil spring portion 140a. In this way, by forming the portion protruding outward from the first terminal holding portion 110 as the close contact coil winding portion 140b, the portion is stably guided and held by the first terminal holding portion 110, so that the seat of the first contact terminal portion 140 is seated. Buckling is prevented.

第１連結部１４２は、後述する第２導通線部材１３２の第２連結部１５２と連結される部分であり、環状（リング状）に形成される。この第１連結部１４２の中心軸は、第１接触端子部１４０の中心軸と平行に延びる。ここで、第１連結部１４２を環状に形成するに際しては、密着コイル状に複数巻きとすることが好ましい。第１連結部１４２を複数巻きとすることで、第１連結部１４２の強度が向上する上、第２連結部１５２に対して多点接触にすることができるので、第１連結部１４２と第２連結部１５２との接触安定性が向上する。 The first connecting portion 142 is a portion connected to the second connecting portion 152 of the second conduction wire member 132, which will be described later, and is formed in an annular shape (ring shape). The central axis of the first connecting portion 142 extends parallel to the central axis of the first contact terminal portion 140. Here, when the first connecting portion 142 is formed in an annular shape, it is preferable that a plurality of windings are formed in a close contact coil shape. By winding the first connecting portion 142 into a plurality of turns, the strength of the first connecting portion 142 is improved, and the second connecting portion 152 can be in multipoint contact with the first connecting portion 142. 2 The contact stability with the connecting portion 152 is improved.

図９に示すように、第２導通線部材１３２は、一方端部に形成される第２接触端子部１５０と、他端部に形成される第２連結部１５２とを有する。また、第２接触端子部１５０と第２連結部１５２とは、Ｌ字状に延びる第２経路部１５４によって連結されている。 As shown in FIG. 9, the second conduction wire member 132 has a second contact terminal portion 150 formed at one end portion and a second connecting portion 152 formed at the other end portion. Further, the second contact terminal portion 150 and the second connecting portion 152 are connected by a second path portion 154 extending in an L shape.

第２接触端子部１５０は、中間転写ユニット４２の入力端子と当接する部分であり、この実施例では、上述の第１接触端子部１４０と同様の構成を有する。このため、説明は簡略化するが、第２接触端子部１５０は、軸方向に伸縮可能な圧縮コイルばね部１５０ａを基端側に有し、密着コイル巻き部１５０ｂを先端側に有する。そして、図６から分かるように、圧縮コイルばね部１５０ａは、筐体１０４の第２端子保持部１１２内に配置され、密着コイル巻き部１５０ｂは、第２端子保持部１１２から外部に突出するように配置される。 The second contact terminal portion 150 is a portion that comes into contact with the input terminal of the intermediate transfer unit 42, and in this embodiment, it has the same configuration as the first contact terminal portion 140 described above. Therefore, although the description is simplified, the second contact terminal portion 150 has a compression coil spring portion 150a that can expand and contract in the axial direction on the proximal end side and a close contact coil winding portion 150b on the distal end side. Then, as can be seen from FIG. 6, the compression coil spring portion 150a is arranged in the second terminal holding portion 112 of the housing 104, and the close contact coil winding portion 150b projects outward from the second terminal holding portion 112. Placed in.

第２連結部１５２は、第１導通線部材１３０の第１連結部１４２と連結される部分であり、鉤状（フック状）に形成される。 The second connecting portion 152 is a portion connected to the first connecting portion 142 of the first conduction wire member 130, and is formed in a hook shape.

第２経路部１５４は、第２接触端子部１５０側に形成される直線部１５４ａと、第２連結部１５２側に形成される引張コイルばね部１５４ｂとを有する。引張コイルばね部１５４ｂの中心軸は、第２接触端子部１５０の中心軸と平行に延びる。引張コイルばね部１５４ｂは、その軸方向に伸縮可能であり、第２経路部１５４は、引張コイルばね部１５４ｂが伸縮することで経路長を変更可能である。言い換えると、第２連結部１５２の隣接位置に引張コイルばね部１５４ｂが形成されており、第２連結部１５２は、引張コイルばね部１５４ｂが伸縮することで、第２接触端子部１５０に対する相対位置を変更可能である。 The second path portion 154 has a straight portion 154a formed on the second contact terminal portion 150 side and a tension coil spring portion 154b formed on the second connecting portion 152 side. The central axis of the tension coil spring portion 154b extends parallel to the central axis of the second contact terminal portion 150. The tension coil spring portion 154b can be expanded and contracted in the axial direction thereof, and the path length of the second path portion 154 can be changed by expanding and contracting the tension coil spring portion 154b. In other words, the tension coil spring portion 154b is formed at a position adjacent to the second connecting portion 152, and the second connecting portion 152 is positioned relative to the second contact terminal portion 150 by expanding and contracting the tension coil spring portion 154b. Can be changed.

このような第１導通線部材１３０および第２導通線部材１３２は、筐体１０４の経路保持部１０６に取り付けられると共に、第１連結部１４２と第２連結部１５２とが連結されることで、複数の導通経路１０２のそれぞれを形成する（図６参照）。そしてこの際には、第２導通線部材１３２の引張コイルばね部１５４ｂを伸張させる長さが、複数の導通経路１０２ごとに変えられる。すなわち、この実施例では、引張コイルばね部１５４ｂを伸張させる長さを複数の導通経路１０２ごとに変えることによって、それぞれが同一規格品である第１導通線部材１３０と第２導通線部材１３２とを用いても、経路長の異なる複数の導通経路１０２のそれぞれが成り立つようにしている。

図１０は、第１導通線部材１３０と第２導通線部材１３２とを連結して形成した各導通経路１０２の配置構造を電気中継装置１００の右側面側から見た様子を示す図解図である。図１０では、電気中継装置１００から導通経路１０２を抜き出して示している。 Such a first conductive wire member 130 and a second conductive wire member 132 are attached to the path holding portion 106 of the housing 104, and the first connecting portion 142 and the second connecting portion 152 are connected to each other. Each of the plurality of conduction paths 102 is formed (see FIG. 6). At this time, the length of extending the tension coil spring portion 154b of the second conduction wire member 132 is changed for each of the plurality of conduction paths 102. That is, in this embodiment, by changing the length for extending the tension coil spring portion 154b for each of the plurality of conduction paths 102, the first conduction wire member 130 and the second conduction wire member 132, which are the same standard products, respectively. Is also used, each of the plurality of conduction paths 102 having different path lengths is established.

FIG. 10 is an illustrated diagram showing a state in which the arrangement structure of each conduction path 102 formed by connecting the first conduction wire member 130 and the second conduction wire member 132 is viewed from the right side surface side of the electric relay device 100. .. In FIG. 10, the conduction path 102 is extracted from the electric relay device 100 and shown.

図１０に示すように、導通経路１０２が経路保持部１０６に取り付けられた状態では、第１導通線部材１３０のそれぞれは、第１接触端子部１４０が互いに直線状に並ぶように配置される。また、引張コイルばね部１５４ｂは、その中心軸が第１接触端子部１４０が並ぶ方向（前後方向）に直線状に延びるように配置される。すなわち、引張コイルばね部１５４ｂは、導通経路１０２の直線部分に配置される。また、第１接触端子部１４０が並ぶ方向に対して第１接触端子部１４０と第１連結部１４２とを結ぶ線（第１経路部１４４が延びる方向と同義）がなす角度θは、ＹＭＣＫの順に大きくなっていくように、導通経路１０２ごとに変えられる。これによって、第１接触端子部１４０が並ぶ方向およびこれに直交する方向（上下方向）に拡がるスペースが確保される。そして、この確保したスペースを利用して第２導通線部材１３２を配置することによって、第１接触端子部１４０と第２接触端子部１５０との距離が近い小型化された電気中継装置１００が実現される。 As shown in FIG. 10, in a state where the conduction path 102 is attached to the path holding portion 106, each of the first conduction wire members 130 is arranged so that the first contact terminal portions 140 are linearly arranged with each other. Further, the tension coil spring portion 154b is arranged so that its central axis extends linearly in the direction (front-back direction) in which the first contact terminal portions 140 are arranged. That is, the tension coil spring portion 154b is arranged in the straight portion of the conduction path 102. Further, the angle θ formed by the line connecting the first contact terminal portion 140 and the first connecting portion 142 (synonymous with the direction in which the first path portion 144 extends) with respect to the direction in which the first contact terminal portions 140 are arranged is YMCK. It can be changed for each conduction path 102 so as to increase in order. As a result, a space is secured that expands in the direction in which the first contact terminal portions 140 are arranged and in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement (vertical direction). Then, by arranging the second conduction wire member 132 using the secured space, a miniaturized electric relay device 100 in which the distance between the first contact terminal portion 140 and the second contact terminal portion 150 is short is realized. Will be done.

また、図１１に示すように、第１導通線部材１３０および第２導通線部材１３２を筐体１０４の経路保持部１０６に取り付ける際には、柱状突起１２２ａに第１連結部１４２を係止させると共に、環状の第１連結部１４２に鉤状の第２連結部１５２を引っ掛けることで、第１連結部１４２と第２連結部１５２とを連結させる。つまり、第２連結部１５２は、第１連結部１４２に対して交差するように係止される。この際、第２連結部１５２には、引張コイルばね部１５４ｂによって第１連結部１４２を引っ張る方向に付勢力が働く。このため、第１連結部１４２と第２連結部１５２との間に十分な接触圧を確保することができ、第１連結部１４２と第２連結部１５２とが接続不良になることが防止される。また、図１０および図１１に示すように、第１導通線部材１３０および第２導通線部材１３２を用いて導通経路１０２を形成した状態（つまり引張コイルばね部１５４ｂを伸張させた状態）における引張コイルばね部１５４ｂの荷重値は、０.８Ｎ（ニュートン）以上３.５Ｎ以下の範囲内となるように設計することが好ましい。すなわち、引張コイルばね部１５４ｂの荷重値は、その伸張長さが１番小さい導通経路１０２Ｙにおいて０.８Ｎ以上となり、その伸張長さが１番大きい導通経路１０２Ｋにおいて３.５Ｎ以下となるように設計することが好ましい。これは、引張コイルばね部１５４ｂを伸張させたときの荷重値が小さ過ぎると、第１連結部１４２と第２連結部１５２との間に接続不良が発生する恐れがあるからである。また、引張コイルばね部１５４ｂを伸張させたときの荷重値が大き過ぎると、経路保持部１０６に対する第２導通線部材１３２の取付作業を工具なしの手作業で行うことが難しくなるからである。この実施例では、引張コイルばね部１５４ｂの荷重値は、１.１Ｎ以上２.５Ｎ以下の範囲内となるように設計されている。 Further, as shown in FIG. 11, when the first conductive wire member 130 and the second conductive wire member 132 are attached to the path holding portion 106 of the housing 104, the first connecting portion 142 is locked to the columnar protrusion 122a. At the same time, the hook-shaped second connecting portion 152 is hooked on the annular first connecting portion 142 to connect the first connecting portion 142 and the second connecting portion 152. That is, the second connecting portion 152 is locked so as to intersect the first connecting portion 142. At this time, an urging force acts on the second connecting portion 152 in the direction of pulling the first connecting portion 142 by the tension coil spring portion 154b. Therefore, a sufficient contact pressure can be secured between the first connecting portion 142 and the second connecting portion 152, and it is possible to prevent the first connecting portion 142 and the second connecting portion 152 from becoming poorly connected. To. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, tension in a state where the conduction path 102 is formed by using the first conduction wire member 130 and the second conduction wire member 132 (that is, a state in which the tension coil spring portion 154b is extended). The load value of the coil spring portion 154b is preferably designed to be within the range of 0.8 N (Newton) or more and 3.5 N or less. That is, the load value of the tension coil spring portion 154b is 0.8 N or more in the conduction path 102Y having the smallest extension length, and 3.5 N or less in the conduction path 102K having the largest extension length. It is preferable to design. This is because if the load value when the tension coil spring portion 154b is extended is too small, a connection failure may occur between the first connecting portion 142 and the second connecting portion 152. Further, if the load value when the tension coil spring portion 154b is extended is too large, it becomes difficult to manually attach the second conduction wire member 132 to the path holding portion 106 without a tool. In this embodiment, the load value of the tension coil spring portion 154b is designed to be in the range of 1.1 N or more and 2.5 N or less.

以上のように、この第１実施例によれば、それぞれが同一規格品である第１導通線部材１３０と第２導通線部材１３２とを用いて、経路長の異なる複数の導通経路１０２のそれぞれを構成する。つまり、部品の共通化を図ることができるので、部品コストを低減できる。このコストメリットは、導通経路１０２の数が多くなる程、顕著となる。 As described above, according to the first embodiment, each of the plurality of conduction paths 102 having different path lengths is used by using the first conduction wire member 130 and the second conduction wire member 132, which are the same standard products. To configure. That is, since the parts can be standardized, the parts cost can be reduced. This cost merit becomes more remarkable as the number of conduction paths 102 increases.

また、第１導通線部材１３０および第２導通線部材１３２は、自動巻き機で作製可能な形状とされており、手作業による２次加工を必要としないので、部品コストをより低減できる。 Further, since the first conduction wire member 130 and the second conduction wire member 132 have a shape that can be manufactured by an automatic winding machine and do not require manual secondary processing, the cost of parts can be further reduced.

さらに、第１導通線部材１３０および第２導通線部材１３２は、複数の経路保持部１０６のうち、どの経路保持部１０６にも取り付けることができる。つまり、導通経路１０２（第１導通線部材１３０および第２導通線部材１３２）の取付作業時に、取り付ける経路保持部１０６を気にする必要がないので、作業性が向上する。 Further, the first conduction wire member 130 and the second conduction wire member 132 can be attached to any of the plurality of path holding portions 106. That is, when the conduction path 102 (the first conduction wire member 130 and the second conduction wire member 132) is attached, it is not necessary to worry about the path holding portion 106 to be attached, so that the workability is improved.

［第２実施例］
次に、この発明の第２実施例である電気中継装置について説明する。上述の第１実施例では、第２導通線部材１３２の第２経路部１５４をＬ字状に形成したが、この第２実施例では、図１２に示すように、第２経路部１５４は直線状に形成される。また、第２経路部１５４の全体が引張コイルばね部１５４ｂとなっており、引張コイルばね部１５４ｂの中心軸は、第２接触端子部１５０の中心軸と平行に延びる。言い換えると、この第２実施例では、直線状の引張コイルばね部１５４ｂの一方端部に第２接触端子部１５０か設けられ、その他端部に第２連結部１５２が設けられる。 [Second Example]
Next, the electric relay device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the second path portion 154 of the second conduction wire member 132 is formed in an L shape, but in this second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the second path portion 154 is a straight line. It is formed in a shape. Further, the entire second path portion 154 is a tension coil spring portion 154b, and the central axis of the tension coil spring portion 154b extends parallel to the central axis of the second contact terminal portion 150. In other words, in this second embodiment, the second contact terminal portion 150 is provided at one end of the linear tension coil spring portion 154b, and the second connecting portion 152 is provided at the other end.

この第２実施例においても、第１実施例と同様の作用効果を奏し、部品の共通化を図ることができるので、部品コストを低減できる。 Also in this second embodiment, the same operation and effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and the parts can be standardized, so that the cost of parts can be reduced.

なお、第１導通線部材１３０および第２導通線部材１３２の各部位（第１接触端子部１４０、第１連結部１４２、第１経路部１４４、第２接触端子部１５０、第２連結部１５２および第２経路部１５４）の具体的形状なども、上述のものに限定されず、接続する端子の位置関係などに応じて適宜変更可能である。 Each part of the first conductive wire member 130 and the second conductive wire member 132 (first contact terminal portion 140, first connecting portion 142, first path portion 144, second contact terminal portion 150, second connecting portion 152). The specific shape of the second path portion 154) is not limited to the above, and can be appropriately changed according to the positional relationship of the terminals to be connected.

［第３実施例］
続いて、この発明の第３実施例である電気中継装置について説明する。上述の第１実施例では、引張コイルばね部１５４ｂを有する第２導通線部材１３２を給電先である中間転写ユニット４２側に配置（接続）するようにした。これに対して、第３実施例では、図示は省略するが、引張コイルばね部１５４ｂを有する第２導通線部材１３２を給電元である基板ユニット６２側に配置し、第２導通線部材１３２を給電先である中間転写ユニット４２側に配置する。 [Third Example]
Subsequently, the electric relay device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the second conduction wire member 132 having the tension coil spring portion 154b is arranged (connected) on the intermediate transfer unit 42 side which is the feeding destination. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, although not shown, the second conduction wire member 132 having the tension coil spring portion 154b is arranged on the substrate unit 62 side which is the feeding source, and the second conduction wire member 132 is arranged. It is arranged on the intermediate transfer unit 42 side, which is the power supply destination.

この第３実施例においても、第１実施例と同様の作用効果を奏し、部品の共通化を図ることができるので、部品コストを低減できる。 Also in this third embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained, and the parts can be standardized, so that the cost of parts can be reduced.

なお、上述の第１実施例では、電気中継装置１００が電気的に接続する入力端子および出力端子の一例として、基板ユニット６２の出力端子および中間転写ユニット４２の入力端子を例示したが、これに限定されない。また、電気中継装置１００は、必ずしも画像形成装置１０に設けられる必要はなく、他の電子機器に設けられてもよい。 In the first embodiment described above, the output terminal of the board unit 62 and the input terminal of the intermediate transfer unit 42 are illustrated as an example of the input terminal and the output terminal electrically connected to the electric relay device 100. Not limited. Further, the electric relay device 100 does not necessarily have to be provided in the image forming apparatus 10, and may be provided in another electronic device.

また、上で挙げた具体的な数値および部品形状などは、いずれも単なる一例であり、製品の仕様などの必要に応じて適宜変更可能である。 In addition, the specific numerical values and component shapes mentioned above are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed as needed, such as product specifications.

１０ …画像形成装置
１２ …装置本体
１４ …画像読取装置
３０ …画像形成部
４２ …中間転写ユニット
６２ …基板ユニット
７２ …中継装置装着部
１００ …電気中継装置
１０２ …導通経路
１０４ …筐体
１０６ …経路保持部
１３０ …第１導通線部材
１３２ …第２導通線部材
１４０ …第１接触端子部
１４２ …第１連結部
１４４ …第１経路部
１５０ …第２接触端子部
１５２ …第２連結部
１５４ …第２経路部
１５４ｂ …引張コイルばね部 10 ... Image forming device 12 ... Device main body 14 ... Image reading device 30 ... Image forming unit 42 ... Intermediate transfer unit 62 ... Board unit 72 ... Relay device mounting part 100 ... Electric relay device 102 ... Conduction path 104 ... Housing 106 ... Path Holding part 130 ... First conduction wire member 132 ... Second conduction wire member 140 ... First contact terminal part 142 ... First connection part 144 ... First path part 150 ... Second contact terminal part 152 ... Second connection part 154 ... Second path portion 154b ... Tension coil spring portion

Claims

A plurality of conduction paths having different path lengths and a housing having a path holding portion for holding each of the plurality of conduction paths at a predetermined position are provided, and the plurality of terminals are electrically connected by the plurality of conduction paths. It is an electric relay device
Each of the plurality of conduction paths is composed of a first conduction wire member and a second conduction wire member.
Each of the first conduction wire members is a product of the same standard having a first contact terminal portion formed at one end portion and a first connecting portion formed at the other end portion.
Each of the second conduction wire members has a second contact terminal portion formed at one end portion, a second connecting portion formed at the other end portion and connected to the first connecting portion, and the second contact portion. It is a product of the same standard having a tension coil spring portion formed between the terminal portion and the second connecting portion.
By changing the length for extending the tension coil spring portion for each of the plurality of conduction paths, each of the plurality of conduction paths having different path lengths is composed of the first conduction wire member and the second conduction wire member. , Electric relay device.

The electric relay device according to claim 1, wherein the tension coil spring portion is arranged in a linear portion of the conduction path.

Each of the first conduction wire members is arranged so that the first contact terminal portions are arranged linearly with each other.
The electric relay device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle formed by the line connecting the first contact terminal portion and the first connecting portion differs depending on the conduction path with respect to the direction in which the first contact terminal portions are arranged. ..

A claim that the first contact terminal portion and the second contact terminal portion have a compression coil spring portion arranged in the housing and a close contact coil winding portion arranged so as to project outward from the housing. The electric relay device according to any one of Items 1 to 3.

The first connecting portion is formed in an annular shape.
The second connecting portion is formed in a hook shape and has a hook shape.
The electric relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected by hooking the second connecting portion on the first connecting portion.

The electricity according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the direction in which the first contact terminal portion contacts one of the terminals and the direction in which the second contact terminal portion contacts the other of the terminals are orthogonal to each other. Relay device.

High-voltage board with multiple output terminals,
An image forming apparatus comprising an intermediate transfer unit having a plurality of input terminals, and an electric relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which electrically connects the plurality of output terminals and the plurality of input terminals. ..

The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the housing of the electric relay device has a locking portion and a lock lever with respect to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, and is detachably attached to the apparatus main body.

The locking portion includes a columnar protrusion formed on the path holding portion of the housing.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the columnar protrusion is also used as a connecting portion holding portion for holding the first connecting portion of the first conduction wire member included in the electric relay device at a predetermined position.