JP4665662B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a facsimile, and more particularly to an improvement of an image forming apparatus provided with a document reading device that is housed in a main body of the image forming apparatus .

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus having a copying function mode, a printer apparatus provided with a document reading device (scanner) is known. Examples of the document reading device used here include a platen on which a document is placed, a platen cover that covers the platen, and a scanning unit that is disposed below the platen and can be scanned.
In addition, the layout of the document reading device includes a mode in which the document reading device is fixedly arranged on the upper part of the printer device provided in the image forming device casing, and the document reading device can be pulled out in the image forming device casing. (Refer to Patent Document 1).
In particular, in the latter mode, when copying a non-sheet-like document such as a book document, for example, the document reading device is pulled out to open the platen cover, and the document is placed on the platen. A document can be read by scanning. On the other hand, since the original reading apparatus can be stored when not in use, there is an advantage that not only the original reading apparatus can be stored compactly but also the appearance is orderly.

JP 2000-232545 A (Example)

In this type of document reading apparatus pull-out type image forming apparatus, for example, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a document reading apparatus 201 and a printer (not shown) are connected by a harness 203 that internally wires electric wires and signal lines. A harness connection method that allows electrical connection with the apparatus is usually employed.
However, in this type of prior art, the harness 203 requires a length that allows the document reading device 201 and the printer device to be connected at the most drawn-out position of the document reading device 201 (see FIG. 12A). On the other hand, it is most bent at the storage position (see FIG. 12B) where the document reading apparatus 201 is stored. For this reason, there is a possibility that the harness 203 is caught in the gap between the document reading apparatus 201 and the apparatus housing 202 as the document reading apparatus 201 moves from the drawing position to the storage position. If such a pinching of the harness 203 occurs, not only the smooth storing operation of the document reading apparatus 201 is impaired, but also a problem that the harness 203 is damaged occurs.

Further, in the harness connection method, the document reading device 201 can be used in a halfway drawing state other than the storage position or the drawing position of the document reading device 201. Since the apparatus 201 moves without being locked, it not only prevents proper copying, but also, for example, when the user accidentally contacts the document reading apparatus 201, a sudden force is applied to the document reading apparatus 201, and the document There is a problem that the reading apparatus 201 and the apparatus housing 202 are not preferable from the viewpoint of safety of the apparatus, such as the possibility of receiving an impact.
Furthermore, in such a system, since a space for storing the harness 203 is required at the time of storage, there arises a technical problem that the request for downsizing of the apparatus cannot be met.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, a harness guide 212 using a link mechanism is provided, and the harness 213 is wound around the harness guide 212 to guide the expansion and contraction of the harness 213 accompanying the movement of the document reading device 211. In addition to preventing the harness 213 from being caught during the storage operation of the 211, the document reading device 211 can be read when the document reading device 211 is in a halfway drawn state by providing a position detection sensor (not shown). A technique for preventing the use of the device 211 is conceivable.
However, with such a technique, an increase in the cost is unavoidable due to an increase in the number of parts, and there is a problem that it is impossible to meet the demand for cost reduction.

The present invention has been made to solve the above technical problem, and suppresses the pinching of the harness during the storing operation in the drawer-type document reading apparatus adopting the conventional harness connecting method, so that the storing is smoothly performed. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that enables operation and performs a safe electrical connection with a simple configuration.

That is, the basic configuration of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 1A with respect to a printer device 2 incorporated in an image forming apparatus main body 1 and capable of forming an image on a recording material, and the image forming apparatus main body 1. A document reading device 3 that is provided so as to be freely drawn and is held at a drawing position pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body 1 and a storage position that can be stored in the image forming apparatus main body 1, a printer device 2, and a document reading device 3. Connecting means 4 for electrically connecting the document reading device 3 and the image forming apparatus main body 1 to each other, and the connecting element 5 in a pair is separated from each other, and at least the document reading device 3 is connected. A drawing-side connector 6a to which a pair of connecting elements 5 are connected so that the document reading device 3 and the printer device 2 can be connected at the drawing position is provided.

In such technical means, the image forming apparatus used in the present invention mainly includes a printer, a facsimile machine, and the like provided with a space in which the document reader 3 can be retracted. The printing method of the printer apparatus 2 may be color printing or monochrome printing.
Further, the drawer-side connector 6a used for the connecting means 4 is provided so as to be electrically connectable at the drawing position of the document reading device 3, and enables an image read by the document reading device 3 to be sent as an electrical signal to the image forming apparatus. Is.

The printer device 2 preferably includes an image forming engine 7 capable of forming an image on a recording material and a control device 8 that controls the image forming engine 7 based on an image read by the document reading device 3. In this case, the control device 8 may be appropriately selected as long as the image reading signal read by the document reading device 3 can be sent to the printer device 2 as a digital image signal.
Further, as the document reading device 3, for example, a transparent platen on which a document is placed, a platen cover that covers the platen so as to be openable and closable, and a reading that is arranged below the platen and scans to read an image of the document. The thing provided with the part is used. Such a document reading device 3 includes a document reading element such as a CCD sensor for reading an image of the document, and an imaging optical system that irradiates the document with light and forms an image reflected on the document on the document reading element. There is a so-called flatbed scanner that includes a reading unit and includes a platen, a platen cover, and a scanning type reading unit below the platen.

  Furthermore, the drawer-side connector 6a is connected in conjunction with a drawing operation for pulling out the document reading device 3 from the storage position, while being separated in conjunction with a storing operation for storing the document reading device 3 from the drawing position. preferable. In particular, if the moving direction of the document reading device 3 and the attaching / detaching direction of the drawer-side connector 6a are the same, smooth attachment / detachment is possible with a simple configuration, and operability is not impaired. In this case, it is preferable that the drawer-side connector 6a be removable with respect to the moving direction of the document reading device 3.

Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a mode in which the document reading device 3 can be used at the drawing position and the storage position.
That is, according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1B, a printer device 2 that is incorporated in the image forming apparatus main body 1 and can form an image on a recording material, and can be pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body 1. The document reading device 3 that is provided and held at the drawing position pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the storage position that can be stored in the image forming apparatus main body 1, the printer device 2, and the document reading device 3 are electrically connected. Connecting means 4 for connecting, and the connecting means 4 is provided with a pair of connecting elements 5 separated from the document reading device 3 and the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the document at the drawing position of the document reading device 3. A drawer side connector 6a to which a pair of connection elements 5 are connected so that the reading device 3 and the printer device 2 can be connected to each other, and a pair of connection elements 5 to the document reading device 3 and the image forming apparatus main body 1 are separated. Arranged and document reading device Storage position and a housing-side connector 6b of the document reading device 3 and the printer device 2 connecting elements 5 of the connection can paired arrangement are connected by a document of the drawer side connector 6a and the housing-side connector 6b reading The connection element 5 disposed on the apparatus 3 side is supported by the same support member, and the storing direction and the drawing direction of the document reading apparatus 3 with respect to the connection element 5 disposed on the image forming apparatus main body 1 side. It can be connected from both directions .

In such an aspect, the document reading device 3 automatically opens a document when a transparent platen on which the document is placed, a platen cover that covers the platen so as to be freely opened and closed, and is provided on the platen cover and is closed. It is preferable to include an automatic document feeder for conveying and a reading unit that is arranged below the platen and reads an image of the document.
This aspect has both the function of the flatbed scanner and the function of a so-called sheet feed scanner that reads a document image being conveyed by a fixedly arranged reading unit.
In this case, the automatic document feeder may be provided with a document table so that the documents on the document table can be automatically conveyed one by one from the feeding unit, or automatically conveyed by manually feeding one by one without the document table. It may be possible.

With such a document reading device 3, the function as a sheet feed scanner and the function as a flatbed scanner can be used properly.
That is, in this embodiment, when copying a sheet-like document such as paper, the document is copied by transporting the document by the automatic document feeder in a state of being placed in the storage position without pulling out the document reading device 3. Can do. Of course, in this case, the document reader 3 may be pulled out and used. When copying a non-sheet document such as a book, the document can be copied by pulling out the document reading device 3, setting the document on the platen, and scanning the reading unit. Of course, even in this case, if there is a space for opening the platen cover in the storage position, the platen cover can be used in the storage position.

Further, in this aspect, the control device 8 determines the drawing position and the storage position of the document reading device 3 based on the contact / separation state of the drawing side connector 6a and the storage side connector 6b, and controls the operation of the document reading device 3. It is preferable.
In this case, for example, if the document reading device 3 has a sheet feed scanner function and a flatbed scanner function, the control device 8 switches and controls the sheet feed scanner function at the storage position, while the reading unit at the drawing position. Can be switched to the flatbed scanner function of scanning.

Further, the drawer-side connector 6a and the storage-side connector 6b enable electrical connection between the printer device 2 and the document reading device 3, and can send an image read by the document reading device 3 to the control device 8 as an electrical signal. As long as it is to be selected, it may be selected appropriately.
The drawer side connector 6a and the storage side connector 6b are preferably provided with a detection circuit capable of sending a connection detection signal and a position detection signal so that the arrangement position of the document reading device 3 can be detected. As a specific aspect of this detection circuit, a connection detection signal is transmitted when the drawer-side connector 6a or the storage-side connector 6b is connected, and the position detection signal is only when one of the specified connectors is connected. Can be sent. Thus, the position of the document reading device 3 can be detected with a simple configuration without providing a sensor or the like.
Further, the control device 8 can determine the position of the document reading device 3 based on the detection information from the detection circuit.

Furthermore, the drawer-side connector 6a is connected in conjunction with a drawing operation for pulling out the document reading device 3 from the storage position, while being separated in conjunction with a storage operation for storing the document reading device 3 from the drawing position. The connector 6b is preferably connected in conjunction with a storing operation for storing the document reading device 3 from the drawing position, and is separated in conjunction with a drawing operation for pulling out the document reading device 3 from the storing position.
In particular, if the moving direction of the document reading device 3 and the attaching / detaching direction of these connectors are the same, smooth attachment / detachment can be performed with a simple configuration, and operability is not impaired. In this case, the connector is preferably detachable with respect to the moving direction of the document reading device 3.

Further, according to the present invention, the connection elements 5 disposed on the document reading device 3 side of the drawer side connector 6a and the storage side connector 6b are supported by the same support member and disposed on the image forming apparatus main body 1 side. thereby enabling connection from both the housing direction and the pull-out direction of the document reading device 3 with respect to the connecting element 5 to be. According to this, the non-connecting portions of the connection element 5 of the drawer-side connector 6a and the connection element 5 of the storage-side connector 6b arranged on the document reading device 3 side are arranged on the same support member so as to face each other. Thus, space can be saved and the positional accuracy of the connecting element 5 can be kept high.

Further, the lead-out side connector 6a and the storage-side connector 6b have, as the connection elements 5, a convex connector portion having a ground terminal, a power supply terminal, and a signal transmission system terminal, and a concave connector portion that fits into the convex connector portion. And it is preferable that a convex connector part and a concave connector part are connected in order of a ground terminal, a power supply terminal, and a signal transmission system terminal, and are separated in the reverse order. According to this aspect, since the signal line is connected after being stabilized and separated from the signal line at the time of separation, the signal transmission performance can be kept good, and the IC of the document reading device 3 is destroyed. Deterrence and increase safety. If the signal transmission system terminal, the power supply terminal, and the ground terminal are connected in this order, the signal line may be connected before the power supply circuit is stabilized, which may break the IC of the document reading device 3.
It should be noted that the signal lines need only be connected after the power supply circuit has been stabilized, and the order of connecting the ground terminal and the power supply terminal can be either, but from the viewpoint of preventing short circuit, the ground terminal and power supply terminal It is preferable to connect in order.

In order to realize this, the lead-out connector 6a and the storage-side connector 6b have the length of the connection terminal of the convex connector portion increased in the order of the ground terminal, the power supply terminal, and the signal transmission system terminal. preferable.
Note that the power supply terminals mentioned here include a power supply terminal for the document reading device 3 and a signal power supply terminal, and the connection order of both may be arbitrary.
Further, the connection element 5 provided on the document reading device 3 side of the drawer side connector 6a and the storage side connector 6b may be directly connected to a printed wiring board provided in the document reading device 3. Thus, even if the connection elements 5 are arranged on both surfaces of the substrate, space can be saved without impairing operability.
Furthermore, when the present invention is applied to an original reading apparatus used in such an image forming apparatus, a smooth drawing operation can be performed with a small and simple configuration, and a safe electrical connection is possible .

The image forming apparatus according to the basic configuration of the present invention includes the connector that enables electrical connection with the printer apparatus at the drawing position of the document reading apparatus, and thus occurs when the harness connection method is employed. It avoids pinching of the harness when storing the document reading device and increases the storage space due to the harness, enables a smooth drawing and storing operation while being a small and simple configuration, and enables safe electrical connection. it can.
In addition, according to the present invention, not only the drawing position of the document reading device but also the connector that enables electrical connection with the printer device at the storage position is provided, so that the drawing can be smoothly performed with a small and simple configuration. The storage operation can be performed, and a safe electrical connection can be achieved at the drawing position and the storage position of the document reading apparatus .

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1
FIG. 2 shows Embodiment 1 of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
In the figure, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with a partition plate 11a for partitioning the space in the housing case 11 in the housing case 11, and the printer device 20 is disposed above the partition plate 11a. A document reading device (scanner) 40 that can be pulled out is disposed below the partition plate 11a.
Further, the printer device 20 is provided with a paper feed cassette 23 for supplying a recording material 24 such as paper at a lower portion of the printer casing 21, and a toner image is formed on the recording material 24 from the paper feed cassette 23 above the paper feed cassette 23. An image forming engine 30 for imaging is provided. Further, a fixing device 37 for fixing an unfixed toner image on the recording material 24 is disposed above the image forming engine 30. Above the fixing device 37, the fixing device 37 is constituted by a part of the housing case 11 and fixed. A storage tray 11b through which the recorded recording material 24 is discharged is provided.

In the present embodiment, the recording material 24 is accommodated in the supply tray 25 in the paper feed cassette 23, and the upper surface of the recording material 24 is in contact with the pickup roll 26.
Further, the image forming engine 30 is charged with a photosensitive drum 31 having a photosensitive layer whose resistance value is reduced by light irradiation, and a charging roll 32 for charging the photosensitive drum 31 around the photosensitive drum 31. An exposure device 33 that writes an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 31, a developing device 34 that visualizes the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 31 with toner, and a residual image on the photosensitive drum 31. And a cleaning device (not shown) for cleaning the toner. Further, a transfer roll 35 serving as a transfer device is disposed in contact with a portion facing the photoconductive drum 31, and a toner visualized on the photoconductive drum 31 is provided between the transfer roll 35 and the photoconductive drum 31. A transfer bias for transferring the image is applied.
Further, the fixing device 37 includes a heating roll 38 whose surface is heated by a heating source, and a pressure roll 39 which is disposed in pressure contact with the heating roll 38 and nips the recording material 24 between the heating roll 38. It is provided.

In particular, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the document reading device 40 includes a transparent platen 41 on which a document is placed, a platen cover 42 that covers the platen 41 so as to be freely opened and closed, An automatic document feeder 43 that automatically conveys the document 60 is provided above the platen cover 42, and a reading unit 44 that is disposed below the platen 41 and reads an image of the document 60.
When copying a non-sheet-like document 70, the document reading device 40 can read the image by placing the non-sheet-like document 70 on the platen, and copies the sheet-like document 60. In this case, the original 60 can be conveyed by the automatic document feeder 43 and the image can be read.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the automatic document feeder 43 used in the present embodiment includes a document feeder 61 that inserts a document 60, and a document feeder 62 that includes an endless belt that conveys the document 60. , And a document discharge section 63 from which the document 60 is discharged. Further, the automatic document feeder 43 is provided with a sensor (not shown) in the vicinity of the document feeder 61, and when the feeding of the document 60 is detected by the sensor, the automatic document feeder 43 operates based on the detected information. It is what is started.
The automatic document feeder 43 used in the present embodiment manually feeds the documents 60 one by one. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a document table on which documents before feeding can be placed. It is also possible to provide an automatic document feeder that feeds the documents on the table to the document feeder 61 one by one.

Furthermore, the reading unit 44 of the document reading device 40 according to the present embodiment includes a CCD sensor that reads an image of the document 60, and irradiates the document 60 with light and forms a reflected image from the document 60 on the CCD sensor. It is equipped with an image optical system, and is capable of reading a document placed on a platen by being fixedly placed and reading a document in the middle of conveyance or scanning.
As described above, the document reading apparatus 40 used in the present embodiment has a function as a so-called sheet feed scanner that reads the image of the document 60 conveyed by the automatic document feeder 43 while the reading unit 44 is fixedly arranged. It also has a function as a so-called flatbed scanner that reads the non-sheet-like original 70 on the platen 41 by scanning the portion 44.

  In the present embodiment, the document conveying direction of the automatic document feeder 43 is the same as the drawing storage direction of the document reading device 40, and the opening / closing direction of the platen cover 42 at the time of drawing is orthogonal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the document reading device 40 is arranged in the direction in which the automatic document feeder 43 is moved, the opening / closing direction of the platen cover 42 at the time of drawing, etc. It may be appropriately selected depending on the device mode.

Further, in the present embodiment, a storage-side connector 45 that can be connected at the storage position of the document reading apparatus 40 and a drawer-side connector 46 that can be connected at the extraction position of the document reading apparatus 40 are provided. Such a storage-side connector 45 and a drawer-side connector 46 include, as connection elements, a storage-side convex connector portion 45a and a drawer-side convex connector portion 46a provided with connection terminals, and the storage-side convex connector portion 45a and the drawer-side convex connector. The housing side concave connector part 45b and the drawer side concave connector part 46b fitted to the part 46a are provided.
In the present embodiment, a storage-side convex connector portion 45a and a drawer-side convex connector portion 46a are attached to the same support member near the storage position on one side of the document reading device 40. On the other hand, on the inner wall surface of the housing case 11 in which the document reading device 40 is accommodated, a storage-side concave connector portion 45b is provided on the storage position side, and a drawing-side concave connector portion 46b is provided on the drawing position side.

Here, the attachment aspect to the support member of the storage side convex connector part 45a and the drawer | drawing side convex connector part 46a used for this Embodiment is explained in full detail.
As shown in FIG. 5A, in the present embodiment, the storage-side convex connector portion 45a and the drawer-side convex connector portion 46a are attached to the same support member 47 with their non-connecting portion sides facing each other, and each of the document reading The printed wiring board disposed in the device 40 is connected via a lead wire. With such a configuration, not only can the space be saved, but also the insertion / removal associated with the drawer / accommodating operation of the document reading device 40 is possible, so that smooth attachment / detachment can be performed.
In addition, the aspect of the accommodation side convex connector part 45a and the drawer side convex connector part 46a is not restricted to this, As shown in FIG.5 (b), it is the accommodation side from one side with respect to the printed wiring board 48. FIG. While the convex connector part 45a is directly attached, the lead-out side convex connector part 46a may be directly attached to a position displaced from the storage-side convex connector part 45a from the other surface.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the connection terminals of the storage-side convex connector portion 45a (the drawer-side convex connector portion 46a) are connected to the ground terminal 451 (461) and the power supply terminal 452 (462). System terminal 453 (463), and the length of each terminal is longer in the order of ground terminal 451 (461), power supply terminal 452 (462), and signal transmission system terminal 453 (463). With such a configuration, the storage-side convex connector portion 45a (drawing-side convex connector portion 46a) and the storage-side concave connector portion 45b (drawing-side concave connector portion 46b) include a ground terminal 451 (461) and a power supply terminal 452. (462) and signal transmission system terminal 453 (463) are connected in this order, and when separated, they can be separated in the reverse order. As a result, since the signal line is connected and separated from the signal line when the power supply circuit is stabilized, the signal transmission performance can be kept good, and the destruction of the IC of the document reading device 40 can be suppressed, Safety can be increased.
Although the number of terminals shown in FIG. 5 is five for convenience, the power supply terminal 452 (462) includes a power supply for a document reading device and a power supply for signals, and the signal transmission system terminal 453 (463) has an image reading function. In addition to the signal terminal, a detection signal terminal for detecting the arrangement position of the document reading device 40 is included.

In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a control device 50. As shown in FIG. 7, the control device 50 is connected to the fixing device 37, the image forming engine 30, and the paper supply system 22, and is connected to the document reading device 40 via the storage side connector 45 and the drawing side connector 46. ing.
The control device 50 used in the present embodiment is composed of a microcomputer system, and has a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like as a control unit. Processing programs and the like are stored in the ROM in advance, and the CPU stores each program. It executes and performs various controls.
The control device 50 enables the image reading signal from the document reading device 40 to be sent to the image forming engine 30 as a digital image signal, as well as the temperature control of the fixing device 37 and the paper feed timing of the paper supply system 22. Control is performed.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the control unit 50, based on the position detection signal and the detectable connection detection signal by receiving-side convex connector portion 45a detecting circuit 51 which is wired to the (lead side protruding connector portion 46a) in At the storage position of the document reading device 40, switching control is performed to the sheet feed scanner function, while at the drawing position, switching control is performed to the flat bed scanner function (see FIG. 8).
Here, the detection circuit and signals sent from the storage-side concave connector portion 45b and the extraction-side concave connector portion 46b to the control device 50 by this detection circuit will be described in detail.
8A to 8C show not only the connection state of the connectors 45 and 46 but also the connection state between the electric wire and the signal line.
As shown in the figure, the storage-side connector 45 and the drawer-side connector 46 have a first power line 52 to which signal power is input, a second power line 53 to which signal power is also input, and a position detection signal. Are wired to a first signal line 54 capable of transmitting a connection signal and a second signal line 55 capable of transmitting a connection detection signal.

Here, the first power supply line 52 and the second power supply line 53 connected to the storage-side concave connector portion 45b are connected to the outside of the storage-side concave connector portion 45b and connected to a power source not shown.
Further, the first power line 52 connected to the drawer-side concave connector portion 46b is connected to a power source not shown outside the storage-side concave connector portion 45b, while the second power line 53 is external to the storage-side concave connector portion 45b. Grounded.
Furthermore, the first signal line 54 and the second signal line 55 of the storage-side concave connector portion 45b and the drawer-side concave connector portion 46b are connected to the control device 50.

Further, in the present embodiment, a detection circuit 51 capable of detecting the connection state of the storage-side connector 45 and the drawer-side connector 46 is incorporated in the storage-side convex connector portion 45a (the drawer-side convex connector portion 46a). The detection circuit 51 connects the first power supply line 52 and the second signal line 55 and connects the second power supply line 53 and the first signal line 54.
The first signal line 54 and the second signal line 55 are connected to an adjustment line 58 that is grounded via a resistor 57 in order to adjust the level of the signal sent to the control device 50. 8A to 8C, an image reading signal line, a power source for the document reading device 40, and the like are omitted.

  FIG. 8A shows the connection of the storage-side connector 45 when the document reading device 40 is disposed at the storage position. As shown in the figure, when the storage-side convex connector portion 45a and the storage-side concave connector portion 45b are fitted, the storage-side concave connector portion 45b is driven by the signal power source input from the first power line 52. A connection detection signal is transmitted from the second signal line 55, and a position detection signal is transmitted from the first signal line 54 by the signal power supply input from the second power supply line 53.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, the storage side convex connector portion 45a is spaced apart from the storage side concave connector portion 45b while the original reading device 40 is pulled out and reaches the pulling position. The convex connector portion 46a is in a state of being spaced apart from the drawer-side concave connector portion 46b. At this time, since the first power supply line 52 and the second power supply line 53 are not connected and a circuit to the control device 50 is not formed, the position detection signal and the connection detection signal are not transmitted.
Further, when the document reading device 40 moves to the drawing position, as shown in FIG. 8C, the drawing-side convex connector portion 46a is fitted to the drawing-side concave connector portion 46b. At this time, in the lead-out side concave connector portion 46 b, a connection detection signal is transmitted from the second signal line 55 by the signal power input from the first power supply line 52, but there is no power input from the second power supply line 53. A position detection signal is not sent from the first signal line 54.

From the above, the relationship between the arrangement position of the document reading device 40 and various signals sent from the storage-side concave connector portion 45b and the drawing-side concave connector portion 46b to the control device 50 can be summarized as shown in FIG. Can do. In the drawing, Hi is indicated when a signal is input, and Low is indicated when no signal is input.
As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the control device 50 detects a document from a combination of detection signals (position detection signal and connection detection signal) sent from the storage side concave connector portion 45b and the drawer side concave connector portion 46b. The position of the reading device 40 is determined, and the function of the document reading device 40 is switched.
In the present embodiment, the position of the document reading device 40 is detected by a detection circuit 51 incorporated in the storage-side convex connector portion 45a (drawing-side convex connector portion 46a), and each connector has a detection function. Although it is an aspect, it is not restricted to this, If a position detection is possible, the aspect which separated the detection function from each connector may be sufficient.

Next, an image forming process of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
When copying a sheet-like document 60 such as paper, the document 60 is fed from the document feeding unit 61 of the automatic document feeder 43 with the document reading device 40 disposed at the storage position as shown in FIG. Are fed one by one, a sensor (not shown) detects the document 60 and the automatic document feeder 43 starts operating. Then, the document 60 is conveyed by the document feeding unit 62 and the image of the document 60 being conveyed is read by the reading unit 44.
At this time, the image reading signal read by the reading unit 44 is sent to the image forming engine 30 as a digital image signal by the control device 50.

Based on this control signal, the image forming engine 30 forms a toner image.
That is, the image forming engine 30 causes the exposure device 33 to write an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the digital image signal on the photosensitive drum 31 uniformly charged by the charging roll 32.
Further, the electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 34 that conveys toner to form a toner image.
On the other hand, the recording material 24 is supplied to the transfer position at a predetermined timing.
The toner image formed on the photoconductive drum 31 is transferred from the photoconductive drum 31 to the recording material 24 by applying a transfer bias by the transfer roll 35 at the transfer position.
The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 31 after the transfer is cleaned by a cleaning device.
As described above, the recording material 24 onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 37, where the toner image is fixed, and then discharged to the storage tray 11b.

Here, details of the operation of the document reading device 40 will be described.
In the present embodiment, the document reading device 40 is controlled to function as a sheet feed scanner based on the position detection information from the storage-side connector 45 in the connected state with the document reading device 40 disposed at the storage position. ing.
As shown in FIG. 4, the document 60 fed from the document feeding unit 61 is conveyed by the document feeding unit 62 with the document surface facing upward, and is reversed with the belt by the belt reversing unit and the document surface is directed downward. The image of the document 60 is read from below by the fixedly arranged reading unit 44 and is discharged to the document discharge unit 63.
At this time, the image reading signal read by the reading unit 44 is sent to the control device 50 from the storage-side concave connector 45b.
Then, the CPU of the control device 50 temporarily stores the read signal in the RAM as a digital image signal based on the ROM program, and sends it to the image forming engine 30 as a control signal.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, when copying a non-sheet-like document 70 such as a book that cannot be sent out from the automatic document feeder 43, the document reader 40 is pulled out and used. be able to. In this case, the document reading device 40 is controlled to function as a flatbed scanner based on position detection information from the drawer-side connector 46 in a connected state.
As shown in the drawing, in the document reading device 40, when a non-sheet-like document 70 is set on a platen 41 and a start button (not shown) is turned on, the reading unit 44 scans the non-sheet-like document 70. The image is read.
At this time, the read signal read by the reading unit 44 is sent to the control device 50 from the pull-out side concave connector portion 46b.
Then, the CPU of the control device 50 temporarily stores the read signal in the RAM as a digital image signal based on the ROM program, and sends it to the image forming engine 30 as a control signal.
Further, after the document reading device 40 is pulled out and used, the document reading device 40 can be returned to the storage position by a smooth storage operation.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the use of the storage-side connector 45 and the drawer-side connector 46 avoids pinching of the harness during the storage operation of the document reading device 40 that may occur in the harness connection method. Therefore, the document reading apparatus 40 can be smoothly stored.
Further, since the storage-side connector 45 and the drawer-side connector 46 are provided with detection circuits, the position of the document reading device 40 can be detected with a simple configuration without providing a position detection sensor or the like. The function control of the document reading device 40 can be performed based on the drawing position or the storage position of the document reading device 40.
In this embodiment, the monochrome document reading device 40 and the monochrome image forming device 10 are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when a color document reading device is used, a color image forming device is used. Use it.

In the present embodiment, the function switching control is performed according to the arrangement position of the document reading device 40 using the document reading device 40 having the function of the flatbed scanner and the function of the auto feed scanner. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the function switching control or the like may be appropriately selected according to the usage pattern of the user.
Further, as the document reading device 40, a device having a function of only a flat bed scanner may be used. In this case, it is sufficient that a connector that can be electrically connected at the drawing position is provided. It is not necessary to perform function switching control according to the arrangement position of the apparatus. Needless to say, a document reader 40 having a function of only an auto feed scanner may be used.

◎ Deformation 1
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first modification of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The basic configuration of the first modification is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted here. In the figure, the platen cover and the automatic document feeder on the document reading device 40 are omitted, and the same applies to the following description.
This modification differs from the first embodiment in the aspects of the storage-side connector 80 and the drawer-side connector 81.
In this modification, the storage-side convex connector portion 80a and the drawing-side convex connector portion 81a provided in the document reading device 40 are attached to separate support members. That is, the storage-side convex connector portion 80a and the drawer-side convex connector portion 81a are disposed on the storage side on one side of the document reading device 40, and are offset from each other in the height direction and attached to separate support members. It is a thing. On the other hand, on the wall surface of the housing case 11, a storage-side concave connector portion 80b that can be fitted to the storage-side convex connector portion 80a is disposed on the storage side, and can be fitted to the drawer-side convex connector portion 81a on the drawer side. A lead-out concave connector portion 81b is provided.
In this modification, the storage-side connector 80 and the drawer-side connector 81 are disposed only on one side of the document reading device 40, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be disposed on both sides. They can be selected as appropriate.
Even in such an aspect, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

◎ Deformation 2
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second modification of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
This modification differs from Embodiment 1 in the aspects of the storage-side connector 91 and the drawer-side connector 90.
That is, in this modification, the storage-side convex connector portion 91a and the drawer-side convex connector portion 90a are attached to separate support members on the storage side and the drawer side on one side of the document reading device 40, respectively. On the other hand, on the drawer side of the wall surface of the housing case 11, a drawer-side concave connector portion 90 b and a storage-side concave connector portion 91 b are attached to a common support member 92 with the non-fitting portion side facing each other.
According to this aspect, when the document reading device 40 is pulled out, the storage-side convex connector portion 91a and the storage-side concave connector portion 91b disposed on the storage side of the document reading device 40 are fitted, while the document reading device 40 is engaged. The drawer-side convex connector portion 90a and the drawer-side concave connector portion 90b disposed on the drawer side of the document reading device 40 are fitted together when the document is stored.
In addition, the arrangement | positioning position of the storage side connector 91 and the drawer side connector 90 is not restricted to this, You may select suitably.
Even in such an aspect, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

(A) is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the reference invention relevant to this invention, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the document reading device when the document reading device according to Embodiment 1 is pulled out. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the document reading device when the document reading device according to the first embodiment is stored. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the connector used for Embodiment 1, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the aspect which attached the connector directly to the printed wiring board. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating details of a connection terminal of the connector according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing connection of a control device according to the first embodiment. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing which shows the connection state of the connector which concerns on Embodiment 1, and the connection state of an electric wire and a signal wire | line. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a detection signal of a connector according to Embodiment 1 and an arrangement position of a document reading device. FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement mode of each connector according to the first modification according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement | positioning aspect of each connector of the modification 2 which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the time of drawer | drawing-out of the document reader using the conventional harness connection system, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the time of accommodation. It is explanatory drawing which shows the aspect which provided the harness guide in the original document reader using the conventional harness connection system.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus main body, 2 ... Printer apparatus, 3 ... Document reading apparatus, 4 ... Connection means, 5 ... Connection element, 6a ... Drawer side connector, 6b ... Storage side connector, 7 ... Image forming engine, 8 ... Control apparatus

Claims (10)

A printer device incorporated in the image forming apparatus main body and capable of forming an image on a recording material;
A document reading device that is provided so as to be drawable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body and is held at a drawing position pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body and a storage position that can be stored in the image forming apparatus main body;
Connecting means for electrically connecting the printer device and the document reading device;
The connection means includes a pair of connection elements in which a pair of connection elements are separately provided on the document reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus main body, and the document reading apparatus and the printer device can be connected at a drawing position of the document reading apparatus. A drawer side connector to which the element is connected;
Paired connection elements are separately disposed on the document reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus main body, and the paired connection elements are connected so that the document reading apparatus and the printer device can be connected at the storage position of the document reading apparatus. A storage-side connector ;
The connection element disposed on the document reading device side of the drawer side connector and the storage side connector is supported by the same support member and reads the document with respect to the connection element disposed on the image forming apparatus main body side. An image forming apparatus capable of being connected from both the storage direction and the pull-out direction of the apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .
The printer device includes an image forming engine capable of forming an image on a recording material,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control device that controls an image forming engine based on an image read by a document reading device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .
A document reading device includes a transparent platen on which a document is placed, a platen cover that covers the platen so as to be freely opened and closed, and an automatic document feeder that is provided on the platen cover and automatically conveys the document when the platen cover is closed. An image forming apparatus comprising: a reading unit that is disposed below the platen and reads an image of a document. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control device that determines a drawing position and a storage position of a document reading device based on a contact / separation state of a drawing side connector and a storage side connector, and controls the operation of the document reading device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .
An image forming apparatus, wherein the drawer side connector and the storage side connector are provided with a detection circuit capable of transmitting a connection detection signal and a position detection signal, and the arrangement position of the document reading apparatus can be detected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .
The drawer-side connector is connected in conjunction with a drawing operation for pulling out the document reading device from the storage position, while being separated in conjunction with a storing operation for storing the document reading device from the drawing position,
The storage-side connector is connected in conjunction with a storing operation for storing the document reading device from the drawing position, and is separated in conjunction with a drawing operation for pulling out the document reading device from the storing position. . The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 .
An image forming apparatus, wherein each connector is detachable with respect to a moving direction of the document reading apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .
An image forming apparatus comprising: a connecting element provided on a document reading device side of a drawer side connector and a storage side connector connected directly to a printed wiring board provided in the document reading device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .
Each connector has, as connection elements, a convex connector portion provided with a ground terminal, a power supply terminal and a signal transmission system terminal, and a concave connector portion fitted to the convex connector portion,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a convex connector part and a concave connector part are connected in the order of a ground terminal, a power supply terminal, and a signal transmission system terminal, and are separated in the reverse order. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 .
Each connector is an image forming apparatus in which the length of each terminal of the convex connector portion is increased in the order of the ground terminal, the power supply terminal, and the signal transmission system terminal.

Images