JP6143558B2 - Detection apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a detection apparatus including a movable flexible flat cable and an image forming apparatus including the detection apparatus.

  Some image forming apparatuses provided with a movable flexible flat cable are fixed to a frame member by a frame member at a substantially central portion in the moving direction of the flexible flat cable, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133620.

  In addition, as a fixing means to the frame, there is one in which a flexible cable bent using a plurality of pressing columns and protrusions and a plurality of guide grooves is fixed on the frame as in Patent Document 2.

JP 2001-53933 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-219015

  However, Patent Documents 1 and 2 have the following problems because separate members are provided to restrict the flexible flat cable or to fix the flexible flat cable with high component accuracy.

  In Patent Document 1, the flexible flat cable is fixed to the frame member by a frame member at a substantially central portion in the carriage movement direction. By using the frame member, the flexible flat cable is difficult to come off even when the carriage moves. However, since another member is used, there is a problem that the cost increases. Further, when it becomes necessary to replace the components of the flexible flat cable, the frame member has to be removed, and there is a problem in that the component replaceability is poor.

  In Patent Document 2, the bent flexible cable is fixed by a number of components such as a pressing column formed on the frame, a pressing column having a protrusion, and a guide groove. For this reason, there is a problem that there is little clearance between the flexible cable and these guides, and the assembling property of the flexible cable is poor. In addition, the guide integrally provided with these pressing columns, protrusions, guide grooves, and the like has a problem in that the cost is increased because high component accuracy is required.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a detection device that is excellent in assembling property and component exchangeability even when the flexible flat cable is movable, and that the flexible flat cable does not easily come off. Is.

Typical configuration of the detection apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object, a moving means for linear SenUtsuri motion, and detection means provided on said moving means, fixed to a predetermined position other than the mobile unit and processing means for processing a signal detected by said detection means being, a flexible flat cable which electrically connects the processing means and the detection means, from said processing means of the cable towards the said detection means in the middle, in the detection device having a flexible flat cable portion bent wiring direction is changed approximately 90 ° of the cable is provided by a folding line substantially 45 degrees, said the moving means, said flexible flat cable and regulating rib to hold while regulations provided the movement of the front Kiori Ri bending portion position of the restricting rib, the bending An opening for inserting the bent portion into the space in the enclosure is provided in a part of the enclosure of the regulation rib, and the enclosure of the regulation rib First and second side end regulating portions that regulate the side of the portion closer to the detection means than the bent portion, and the side that is orthogonal to the portion closer to the processing means than the bent portion of the cable; A portion connecting the first and second side end regulating portions, a fixing portion for fixing the regulating rib to the moving means, and a portion extending from the second side end regulating portion, the first side A front-surface regulating portion that forms the opening together with the side-end regulating portion, and the end of the first side-end regulating portion opposite to the fixed portion is the space side of the front-side regulating portion Projecting toward the opening from the surface of the cable The portion on the processing means side with respect to the bent portion is in contact with the front regulating portion, and the portion on the detection means side with respect to the bent portion is opposed to the space-side surface of the fixing portion. characterized that you have been inserted into the space within the enclosure.

  According to the said structure, since it becomes unnecessary to fix a flexible flat cable using another member, cost reduction can be aimed at. Moreover, even when it becomes necessary to replace the flexible flat cable, the flexible flat cable can be replaced without the trouble of removing another member.

  Moreover, by defining the bending direction of the flexible flat cable, it is difficult to come off from the regulating rib without depending on the bending accuracy of the flexible flat cable including floating due to insufficient bending. Furthermore, the clearance between the regulating rib and the flexible flat cable can be sufficiently taken, and the assemblability is good.

1 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus including a detection device according to the present invention. (A), (b) is a perspective explanatory drawing explaining the structure and operation | movement of 1st Embodiment of the detection apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is an isometric view explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the attachment part of the flexible flat cable of the detection apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is front explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the attachment part of the flexible flat cable of the detection apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is an isometric view explanatory drawing explaining the attachment method of the flexible flat cable of the detection apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is an enlarged view of the A section of Drawing 3, (a) is a front explanatory view showing the composition of the attachment part of the flexible flat cable of the detecting device of a 1st embodiment, and (b) is a BB sectional view of (a). It is. (A), (b) is a perspective explanatory drawing explaining the structure and operation | movement of 2nd Embodiment of the detection apparatus based on this invention. It is a plane explanatory view of a detecting device of a 2nd embodiment. It is an isometric view explanatory drawing which shows the structure of 3rd Embodiment of the detection apparatus which concerns on this invention.

  An embodiment of an image forming apparatus provided with a detection device according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus including a detection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Image forming apparatus>
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus 200 provided with a sheet width detecting device 300. In FIG. 1, 201 a and 201 b are feeding cassettes that store sheets S. 202a and 202b are pickup rollers for feeding the sheets S stored in the feeding cassettes 201a and 201b. 203a and 203b are feed rollers. 204a and 204b are retard rollers. 205 and 206 are drawing rollers. Reference numerals 207 and 208 denote conveyance rollers. Reference numeral 209 denotes a pre-registration roller. Reference numeral 210 denotes a registration roller. Reference numerals 234 to 241 denote sheet detection sensors.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet S is fed from a feeding cassette 201a provided in the upper stage of the image forming apparatus 200. In that case, a plurality of sheets S stacked on the feeding cassette 201a are fed out by the pickup roller 202a. Thereafter, the sheets S are separated and fed one by one by the cooperative action of the feed roller 203a and the retard roller 204a. Thereafter, the sheet is conveyed to a pre-registration roller 209 and a registration roller 210 along a conveyance guide (not shown) via a drawing roller 205 and a conveyance roller 207.

  In the process in which the sheet S is conveyed to the pre-registration roller 209, the sheet S may be skewed due to the influence of a conveyance load, variations in component accuracy, and the like. This skew is corrected by the clamping force of the registration roller 210 and the action of a registration shutter mechanism (not shown). Thereafter, the sheet S is conveyed to the image forming process unit 1 that is an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet S.

  The image forming process unit 1 forms a toner image by electrophotography. More specifically, a laser beam 232a corresponding to image information is irradiated from a laser scanner 232 serving as an exposure unit to a photosensitive drum 212 serving as an image carrier whose surface is uniformly charged by a charging unit (not shown). Form an image. Then, toner is supplied by the developing means to develop the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image, and the toner image is transferred to the transfer nip portion between the photosensitive drum 212 and the transfer roller 213 by the action of the transfer roller 213 serving as the transfer means. Is transferred to the sheet S conveyed to the sheet.

  On the sheet S, the transfer roller 213 and the photosensitive drum 212 are synchronized with the exposure scanning by the laser scanner 232 based on the detection signal of the sheet detection sensor 211 so that the toner image is transferred to a predetermined position on the surface of the sheet S. To the transfer nip formed by The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 212 is transferred onto the surface of the sheet S by the action of the transfer roller 213.

  Thereafter, the sheet S on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to a fixing device 2 serving as a fixing unit. Then, heat and pressure are applied to the unfixed toner carried on the surface of the sheet S in the process of being nipped and conveyed by the fixing nip portion between the fixing roller 215 and the pressure roller 216 provided in the fixing device 2, so The adhered toner is melted and fixed on the surface of the sheet S.

  Here, the sheet S is conveyed to the fixing device 2 and is nipped and conveyed by both the fixing nip portion between the fixing roller 215 and the pressure roller 216 and the transfer nip portion between the photosensitive drum 212 and the transfer roller 213. At that time, there is a difference in conveyance speed between the photosensitive drum 212 and the transfer roller 213, and the fixing roller 215 and the pressure roller 216.

  It is necessary to avoid the influence on the toner image being transferred from the surface of the photosensitive drum 212 to the sheet S due to the difference in the conveyance speed. Therefore, the rotation speed of the pressure roller 216 is controlled based on the detection signal of the sheet detection sensor 214 that detects the loop of the sheet S. Thus, an appropriate amount of slack is given to the sheet S between the transfer nip portion and the fixing nip portion. Reference numeral 218 denotes a conveyance roller, and 217 denotes a sheet detection sensor. The sheet S on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 2 is discharged out of the fixing device 2 through the sheet detection sensor 217 and the conveying roller 218.

  Here, when printing on one side of the sheet S, the sheet S on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 2 is switched to the discharge conveyance path 3 by the switching flapper 219. Then, the sheet is discharged out of the main body of the image forming apparatus 200 via a sheet detection sensor 223 that detects the full load of the sheets S stacked on the discharge roller 220, the sheet detection sensor 221, the discharge roller 222, and the discharge tray 224, and the discharge tray 224. Discharged to the top.

  Next, a conveyance path when printing on both sides of the sheet S will be described. 225 is a double-sided receiving roller, 226 is a reverse sensor, 227 is a reverse roller, 228 is a sensor before double-sided registration, 229 is a double-sided registration roller, 230 is a double-sided roller, and 231 is a refeed roller.

  The sheet S on which the toner image is transferred on one side is fixed on the surface of the sheet S through the above-described conveyance path and is discharged out of the fixing device 2. In the case of duplex printing, the switching flapper 219 switches to the duplex transport path 4. Then, the sheet S is guided to the duplex receiving roller 225, the reverse sensor 226, and the reverse roller 227.

  Here, the sheet S is guided to the duplex reversing path 5 by the duplex receiving roller 225 and the reversing roller 227 until the trailing end of the sheet S passes through the duplex reversal branch point 6 where the reversing roller 227 is provided. The reversing sensor 226 monitors the trailing edge of the sheet S to determine whether the trailing edge of the sheet S has passed through the double-sided reversing branch point 6. Based on the detection signal from the reversal sensor 226, it is calculated that the trailing edge of the sheet S has passed the double-side reversal branch point 6. At the same time, the reverse roller 227 reverses, and the trailing edge of the sheet S is guided toward the double-side registration pre-sensor 228 and the double-side registration roller 229 side.

  When the sheet S guided to the double-side reversal path 5 is reversed and guided to the double-sided conveyance path 4 side where the double-side registration pre-sensor 228 and the double-sided registration roller 229 are provided, a flapper mechanism is provided at the double-side reverse branch point 6. It is common. However, the image forming apparatus 200 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the flapper mechanism is omitted for cost reduction.

  Even if the flapper mechanism is omitted, the sheet S can be guided to the duplex conveyance path 4. The reason for this is that in the present embodiment, an elastic force due to the waist strength of the sheet S is imparted to the sheet S by bending of the double-sided reversal path 5. Then, at the same time as the trailing edge of the sheet S passes through the double-sided reversal branch point 6, the trailing edge of the sheet S jumps toward the double-sided conveyance path 4 by the elastic force due to the waist strength of the sheet S.

  In this way, the sheet S transported to the sensor 228 before double-sided registration and the double-sided registration roller 229 is temporarily stopped in the double-sided unit, triggered by the detection signal that the double-sided sensor 233 detects the leading edge of the sheet S. Thereafter, after the end position of the sheet S is detected by the sheet width detection flag 301 serving as a detecting unit that detects the end position of the sheet S, the conveyance of the sheet S is started again. Then, it is conveyed to the re-feed roller 231, the pre-registration roller 209, and the registration roller 210, and is re-conveyed to the image forming process unit 1.

  Then, a toner image is transferred to the second surface of the sheet S through the same image forming process as described above, and the sheet S on which the toner image is transferred is nipped and conveyed between the fixing roller 215 and the pressure roller 216. The toner image is fixed on the surface of the sheet S by being heated and pressurized.

  After that, the sheet S on which the toner image is fixed is switched to the discharge conveyance path 3 by the switching flapper 219 as in the case of the one-side printing described above. Then, the paper is discharged out of the main body of the image forming apparatus 200 through the discharge roller 220, the sheet detection sensor 221, the discharge roller 222, and the sheet detection sensor 223, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 224, thereby completing the double-sided printing process.

<Sheet width detection device>
Next, the configuration of the sheet width detection device 300 that detects the edge position of the sheet S by the sheet width detection flag 301 in the case of double-sided printing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operation of the sheet width detection apparatus 300 of the present embodiment. Reference numeral 301 denotes a sheet width detection flag serving as detection means for detecting the end position of the sheet S. 302 is a sheet width detection flag spring. A photo sensor 303 serves as a detection unit that detects the position of the edge of the sheet S by blocking the light path between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit by the light blocking unit of the sheet width detection flag 301. 304 is a photo sensor base. Reference numeral 305 denotes a flexible flat cable.

  Reference numeral 306 denotes a rack serving as a moving means that moves in a linear direction (left and right direction in FIG. 2). The sheet width detection flag 301 serving as detection means is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 301 a provided at an end of the rack 306, and is configured to be movable integrally with the rack 306. Reference numeral 307 denotes a drive transmission gear that meshes with the rack 306. Reference numeral 308 denotes a motor serving as a drive source.

  A gear train (not shown) fixed to the drive shaft of the motor 308 is engaged with the drive transmission gear 307. When the motor 308 is driven to rotate, the drive transmission gear 307 is rotated via a gear train (not shown), and the rack 306 meshed with the drive transmission gear 307 moves along the rack stay 310 in a straight direction (left and right in FIG. 2). Direction). The drive transmission gear 307 is composed of a two-stage gear.

  Reference numeral 309 denotes a fixing member fixed to the frame of the image forming apparatus 200 main body. The sheet width detection flag 301, the sheet width detection flag spring 302, the photo sensor 303, the photo sensor base 304, and the rack 306 are integrally unitized. Then, the rotational driving force of the motor 308 is transmitted to the drive transmission gear 307 via a gear train (not shown), and further transmitted to the rack 306 meshing with the drive transmission gear 307, whereby the sheet width detection flag 301 is set to the rack stay 310. It is comprised so that a movement to a linear direction is possible.

  The photo sensor 303 is attached to the photo sensor base 304, and both ends of the flexible flat cable 305 are held by a fixing member 309 and a regulation rib 311 provided on the rack 306.

  One end of the flexible flat cable 305 is electrically connected to a terminal of a photosensor substrate 304 to which a photosensor 303 serving as a detecting means for detecting the end position of the sheet S is electrically connected. The other end of the flexible flat cable 305 is electrically connected to a terminal of the signal processing unit 7 serving as a processing unit that processes a detection signal detected by the photosensor 303. The signal processing unit 7 is configured to always communicate with the control unit 8 serving as a control unit of the main body of the image forming apparatus 200.

<Sheet width detection operation>
Next, a detection operation of the sheet width detection apparatus 300 that detects the end position of the sheet S will be described with reference to FIG. 2A shows the position of the sheet width detection flag 301 before the detection of the sheet width, and FIG. 2B shows the position of the sheet width detection flag 301 when the sheet width is detected. The sheet S conveyed by the double-sided registration roller 229 shown in FIG. 1 is temporarily stopped at a predetermined position using a detection signal that the double-side sensor 233 detects the leading edge of the sheet S as a trigger. Then, the sheet width detection flag 301 of the sheet width detection apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 2 indicates the sheet width size of the sheet S conveyed as shown in FIG. 2A until the sheet S is stopped at a predetermined position. Waiting outside the position. The sheet S is conveyed in the vertical direction in FIG.

  The size of the sheet S is arbitrarily selected depending on the print job. Therefore, the standby position of the sheet width detection flag 301 shown in FIG. 2A is calculated based on the size information of the sheet S transmitted from the main body of the image forming apparatus 200 each time.

  After the sheet S is stopped at a predetermined position facing the sheet width detection flag 301, the motor 308 is driven to rotate. Then, the driving force supplied by the motor 308 is transmitted to the rack 306 by a gear train (not shown) and the drive transmission gear 307, and is converted into a linear movement along the rack stay 310.

  The rack 306 and the sheet width detection flag 301 are integrally unitized. The longitudinal direction of the rack stay 310 is arranged in a direction (width direction of the sheet S) perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet S. Therefore, the sheet width detection flag 301 can be linearly moved along the rack stay 310. A rack 306 serving as a moving unit includes a sheet width detection flag 301 serving as a detecting unit that detects a position of the end of the sheet S and a photo sensor 303 in the width direction of the sheet S orthogonal to the sheet S transport direction (sheet transport direction). Move to.

  The sheet width detection flag 301 moves linearly from the standby position shown in FIG. 2A along the rack stay 310 to the left in FIG. 2B and contacts the end of the sheet S in the width direction. Then, the sheet width detection flag 301 rotates about the rotation shaft 301a in the clockwise direction in FIG. Then, the light shielding portion 301b provided integrally with the sheet width detection flag 301 rotates about the rotation shaft 301a in the clockwise direction in FIG.

  As a result, the light shielding part 301b is retracted from the light path from the light shielding state shown in FIG. 2A where the light path between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the photosensor 303 is shielded by the light shielding part 301b. The light-transmitting state shown in FIG. As a result, the photosensor 303 is switched from OFF to ON. Based on the ON / OFF information of the photosensor 303, the end position of the sheet S can be detected.

  The sheet width detection flag 301 is always urged counterclockwise in FIG. 3 by the sheet width detection flag spring 302 including a torsion coil spring fitted to the rotation shaft 301a. Yes. And it hold | maintains in the attitude | position position shown to Fig.2 (a) by the stopper which is not shown in figure. When detecting the end position of the sheet S in the width direction, the sheet width detection flag 301 moves to the left in FIG. 2B along the rack stay 310 integrally with the rack 306.

  When the sheet width detection flag 301 comes into contact with the end of the sheet S in the width direction, the sheet width detection flag 301 and the light shielding portion 301b are integrally formed around the rotation shaft 301a in the timepiece of FIG. It rotates in the turning direction. Then, the optical path between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the photosensor 303 is switched from the light shielding state shown in FIG. 2A to the light transmitting state shown in FIG. 2B, and the photosensor 303 is switched from OFF to ON. The edge position of the sheet S is detected based on the information.

  The edge position information of the sheet S detected by the sheet width detection flag 301 and the photo sensor 303 is transmitted to the signal processing unit 7 via the photo sensor substrate 304 and the flexible flat cable 305. The signal processing unit 7 communicates with the control unit 8 of the main body of the image forming apparatus 200, so that the end position information of the sheet S can be fed back.

  The purpose of detecting the edge position of the sheet S by the sheet width detection device 300 is as follows. The current position information of the edge of the sheet S in the duplex conveyance path 4 is transmitted to the control unit 8 of the main body of the image forming apparatus 200. Then, the light irradiation position (second surface writing position) of the laser scanner 232 with respect to the photosensitive drum 212 in the image forming process unit 1 is corrected according to the edge position information of the sheet S.

  In double-sided printing, the end position of the sheet S may vary greatly due to factors such as a long conveyance path and a reverse rotation operation (switchback operation) of the reversing roller 227 in the middle of the conveyance process. Therefore, the edge position of the sheet S is grasped in advance in the double-sided conveyance path 4 and the positional deviation from the edge position of the sheet S in the normal case is calculated. Then, the positional deviation information is fed back to the control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 200 main body.

  The positional deviation information of the end position of the sheet S is fed back. This makes it possible to correct the light irradiation position (second surface writing position) of the laser scanner 232. Further, even on the second side of the sheet S, it is possible to reliably form an image at a regular position, and to realize high-quality double-sided printing.

<Flexible flat cable mounting configuration>
Next, the mounting configuration of the flexible flat cable 305 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, the moving direction of the rack 306 and the moving direction of the flexible flat cable 305 are arranged in the same direction. The flexible flat cable 305 electrically connects the photo sensor 303 serving as detection means and the signal processing unit 7 serving as processing means.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a part of the flexible flat cable 305 extending from the regulating rib 311 to the fixing member 309 has a predetermined rigidity and is configured to maintain a straight line state. As shown in FIG. 4, the flexible flat cable 305 of this embodiment is provided with a guide member 11 in a rack 306. The guide member 11 is disposed closer to the fixing member 309 than the regulation rib 311. As shown in FIG. 2, the guide member 11 maintains a straight line parallel to the rack stay 310. In this embodiment, the fixing member 309 and the rack stay 310 are set to a separation distance L1.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the flexible flat cable 305 has a rising portion 305 a that is bent upward in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the moving direction of the rack 306 (left-right direction in FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the rack 306 is provided with regulating ribs 311 having a G-shaped cross section. As shown in FIG. 6B, the restriction rib 311 has a fixing portion 311c fixed to the rack 306. Furthermore, it has side end restricting portions 311a and 311b connected in a direction orthogonal to the fixed portion 311c, and a front restricting portion 311d connected in a direction orthogonal to the one side end restricting portion 311b. ing. An opening 9 for attaching / detaching the flexible flat cable 305 is formed between the side end restricting portion 311a and the front face restricting portion 311d.

  The regulating rib 311 holds the flexible flat cable 305 while regulating the movement of the rising portion 305a that is a portion bent in a substantially vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the bending direction of the flexible flat cable 305 is as follows. That is, the rising portion 305a, which is a portion bent in a substantially vertical direction, is disposed inside the flexible flat cable 305 when folded (back side in FIG. 5), and the base side of the regulating rib 311 (in FIG. 5). It is arranged on the back side X).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a rising portion 305a of a flexible flat cable 305 is provided that is bent upward in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the moving direction of the rack 306 (the left-right direction in FIG. 3). The flexible flat cable 305 is formed with a horizontal portion 305f that is folded from the bent substantially vertical direction one more time in the substantially vertical direction (left and right direction in FIG. 3). Then, one end of the flexible flat cable 305 connected to the photo sensor 303 side forms a U-shape via the regulating rib 311.

  Then, the end portion of the flexible flat cable 305 is connected to the connector portion 312 provided on the photosensor substrate 304. At this time, for easy connection, an easy gripping portion 305c is formed by lightly bending once in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 3 so that the assembly operator can easily connect the flexible flat cable 305 to the connector portion 312. It is connected to the.

  Next, the reason why the flexible flat cable 305 of this embodiment has a U-shape will be described. The edge position information of the sheet S detected by the sheet width detection flag 301 corrects the irradiation position (second surface writing position) of the laser beam 232a of the laser scanner 232 with respect to the surface of the photosensitive drum 212 in the image forming process unit 1. Used for.

  For this reason, the edge position information of the sheet S detected by the sheet width detection flag 301 is required to have high accuracy. Therefore, the position of the photosensor 303 in the height direction is very important. A high dimensional tolerance is required for the dimensional accuracy of the rack 306 that supports the photosensor substrate 304 to which the photosensor 303 is attached.

  Both ends of the flexible flat cable 305 are held by a regulation rib 311 provided on the rack 306 and a fixing member 309 provided on the frame of the image forming apparatus 200 main body. However, portions other than both end portions are not held. For this reason, when the rack 306 moves, an external force is applied to the flexible flat cable 305 in any direction in the vertical and horizontal directions.

  At that time, the external force may act on the connector portion 312 or the photosensor substrate 304 via the flexible flat cable 305, and the position in the height direction of the photosensor 303 may be shaken. When the position of the photo sensor 303 in the height direction is shifted, an error occurs in the detection accuracy of the end position of the sheet S by the sheet width detection flag 301. For this reason, the irradiation position (second writing start position) of the laser beam 232 of the laser scanner 232 on the surface of the photosensitive drum 212 in the image forming process unit 1 is affected, resulting in a problem that the quality of double-sided printing deteriorates.

  In this embodiment, the flexible flat cable 305 is formed in a U shape in order to solve the problem that the position in the height direction of the photo sensor 303 is shaken by an external force acting on the flexible flat cable 305 when the rack 306 moves. And When the rack 306 moves at the U-shaped bent portion of the flexible flat cable 305, the external force acting on the flexible flat cable 305 is absorbed. As a result, external force does not act on the connector 312 and the photosensor substrate 304, and the positional accuracy of the photosensor 303 in the height direction can be ensured.

  As shown in FIG. 6, side end portions E1 and E2 of the rising portion 305a of the flexible flat cable 305 bent upward in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the moving direction of the rack 306 (left and right direction in FIG. 6) are as follows. Street. That is, it is regulated by the side end regulating portions 311a and 311b of the regulating rib 311 having a G-shaped cross section. A predetermined clearance is provided between the side end regulating portions 311a and 311b of the regulating rib 311 and the side ends E1 and E2 of the rising portion 305a of the flexible flat cable 305.

  Here, the bending direction of the flexible flat cable 305 is as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 6B, the rising portion 305a of the flexible flat cable 305 that is regulated by the side end regulating portions 311a and 311b of the regulating rib 311 is disposed on the root side X of the regulating rib 311 and is substantially in the vertical direction. It is bent upward. Here, the base side X of the regulating rib 311 is the fixing portion 311c side of the regulating rib 311 fixed to the rack 306. Further, the front end side Y of the regulating rib 311 is the opening 9 side.

  The horizontal portion 305b of the flexible flat cable 305 that is arranged and bent on the front end side Y of the regulating rib 311 is substantially parallel to the movable direction of the flexible flat cable 305. The shape of the regulating rib 311 is such that the side end regulating portion 311b and the front surface of the flexible flat cable 305 are restrained from floating in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. 6B when the rack 306 moves linearly along the rack stay 310. The restriction portion 311d is configured to have an L-shaped cross section.

  The height of the side end regulating portion 311a of the regulating rib 311 in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. 6B is the height of the horizontal portion 305b in which the flexible flat cable 305 is bent in a substantially vertical direction in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. It is set higher than this.

  A gap 10 is generated by the waist force of the flexible flat cable 305 between the rising portion 305a and the horizontal portion 305b obtained by bending the flexible flat cable 305 in a substantially vertical direction. Even in this case, the rising portion 305a of the flexible flat cable 305 is always arranged on the root side X of the side end regulating portion 311a with respect to the horizontal portion 305b that receives the force in the direction in which the rack 306 moves and floats.

  For this reason, even if the rack 306 moves, the horizontal portion 305b of the flexible flat cable 305 is restricted by the front restricting portion 311d. Further, the rising portion 305a disposed on the base side X of the side end regulating portion 311a with respect to the horizontal portion 305b does not deviate from the regulation of the side end regulating portion 311a.

  Thereby, even if a predetermined clearance is provided between the side end regulating portions 311a and 311b and the side end portions E1 and E2 of the rising portion 305a of the flexible flat cable 305, the flexible flat cable 305 is dropped from the regulating rib 311. There is no. Therefore, the flexible flat cable 305 can be easily attached to and detached from the restriction rib 311.

  In addition, a flexible flat cable 305 bent in a substantially vertical direction in advance is inserted in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 5 from the opening 9 of the regulating rib 311 and can be easily assembled to the rack 306 with a certain degree of clearance, so that parts can be replaced. Excellent in properties.

  In the present embodiment, it does not depend on the bending accuracy of the flexible flat cable 305 including floating due to bending in a substantially vertical direction, and even if the flexible flat cable 305 moves, it is difficult to come off from the regulating rib 311. Further, it is excellent in parts exchangeability and assemblability, and low cost can be realized by providing the regulation rib 311 integrally with the rack 306. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a separate member for fixing the flexible flat cable 305 to the rack 306, the weight of the rack 306 can be reduced, and the load on the motor 308 can be minimized. Also, no complicated bundling is required.

  In this embodiment, the rack 306 is used as the moving means of the sheet width detection flag 301. However, a belt or a ball screw may be used instead of the rack 306 depending on the required detection accuracy. Further, the sheet width detection flag 301 is used as a detection means for detecting the end position of the sheet S. This also emits light according to the required detection accuracy, a light receiving type light sensor or LED (Light Emitting Diode). A diode) sensor may be used.

  In this embodiment, the flexible flat cable 305 is formed in a U shape, so that variations in the position of the photosensor 303 in the height direction can be suppressed.

  Next, the configuration of the second embodiment of the image forming apparatus provided with the detection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, what was comprised similarly to the said 1st Embodiment attaches | subjects the same member name even if the same code | symbol or a code | symbol differs, and abbreviate | omits description.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective explanatory view for explaining the configuration and operation of the sheet width detecting apparatus 300 of the present embodiment. FIG. 7A shows a standby state before the sheet width detection flag 301 detects the end of the sheet S in the width direction. FIG. 7B shows a detection state in which the sheet width detection flag 301 detects the end of the sheet S in the width direction. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the sheet width detection apparatus 300 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the flexible flat cable 305 of this embodiment is a rack 306 that becomes a moving means by a regulating rib 311 on the connection side with the photosensor 303 that becomes a detecting means, as in the first embodiment. Retained. The flexible flat cable 305 pulled out from the regulating rib 311 is configured to have a predetermined opening angle α with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rack stay 310 that is the moving direction of the rack 306.

  The flexible flat cable 305 of this embodiment is also configured such that a part of the flexible flat cable 305 extending from the regulating rib 311 to the fixing member 309 has a predetermined rigidity and can maintain a straight line state. The flexible flat cable 305 of the first embodiment is maintained in a straight line parallel to the rack stay 310 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the flexible flat cable 305 of this embodiment is set such that the separation distance L2 of the fixing member 309 from the rack stay 310 is larger than the separation distance L1 of the first embodiment. Further, the rack 306 is provided with a guide member 11 that is disposed closer to the fixing member 309 than the regulating rib 311. The guide member 11 is maintained in a linear shape with a predetermined opening angle α with respect to the rack stay 310 by an inclination angle provided on a support surface that supports the flexible flat cable 305 of the guide member 11 as shown in FIG. .

  By the movement of the rack 306, the flexible flat cable 305 is pulled out along the longitudinal direction of the rack stay 310, which is the moving direction of the rack 306, at a predetermined opening angle α. At that time, the elastic force of the flexible flat cable 305 is generated in the direction of arrow F in FIG. With this elastic force, the flexible flat cable 305 is pressed against the root side X of the regulating rib 311 shown in FIG.

  In this way, the flexible flat cable 305 is provided with a predetermined opening angle α with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rack stay 310 that is the moving direction of the rack 306. The flexible flat cable 305 is attached to the rack 306 in a state where an elastic force is applied by the waist strength by a predetermined opening angle α with respect to the movable direction. 7 and FIG. 8, the flexible flat cable 305 is given elastic force by waist strength at the opening angle α, so that the elastic force of the flexible flat cable 305 is applied in the direction of the root side X of the regulating rib 311. Work to be pressed against.

  The elastic force of the flexible flat cable 305 generated in this way is used. Thereby, even when the flexible flat cable 305 moves, the elastic force of the flexible flat cable 305 always works. Due to this elastic force, the rising portion 305 a that is bent upward in the substantially vertical direction of the flexible flat cable 305 is pressed in the direction of the root side X of the regulating rib 311.

  For this reason, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the rising portion 305a, which is a portion bent upward in the substantially vertical direction of the flexible flat cable 305, is less likely to come off from the regulating rib 311. Further, the elastic force in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 8 can prevent the flexible flat cable 305 from floating from the rack 306 and can be surely placed along the rack stay 310.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, if the inclined shape of the guide member 11 that guides the flexible flat cable 305 of the rack 306 is changed, it can be easily realized, so that the assemblability is good. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same effects can be obtained.

  Next, the configuration of the third embodiment of the image forming apparatus including the detection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, what was comprised similarly to each said embodiment attaches | subjects the same member name even if the same code | symbol or a code | symbol differs, and abbreviate | omits description.

  In each of the above embodiments, the axial direction of the regulating rib 311 is arranged in the vertical direction in FIG. This embodiment is an example in which the axial direction of the regulating rib 311 is arranged in the horizontal direction in FIG. The regulating rib 311 is provided on the rack 306 and moves in a linear direction along the rack stay 310 integrally with the rack 306. The restricting rib 311 holds the restricting rib 311 while restricting the movement of the horizontal portion 305e, which is a portion bent in the substantially vertical direction, from the falling portion 305d, which is a portion bent downward in the substantially vertical direction of the flexible flat cable 305. To do.

  With respect to the bending direction of the flexible flat cable 305 from the falling portion 305d to the horizontal portion 305e, the horizontal portion 305e that is the inner side of the flexible flat cable 305 when folded is disposed on the root side X of the regulating rib 311. The flexible flat cable 305 of this embodiment is as follows. The flexible flat cable 305 bent substantially downward in the vertical direction with respect to the moving direction of the rack 306 is folded back in the substantially vertical direction once more from the bent substantially vertical direction to form a Z shape. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same effects can be obtained.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, an example of the image forming apparatus 200 including the sheet width detection apparatus 300 has been described as an example of the detection apparatus. As another configuration, the present invention can be similarly applied to a recording apparatus including a carriage detection apparatus that detects the position of a carriage on which a recording head is mounted as an example of the detection apparatus. That is, the present invention can be applied to a recording apparatus having a carriage including a rack 306 serving as a moving unit described in each of the embodiments, an ink jet recording head mounted on the carriage, and a control unit that controls the carriage. .

  Instead of the sheet width detection flag 301 mounted on the rack 306 of each embodiment, a carriage detection flag for detecting the position of the carriage on which the recording head is mounted is mounted on the rack 306. Then, the light shielding portion 301b that rotates integrally with the carriage detection flag about the rotation shaft 301a sets the light path between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the photosensor 303 serving as detection means to be in a light transmitting state or a light shielding state. . As a result, the photosensor 303 is turned ON / OFF. Then, the detection signal of the photosensor 303 is transmitted to the signal processing unit 7 as processing means via the flexible flat cable 305 having the configuration described above in each embodiment, and the carriage and recording apparatus are controlled by the control unit 8 as control means. It can also be set as the structure which performs control.

7: Signal processing section (processing means)
301 ... Sheet width detection flag (detection means)
303… Photo sensor (detection means)
305… Flexible flat cable
305a: Rising part (part bent in a substantially vertical direction)
306 ... Rack (moving means)
311… Regulatory rib

Claims (3)

And moving means for direct SenUtsuri motion,
Detecting means provided in the moving means;
Processing means for processing a signal fixed at a predetermined position other than the moving means and detected by the detecting means;
A flexible flat cable that electrically connects the detection means and the processing means, and the cable is arranged in the middle of the cable from the processing means to the detection means so that the direction of the cable wiring is approximately 45 degrees. A flexible flat cable provided with a bent portion changed by approximately 90 ° ;
In a detection device having
Wherein the moving means is regulating rib is provided to hold while restricting the movement of the front Kiori Ri bending portion position of the flexible flat cable,
The restriction rib has a shape surrounding the bent part, and an opening for inserting the bent part into a space in the enclosure is provided in a part of the restriction rib enclosure ,
The enclosure of the regulating rib is a first side that regulates a side of the portion closer to the detection means than the bent portion of the cable and is orthogonal to the portion closer to the processing means than the bent portion of the cable. And a second side end regulating portion, a portion connecting the first and second side end regulating portions, and a fixing portion for fixing the regulating rib to the moving means, and the second side end regulating portion. A front surface restricting portion that forms the opening together with the first side end restricting portion, and a portion extending from the first side end restricting portion ,
An end of the first side end regulating portion opposite to the fixed portion protrudes to the opening side from the space side surface of the front regulating portion ,
In the cable, a portion closer to the processing means than the bent portion is in contact with the front surface regulating portion, and a portion closer to the detecting means than the bent portion is opposed to the space side surface of the fixing portion. a sensing device which is characterized that you have been inserted into the space within the enclosure. The detection means detects an end position of the sheet,
The detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving unit moves the detection unit in a direction orthogonal to a sheet conveyance direction. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images