JPH07160599A - Electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain the miniaturization and the improvement of reliability of a system and to surely recognize the loading/unloading state of a loadable/ unloadable unit by the use of a main control part. CONSTITUTION:In the system in which a unit control part 50 controlled according to the command of the main control part of the body is provided in a unit loadable/unloadable on the main body of an electronic device, and a signal line 57 and a power source bus 58 between the main control part and the unit control part 50 are connected via connectors 61, 62, a multiplex communication control circuit 51 which communicates control data with the main control part, and a loading/unloading detecting switch 55 which detects the loading of the unit on the main body when it is loaded are provided at the unit control part 50, and loading/unloading detection information by the switch is transmitted to the main control part by multiplex communication by the multiplex communication control circuit 51.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus having a detachable unit such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a personal computer, etc., and more particularly to a technique for recognizing a connection state and a communication state between a main body and the unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an electronic apparatus such as a copying machine, a method is proposed in which a main control section in a main body and a control section of each unit or a peripheral device are connected by multiplex communication or a serial communication line to reduce the harness in the machine. Has been done.

By the way, in a copying machine, various units can be attached and detached for the purpose of removing paper jams by a user or inspecting the operation of each unit by a service person. Peripheral devices can be attached to and detached from the main body, and each unit is connected to the main body via a connector.

In that case, by providing a communication control unit for multiplex communication (or serial communication) in each unit, the number of connection points between the unit and the external harness is reduced, and contact reliability is improved and the connection unit is small. Although it is advantageous in terms of cost reduction and cost reduction, the main control unit in the main body is
It is necessary to recognize whether or not each unit is installed.

An electronic device that does not perform multiplex communication is provided with a dedicated signal line for detecting the attachment / detachment of a unit, and the main control section can recognize the attachment / detachment of the unit based on the state of this signal line. Since the electronic device does not have a dedicated signal line, the attachment / detachment detection of the unit is transmitted from the main body side to the unit side to confirm the attachment,
It does so by receiving the response.

[0006]

Generally, there is a method of monitoring the attachment / detachment state of each unit from the main control section side in the main body of the apparatus. In this method, the main control section instructs each unit control section to Since it is necessary to constantly communicate the detachment confirmation signal, it causes a collision with other signals,
Problems such as a copy operation affecting the function of the electronic device occur.

Further, in order to exchange the signal only when the unit is pulled out, it is necessary to detect the detachment on the unit side. However, when the unit is pulled out, the power of the communication control unit of the unit control unit is also removed, so the signal when the unit is removed cannot be transmitted to the main control unit.
There is a problem that the main control unit side cannot judge whether the unit has left.

Further, in an electronic device having a plurality of units in the main body, wiring of communication lines for performing data communication between the main control unit of the main body and the unit control unit of each unit is one line from the main control unit. The communication line input to the nearest unit control unit is branched on the unit control unit,
One of them is connected to the communication control unit in the unit control unit, the other is output from this unit and input to another unit control unit, and this is repeated, and all units are connected by a common communication line. It is connected to the main control unit.

However, in the wiring configuration of such a communication line, when either unit is to be removed,
It was not possible to make the unit removable because the communication line was cut off at that part. Therefore, in order to make the unit attachable to and detachable from the main body, it is necessary to install a board for branching the communication line outside the unit control section or to directly branch the communication line for wiring the communication line. It was However, in this case, a new board is installed or the communication line is once disconnected, which increases the cost of the device and reduces the reliability of communication.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and is composed of a main body having the above-mentioned main control section and a unit detachable from the main body, and the main control unit is provided in the unit. A unit control unit that is controlled according to the command of the unit is connected, and a communication line for control data between the main control unit and the unit control unit and a power supply line for supplying power from the main body side to the unit side are connected via a connector. In such an electronic device, it is an object of the present invention to reduce the size of the system and improve reliability, and to make it possible for the main control unit to reliably recognize the attachment / detachment state of the detachable unit.

Further, even if one of the plurality of units is detached from the main body, the communication line between the other unit and the main control unit is not cut off, and a new board is installed for that purpose. It also aims to avoid having to branch the communication line directly.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a main body having a main controller and a unit detachable from the main body, and a unit controller which is controlled in the unit in accordance with a command from the main controller. In the electronic device, which is provided with a section, and a communication line for control data between the main control section and the unit control section and a power supply line for supplying power from the main body side to the unit side are connected via a connector, In order to achieve the above, the unit controller, multiple communication control means for communicating control data with the main controller,
Desorption detecting means for detecting when the unit is detached from the main body, and detachment detection information by the detachment detecting means is transmitted to the main control section by multiplex communication by the multiplex communication control means. Is.

In addition, the unit control section, when the unit is detached from the unit, detects the detachment of the unit before connecting and disconnecting the communication line and the power line by the connector, and the detachment detection unit. A means for transmitting the detection information to the main control unit when the attachment / detachment is detected by the means may be provided. In the electronic device, the main control unit further receives the detection information transmitted from the unit control unit, determines that the unit is detached, and stops transmission and power supply to the unit for a predetermined period after the disconnection. Means should be provided.

Alternatively, the unit control section may stop the energization of the attachment / detachment detection means and the drive parts in the unit at the time when the detachment of the unit is detected, and at the same time, a unit detachment signal is transmitted to the main control section. Means for transmitting a unit mounting signal to the main control unit at the time when the attachment / detachment detecting unit detects mounting of the unit may be provided. Alternatively, the unit control unit transmits the detection information to the main control unit when the removal detection unit, the disconnection unit that disconnects the communication line and the power supply line, and the removal detection unit when the removal of the unit is detected. After that, the shutoff means may be activated, and means for canceling the operation of the shutoff means at the time when the attachment / detachment detection means detects the mounting of the unit may be provided.

Further, in an electronic device comprising a main body having a main control section and a unit detachable from the main body, and having a unit control section in the unit which is controlled in accordance with a command from the main control section, In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an operating member for detaching the unit from the main body, a switch means opened and closed by a lever interlocked with the operating member, and a signal generated by opening and closing the switch means are provided in the unit. And a means for transmitting to the main control unit as the attachment / detachment signal.

Further, it comprises a main body having a main control section, a unit fixed to the main body and a detachable unit, and a unit control section controlled in accordance with a command from the main control section in each unit thereof. In order to achieve the above object, the electronic device has a detection means for detecting attachment / detachment of a detachable unit on the main body side, and the unit controller in a fixed unit close to the detachable unit is provided with the detection unit. Also provided is a means for inputting a detection signal from the means and transmitting a unit attachment / detachment signal to the main control section.

Further, it comprises a main body having a main control section and a unit which can be attached to and detached from the main body by opening the cover or door of the main body. Therefore, in an electronic device having a controlled unit control unit, in order to achieve the above object, a means for transmitting an opening signal of the cover or door to the main control unit is provided on the main body side, and the main control is performed. A means for periodically transmitting a signal for confirmation of attachment / detachment to the unit side while the cover or door is open, and a means for judging the attachment / detachment of the unit depending on whether or not there is a reply from the unit to the transmission. It is also provided with.

Alternatively, the main body side is provided with means for transmitting an open signal and a close signal of the cover or door to the main control section, and the main control section judges that the unit has been detached by receiving the open signal. However, a unit attachment / detachment determination means for transmitting a confirmation signal to the unit control unit when receiving the closing signal and determining that the unit is attached when receiving a reply from the unit may be provided.

Alternatively, instead of the unit attachment / detachment determination means in the main control unit, a unit attachment / detachment determination means for determining that the unit has been detached by receiving the open signal and determining that the unit has been attached when receiving the close signal. In addition, when the means determines that the unit has detached, it prohibits communication with the unit and stops the supply of power to the unit, and when it determines that the unit is mounted, it supplies power to the unit. And a means for releasing the prohibition of communication with the unit.

Further, an electronic device having a fixed unit and a detachable unit in the main body and connected by a common communication line for transmitting and receiving control data between the main control unit of the main body and the unit control unit of each unit. In, a unit control unit of a detachable unit connected to the terminal of the communication line as viewed from the main control unit is also provided. Alternatively, the unit control unit of the unit detachable from the main body may be connected to the communication line branched on the unit control unit of the unit fixed to the main body.

[0021]

In the first electronic device according to the present invention having the above-described structure, when the unit is attached to or detached from the main body, the attachment / detachment detecting means in the unit detects it, and the attachment / detachment detection information is multiplexed. Since it is sent to the main control unit by
A communication system that connects a control unit of a unit that can be attached to and detached from the main body and a main control unit with a common signal line (communication line) can be adopted, the number of connection signal lines and connectors can be reduced, and the system can be downsized. Further, the attachment / detachment of the unit to / from the main body can be reliably recognized by the main control unit, and the reliability of the operation can be improved.

When the unit is detached from the main body or attached to the main body, the second electronic device detects the attachment / detachment on the unit side before connecting / disconnecting the communication line and the power supply line by the connector, and performs the main control. By notifying the department, the recognition of unit attachment / detachment in the main control unit becomes more reliable. The third electronic device further stops the transmission and power supply to the unit for a predetermined period after the disconnection when the main control unit receives the detachment detection information transmitted from the unit control unit and determines that the unit is detached. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the connector contact, noise generation, and communication failure when the unit is detached.

In the fourth electronic device, when the attachment / detachment detecting means provided in the unit controller detects the detachment of the unit, the power supply to the drive parts in the unit is stopped and the unit detachment signal is sent to the main controller. And the unit attachment signal is transmitted to the main controller when the attachment / detachment detecting means detects attachment of the unit, the same operation as the third electronic device can be performed faster.

In the fifth electronic device, when the unit is disconnected from the main body, the disconnection is detected before the connection of the communication line and the power supply line by the connector on the unit side is cut off, and the communication line and the power supply line are detected. As in the third electronic device, it is possible to more reliably prevent damage to the connector contacts, noise, or communication failure when the unit is disconnected (the unit is detached from the third electronic device). It is quicker than the fourth electronic device, from the detection to the power shutdown).

The sixth electronic device uses an operating member for detaching the unit from the main body, and the switch means is opened via the lever by an operation when the unit is detached, and the signal is used as a unit detachment signal. Since it is transmitted to the control unit, it is possible to ensure the recognition of the unit withdrawal by the main control unit simply by adding a simple mechanism.

In the seventh electronic device, when the main body includes a fixed unit and a detachable unit, the main body detects attachment / detachment of the detachable unit, and a fixed unit close to the unit (the nearest node). ), The detection signal is input to the control unit, and the unit attachment / detachment signal is transmitted to the main control unit accordingly, so no special control means is required on the detachable unit side, and a simple configuration and reliable It is possible to perform a high degree of desorption confirmation.

When the cover or door of the main body is opened, the eighth electronic device sends an open signal to the main control unit, and the main control unit periodically waits for the unit side while the cover or door is open. A signal for confirmation of attachment / detachment is transmitted to. Then, since the attachment / detachment of the unit is determined by the presence or absence of a response from the unit to the transmission, no special means is required on the unit side, and the influence on the original operation (copy operation etc.) due to signal collision is avoided. be able to.

The ninth electronic device sends an open signal and a close signal to the main controller when the cover or door of the main body is opened and closed on the main body side. As a result, the main control unit determines that the unit has separated due to the reception of the open signal,
When a closing signal is received, a confirmation signal is sent to the unit control unit, and when a reply from the unit is received, it is determined that the unit has been mounted. Therefore, no special mechanism is required and the unit can be attached / detached at low cost. can do.

In the tenth electronic device, the main control unit determines that the unit is detached by receiving the open signal of the cover or the door, and determines that the unit is mounted when receiving the close signal, and the unit is When it is determined that the unit is detached, communication with the unit is prohibited and power supply is stopped, and when it is determined that the unit is mounted, power supply to the unit is started and communication prohibition is released. Therefore, since power is not supplied to the unit while the cover or the door is open (while the unit can be attached and detached), damage to the connector contacts and generation of noise can be prevented, and reliability can be improved.

The eleventh and twelfth electronic devices have a fixed unit and a detachable unit in the main body, and are for transmitting and receiving control data between the main control unit of the main body and the unit control unit of each unit. When connecting with a common communication line, connect the unit control section of the detachable unit to the terminal of the above communication line as seen from the main control section, or connect it to the communication line branched on the control section of the fixed unit. I'm connecting,
Even if the detachable unit is detached from the main body, the communication line between the other unit and the main control unit is not interrupted,
The reliability of communication can be improved. Moreover, there is no need to install a new substrate or directly branch the communication line.

[0031]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a copying machine will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the structure of the copying machine. When the front door 2 of the main body 1 is opened, the photoconductor unit 11 is disposed in the center, the developing unit 12 is on the right side of the photoconductor unit 11, and the three-stage paper feeding unit 13 is below. The fixing units 14 are arranged on the left side. Each of these units has a structure that can be easily attached to and detached from the main body 1 for the purpose of removing paper jams by a user or inspecting the operation of the unit by a service person. Each unit and an external harness have a drawer connector. Connected through.

Although not shown, control units such as a high-voltage control unit and an optical control unit, which are not normally removable, are arranged at the rear of the main body 1, and a fixed operation unit including an operation panel is provided at the front of the main body 1. The unit 5 is further equipped with an automatic document feeder (ADF) 6 on the upper side and peripheral devices such as a sorter 7 on the left side. Each of the above-mentioned units and peripheral devices are provided with components such as actuators and sensors for performing the functions of the units, and their control circuits and communication control circuits. In addition, the main body 1 is provided with a main control unit for integrally controlling each unit of this copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a multiplex communication circuit in which the main control section, the control section of each unit and the control section of the peripheral device are connected by a common communication line. In this example,
Main control unit 21 and operation unit control unit 2 in the main body
2, a detachable unit and a photoconductor unit controller 23 which is a controller of peripheral devices, a developing unit controller 24,
The common unit 20 connects the fixing unit controller 25, the sheet feeding unit controller 26, and the ADF controller 27.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the main controller 21.
A CPU 41 for executing a copy control program,
ROM 4 connected to CPU 41 via bus 46
2, RAM 43, multiplex communication control circuit 44, and input / output port 45. The multiplex communication control circuit 44 is CP
Between U41 and the control unit of each of the plurality of units described above,
The output of the control program executed by the CPU 41 and the exchange of signals such as sensor input and attachment detection signals from each unit are executed. The input / output port 45 is prepared for signals such as clock signals and analog signals that cannot be handled by multiplex communication.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration common to a unit control section, which is a control section provided in each of a unit detachable from the main body and a unit fixedly installed. The unit controller 50 transmits a sensor output of each unit to the main controller 21, receives a control signal from the main controller 21, and converts it into an individual signal, and an output buffer circuit 52a. And the input buffer circuit 52b, the actuators 53 operated by the output from the output buffer circuit 52a, the input buffer circuit 5
It is composed of sensors 54 and the like for inputting a detection signal to 2b.

The unit control section 50 is connected to the external signal line 57 and the power bus 58 on the main body side via the unit side connector 61 and the main body side connector 62.
In the case of a unit fixed to the main body, the connectors 61 and 62 are omitted and the external signal line 57 and the power bus 5 are omitted.
8 and the unit controller 50 may be directly connected by wiring.

In the unit control section 50 of the unit which can be attached to and detached from the main body, as one of the sensors 54, attachment / detachment as a unit-side attachment / detachment detecting means for generating a detection signal when the unit is attached to or detached from the main body A detection switch 55 is provided. A specific example will be described below.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a unit structure detachable from the main body. The unit 60 is guided by a pair of slide rails 1a, 1a formed on the frame of the main body 1 to move. . Further, a male connector 61 for connecting the main body side to the power supply line and the communication line, and a unit attachment / detachment detection switch 55 are attached to the tip of the unit 60. The unit mounting detection switch 55 is
Only the lever portion 55a and the push pin portion 55b are attached to the inside of the housing of the unit 60 so as to project from one side surface 60a of the housing to the outside. A female connector 62 on the main body side is fitted to the male connector 61 on the unit 60 side.

FIGS. 6 to 8 are views showing each step when the unit 60 is mounted on the main body side. FIG. 6 is before mounting the unit, FIG. 7 is a state in which the unit is pushed to a certain position, and FIG. Shows the state where the unit is completely attached to the main body side. As shown in these drawings, the female connector 62 on the main body side includes a pair of guide rods 63, 63 and a pair of coil springs fitted to the outside of the fixed frame 1b of the main body and a bracket 1c fixed to the fixed frame 1b. 64,6
It is attached so that it can move back and forth by 4 and. Further, a dog 56 for operating the attachment / detachment detection switch 55 is provided on the fixed frame 1b in a protruding manner.

As shown in FIG. 6, the female connector 6 on the main body side
When the unit 60 is pushed into the fixed frame 1b side of the main body from the state where the male connector 61 on the unit side is opposed to 2, the male connector 61 is fitted into the female connector 62 as shown in FIG. The power line and the communication line on the unit side and the unit side are connected to each other, and the unit control unit 50 and the main body control unit 21 described above can communicate with each other. In this state, the dog 56 fixed to the main body is attached to the unit 60.
Lever part 55 of the detachment detection switch 55 fixed to the
Contact a.

When the unit 60 is further pushed in, the female connector 62 on the main body side is pushed by the male connector 61 and is guided by the guide rod 63 while compressing the coil spring 64 and retracts. As shown in FIG. Is completely attached to the body side. At this time, the dog 56 pushes the push pin portion 55b by pushing the lever portion 55a of the attachment / detachment detection switch 55 to rotate it in the counterclockwise direction in the figure. As a result, the contact inside the attachment / detachment detection switch 55 is turned on to detect the attachment of the unit. The detection signal is input to the multiplex communication control circuit 51 via the input buffer 52a shown in FIG.

On the contrary, when the unit 60 is pulled out from the completely mounted state shown in FIG. 8 and detached from the main body, the detachment detection switch 55 is first pulled out to the state shown in FIG. Is turned off to detect the disconnection, but at that time, the male connector 61 is still in the female connector 62.
The main body side and the unit side are connected to the power supply line and the communication line to maintain the communicable state. When the unit 60 is further pulled out, the male connector 61 of the unit 60 is pulled out from the female connector 62 on the main body side as shown in FIG. 6, and the power supply line and the communication line on the main body side and the unit side are disconnected.

FIG. 9 is a view showing another example of the unit attachment / detachment detecting means, showing a state in which the unit is being mounted, similar to FIG. 7, and like parts to FIGS. 6 to 8 are designated by like reference numerals. I am doing it. In this embodiment, a male connector 65 for detecting attachment / detachment of the unit is provided on the unit 60 side in place of the attachment / detachment detection switch 55 described above, and the male connector 65 is fitted to the fixed frame 1b and bracket 1c sides of the main body. The female connector 66 is fixed. The predetermined two pins of the female connector 66 are short-circuited by a short-circuit wire 67.

When mounting the unit 60 on the main body side, as shown in FIG.
When it is mounted up to the state shown in (1), the male connector 61 and the female connector 62 on the main body side are fitted to connect the power source line and the communication line on the main body side and the unit side, and the unit control unit 50 and the main body control unit 21 are connected. It becomes possible to communicate between. After that, when the unit 60 is further completely mounted, the male connector 65 on the unit side fits into the female connector 66 on the main body side.
As a result, the predetermined two pins of the male connector 65 are short-circuited by the connection with the short-circuited two pins of the female connector 66, and the detection signal is input to the multiplex communication control circuit 51 via the input buffer 52a shown in FIG. It

When the unit 60 is detached from the main body, in the detaching process, first, the male connector 65 on the unit 60 side is detached from the female connector 66 on the main body side, and the predetermined two pins are opened. When the detachment of the unit is detected, the male connector 61 of the unit 60 is then detached from the female connector 62 on the main body side, and the power supply line and the communication line on the main body side and the unit side are disconnected.

FIG. 10 shows a multiplex communication control circuit 51 of the unit controller 50 shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the unit attachment / detachment detection process by FIG.
Is a part of the operation flow of the main control unit 21 in the main body 1. In FIG. 10, when the currently mounted unit is pulled out, the attachment / detachment detection switch 55 (may be the male connector 65 described above) changes from the ON state to the OFF state, but at that time, the connectors 61 and 62 described above are still present.
Is a connected state, and the unit controller 50 is in an active state.

At this point, all the power components (driving components) in the unit are turned off so that power is not supplied from the main body side, and the unit mounting OFF signal (the detachment detection switch 55 is turned off). (A signal indicating that) is transmitted to the main control unit 21. When the unit is further pulled out, the connectors 61 and 62 are disengaged from each other, and the communication line and the power line are cut off to disable communication, but there is no problem because the unit mounting OFF signal is transmitted. Also, when the connectors 61 and 62 are disconnected, it is after all the power loads in the unit have been turned off.
It is possible to avoid damage to the contacts.

When mounting the unit, first, the communication line and the power supply line are connected to activate the unit controller 50. After that, the detachment detection switch 55 goes from OFF to O
Since the state changes to the N state, the change is detected and a unit mounting ON signal is transmitted to the main control unit 30 of the main body.

When the main control unit 30 of the main body receives a unit attachment / detachment signal (unit attachment ON signal or OFF signal) from the unit control unit 50 as shown in FIG. The flag is turned off to prohibit transmission to the unit, and the power supply to the unit is turned off.

This prevents the contacts from being damaged when the connectors 61 and 62 are separated. Further, by prohibiting transmission to the unit while the unit is not mounted, it is possible to prevent trouble such as communication error. On the contrary, when the unit mounting ON signal is received, the unit mounting flag is turned ON to release the transmission prohibition to the unit and to turn off the power supply to the unit.
Set to N.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing another example of the unit control section in the unit detachable from the main body. 70
Is a unit-side connector that is fitted and connected to the main body-side connector, and has a + 24V load power supply terminal a, + 5V
Control power source terminal b, a GND terminal c connected to ground, and a signal terminal d connected to a signal line (communication line). When the unit is detached from the main body, the power relay 71 having two normally open contacts is set to +24 in order to shut off both the + 24V and + 5V power circuits.
It is provided so that power is supplied from the V power supply circuit.

The load group 74 has a load power supply terminal a.
Power is supplied from the power relay 71 through one of the normally-open contacts 71a of the power relay 71.
3 and the input buffer 74 are supplied with power from the control power supply terminal b through the other normally open contact 71b of the power supply relay 71. In addition, a detachment detection switch is provided with two contacts, and one of the contacts 77a is attached to ON / OF.
It is connected between the input buffer 74 and the ground for F signal generation, and the other contact 77b is connected in parallel with the normally open contact 71b of the power supply relay 71 inserted in the control power supply circuit.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a unit attachment / detachment detection process by the multiplex communication control circuit 72 of the unit control section. In this case, the change of the attachment / detachment detection switch is monitored, and the contact 77a of the attachment / detachment detection switch changes from ON to OFF when the unit is detached, and therefore, a mounting OFF signal is transmitted to the main control unit at that time. Then, the relay timer is started, and when the time is up, the power relay is turned off. As a result, the two normally-open contacts 71a and 71b are turned off.
It becomes FF, and at this time, the contact 77b of the detachment detection switch is also O
Since it is FF, all power supplies in the unit are shut off. The relay timer is a soft timer provided to obtain a guaranteed time until the mounting OFF signal is received by the main control unit.

Therefore, it is possible to reliably notify the main controller of the detachment of the unit, and the connector 70 is detached from the connector on the main body side when all the power supplies are surely shut off. Damage and noise are completely prevented.

When the unit is mounted, when the unit is mounted to a certain position, the connector 70 is fitted with the connector on the main body side, and the power supply line and the signal (communication) line are connected.
At this point, the power relay 71 is in the OFF state, and the unit control circuit does not operate. When the unit is completely attached, the attachment / detachment detection switches 77a and 77b are turned on, and the control power is supplied through the switch 77b to activate the unit control circuit.

When the process shown in the flow chart of FIG. 13 is started and the contact 77a of the attachment / detachment detection switch is ON, the mounting ON signal is transmitted to the main control unit and the timer relay is up. Reset and set the timer relay if the time has not expired.

FIG. 14 is a view showing another structural example of a unit which can be attached to and detached from the main body. This unit 80 has an operating portion lever 82 and a hooked lock lever 83 by means of a shaft 81 at one corner of its rear end portion. It is attached so that it can rotate together. The levers 82 and 83 are biased in the clockwise direction in the figure by a spring (not shown) provided around the shaft 81, and when the unit 80 is mounted in the arrow P direction with respect to the main body of the electronic device. , The lock lever 83 is mounted while being pushed back to the lock member 84 fixed to the main body side,
When it is completely mounted, it is turned clockwise and hooked on the lock member as shown by the solid line in the figure, and the unit 80 is locked so as not to be unintentionally disengaged.

Reference numeral 85 denotes an attachment / detachment detection switch, which opens the contact in the state shown by the solid line in which the lock lever 83 is engaged with the lock member 84. And this unit 80
When detaching the unit from the main unit, the user
Insert the hand through the opening 80a of the
When the lock lever 83 is rotated like this, the lock lever 83 is also rotated in the direction of the arrow B in conjunction therewith, and the lock lever 84 is disengaged from the lock member 84 to release the lock so that the drawer can be pulled out. It rotates with the lever 82 and pushes the push pin 85a of the attachment / detachment detection switch 85 to turn off its normally closed contact.

That is, when the operation lever 82 is operated to pull out the unit from the main body and the lock is released (the power supply line and the signal line are still connected), the detachment detection switch 85 is turned off. Can be transmitted from the unit controller to the main controller on the main body side as a unit mounting OFF signal. The operation when mounting the unit 80 is similar to that of the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing still another embodiment of the present invention, in which the attachment / detachment of the unit is detected on the main body side. In FIG. 15, 90
Is a unit removable from the main body, and 91 is a fixed unit fixed to the main body, which is a unit near the removable unit 90. Since the configuration of each of these unit control parts is substantially the same as that of the unit control part shown in FIG. 12, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 12 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. However, the power relay 71 is not provided.

Further, the connector 70a of the detachable unit 90 is provided with a terminal e for generating a detachment signal, which is connected to the ground (GND), and the connector 70b of the fixed unit 91 is provided with a detachment detection signal. An input terminal f is provided, which is connected to a + 5V control power source via a pull-up resistor R and is also connected to one of the input terminals of the input buffer 74. And, these respective connectors 70a, 7
The terminal e of 0b and the terminal f of the main body side connector (not shown) connected to the terminal f are connected by a conducting wire 92 in advance. In addition, each sensor group 7 in this unit 90, 91
No attachment / detachment detection switch needs to be provided in 5.

According to this embodiment, when the detachable unit 90 is attached to the main body, the fixed unit 9
The terminal f of the connector 71b of No. 1 is a detachable unit 9
Since it is connected to the terminal e of the connector 71a of 0 and grounded, it is held at a low level. When the detachable unit 90 is detached from the main body from that state, the terminal f is disconnected from the ground on the fixed unit 91 side, and the input of the input buffer 74 is set to the high level by the pull-up voltage. Detects this and sends a departure signal to the main unit of the main body.

When the unit 90 is mounted on the main body, the terminal f is grounded on the fixed unit side to bring the input of the input buffer 74 to the low level, so that the multiplex communication control circuit 72 detects it, A mounting signal is transmitted to the main unit of the main body. In this way, the attachment / detachment of the detachable unit 90 can be reliably transmitted to the main control unit by using the fixing unit 91 in the vicinity thereof, and the signal line for the attachment / detachment detection can be shortened.

Next, an embodiment in which a door switch is used to detect the attachment / detachment of a unit will be described. Generally, in an electronic device including a door (also called a cover) of a copying machine,
A door switch that operates by opening and closing the door is provided. When the door is opened, the door switch is turned on or off, and the function of the device (copy function etc.)
The function of each internal unit may be stopped in some cases.

In the copying machine shown in FIG. 2, detachable units such as the photoconductor unit 11, the developing unit 12 and the fixing unit 14 cannot be pulled out unless the front door 2 of the main body 1 is opened. In addition, many electronic devices are designed so that a removable unit cannot be pulled out unless the door is opened. Therefore, in the case of such a device, it can be regarded that the opening of the door and the detachment of the unit are functionally equivalent, and the attachment / detachment of the unit can be detected by an inexpensive means having no additional mechanism.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the unit attachment / detachment detection process by the main controller in the main body when the door switch is used. Door switch is off when the door is opened
And a door open signal is generated. When the main control unit receives the door open signal, the unit mounting flag turns ON.
If it is, the operation state of the predetermined unit is checked, and if it is in operation, the operation end command is transmitted and the routine is temporarily exited.

Then, when the unit that has received the operation end command at the time of executing this processing has finished its operation, the communication with that unit is prohibited thereafter, and the power supply to the unit is also stopped. When it is determined that the unit has detached, the unit mounting flag is turned off, and this routine is exited.

When the door is closed, the door switch is turned on and a door closing signal is generated. If the unit mounting flag is OFF at the time of receiving the door closing signal, the main control unit restarts power supply to the unit, permits communication with the unit, and once exits this routine. Then, a unit mounting ON signal is transmitted from the control unit of the unit, and when it is received, the mounting of the unit is recognized and the unit mounting flag is turned ON.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing another example of the unit attachment / detachment detection process by the main control unit in the main body when the door switch is used. In this embodiment, while receiving the door open signal, a mounting confirmation signal is periodically transmitted to a predetermined unit, and if there is no response from the unit control unit, it is determined that the unit has detached (mounting OFF). , Prohibit communication with that unit. If you close the door,
When a door closing signal is received, a mounting confirmation signal is sent to the unit determined to be detached, and when the mounting signal is returned from the unit control unit, mounting of the unit (mounting O
Recognize N).

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the main control unit in the main body and the unit control units in the plurality of units that constitute the electronic device of this embodiment. Reference numeral 100 denotes a communication control line, and the multiplex communication control circuit 105 in the main control unit 101 and each unit 102 to 10
5 are commonly connected to the multiplex communication control circuit 107 (multiplexing control circuits 105 and 107 are shown by hatching in the figure).

Of the plurality of units 102 to 105, the four unit control units 102 are control units of the units fixed to the apparatus main body which cannot be detached, and the multiplex communication control circuit 107 is directly connected to the direct communication control line 100. Connected. The other unit control units 103 and 104 are control units of units that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body.
A multiplex communication control circuit 107 is also connected to the communication control line 100 via a removable connector 106.

Of these, the unit control section 103 is connected to the most end (terminal) of the communication control line 100 when viewed from the main control section 101. Therefore, even if the unit control unit 103 is removed, the communication control line between the main control unit 101 and the other unit control units 102 and 104 is not cut off, and the control range of the remaining control units operates normally. can do.

The two unit control units 104 are both connected to the ends of the communication control line 100a or 100b branched on the unit control unit 102 of the fixed unit. Therefore, this unit controller 1
04 also sees the communication control line 100 when viewed from the main control unit 101.
Will be placed in the terminal of this unit control unit 1
Even if one or both of 04 and 104 are removed, the communication control line between the main control unit 101 and the other unit control units 102 and 103 is not interrupted, and the control range of the remaining control units is normal. Can work.

[0074]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the main control section of the main body and the unit detachable from the main body can be connected by the common signal line (communication line),
The number of connecting signal lines and connectors can be reduced, and the system can be downsized. Further, the attachment / detachment of the unit to / from the main body can be reliably recognized by the main control unit, and the reliability of the operation can be improved.

Further, it is possible to prevent damage to the connector contact, noise generation, communication failure, etc. when the unit is detached. Further, it is possible to perform highly reliable attachment / detachment confirmation with a simple configuration without requiring special control means on the detachable unit side. Alternatively, power is not supplied to the unit while the cover or door of the main unit is open (while the unit is removable) to prevent damage to connector contacts and noise, and to improve reliability. It can also be increased.

In addition, the main body is provided with a fixed unit and a detachable unit, and an electronic unit connected between the main control unit of the main unit and the unit control unit of each unit by a common communication line for transmitting and receiving control data. In the device, even if the detachable unit is detached from the main body, the communication line between the other unit and the main control unit is not interrupted, and the reliability of communication can be improved. Moreover, for that reason, it is not necessary to install a new substrate or directly branch the communication line.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a common configuration of each unit control unit of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied with a front door opened.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a multiplex communication network in the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main control unit 21 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a connecting portion between a unit and a main body.

FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view showing a state immediately before mounting the unit on the main body.

FIG. 7 is a plan sectional view showing a state in which the unit is also pushed into a position of the main body.

FIG. 8 is a plan sectional view showing a state in which the unit is also completely attached to the main body.

FIG. 9 is a plan sectional view showing another example of the connecting portion between the unit and the main body.

10 is a flowchart of a unit attachment / detachment detection process performed by the multiplex communication control circuit 51 of the unit controller 50 shown in FIG.

11 is a flowchart of a corresponding process performed by the main control unit 21 of the main body shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing another example of a unit control section in a unit detachable from the main body.

13 is a flowchart of a unit attachment / detachment detection process by the multiplex communication control circuit 72 of the unit controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a plan sectional view showing another structural example of a unit that can be attached to and detached from a main body.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a unit attachment / detachment detection process by a main control unit in the main body when a door switch according to still another embodiment of the present invention is used.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing another example of the unit attachment / detachment detection process by the main control unit in the main body when the door switch is used.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between a main control unit in a main body and unit control units in a plurality of units which constitute the electronic device of this embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Main body 2: Front door 5: Operation unit unit 6: Automatic document feeder (ADF) 7: Sorter 11: Photoconductor unit 12: Developing unit 13: Paper feeding unit 14: Fixing unit 20: Common communication line 21: Main control unit 22 to 26: Each unit control unit 27: ADF control unit 44: Multiplex communication control circuit 50: Unit control unit 51: Multiplex communication control circuit 55: Detachment detection switch 56: Dog 57: External signal line 58: Power bus 60: Detachable unit 61: Male connector on unit side 62: Female connector on body side 63: Guide rod 64: Coil spring 65: Male connector for detection on unit side 66: Female connector on body side 70, 70, 70b: Unit side connector 71: Power supply relay 72: Multiplex communication control circuit 74: Load group 75: Sensor group 77 , 77b: Detachment detection Swissch 80: Detachable unit 81: Shaft 82: Operation lever 83: Lock lever 84: Lock member 90: Detachable unit 91: Fixed unit 100: Communication control line 101: Main control unit 102: Fixed Unit control unit 103, 104 of unit: Unit control unit 105 of removable unit 105, 107: Multiplexing control circuit 106: Connector

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A main unit having a main control unit and a unit detachable from the main unit, the unit control unit being controlled in accordance with a command from the main control unit in the unit. In the electronic device, the communication line for control data between the unit control unit and the power supply line for supplying power from the main body side to the unit side is connected via a connector, wherein the unit control unit is connected to the main control unit. A multiplex communication control means for communicating control data and an attachment / detachment detection means for detecting when the unit is attached / detached to / from the main body are provided, and the attachment / detachment detection information by the attachment / detachment detection means is multiplexed by the multiplex communication control means. An electronic device, wherein the electronic device is adapted to be transmitted to the main control unit by communication. 2. A main body having a main controller and a unit attachable to and detachable from the main body, and a unit controller controlled in accordance with a command from the main controller in the unit, the main controller In the electronic device, a communication line for control data between the unit and the unit control unit and a power supply line for supplying power from the main body side to the unit side are connected via a connector, wherein the unit control unit includes the main body of the unit. At the time of attachment / detachment to / from the connector, the attachment / detachment detection means for detecting attachment / detachment of the unit before the communication line and the power supply line are attached / detached by the connector, and the detection information to the main control section when the attachment / detachment detection is made An electronic device provided with means for transmitting. 3. A main unit having a main control unit and a unit detachable from the main unit, the unit control unit being controlled in accordance with a command from the main control unit in the unit, and the main control unit. In the electronic device, a communication line for control data between the unit and the unit control unit and a power supply line for supplying power from the main body side to the unit side are connected via a connector, wherein the unit control unit includes the main body of the unit. Disconnection detecting means for detecting disconnection of the unit before disconnection of the communication line and power supply line by the connector upon disconnection from the connector, and the detection information when the disconnection is detected by the disconnection detecting means. And a means for transmitting to the main control unit, the detection information transmitted from the unit control unit is received, and it is determined that the unit has separated, Transmission and power electronic device characterized in that a means for stopping the supply to the determination after a predetermined period of time the unit. 4. A main body having a main control section and a unit detachable from the main body, and a unit control section controlled in accordance with a command from the main control section is provided in the unit, and the main control section is provided. In the electronic device, a communication line for control data between the unit and the unit control unit and a power supply line for supplying power from the main body side to the unit side are connected via a connector, wherein the unit control unit includes the main body of the unit. At the time of attachment / detachment to / from the unit, a detachment detection unit that detects detachment of the unit before the communication line and the power supply line are detached and attached by the connector, and a unit in the unit when the detachment detection unit detects the detachment of the unit Sending a unit disconnection signal to the main control unit while stopping the energization of the drive parts,
An electronic device, comprising means for transmitting a unit mounting signal to the main controller when the attachment / detachment detecting means detects the attachment of the unit. 5. A main unit having a main control unit and a unit detachable from the main unit, and a unit control unit controlled in accordance with a command from the main control unit in the unit. In the electronic device, a communication line for control data between the unit and the unit control unit and a power supply line for supplying power from the main body side to the unit side are connected via a connector, wherein the unit control unit includes the main body of the unit. At the time of attachment / detachment to / from the communication line and the power supply line by the connector, the attachment / detachment detection means for detecting attachment / detachment of the unit, the disconnection means for interrupting the communication line and the power supply line, and the attachment / detachment detection means When the unit detects the detachment of the unit, it transmits the detection information to the main control unit and then activates the shutoff unit, and the detachment detection unit detects the unit. Electronic device characterized in that a means for when the detected the undock the operation of the blocking means. 6. An electronic device comprising a main body having a main controller and a unit detachable from the main body, and a unit controller which is controlled in accordance with a command from the main controller in the unit. In the unit, an operation member for detaching the unit from the main body, a switch means opened and closed by a lever interlocked with the operation member, and a signal by opening and closing the switch means is used as a detachment signal of the unit for the main control. An electronic device provided with means for transmitting to a unit. 7. A unit control section comprising a main body having a main control section, a unit fixed to the main body and a detachable unit, and a unit control section controlled in accordance with a command from the main control section in each unit thereof. In the electronic device, the main body side has detection means for detecting attachment / detachment of the detachable unit, and a detection signal from the detection means is sent to a unit controller in the fixed unit near the detachable unit. An electronic device comprising means for inputting and transmitting a unit attachment / detachment signal to the main control unit. 8. A main body having a main control section and a unit detachable from the main body by opening a cover or a door of the main body, the unit being in accordance with a command from the main control section. In an electronic device including a unit control unit to be controlled, the main body side is provided with means for transmitting an opening signal of the cover or door to the main control unit, and the main control unit is opened with the cover or door. An electronic device provided with means for transmitting a signal for confirmation of attachment / detachment to the unit side periodically during the operation, and means for judging attachment / detachment of the unit depending on the presence or absence of a reply from the unit in response to the transmission. apparatus. 9. A main body having a main control section, and a unit detachable from the main body by opening a cover or a door of the main body, the unit being in accordance with a command from the main control section. In an electronic device including a unit control unit to be controlled, the main body side is provided with means for transmitting an opening signal and a closing signal of the cover or door to the main control unit, and the main control unit is provided with the opening signal. The unit attachment / detachment determination that the unit has been detached upon receipt of the message, the confirmation signal is transmitted to the unit control unit when the closing signal is received, and that the unit has been attached when the reply from the unit is received. An electronic device comprising means. 10. A main body having a main control section, and a unit removable from the main body by opening a cover or a door of the main body. The unit is provided in the unit in accordance with a command from the main control section. In an electronic device including a unit control unit to be controlled, the main body side is provided with means for transmitting an opening signal and a closing signal of the cover or door to the main control unit, and the main control unit is provided with the opening signal. Unit attachment / detachment determination means for determining that the unit has been detached upon reception of, and determining that the unit has been attached when the closing signal is received,
When the means determines that the unit has detached, it prohibits communication with the unit and stops the supply of power to the unit, and when it determines that the unit is attached, starts supplying power to the unit. However, the electronic device is provided with means for canceling the prohibition of communication with the unit. 11. A main body having a main controller, a unit fixed to the main body, and a detachable unit,
In an electronic device having a unit control unit controlled in accordance with a command from the main control unit in each unit, and connected by a common communication line for transmitting and receiving control data between the main control unit and each unit control unit. An electronic device, wherein a unit control unit of a unit that is attachable to and detachable from the main body is connected to a terminal of the communication line when viewed from the main control unit. 12. A main body having a main controller, a unit fixed to the main body, and a detachable unit,
In an electronic device having a unit control unit controlled in accordance with a command from the main control unit in each unit, and connected by a common communication line for transmitting and receiving control data between the main control unit and each unit control unit. An electronic device, wherein a unit control section of a unit detachable from the main body is connected to a communication line branched on a unit control section of a unit fixed to the main body.