JP6715136B2 - Support connection mechanism and electric device including the same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a support connecting mechanism and an electric device (for example, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a multifunction peripheral, a printer, a facsimile machine) including the support connecting mechanism.

Electric equipment such as an image forming apparatus usually includes a power supply such as a transformer to which power is supplied, a power supply board, an operating part such as a motor that operates by electric power from the power supply board, and a control board that controls operation of the operating part. Electrical components are provided. The electric components such as the power source, the power source substrate, the operating component, and the control substrate are connected by a wiring member (for example, a connecting wire such as a cable harness or an optical fiber cable). For example, wiring members are connected between the power supply and the power supply board, between the power supply board and the operating component, and between the control board and the operating component.

Meanwhile, some electric devices include an electric device main body and a moving member (for example, a slide moving member or an opening/closing member) that is movable with respect to the electric device main body. Then, electric parts may be provided on both the electric device body and the moving member.

In such an electric device, in order to move the moving member with respect to the electric device main body, when connecting the electric component in the electric device main body and the electric component in the moving member, the electric device main body side is generally used. The wiring member provided on the side of the movable member and the wiring member provided on the side of the moving member are connected to each other by contact between terminals of a connecting connector such as a drawer connector.

However, in the configuration in which the connection connector is used to connect the electric component in the main body of the electric device and the electric component in the moving member, the cost is high, and the contact and non-contact between the terminals in the connecting connector due to the movement of the moving member. However, there is a problem that conductivity and durability are deteriorated by repeating the above.

In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a plurality of support bodies that are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the wiring member to support the wiring member, and between two adjacent support bodies of the plurality of support bodies around the rotation axis. Disclosed is a support body connecting mechanism including a connecting portion that connects to one side so as to be bendable.

Specifically, in the support body coupling mechanism described in Patent Document 1, when connecting the electric component in the electric device main body and the electric component in the moving member, the connecting connector is not used, so that the cost can be kept low. In addition, since the wiring member is always connected, it is possible to improve conductivity and durability.

Tokuyo 2000-502557

However, in such a conventional support body connecting mechanism, a bending side connection including a connecting portion portion on a folding side of adjacent support bodies of two adjacent support bodies that are foldably connected to one side at a connecting portion. Since the wiring member is closed in the partial area, there are the following inconveniences.

23 and 24 are schematic cross-sectional views showing a state of the wiring member C by opening and closing two adjacent supports 210X and 220X in the conventional support connection mechanism 200X.

FIG. 23A shows an example in which the wiring member C is not loosened when the two adjacent supports 210X and 220X are opened. FIG. 23B shows a state in which two adjacent supports 210X and 220X are closed in the example shown in FIG.

FIG. 24A shows an example in which the wiring member C is loosened in a state where the two adjacent supports 210X and 220X are opened. FIG. 24B shows a state in which two adjacent supports 210X and 220X are closed in the example shown in FIG.

In the conventional support body connection mechanism 200X, as shown in FIG. 23, of the adjacent portions 211X and 221X of the two adjacent support bodies 210X and 220X which are connected to each other by the rotating shaft 230X acting as a connecting portion. The wiring member C is closed by a bending side connecting portion region 201X including a connecting portion portion on the bending side of the two supports 210X and 220X (in this example, the wiring member C is opposite to the bending side of the rotating shaft 230X). When the support members 210X and 220X are closed so that the wiring member C is not loosened (see FIG. 23A), the support members 210X and 220X are closed. Then, the wiring member C is pulled (see FIG. 23B). Therefore, when the two support members 210X and 220X are closed, the support members 210X and 220X are closed by the amount that the wiring member C is stretched and the wiring member C has some margin, but it cannot be closed any more. Become.

This is because the length (L1+L2) of the central path of the supports 210X and 220X when the two supports 210X and 220X are closed (see FIG. 23B) is when the supports 210X and 220X are opened. This occurs because the length of the wiring member C becomes insufficient as much as the length (L1+L2) (see FIG. 23A) of the central path of the supports 210X and 220X becomes longer.

This means that when the two supports 210X and 220X are opened and closed, the wiring member C does not move or does not move substantially in the longitudinal direction L of the wiring member C with respect to the supports 210X and 220X. It becomes especially remarkable when it is.

In order to eliminate this, as shown in FIG. 24, the wiring member C is loosened with the two adjacent supports 210X and 220X being opened (see FIG. 24A). 210X and 220X can be closed without trouble (see FIG. 24(b)).

However, when the wiring member C is loosened in the state where the two supports 210X and 220X are opened in this way, when the supports 210X and 220X are opened, it is opposite to the bending side of the supports 210X and 220X. The surplus portion C1 of the wiring member C protrudes outward from the opposite side connection portion region 202X including the side connection portion portion (see FIG. 24A). Then, when the user operates the electric device near the support body coupling mechanism 200X, the protruding portion C1 of the wiring member C becomes an obstacle, and the wiring member C is disconnected.

Therefore, the present invention is capable of closing two adjacent supports without any hindrance and avoiding inconvenience such as disconnection of a wiring member when the two adjacent supports are opened. It aims at providing the electric equipment provided with it.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a support body connecting mechanism and an electric device according to the following first and second aspects are provided.
(1) support coupling mechanism of the first aspect of the support linkage present invention of the first aspect, a plurality of supports for supporting the wiring member is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the wiring member, wherein A support body connecting mechanism including a connecting portion that connects two adjacent support bodies of a plurality of support bodies to one side around a rotation axis so that the support bodies can be bent freely. The wiring member is opened in a predetermined bending side connecting portion region including the connecting portion portion , and the two adjacent support bodies are connected by the connecting portion when the two support bodies are opened. One of the adjacent portions of the two adjacent supports that are adjacent to each other covers the other and abuts the other .
In the present invention, a return member configured to return the two support bodies to an angle smaller than the predetermined angle even when the two support bodies adjacent to each other are opened by a predetermined predetermined angle or more is further provided. Aspects can be exemplified.
(2) Support connection mechanism of the second aspect
A support coupling mechanism according to a second aspect of the present invention is a plurality of supports that are arranged in parallel along a longitudinal direction of a wiring member to support the wiring member, and two adjacent supports of the plurality of supports. A support body connecting mechanism having a connecting portion for connecting the space between the two supporting bodies so as to be bendable to one side around a rotation axis, and a predetermined bending side connection including the connecting portion portion on the bending side of the two adjacent support bodies. The wiring member is opened in the partial region, and even when the two adjacent supports are opened by a predetermined angle or more, the two supports are returned to an angle smaller than the predetermined angle. And a return member .

(3) Electric Device The electric device according to the present invention is characterized by including the support connecting mechanism according to the present invention.

In the present invention, it is possible to exemplify a mode in which the plurality of supports have a size in a width direction along the rotation axis larger than a size in a thickness direction orthogonal to both the width direction and the longitudinal direction.

In the present invention, it is possible to exemplify a mode in which the wiring member is closed by a predetermined opposite side connecting portion region including the connecting portion portion on the side opposite to the bending side of the two adjacent supports.

In the present invention, a mode can be exemplified in which each of the plurality of supports has a plurality of support portions provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction.

In the present invention, the electric device is provided with an electric device main body and a moving member that is movable with respect to the electric device main body, and one end of the plurality of supports is rotated with respect to the electric device main body. A structure that is movably provided, the other end of which is rotatably provided with respect to the moving member, and the plurality of supports rotate in accordance with a movement operation of the moving member with respect to the electric device body. It can be illustrated by way of example.

In the present invention, the electric device further includes an attachment/detachment member that is attachable/detachable to/from the electric device main body, and the support body coupling mechanism is provided in an area other than the attachment/detachment operation range in which the attachment/detachment member is detachably operated. The mode in which it is located can be illustrated.

In the present invention, when the two adjacent supports are opened and closed, the connecting portion moves in a linear direction that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to both the moving direction in which the moving member moves and the axial direction of the rotation axis. A mode that is configured to be can be exemplified.

In the present invention, a mode can be exemplified in which a regulation member that regulates excessive opening of the two adjacent supports at a predetermined angle or more is provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to close two adjacent supports without any hindrance, and avoid inconvenience such as disconnection of the wiring member when the two adjacent supports are opened.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus in which the moving member is separated from the image forming apparatus main body, as viewed from the rear right side. In a state where the support body connecting mechanism according to the first embodiment is detached from the image forming apparatus and the first support body and the second support body that do not support the wiring member are opened, the rear side diagonally upper right side. It is the exploded perspective view seen from. It is the perspective view which looked at the state where the 1st support body and the 2nd support body which are not supporting the wiring member were closed from the diagonally right upper side of the back in the support body connection mechanism concerning a 1st embodiment. It is the perspective view which looked at the connection part part in the state where the 1st support body and the 2nd support body which are not supporting the wiring member in the support body connection mechanism concerning a 1st embodiment were opened from the lower right of the back side. .. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the state of the wiring member by opening and closing the 1st support body and the 2nd support body in the support body connection mechanism which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (a) is a 1st support body and a 2nd support body. It is a figure which shows the example which does not loosen a wiring member in the state which opened. (B) is a figure which shows the state in which the 1st support body and the 2nd support body are closed in the example shown in (a). It is the perspective view which looked at the connecting part part in the state where the 1st support body and the 2nd support body which are not supporting the wiring member in the support body connection mechanism concerning a 1st embodiment were opened from the diagonally right upper of the back side. .. It is the perspective view which looked at the 1st support body which supports a wiring member and a part of connection part inversion about the axis of rotation from the diagonally upper right of the front side. It is the perspective view which looked at a 1st support body which does not support a wiring member and a part of connection part from the diagonally right lower side of the back side. It is a figure which shows a part of 1st support body which does not support the wiring member, and a connection part, (a) and (b) is the top view and bottom view, respectively. It is a figure which shows a part of 1st support body which does not support the wiring member, and a connection part, and (a) and (b) are the side views and rear views of the connection part side, respectively. It is the perspective view which looked at a 2nd support body which does not support a wiring member and a part of connection part from the diagonally right upper side on the back side. It is a figure which shows a part of 2nd support body which does not support the wiring member, and a connection part, (a) and (b) are the top views and bottom views, respectively. It is a figure which shows a part of 2nd support body which does not support the wiring member, and a connection part, (a) and (b) are the side views and rear views of the connection part side, respectively. It is sectional drawing from the back side of the attitude|position of a 1st support body and a 2nd support body when adjacent 1st support body and 2nd support body are opened and closed, Comprising: (a) is a longitudinal direction mutually. It is a figure which shows the state in which the different 1st support body and 2nd support body are opened, (b) is a diagonal direction when the 1st support body and 2nd support body shown in (a) are closed. It is a figure which shows the example along. It is sectional drawing from the back side of the attitude|position of a 1st support body and a 2nd support body when adjacent 1st support body and 2nd support body are opened and closed, Comprising: (a) is a longitudinal direction mutually. It is a figure showing the state where the 1st support body and the 2nd support body which are substantially equal are opened, and (b) is a linear direction when the 1st support body and the 2nd support body shown in (a) are closed. It is a figure which shows the example which follows. FIG. 6A is a schematic view schematically showing a state of the support body connecting mechanism by the movement of the moving member with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, and FIG. 7A is a support body connecting mechanism when the moving member is mounted on the image forming apparatus body. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a state of the support body coupling mechanism when the moving member is separated from the image forming apparatus main body. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the regulation member was provided in the support body connection mechanism which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the return member was provided in the support body connection mechanism which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, and is a figure which expands and shows the return member of the front side and the return member of the back side in a 1st support body. .. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the return member was provided in the support body connection mechanism which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, (a) is a figure which expands and shows the return member by the side of the front of a 2nd support body, (B) is a figure which expands and shows the return member by the side of the back. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the return member was provided in the support body connection mechanism which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, Comprising: (a) is a 1st support body and 2nd support body which were connected by the connection part. It is a figure which expands and shows the state of the return member of the front side when opened above, and (b) is a figure which expands and shows the state of the return member of the back side. It is a figure which shows some 1st support bodies and 2nd support bodies in the support body connection mechanism which concerns on 4th Embodiment, Comprising: (a) is a state in which a 1st support body and a 2nd support body are open. FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view showing a connecting portion portion of FIG. 4, FIG. 6B is a schematic sectional view showing the connecting portion portion in a state where the first support body and the second support body are open, and FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the connection part part in the state which the 1st support body and the 2nd support body are closed. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the state of the wiring member by opening and closing two adjacent support bodies in the conventional support body connection mechanism, Comprising: (a) is a wiring member with two adjacent support bodies opened. It is a figure which shows a non-existent example, and (b) is a figure which shows the state which two adjacent support bodies are closed in the example shown in (a). It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the state of the wiring member by opening and closing two adjacent support bodies in the conventional support body connection mechanism, Comprising: (a) is a wiring member with two adjacent support bodies opened. It is a figure which shows the example which did not exist, and (b) is a figure which shows the state by which two adjacent support bodies were closed in the example shown in (a).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Description of the entire image forming apparatus)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 (an example of an electric apparatus) includes an image reading apparatus 120 and an image forming apparatus main body 110 (an example of an electric apparatus main body), and image data read by the image reading apparatus 120. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus main body 110 forms a monochrome image or a color image on a recording sheet such as a recording sheet based on image data sent from an external device.

The image reading device 120 is mounted on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body 110. The image reading device 120 includes a document feeding device 121 and a document reading device 122, and reads a document conveyed by the document feeding device 121 with the document reading device 122 or a document placed on a document placing table 122a. The image of the original document read by the reading device 122 is output as image data.

The image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and is a so-called tandem type structure in which a plurality of image carriers (specifically, photoconductors) are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction (left and right direction Y in this example). It is a color image forming apparatus. In this example, the image forming apparatus 100 is an intermediate transfer type color multi-function peripheral capable of forming a full-color image. Although the image forming apparatus 100 is a tandem type color image forming apparatus in the present embodiment, it may be another color image forming apparatus. Although the image forming apparatus 100 is a color image forming apparatus, it may be a monochrome image forming apparatus.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral X indicates the width direction (depth direction), reference numeral Y indicates the lateral direction Y orthogonal to the width direction X, and reference numeral Z indicates the vertical direction (height direction). Is shown. This also applies to FIGS. 2, 3, and 15 to 17, which will be described later.

The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a moving member 130 that is movable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110. In this example, the moving member 130 and a slide moving member (specifically, a side door portion, in this example, a right door portion) that forms a sheet conveying path (specifically, a recording sheet conveying path) in a closed state are used. Has been done.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100 in which the moving member 130 is separated from the image forming apparatus main body 110, as viewed from the rear right side.

The moving member 130 is provided so as to be reciprocally movable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110 in a predetermined sliding direction (in this example, the left-right direction Y).

Specifically, the moving member 130 is supported on the image forming apparatus main body 110 by a pair of slide members 140, 140. It should be noted that FIG. 2 shows only the other side (back side) of the pair of slide members 140, 140.

Specifically, the moving member 130 is provided on the right side surface of the image forming apparatus main body 110 when viewed from the front. Of the pair of slide members 140, 140, one slide member 140 is provided on one side (front side) in the width direction X of the image forming apparatus main body 110 and on the lower side in the vertical direction Z, and is arranged in the width direction of the moving member 130. One side (front side) in X is slidably supported, and the other slide member 140 is provided and moved on the other side (back side) in the width direction X of the image forming apparatus main body 110 and on the lower side in the vertical direction Z. The other side (back side) of the member 130 in the width direction X is slidably supported.

The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a support body connecting mechanism 200 (for example, a protective cover connecting mechanism) according to this embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 2, reference numerals not described will be described later.

Next, the support body coupling mechanism 200 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 22.

(Explanation of support connection mechanism)
(First embodiment)
FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which the support body coupling mechanism 200 according to the first embodiment is removed from the image forming apparatus 100, and the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 that do not support the wiring member C are opened. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the closed state as viewed from diagonally above and to the right of the back side.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the first support body 210 and the second support body 220, which do not support the wiring member C in the support body coupling mechanism 200 according to the first embodiment, are closed, as viewed from the diagonally right upper side on the rear surface side. It is a perspective view.

FIG. 5 illustrates the connecting portion 230 portion in a state where the first supporting body 210 and the second supporting body 220, which do not support the wiring member C in the supporting body coupling mechanism 200 according to the first embodiment, are opened on the right side on the back side. It is the perspective view seen from diagonally downward.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state of the wiring member C by opening and closing the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in the support body coupling mechanism 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6A shows an example in which the wiring member C is not loosened when the first support 210 and the second support 220 are open. FIG. 6B shows a state in which the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 are closed in the example shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 illustrates the connecting portion 230 portion in a state in which the first support body 210 and the second support body 220, which do not support the wiring member C in the support body coupling mechanism 200 according to the first embodiment, are opened on the right side on the rear surface side. It is the perspective view seen from diagonally above.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a state in which a part of the first support body 210 supporting the wiring member C and the connecting portion 230 is inverted around the rotation axis α as viewed from the diagonally right upper side on the front side. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first support 210 that does not support the wiring member C and a part of the connecting portion 230 as viewed from the lower right side on the rear side.

10 and 11 are views showing a part of the first support body 210 and the connecting portion 230 that do not support the wiring member C. 10(a), 10(b), 11(a) and 11(b) are a plan view, a bottom view, a side view and a rear view of the connecting portion 230 side, respectively.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the second support 220 that does not support the wiring member C and a part of the connecting portion 230 as viewed from diagonally above and to the right on the back side.

13 and 14 are views showing a part of the second support 220 and the connecting portion 230 that do not support the wiring member C. 13(a), 13(b), 14(a) and 14(b) are a plan view, a bottom view, a side view and a rear view of the connecting portion 230 side, respectively.

The support body connection mechanism 200 includes a plurality (two in this example) of support bodies (for example, protective covers) (first support body 210 and second support body 220 in this example), and a connecting portion 230 (FIGS. 3 to 7 ). See) and. In this example, of the first support 210 and the second support 220, the first support 210 is provided on the image forming apparatus main body 110 (see also FIG. 2) side, and the second support 220 is the moving member 130 ( (See also FIG. 2) side.

The first support body 210 and the second support body 220 are juxtaposed along the longitudinal direction L of the wiring member C (see FIGS. 6 and 8). The first support 210 and the second support 220 are configured to support the wiring member C. The connecting portion 230 rotates between the two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) of the plurality of support bodies, and the rotation axis α (see FIGS. 3, 9, and 12). It is configured to be bendably connected to one side around.

The rotation axis α is along a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L. In this example, the rotation axis α is along the width direction X of the image forming apparatus main body 110. The support body connection mechanism 200 is provided on the other side (back surface side) in the width direction X of the image forming apparatus main body 110 and on the lower side in the vertical direction Z (see FIG. 2 ).

In the support connection mechanism 200 according to the first embodiment, one end of the plurality of supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) is rotatable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110. And the other end is rotatably provided with respect to the moving member 130, and the plurality of supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) are images of the moving member 130. It is configured to rotate in accordance with the movement operation with respect to the forming apparatus main body 110.

Specifically, of the plurality of supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example), an end where no support exists next to the support (first support 210 in this example) at one end. 210a (see FIG. 3) is provided rotatably around the main body side rotation axis α1 (see FIGS. 3 and 8) with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110, and a support (in this example, the support body) at the other end. An end portion 220a (see FIG. 3) adjacent to the second support 220) that is not adjacent to the support is provided rotatably around the moving member-side rotation axis α2 (see FIG. 3) with respect to the moving member 130. ing. Here, both the main body side turning axis α1 and the moving member side turning axis α2 are along the axial direction S.

The plurality of supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) move in accordance with the moving operation of the moving member 130 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110 (sliding movement in the left-right direction Y in this example). It is configured to rotate about the rotation axis α, the main body side rotation axis α1, and the moving member side rotation axis α2.

In this example, from the viewpoint of maintainability, a plurality of support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are bent so that the connecting portion 230 faces upward.

Further, in the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 further includes a detachable member 150 (a fixing device (see FIG. 2) in this example) that is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 110. In this example, the attachment/detachment member 150 is inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus main body 110 along the left-right direction.

The support body coupling mechanism 200 is located in a region β2 (see FIG. 2) other than the attachment/detachment operation range β1 (see FIG. 2), which is a range in which the attachment/detachment member 150 is detachably operated. In this example, the area β2 other than the attachment/detachment operation range β1 is an area in the image forming apparatus 100 excluding the attachment/detachment operation range β1. The support body coupling mechanism 200 may be provided outside the image forming apparatus 100.

Then, a predetermined bending side connecting portion region 201 (so-called inner portion) including the connecting portion 230 portion on the folding side of the two adjacent supporting bodies (the first supporting body 210 and the second supporting body 220 in this example) (FIG. 5). And FIG. 6), the wiring member C is opened.

Specifically, the adjacent portions 211 (see FIGS. 3 to 11) of the two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) that are connected to each other at the connection portion 230 are adjacent to each other, and Of the portion 221 (see FIGS. 3 to 7 and FIGS. 12 to 14), the open portion 201a (FIG. 5 and FIG. 5) opened to expose the wiring member C in the bending side connecting portion region 201 of at least one adjacent portion. (See FIG. 6).

That is, since the support body connecting mechanism 200 has the open part 201a in the bending side connecting part region 201 of the adjacent parts 211 and 221, even if two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the first support body 210 and the first support body 210 in this example) are provided. 2) the wiring member C is not loosened in the opened state (see FIG. 6A), and the wiring member is pulled when the two supporting bodies are closed (see FIG. 6A). (B)), when the two supports are closed, the length (L1+L2) of the center path of the two supports of the wiring member C when the two supports are closed is 2 The length longer than the length (L1+L2) of the central path of the two supports when the two supports are opened can be released by the opening portion 201a. This makes it possible to smoothly perform the closing operation of the two supports.

In addition, in FIG. 6A, the wiring member C is slightly curved downward at the adjacent portions 211 and 221, and at first glance it seems that the wiring member C is slackened. Since it is in contact with the support portion 244, it is not intentionally loosened. Therefore, in the state where two adjacent supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) are opened, the length (L1+L2) of the center path and the wiring member that passes through the two supports The lengths of C are equal or substantially equal.

In this example, when a plurality of supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) are opened and closed, the wiring member C is relatively positioned in the longitudinal direction L with respect to two adjacent supports. It does not move or does not move substantially. As such a configuration, for example, a mode in which the wiring member C does not have a length (the wiring member C does not remain) on the image forming apparatus main body 110 side and/or the moving member 130 side, and/or the image forming apparatus main body There may be mentioned a mode in which the wiring member C is fixed to at least the 110 side, the moving member 130 side, and at least one of the two supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example).

In addition, in the first embodiment, the plurality of supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) are arranged in the width direction along the rotation axis α (the axial direction S of the rotation axis α). The size is larger than the size in the thickness direction (orthogonal direction T) orthogonal to both the width direction and the longitudinal direction L.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the wiring member C is a flat cable. The flat cable is a plate-shaped cable in which a plurality of electric wires are arranged in parallel or substantially parallel to each other along the axial direction S. An example of the flat cable is a flexible flat cable (FFC). A typical example of the flexible flat cable is a conductor in which conductors are arranged at regular intervals in the axial direction S and sandwiched between two flexible resin films.

The plurality of supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) support the flat cable in the width direction (axial direction S).

Further, in the first embodiment, a predetermined opposite side connecting portion including a connecting portion 230 portion on the side opposite to the bending side of the two adjacent supporting bodies (the first supporting body 210 and the second supporting body 220 in this example). The wiring member C is closed in the area 202 (so-called outer portion) (FIGS. 3, 4, and 7).

Specifically, at least one of the adjacent portions 211 and 221 is closed in the opposite side connection portion region 202 on the opposite side to the bending side of the adjacent portion so as to cover the wiring member C when the two supports are opened. It has a closing portion 202a (FIGS. 3, 4, and 7).

In addition, in the first embodiment, the plurality of support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction L (predetermined predetermined spacing in this example). The plurality of supporting portions 241 to 244 (FIGS. 3, 5 to 10, 12, and 13) are provided. In addition to supporting the wiring member C, the plurality of supporting portions 241 to 244 can protect and/or hold the wiring member C, for example.

Specifically, the plurality of supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) are orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L (in this example, orthogonal to both the axial direction S and the longitudinal direction L). Alternatively, the support portions provided alternately at one side and the other side in the substantially orthogonal orthogonal direction T) (specifically, the thickness direction) in the longitudinal direction L at intervals (predetermined predetermined intervals in this example). It has 241-244. The supporting portions 241 to 244 protect the wiring member C, and the inner side surfaces 241a and 242a of the supporting portions 241 and 242 on one side (see FIG. 10) and the inner side surfaces 243a and 244a of the supporting portions 243 and 244 on the other side (see FIG. 13), the wiring member C can be held.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the connecting portion 230 includes one of the two adjacent supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) (the first support in this example). 210) the first engaging portions 231 and 231 (see FIGS. 4, 5 and 7 to 11) provided at both ends (both side plates in this example) in the axial direction S, and the other support (this). In the example, the second support 220) has second engaging portions 232 and 232 (both side plates in this example) in the axial direction S (see FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 7, FIG. 12 to FIG. 14). ) And have. The first engaging portions 231, 231 and the second engaging portions 232, 232 are engaged with each other so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis α.

Any one of the first engaging portions 231, 231 and the second engaging portions 232, 232 (the first engaging portions 231, 231 in this example) has a circular hole penetrating in the axial direction S. It is formed in a ring shape, and one of the other engaging portions (the second engaging portions 232 and 232 in this example) is one of the engaging portions (the first engaging portions 231 and 231 in this example). It is formed in a cylindrical shape protruding in the axial direction S so as to be inserted therein. When the first engaging portions 231, 231 and the second engaging portions 232, 232 are engaged with each other, among the engaging portions formed in a ring shape (the first engaging portions 231, 231 in this example) The outer peripheral surface is slidably in contact with the outer peripheral surface (second engaging portions 232, 232 in this example) of the engaging portion formed in a cylindrical shape.

In this example, the first support 210, the second support 220, the first engaging portions 231, 231 and the second engaging portions 232, 232 are made of a flexible material such as resin. The first support 210 and the first engaging portions 231 and 231 are integrally formed, and the second support 220 and the second engaging portions 232 and 232 are integrally formed.

The first support body 210 provided with the first engagement portions 231 and 231 and the second support body 220 provided with the second engagement portions 232 and 232 each have elasticity in the axial direction S. ing.

Specifically, of the two adjacent supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example), one (the second support 220 in this example) and the other (the first support in this example) 210) is detachably provided.

In the support body coupling mechanism 200 having such a configuration, when one support body (the first support body 210 in this example) and the other support body (the second support body 220 in this example) are mounted, One of the engaging portions (first engaging portions 231 and 231 in this example) provided at both ends of the support in the axial direction S is spread in the axial direction S while being provided at both ends of the other support. The other engaged portion (the second engaging portions 232 and 232 in this example) is fitted into the one engaged portion. In the first embodiment, the other engaging portion (the second engaging portions 232 and 232 in this example) has one end portion (see FIG. 14A) of the other engaging portion in the axial direction S. The mating portion (the first engaging portions 231 and 231 in this example) is inclined so that the side to be fitted is low and the side opposite to the side to be fitted is high in the direction (orthogonal direction T in this example) to be fitted. .. By doing so, the other engaging portion (the second engaging portions 232 and 232 in this example) can be easily fitted into the one engaging portion (the first engaging portions 231 and 231 in this example). it can.

It should be noted that the connecting portion 230 includes a rotating shaft that connects between two adjacent support bodies (the first supporting body 210 and the second supporting body 220 in this example) about the rotating axis α, and the rotating shaft is It may be configured to be bridged between one end and the other end in the axial direction S of the support. In this case, the wiring member C is passed through the bending side of the rotating shaft in the opening portion 201a that is opened to expose the wiring member C.

(Details of support connection mechanism 200)
Specifically, the first support 210 and the second support 220 have a tubular shape extending in the longitudinal direction L and having open both end surfaces in the longitudinal direction L.

In this example, the first support 210 and the second support 220 have a box shape, the size in the longitudinal direction L is larger than the size in the axial direction S, and the size in the axial direction S is It is larger than the size in the orthogonal direction T.

The first support 210 and the second support 220 have some end portions on the side connecting to each other in the longitudinal direction L when viewed from the front (specifically, when the support members are closed, the support members are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. Curved inward (to the extent possible).

The first support 210 includes a first side plate 210b (see FIG. 10B), a second side plate 210c (see FIG. 10A), a third side plate 210d (see FIG. 10), and a fourth side plate 210e (see FIG. 10). And FIG. 11B). The first side plate 210b and the second side plate 210c are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The first side plate 210b and the second side plate 210c are along both the longitudinal direction L and the axial direction S. The third side plate 210d and the fourth side plate 210e are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The third side plate 210d and the fourth side plate 210e extend along both the longitudinal direction L and the orthogonal direction T.

A portion of the first support body 210 where at least the first engaging portions 231 and 231 of the third side plate 210d and the fourth side plate 210e are provided has elasticity in the axial direction S.

In the first side plate 210b and the second side plate 210c of the first support body 210, the support portions 241-241, 242-242 and the openings 251-251, 252-252 in the longitudinal direction L (see FIGS. 3, 6 and 10). ) And are provided alternately.

The second support 220 includes a first side plate 220b (see FIG. 13B), a second side plate 220c (see FIG. 13A), a third side plate 220d (see FIG. 13), and a fourth side plate 220e (see FIG. 13). And FIG. 14B). The first side plate 220b and the second side plate 220c are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The first side plate 220b and the second side plate 220c are along both the longitudinal direction L and the axial direction S. The third side plate 220d and the fourth side plate 220e are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The third side plate 220d and the fourth side plate 220e extend along both the longitudinal direction L and the orthogonal direction T.

In the second support 220, at least the portions of the third side plate 220d and the fourth side plate 220e where the second engaging portions 232 and 232 are provided have elasticity in the axial direction S.

In the first side plate 220b and the second side plate 220c of the second support 220, the support portions 243 to 243, 244 to 244 and the openings 253 to 253, 254 to 254 in the longitudinal direction L (see FIGS. 3, 6 and 13). ) And are provided alternately.

The support portions 241 to 241 provided on the first side plate 210b of the first support body 210 and the openings 252 to 252 provided on the second side plate 210c of the first support body 210 face each other. Further, the openings 251 to 251 provided in the first side plate 210b of the first support body 210 and the support portions 242 to 242 provided in the second side plate 210c of the first support body 210 face each other.

On the other hand, the support portions 243 to 243 provided on the first side plate 220b of the second support 220 and the openings 254 to 254 provided on the second side plate 220c of the second support 220 face each other. Further, the openings 253 to 253 provided in the first side plate 220b of the second support 220 and the support portions 244 to 244 provided in the second side plate 220c of the second support 220 face each other.

Specifically, the opening 251 at the end of the first side plate 210b of the first support 210 on the side of the second support 220 opens the second support 220 side (communicates with the outside). The opening 253 at the end of the first side plate 220b of the second support 220 on the first support 210 side opens the first support 210 side (communicates with the outside). That is, the opening 251 at the end on the second support 220 side of the first side plate 210b of the first support 210 and the opening 253 at the end of the first support 210 on the first side plate 220b of the second support 220 are formed. It constitutes the open portion 201a.

The support portion 242 at the end of the second side plate 210c of the first support body 210 on the side of the second support body 220 faces the second support body 220. The support portion 244 at the end of the second side plate 220c of the second support 220 on the side of the first support 210 is located opposite to the first support 210. That is, the support portion 242 of the end portion of the second side plate 210c of the first support body 210 on the side of the second support body 220, and the support portion of the end portion of the second side plate 220c of the second support body 220 on the side of the first support body 210. 244 constitutes the closing portion 202a.

It should be noted that in order to prevent a mounting error such as a connecting direction of the first support body 210 and the second support body 220, a ring-shaped engagement portion is formed in the first engagement portions 231, 231 and the second engagement portions 232, 232. The diameter and the diameter of the cylindrical engaging portion may be different between the one side and the other side in the axial direction S, but in the first embodiment, the first support 210 and the second support 220 are different. In the support portion 242 (see FIG. 10A) and the support portion 244 (see FIG. 13A) at the end portion on the side of the connecting portion 230, they are aligned in the axial direction S by being shifted from the center in the axial direction S to either one. Thus, the indicators MK and MK (arrow marks in this example) are provided (so as to be located on a virtual straight line along the longitudinal direction L). In this example, the indicators MK and MK are made of a material such as resin. The indexes MK, MK and the first support 210 and the second support 220 are integrally formed.

In addition, the opening 252 at the end of the second side plate 210c of the first support 210 on the side opposite to the second support 220 opens the side opposite to the second support 220 (communication with the outside). The opening 254 at the end of the second side plate 220c of the second support 220 opposite to the first support 210 is open (communication with the outside) on the side opposite to the first support 210. Therefore, not only the open portions 201a of the adjacent portions 211 and 221 of the first support 210 and the second support 220 adjacent to each other, but also the adjacent portion 212 of the first support 210 adjacent to the image forming apparatus main body 110 (see FIG. 3). Of the adjacent portions 222 (see FIG. 3) adjacent to the moving member 130 of the second support 220 (see FIG. 3 ), a predetermined bending-side adjacent area 203 (FIG. 3, FIG. 10( a) and FIG. 13A) has an open portion 203a (see FIGS. 3, 10A and 13A) which is opened to expose the wiring member C. The opening 203a has the same function as the opening 201a in the adjacent portions 211 and 221 of the first support 210 and the second support 220.

A support portion 241 at an end portion of the first side plate 210b of the first support body 210 opposite to the second support body 220 faces the image forming apparatus main body 110. The support portion 243 at the end of the first side plate 220b of the second support 220 opposite to the first support 210 faces the moving member 130. Therefore, not only the closed portions 202a of the adjacent portions 211 and 221 of the first support 210 and the second support 220 that are adjacent to each other, but also the adjacent portion 212 and the second of the first support 210 that are adjacent to the image forming apparatus main body 110. Of the adjacent portion 222 of the support 220 adjacent to the moving member 130, a predetermined opposite side adjacent area 204 on the side opposite to the bending side of at least one adjacent portion (see FIGS. 10B and 13B). ) Has a closing portion 204a (see FIGS. 10B and 13B) that closes the wiring member C when the first support 210 and the second support 220 are opened. .. The closing part 204a has the same action as the closing part 202a in the adjacent portions 211 and 221 of the first support 210 and the second support 220.

The end portion (adjacent portion 212 adjacent to the image forming apparatus main body 110 in this example) where there is no support next to the first support 210 is directly or indirectly via a support rotation shaft such as a pin. (Directly in this example), it is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 110 so as to be rotatable about the main body side rotation axis α1 (see FIGS. 3 and 8).

Specifically, the end portion (adjacent portion 212 adjacent to the image forming apparatus main body 110 in this example) where the supporting body does not exist next to the first support 210 is a constituent member 111 (see FIG. 3) of the image forming apparatus main body 110. And (see FIG. 8), it is attached so as to be rotatable about the main body side rotation axis α1 and detachable.

A connecting portion 260 (see FIGS. 3 and 8) between the first supporting body 210 and the component member 111 of the image forming apparatus main body 110 has a first engaging portion 261 (see FIGS. 3 and 8) provided on the first supporting body 210. 8 to FIG. 11) and a second engaging portion 262 (see FIGS. 3 and 8) provided on the component member 111 of the image forming apparatus main body 110.

The first engaging portion 261 and the second engaging portion 262 are engaged with each other around the main body side rotation axis α1. The first engagement portion 261 is a columnar shape protruding in the axial direction S at both ends of the first support body 210 in the axial direction S. The second engaging portions 262 and 262 have a cylindrical shape so as to insert the first engaging portions 261 and 261.

Specifically, the first engagement portion 261 cuts a cylinder protruding in the axial direction S by D-cutting at least one of both ends (in this example, the rear end portion) of the first support 210 in the axial direction S. Such a D-shaped protrusion is formed. The second engaging portions 262, 262 are circular holes that are partially open in the circumferential direction, with the second engaging portion 262 on the first engaging portion 261 side, which is a D-shaped protruding portion, penetrating in the axial direction S. It has a C shape. As a result, the first support 210 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 110 at a predetermined angle (for example, an angle parallel to the vertical line), while at the angles other than the predetermined angle, the main body side rotation axis α1. It can be freely rotated around. That is, the predetermined angle is an angle at which the first support 210 can be attached to/detached from the image forming apparatus main body 110, and the first support 210 shakes with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110 at angles other than the predetermined angle. This is the swing angle of movement.

In this example, the first engaging portions 231, 231, the second engaging portions 232, 232, and the constituent member 111 are made of a material such as resin. The first support 210 and the first engaging portion 231 are integrally formed, and the component member 111 and the second engaging portion 232 are integrally formed.

The end (the adjacent portion 222 adjacent to the moving member 130 in this example) where the support is not present next to the second support 220 is directly (or indirectly through a support rotation shaft such as a pin). In the example, it is rotatably attached to the moving member 130 about the moving member side turning axis α2 (indirectly via the support turning shaft P (see FIG. 3)) (see FIG. 3).

Specifically, the end (the adjacent portion 222 adjacent to the moving member 130 in this example) where the supporting body does not exist next to the second supporting body 220 moves to the component member 131 (see FIG. 3) of the moving member 130. It is attached so as to be rotatable about the member-side rotation axis α2 and detachable.

The connecting portion 270 (see FIG. 3) between the second support 220 and the component member 131 of the moving member 130 has a first engaging portion 271 provided on the second support 220 (see FIGS. 3 and 12 to 14 ). ) And a second engaging portion 272 (see FIG. 3) provided on the constituent member 131 of the moving member 130.

The first engaging portion 271 and the second engaging portion 272 are engaged with each other around the moving member side rotation axis α2. The first engaging portion 271 has a first through hole 271a (see FIGS. 3, 12, and 14(b)) that penetrates along the axial direction S. Similarly, the second engagement portion 272 has a second through hole 272a (see FIG. 3) that penetrates along the axial direction S. In the first engaging portion 271, the support rotation axis P is inserted into the first through hole 271a and the second through hole 272a in a state where the first through hole 271a is aligned with the second through hole 272a in the second engaging portion 272. By doing so, the second engaging portion 272 is rotatably connected about the moving member side rotation axis α2.

That is, the second support 220 can be attached to and detached from the moving member 130 by inserting and removing the support rotation axis P into and from the first through hole 271a and the second through hole 272a. In the state of being inserted into the first through hole 271a and the second through hole 272a, it is rotatable about the moving member side rotation axis α2.

In this example, the second engaging portions 272 are a pair, and are arranged on both sides of the first engaging portion 271 in the axial direction S. The first engaging portion 271, the second engaging portions 272 and 272, and the constituent member 131 are made of a material such as resin. The second support 220 and the first engaging portion 271 are integrally formed, and the component member 131 and the second engaging portions 272 and 272 are integrally formed.

15 and 16 are cross-sectional views of the postures of the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 when the adjacent first support body 210 and the second support body 220 are opened and closed from the rear side. FIG. 15A shows a state in which the first support 210 and the second support 220 having different lengths in the longitudinal direction L are opened. FIG. 15B shows an example along the oblique direction when the first support 210 and the second support 220 shown in FIG. 15A are closed. FIG. 16A shows a state in which the first support 210 and the second support 220 having substantially the same length in the longitudinal direction L are opened. FIG. 16B shows an example along the linear direction Q when the first support 210 and the second support 220 shown in FIG. 16A are closed.

By the way, when two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are opened and closed, the connecting portion 230 moves in a direction other than the linear direction Q. (See FIG. 15), the opening/closing space for opening/closing the two supports becomes large. Here, the linear direction Q is a direction that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to both the moving direction M in which the moving member 130 moves and the axial direction S.

In the case where the connecting portion 230 is configured to move in a direction other than the linear direction Q, for example, a plurality of supports are two supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example). Yes, in the case where the main body side rotation axis α1 and the moving member side rotation axis α2 are located on or substantially located on the virtual straight line β along the moving direction M of the moving member 130 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110. Can be exemplified as a case where the lengths of the two supports in the longitudinal direction L are different from each other. Then, the two closed support bodies are oblique to the moving direction M of the moving member 130 (see FIG. 15B) or are substantially parallel to each other. Therefore, the opening/closing space for opening/closing two adjacent supports becomes large.

In this respect, in the first embodiment, when the two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are opened and closed, the connecting portion 230 moves in the linear direction Q. (See FIG. 16). In other words, the movement trajectory of the connecting portion 230 when the two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are opened and closed is along the linear direction Q.

Here, as a configuration in which the connecting portion 230 moves in the linear direction Q when two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are opened and closed, the plurality of support bodies Is two supports, and when the two supports are closed, the two supports are orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to both the moving direction M and the axial direction S of the moving member 130, An end portion (adjacent portion 212 adjacent to the image forming apparatus main body 110) where no support exists next to the support (first support 210 in this example) at one end is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 110, and An example is a configuration in which the moving member 130 is provided with an end portion (adjacent portion 222 adjacent to the moving member 130) where no supporting member is present next to the supporting body at the end (the second supporting body 220 in this example). In such a configuration, the main body side rotation axis α1 and the moving member side rotation axis α2 are positioned or substantially positioned on the virtual straight line β along the moving direction M of the moving member 130 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110. In the case where the two support members are present, a configuration in which the lengths of the two support members in the longitudinal direction L are the same or substantially the same can be exemplified.

The linear direction Q is configured such that the moving member 130 can reciprocate along the sliding direction (in this example, the horizontal direction or the substantially horizontal direction) with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110, as in the first embodiment. In this case, the direction is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the sliding direction (vertical direction or substantially vertical direction in this example). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, when the moving member 130 is configured to be reciprocally swingable around the swing axis line along the rotation axis α with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110, a linear direction Q can be a normal direction or a substantially normal direction of an arc showing the swing locus of the moving member 130 about the swing axis.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a state of the support body coupling mechanism 200 due to movement of the moving member 130 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110. 17A shows a state of the support body coupling mechanism 200 when the moving member 130 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 110, and FIG. 17B shows the moving member 130 when the moving member 130 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. The state of the support body coupling mechanism 200 when detached from 110 is shown.

By the way, when the moving member 130 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 110 (see FIG. 17A), two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are closed. However, if the two supports are excessively opened beyond a predetermined angle θ (see FIG. 17B), the closing operation of the two supports cannot be performed smoothly. For example, when two adjacent supports are opened by 180 degrees, the two supports are not closed when they are closed, or when the two supports are opened by more than 180 degrees, the two When the two support bodies are closed, they are closed in opposite directions, which in turn causes the inconvenience that the support body connecting mechanism 200 is damaged.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a state in which the regulation member 280 is provided in the support body coupling mechanism 200 according to the second embodiment.

In addition, in the second embodiment, substantially the same configurations as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In this respect, the support body coupling mechanism 200 according to the second embodiment has a predetermined predetermined angle θ (for example, 180 degrees) between two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example). A restriction member 280 for restricting the above excessive opening is further provided. In the support body connecting mechanism 200, at least one of the two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 in this example) is opened at a predetermined angle θ (for example, 180 degrees) or more between the two support bodies. A regulation member 280 for regulating the overpass is provided.

Specifically, the two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) have one of the adjacent portions 211 and 221 (in this example, when the two support bodies are opened). Then, the adjacent portion 211 of the first support 210 covers the other (in this example, the adjacent portion 221 of the second support 220) and abuts the other.

The restricting member 280 is such that when two adjacent supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) are opened, the adjacent part of the other support (the second support 220 in this example). Abutting the adjacent portion 221) to inhibit the rotation of one support.

One adjacent portion 211 is a support portion 242 at an end portion of one support body (the first support body 210 in this example) on the other support body (the second support body 220 in this example) side and the other side is adjacent. The portion 221 is a support portion 244 at the end portion on the side of one support (the first support 210 in this example) of the other support (the second support 220 in this example). The regulation member 280 is provided on the support portion 242 at the end of one support body (the first support body 210 in this example). In this example, the regulation member 280 is made of a material such as resin. The restriction member 280 and the support portion 242 are integrally formed.

In the support body connecting mechanism 200 having such a configuration, two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are opened at an angle not exceeding a predetermined angle θ (for example, 180 degrees). When the control member 280 (in this example, the support portion 242 at the end of the first support 210 on the side of the second support 220) is a support member on the other side (the first support of the second support 220 in this example). It abuts on the support portion 244) at the end portion on the body 210 side. As a result, it is possible to prevent the two support bodies from opening too much beyond a predetermined angle θ (for example, 180 degrees).

(Third Embodiment)
19 to 21 are perspective views showing a state in which the return members 290, 290 are provided in the support body coupling mechanism 200 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the return member 290 (291) on the front side and the return member 290 (291) on the back side of the first support 210. 20A and 20B are enlarged views of the return member 290 (292) on the front side and the return member 290 (292) on the back side of the second support 220. In addition, FIGS. 21A and 21B show the return member on the front side when the first support 210 and the second support 220 connected by the connecting portion 230 are opened by a predetermined angle θ or more. The state of 290 (291, 292) and the return member 290 (291, 292) on the back side is enlarged and shown.

Note that, in the third embodiment, the substantially same configurations as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the support body connecting mechanism 200 according to the third embodiment, two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are opened at a predetermined angle θ (for example, 180 degrees) or more. Further provided is a return member 290 (291, 292) configured to return the two supports to an angle smaller than the predetermined angle θ even when they are bent.

The return member 290 includes a first return member 291 (see FIG. 19) provided on the first support body 210 and a second return member 292 (see FIG. 20) provided on the second support body 220. .. The first return member 291 and the second return member 292 abut each other when the first support 210 and the second support 220 are opened by a predetermined angle θ (for example, 180 degrees) or more, and the first support 210 and the second return member 292. The configuration is such that the second support 220 is returned to an angle smaller than the predetermined angle θ.

The first return member 291 is a protrusion that protrudes inward in the axial direction S so as to extend in an arc shape centered on the rotation axis α. The second return member 292 is a protrusion that protrudes outward in the axial direction S on the movement trajectory of the first return member 291.

Specifically, the first return member 291 is provided on the inner side in the axial direction S of the first engaging portions 231 and 231 that form the connecting portion 230 provided on the first support body 210. The second return member 292 is provided at both ends of the second support 220 (specifically, the third side plate 220d and the fourth side plate 220e). The second return members 292, 292 are provided on the second support 220 on the side opposite to the first support 210 side of the second engagement parts 232, 232 forming the coupling part 230 from the second engagement parts 232, 232. It is provided with a predetermined interval d, d (see FIG. 20).

In this example, the first return members 291 and 291 have the top surfaces from the inner side surfaces 2311 and 2311 (see FIG. 19) of the first engaging portions 231 and 231 at the ends that are in contact with the second return members 292 and 292. It has inclined surfaces 291a and 291a (see FIG. 19) that gradually incline toward 2911 and 2911 (see FIG. 19). The second return members 292, 292 have an outer surface 220d1 (see FIG. 20(a)) of the third side plate 220d and an outer surface 220e1 (FIG. 20) of the fourth side plate 220e at the ends that are in contact with the first return members 291, 291. It has inclined surfaces 292a and 292a (see FIG. 20) that gradually incline from the top portions 2921 and 2921 (see FIG. 20) to the top portions 2921 and 2921 (see FIG. 20).

In this example, the return member 290 is made of a material such as resin. The first return members 291, 291 and the first engaging portions 231, 231 are integrally formed. The second return members 292 and 292 and the second supports 220 and 220 are integrally formed.

In the support connecting mechanism 200 having such a configuration, when the moving member 130 is detached from the image forming apparatus main body 110 by the user, the first support 210 and the second support 220 have a predetermined angle θ (for example, When opened 180 degrees), the first return members 291 and 291 provided on the first engaging portions 231 and 231 and the second return members 292 and 292 provided on the first support 210 come into contact with each other ( When the first support 210 and the second support 220 are further opened beyond the predetermined angle θ (see FIG. 21), the first return members 291 and 291 ride on the second return members 292 and 292 (in this example, The first return members 291, 291 smoothly ride up along the inclined surfaces 292a, 292a of the second return members 292, 292 by the inclined surfaces 292a, 292a). Then, the first engaging portions 231 and 231 provided at both ends of the first support 210 in the axial direction S are spread in the axial direction S, and the first support 210 is elastically deformed. When the user releases the moving member 130 from the image forming apparatus main body 110 in this state, the elastic force of the elastic deformation of the first support 210 returns the first return members 291 and 291 to the second return member. Sliding down from 292, 292 (in this example, the first return members 291, 291 smoothly slide down along the inclined surfaces 292a, 292a of the second return members 292, 292 by the inclined surfaces 292a, 292a) The support 210 and the second support 220 rotate in the closing direction, and the first support 210 and the second support 220 return to an angle smaller than the predetermined angle θ.

In addition, in this example, as the return member 290, the first return member 291 that is a protrusion and the second return member 292 that is a protrusion are used, but the first support 210 and the second support 220 are predetermined. Any configuration may be used as long as the first support 210 and the second support 220 are returned to an angle smaller than the predetermined angle θ when opened by the angle θ or more. For example, as the return member 290, the first support 210 and the second support 220 are not urged until the predetermined angle θ is reached, but when the return angle is equal to or greater than the predetermined angle θ, the first support 210 and the second support 220 are moved. A biasing member that biases in the returning direction may be used. As the urging member, a first locking portion that locks in the closing direction with the first support body 210, a second locking portion that locks in the closing direction with the second support body 220, and a first locking portion. And a second locking portion, and a coil spring that applies a biasing force in a direction in which the first support 210 and the second support 220 are returned when the first support 210 and the second support 220 have a predetermined angle θ or more. A torsion coil spring (so-called kick spring) having a portion can be exemplified.

(Fourth Embodiment)
22: is a figure which shows a part of 1st support body 210 and the 2nd support body 220 in the support body coupling mechanism 200 which concerns on 4th Embodiment. 22A is a schematic perspective view showing a connecting portion 230 portion in a state where the first support 210 and the second support 220 are open, and FIG. 22B is a first support 210 and FIG. 22C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connecting portion 230 portion when the second support 220 is open, and FIG. 22C is a connection when the first support 210 and the second support 220 are closed. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the part 230 part. Here, in the configuration shown in FIG. 22, the closing portion 202a is not provided in the opposite side connecting portion area 202, and the wiring member C is opened in both the bending side connecting portion area 201 and the opposite side connecting portion area 202. It shows the state.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the configurations substantially similar to those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the support coupling mechanism 200 according to the fourth embodiment, the plurality of supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) are orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to both the axial direction S and the longitudinal direction L. Identical or substantially identical lines γ, γ [at a predetermined position (in this example, the central portion) in the orthogonal direction T (specifically, in the thickness direction) at intervals (predetermined predetermined intervals in this example) in the longitudinal direction L. 22(c)] has supporting portions 241, 242,..., 243, 244,... (See FIG. 22) provided above. The supporting portions 241, 242,..., 243, 244,... Are arranged on one side in the orthogonal direction T (specifically, the thickness direction) of the wiring member C for each of the adjacent supporting portions (241, 242), (243, 244). And the surface on the other side are alternately arranged.

Specifically, the first support 210 has a pair of side plates 240a, 240a. The pair of side plates 240a, 240a extend in the longitudinal direction L and face each other in the state along both the longitudinal direction L and the orthogonal direction T at a predetermined interval in the axial direction S. Between the pair of side plates 240a, 240a, a plurality of supporting portions 241, 242,... (Specifically, supporting plates) are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction L along both the longitudinal direction L and the axial direction S. Are installed side by side. Similarly, the second support 220 also has a pair of side plates 240b and 240b. The pair of side plates 240b and 240b extend in the longitudinal direction L and face each other in the state along both the longitudinal direction L and the orthogonal direction T at a predetermined interval in the axial direction S. Between the pair of side plates 240b, 240b, a plurality of supporting portions 243, 244,... (Specifically, supporting plates) are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction L along both the longitudinal direction L and the axial direction S. Are installed side by side. The same or substantially same lines γ, γ are along the longitudinal direction L.

(Other embodiments)
In the present embodiment, the plurality of supports are two supports, but three or more supports may be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the openings 253 to 253 and 254 to 254 are provided in the plurality of supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example), but the open part 201a is configured. Except for the openings 251 and 253 at the side end portions, the openings 251 to 251, 252 to 252 and the openings 253 to 253 and 254 to 254 are not provided, and the periphery of the wiring member C is entirely or substantially entirely covered. May be.

Further, in the present embodiment, the open portions 201a are provided on both of the adjacent supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example), but either one of the adjacent supports may be provided. The opening portion 201a may be provided in the opening.

Further, in the present embodiment, the blocking portions 202a are provided on both of the adjacent supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example), but one of the adjacent supports is provided. The closing portion 202a may be provided in the above.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first support 210 is provided on the image forming apparatus main body 110 side, and the second support 220 is provided on the moving member 130 side. However, the first support 210 is provided on the moving member 130 side. Alternatively, the second support 220 may be provided on the image forming apparatus main body 110 side.

Further, in the present embodiment, the moving member 130 is configured to be reciprocally movable in the image forming apparatus main body 110 in a predetermined sliding direction, and the support body connecting mechanism 200 is provided between the image forming apparatus main body 110 and the moving member 130. However, the moving member 130 is configured to be reciprocally swingable around the swing axis along the rotation axis α with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110, and the moving member 130 is provided between the image forming apparatus main body 110 and the moving member 130. The support connection mechanism 200 may be provided.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the plurality of supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) are bent so that the connecting portion 230 is on the upper side. Alternatively, for example, a plurality of supports may be bent so that the connecting portion 230 faces downward.

Further, in the present embodiment, the bending direction of the plurality of support members is configured to be bent in one direction, but the bending directions of the plurality of support members are alternately different, for example, in a plurality of support members, You may make it bend|fold so that it may alternate in one direction and an opposite direction.

(About this Embodiment)
According to the support body connecting mechanism 200 described above, wiring is performed in the predetermined bending side connecting portion region 201 including the connecting portion 230 portion on the bending side of the support body (the first supporting body 210 and the second supporting body 220 in this example). Since the member C is opened, even when the wiring member C is pulled when the two supports are closed, the center path of the two supports when the two supports are closed is set. A portion in which the wiring member C is opened by a length (L1+L2) longer than the length (L1+L2) of the central path of the two supports when the two supports are opened (specifically, It can be released at the open part 201a). Therefore, the two adjacent supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) can be closed without any trouble. Moreover, the length (L1+L2) of the center path when two adjacent supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) are closed is equal to the length when the two supports are opened. Since the portion longer than the length (L1+L2) of the central path can be released in the open portion of the wiring member C (specifically, the open portion 201a), the two support bodies are in an open state. It is possible to prevent the wiring member C from being loosened, so that when the two supports are opened, the wiring member C is not slackened from the opposite side connecting portion region 202 on the opposite side to the bending side of the two supports. It is possible to prevent the wiring member C from jumping out, and therefore it is possible to avoid inconveniences such as disconnection of the wiring member C when the two supports are opened.

This means that when the two adjacent supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) are opened and closed, the wiring member C is positioned relative to the two supports in the longitudinal direction L. This is particularly effective when the structure is such that it does not move or does not move substantially.

By the way, in the wiring member C, when a plurality of electric wires are arbitrarily bundled, when two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are closed, Since the inner electric wire in the radial direction around the rotation axis α has a greater degree of bending due to the difference in circumference than the outer electric wire, inconveniences such as disconnection are likely to occur.

In this respect, in the present embodiment, the plurality of supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) are arranged in the width direction along the rotation axis α (the axial direction S of the rotation axis α). Is larger than the size in the thickness direction (orthogonal direction T) orthogonal to both the width direction and the longitudinal direction L, so that two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body in this example) When the support body 220) is closed, all the electric wires in the wiring member C can be made to have the same or substantially the same degree of curvature, and the inconvenience such as the disconnection of the wiring member C due to the circumferential difference can be effectively suppressed. You can

Further, in the present embodiment, a predetermined opposite side connecting portion including a connecting portion 230 portion on the opposite side to the bending side of two adjacent supporting bodies (the first supporting body 210 and the second supporting body 220 in this example). By closing the wiring member C in the region 202, it is possible to effectively prevent the wiring member C from jumping out from the opposite side connection portion region 202 when the two supports are opened. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the inconvenience such as disconnection of the wiring member C when the two supports are opened.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the plurality of support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are each provided with a plurality of support portions 241-244 provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction L. The wiring member C can be effectively supported by having.

By the way, the plurality of supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) may cover the periphery of the wiring member C entirely or substantially all over, but individually using a mold. In the case of molding the support of (1), the individual support is divided into one side and the other side in the direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L (for example, the orthogonal direction T orthogonal to both the axial direction S and the longitudinal direction L). Since it is composed of two parts, the structure of the support is complicated and the assembly workability is deteriorated.

In this respect, in the present embodiment, the plurality of support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L or substantially orthogonal (in this example, the orthogonal direction T). By having the supporting portions 241 to 244 that are provided alternately on one side and the other side at intervals in the longitudinal direction L, even if the individual supports are molded using the mold, the mold It is possible to secure a hole for each support, and thus each support can be composed of a single part, which effectively prevents the support from becoming complicated in structure and assembly workability from being deteriorated. be able to.

Further, in the present embodiment, one end portion (adjacent portion 212 adjacent to the image forming apparatus main body 110 in this example) of the plurality of supports (first support 210 and second support 220 in this example) is , The electric device main body (image forming apparatus main body 110 in this example) is rotatably provided, and the other end portion (adjacent portion 222 adjacent to the moving member 130 in this example) is relative to the moving member 130. The plurality of supports are configured to rotate in accordance with the movement operation of the moving member 130 with respect to the electric device body. Unlike the conventional case, when connecting the operating parts of the member 130, a connecting connector is not used, so that the cost can be kept low, and the wiring member C is always in the connected state, so that the conductivity and The durability can be improved. In addition, when the moving member 130 moves with respect to the main body of the electric device (the main body 110 of the image forming apparatus in this example), as described above, the two adjacent supports (the first support 210 and the second support 210 in this example). The body 220) can be closed without hindrance, and inconvenience such as disconnection of the wiring member C when the two supports are opened can be avoided.

Further, in the present embodiment, the support body coupling mechanism 200 is located in the region β2 other than the attachment/detachment operation range β1 which is the range in which the attachment/detachment member 150 is attached/detached, so that the electric device main body (in this example, the image The attaching/detaching member 150 can be attached/detached to/from the forming apparatus main body 110) without the support connecting mechanism 200 interfering.

Further, in the present embodiment, when two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are opened and closed, the connecting portion 230 moves in the linear direction Q. (For example, the plurality of supports are two supports, and when the two supports are closed, the two supports are orthogonal to both the moving direction M and the axial direction S). Alternatively, the opening/closing space between the two supports can be minimized due to the substantially orthogonal structure. Accordingly, for example, when the moving member 130 is closed with respect to the electric device main body (the image forming apparatus main body 110 in this example), the support body coupling mechanism 200 can be housed in the electric device without being bulky.

In addition, in the second embodiment, a regulating member 280 that regulates the excessive opening of two adjacent supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) beyond a predetermined angle θ is further provided. Thus, it is possible to smoothly perform the closing operation of the two support bodies, and thereby, it is possible to avoid damage to the support body coupling mechanism 200. In particular, the restriction member 280 is configured to restrict the two supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) from opening too much by 180 degrees or more, so that the two supports Can be opened by less than 180 degrees and the two supports cannot be closed when the two supports are closed or the two supports can be closed in opposite directions. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the support coupling mechanism 200 is damaged.

In addition, in the third embodiment, even when two adjacent support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are opened by a predetermined angle θ or more, the two support bodies are separated by the predetermined angle θ. By further including the return member 290 configured to return to a smaller angle, it is possible to open the two supports at a predetermined angle θ or more. Moreover, even if the two adjacent supports are opened more than the predetermined angle θ, the two supports can be returned to an angle smaller than the predetermined angle θ, whereby the closing operation of the two supports is performed. Can be done smoothly. For example, even if two adjacent supports (the first support 210 and the second support 220 in this example) are opened by 180 degrees or more, it is possible to return the two supports to an angle smaller than 180 degrees. Therefore, when the two supports are closed, the two supports are not closed, or the two supports are closed in opposite directions, and the support connecting mechanism 200 is damaged. It is possible to avoid such inconvenience.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the plurality of support bodies (the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 in this example) are orthogonal to the axial direction S and the longitudinal direction L, or an orthogonal direction T (specifically). , 243, 244, provided on the same or substantially the same line γ, γ at intervals in the longitudinal direction L at predetermined positions in the thickness direction). Then, the wiring members C are alternately arranged between the surface on one side and the surface on the other side in the orthogonal direction T (specifically, the thickness direction) for each of the adjacent support portions (241, 242), (243, 244). The wiring member C can be supported, and thus the wiring member C can be reliably supported.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be implemented in various other forms. Therefore, the embodiment is merely an example in all respects and should not be limitedly interpreted. The scope of the present invention is shown by the claims and is not bound by the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

100 image forming apparatus (an example of electric equipment)
110 Image forming apparatus main body (an example of electric equipment main body)
111 component member 120 image reading device 130 moving member 131 component member 140 slide member 150 attachment/detachment member 200 support body coupling mechanism 201 bending side coupling portion region 201a open portion 202 opposite side coupling portion region 202a closing portion 210 first support body 211 adjacent portion 220 Second support 221 Adjacent portion 230 Coupling part 231 First engaging part 232 Second engaging part 241 Supporting part 242 Supporting part 243 Supporting part 244 Supporting part 251 Opening 252 Opening 253 Opening 254 Opening 280 Restricting member 290 Returning member 291 1st return member 292 2nd return member C Wiring member L Longitudinal direction M Moving direction Q Linear direction S Axial line direction T Orthogonal direction X Width direction Y Left-right direction Z Vertical direction d Interval α Rotation axis α1 Main body side rotation axis α2 Movement Member side rotation axis β Virtual straight line β1 Attachment/detachment operation range β2 Area other than attachment/detachment operation range θ Predetermined angle

Claims (11)

A plurality of support bodies that are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the wiring member and support the wiring member, and two adjacent support bodies of the plurality of support bodies are foldably connected to one side around the rotation axis. A support body connecting mechanism including a connecting portion,
The wiring member is opened in a predetermined bending side connecting portion region including the connecting portion portions on the bending sides of the two adjacent supports .
The two adjacent supports are such that, when the two supports are opened, one of the adjacent parts of the two adjacent supports connected by the connecting portion covers the other. A support connecting mechanism, which is in contact with the other . The support connecting mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein
A return member configured to return the two support bodies to an angle smaller than the predetermined angle even when the two support bodies adjacent to each other are opened at a predetermined angle or more. Support connection mechanism. A plurality of support bodies that are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the wiring member and support the wiring member, and two adjacent support bodies of the plurality of support bodies are foldably connected to one side around the rotation axis. A support body connecting mechanism including a connecting portion,
The wiring member is opened in a predetermined bending side connecting portion region including the connecting portion portions on the bending sides of the two adjacent supports.
A return member configured to return the two support bodies to an angle smaller than the predetermined angle even when the two support bodies adjacent to each other are opened at a predetermined angle or more. Support connection mechanism. The support coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The support connection mechanism, wherein the plurality of supports have a size in a width direction along the rotation axis larger than a size in a thickness direction orthogonal to both the width direction and the longitudinal direction. The support coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
A support body connecting mechanism, wherein the wiring member is closed at a predetermined opposite side connection portion region including the connection portion portion on the side opposite to the bending side of the two adjacent support bodies. The support coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The support connection mechanism, wherein each of the plurality of supports has a plurality of support portions provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction. The support coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
Provided in an electric device including an electric device main body and a moving member movable with respect to the electric device main body,
Out of the plurality of supports, one end is rotatably provided with respect to the electric device body, and the other end is rotatably provided with respect to the moving member,
The support connecting mechanism, wherein the plurality of supports are configured to rotate in accordance with a movement operation of the moving member with respect to the electric device body. The support connection mechanism according to claim 7 , wherein
The electric device further includes a detachable member that is attachable to and detachable from the electric device body,
The support connection mechanism is characterized in that the support connection mechanism is located in a region outside the attachment/detachment operation range, which is a range in which the attachment/detachment member is attached/detached. The support coupling mechanism according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein
When the two adjacent supports are opened and closed, the connecting portion moves in a linear direction that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to both the moving direction in which the moving member moves and the axial direction of the rotation axis. A support connecting mechanism characterized by being. The support connecting mechanism according to any one of claims 3 to 9 ,
The support-member connecting mechanism further comprising a restricting member that restricts excessive opening of the two adjacent supports at a predetermined angle or more. An electric device comprising the support connecting mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10 .

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