Image reading device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image reading device and an image forming apparatus that can reduce a risk that quality of image reading is reduced.SOLUTION: An image reading device 1 comprises a placement table 2, a reading unit 3, a communication line 4, a rail 5, and a conveying mechanism 6. A document R is placed on the placement table 2. The reading unit 3 reads the document R placed on the placement table 2 to output image data. The communication line 4 can electrically transmit the image data. The communication line 4 is fixed to the rail 5, and the rail is arranged along a reading direction D1 in which the reading unit 3 reads the document R placed on the placement table 2. The conveying mechanism 6 conveys the reading unit 3 along the rail 5 to convey the reading unit 3 along a reading path on which the reading unit 3 reads the document R placed on the placement table 2. The conveying mechanism 6 electrically connects the reading unit 3 to the communication line 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device and an image forming device. [Background technology]

[0002] Image reading devices such as scanners are devices that read images from documents. Image reading devices read images from documents by moving a reading unit back and forth under the document glass. Signals such as control signals to the reading unit are transmitted to the required locations by a flat cable that deforms under the document glass as the reading unit moves back and forth. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-070492 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, a flat cable that deforms under the platen glass has various risks that degrade the image reading quality. For example, there is a risk that the flat cable may come into contact with the platen glass and cause fine scratches on the platen glass. The image reading device described in Patent Document 1 reduces various risks that degrade the image reading quality, including the risk that the flat cable may come into contact with the platen glass, by improving the flat cable. On the other hand, the image reading device described in Patent Document 1 has room to further reduce the risk that the image reading quality degrades.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide an image reading device and an image forming device that can reduce the risk of degradation in image reading quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image reading device includes a mounting table, a reading unit, a communication line, a rail, and a transport mechanism. The mounting table is adapted to place an original document thereon. The reading unit reads the original document placed on the mounting table and outputs image data. The communication line is capable of electrically transmitting the image data. The rail is adapted to fix the communication line and is disposed along a reading direction in which the reading unit reads the original document placed on the mounting table. The transport mechanism transports the reading unit along the rail, thereby transporting the reading unit along a reading path in which the reading unit reads the original document placed on the mounting table. The transport mechanism electrically connects the reading unit to the communication line.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes the image reading device and an image forming section, the image forming section forming an image on a recording medium based on image data electrically transmitted from the image reading device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the image reading device and image forming device of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the risk of degradation in image reading quality. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image reading device of FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a perspective view showing the transport mechanism in FIG. 2 with a reading unit removed from the transport mechanism. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the section AA in FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 3, showing the connector in an exploded state. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a separation mechanism, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the conveyor table in FIG. 2 moving in the reading direction, and an enlarged view of the connector and its vicinity. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the connector, in which the first guide guides the protrusion. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the conveyor platform in FIG. 7 moving in the return direction, and an enlarged view of the connector and its vicinity. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the connector, in which the second guide guides the protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] An overview of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus having a function of forming an image on a recording medium S by an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The image forming apparatus 100 may be, for example, a printer, a copy machine, or an MFP (Multi Function Printer). The image forming apparatus 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 is an electrophotographic printer. The recording medium S is plain paper, recycled paper, thin paper, thick paper, coated paper, or an OHP (Overhead Projector) sheet.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading device 1 and an image forming section 101.

[0014] The image reading device 1 will be outlined with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the image reading device 1 of Fig. 1.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, the image reading device 1 reads an image of an original R and outputs image data. The original R is plain paper, recycled paper, thin paper, thick paper, coated paper, or an overhead projector (OHP) sheet. The original R may also be a relatively thick document such as a book. The image is any combination of characters, figures, symbols, or colors.

[0016] The image reading device 1 includes a mounting table 2, a reading unit 3, a communication line 4, a rail 5, and a transport mechanism 6.

[0017] The document R is placed on the placement table 2. The placement table 2 has a light transmitting portion 21 and a document guide 22.

[0018] The light-transmitting portion 21 is a plate material having light-transmitting properties. The material of the light-transmitting portion 21 may be plastic or glass. The original R is placed on the light-transmitting portion 21.

[0019] The original document guide 22 is a frame provided in the light-transmitting section 21. The original document guide 22 forms a step between itself and the light-transmitting section 21. The position of the step serves as a reference for the position at which the original document R is placed. The user can place the original document R at the reference position by abutting an end of the original document R against the step of the original document guide 22. For convenience, in the following description, the direction from the placement table 2 toward the position at which the original document R is placed may be referred to as the upward direction. The direction opposite to the upward direction may be referred to as the downward direction.

[0020] The reading unit 3 reads the original R placed on the placement table 2 and outputs image data. The reading unit 3 is disposed below the placement table 2. The reading unit 3 reads an image of the original R from light transmitted through the light-transmitting portion 21. The reading unit 3 is, for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) equipped with an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an imaging lens, and an image sensor. The image data output from the reading unit 3 can be transmitted electrically.

[0021] The reading unit 3 can read an image within a certain range. Therefore, the reading unit 3 can read the entire image of the original R by conveying the original R in a certain direction while reading the image of the original R.

[0022] The placement table 2 indicates a start position SP where the reading unit 3 starts reading an image, and an end position EP where the reading unit 3 ends reading the image. The part of the original R placed between the start position SP and the end position EP is read by the reading device. On the placement table 2 shown in FIG. 2, the start position SP is indicated by an arrow symbol, and the end position EP is displayed for each size of the original R that can be read. For the sake of convenience, FIG. 2 shows the end position EP for an A6-sized original R. In the following description, the direction in which the reading unit 3 reads the original R placed on the placement table 2 may be referred to as a reading direction D1. The direction opposite to the reading direction D1 may be referred to as a return direction D2.

[0023] The communication line 4 has a plurality of transmission lines 41 on its surface, and can electrically transmit image data in parallel through each transmission line 41. As an example, the communication line 4 is a strip-shaped member in which a plurality of transmission lines 41 made of metal wires are arranged on an insulating base material in parallel along the reading direction D1 at predetermined intervals (see Fig. 8 and Fig. 10). The destination to which the image data is transmitted by the communication line 4 is appropriately determined according to the purpose. For example, the communication line 4 may be connected to a control unit (not shown) of the image reading device 1, or an antenna (not shown) that transmits image data to the outside of the image reading device 1. In addition, the surface of each transmission line 41 has conductivity. Therefore, the image data is transmitted to the intended destination by electrically connecting the reading unit 3 to the surface of each transmission line 41.

[0024] The rail 5 is fixed to the communication line 4 and is disposed along the reading direction D1. The communication line 4 is fixed to the rail 5 at least in a range in which a transport mechanism 6, which will be described later, moves. The rail 5 crosses the mounting table 2 when viewed from above the mounting table 2. In addition, the rail 5 extends beyond the range between the start position SP and the end position EP when viewed from above the mounting table 2.

[0025] The transport mechanism 6 transports the reading unit 3 along the rails 5, thereby transporting the reading unit 3 along a reading path along which the reading unit 3 reads the original R placed on the placement table 2. The reading path is a path through which the reading unit 3 passes in order to read the entire image of the original R. The transport mechanism 6 causes the reading unit 3 to pass through the reading path and read the entire image of the original R. The rails 5 serve as a guide for the transport mechanism 6 to transport the reading unit 3.

[0026] The transport mechanism 6 electrically connects the reading unit 3 to the communication line 4. Therefore, the image data output by the reading unit 3 is transmitted to the communication line 4 fixed to the rail 5 via the transport mechanism 6. As a result, the image reading device 1 does not require a flat cable that deforms under a conventional platen glass, thereby reducing the risk of deterioration in image reading quality.

[0027] The transport mechanism 6 will be outlined with reference to FIG.

[0028] The transport mechanism 6 includes a drive source 7 , a connection mechanism 8 , and a separation mechanism 9 .

[0029] The driving source 7 is a power source for transporting the reading unit 3 along the reading path. The driving source 7 includes a motor 71 and a belt 72. The motor 71 generates a rotational force. The belt 72 is in the shape of a ring. The inner surface of the belt 72 is uneven (not shown). The unevenness on the inner side of the belt 72 meshes with the rotating shaft of the motor 71, causing the belt 72 to rotate. As the belt 72 rotates, the connection mechanism 8 moves in the reading direction D1 or the return direction D2.

[0030] The connection mechanism 8 is electrically connected to the reading unit 3 and is capable of contacting the communication line 4. By contacting the communication line 4, the connection mechanism 8 electrically connects the reading unit 3 to the communication line 4. Then, the connection mechanism 8 transports the reading unit 3 in the reading direction D1 or the return direction D2. Therefore, image data output by the transported reading unit 3 is transmitted to the communication line 4 via the connection mechanism 8 in contact with the communication line 4.

[0031] The separating mechanism 9 separates the connection mechanism 8 from the communication line 4 when the reading unit 3 is transported in the return direction D2. This reduces the time that the connection mechanism 8 is in contact with the communication line 4. As a result, the risk of the connection mechanism 8 deteriorating due to wear between the connection mechanism 8 and the communication line 4 can be reduced.

[0032] The connection mechanism 8 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the transport mechanism 6 in Fig. 2, and shows a state in which the reading unit 3 has been removed from the transport mechanism 6. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 3.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the connection mechanism 8 includes a carrier table 81, a cable 82, a connector 83, and rollers 84 (see FIG. 4).

[0034] The transport platform 81 transports the reading unit 3 along the reading path. The transport platform 81 includes a holder 811 and a slider 812.

[0035] The holding unit 811 is a box that houses the reading unit 3. The shape of the holding unit 811 is appropriately determined according to the type or shape of the reading unit 3. The holding unit 811 illustrated in FIG. 3 is shaped like a gutter with a portion facing the mounting table 2 open. The longitudinal direction of the holding unit 811 illustrated in FIG. 3 is along a direction intersecting the reading direction D1. The reading unit 3 is housed in a portion of the holding unit 811 that corresponds to the groove portion of the gutter. The holding unit 811 in FIG. 3 has an engagement portion (not shown) that engages with the inner unevenness of the belt 72. Therefore, as the belt 72 rotates, the holding unit 811 that engages with the engagement portion can move along the reading direction D1.

[0036] The slider 812 is provided below the holder 811. The slider 812 is a portion that guides the movement of the holder 811 by the rail 5. Therefore, the shape of the slider 812 is also determined appropriately according to the shape of the rail 5, etc. The slider 812 illustrated in FIG. 3 has a pair of walls 813, 813 that sandwich the rail 5 from a direction intersecting the reading direction D1. A space is provided between the wall 813 and the rail 5.

[0037] The cable 82 is fixed to the conveyance table 81 and is electrically connected to the reading unit 3. The surface of the cable 82 is covered with an insulating film. One end of the cable 82 is connected to the reading unit 3. The other end of the cable 82 is connected to a connector 83.

[0038] The connector 83 is electrically connected to the reading unit 3 via the cable 82. The shape of the connector 83 is determined appropriately in accordance with the cable 82.

[0039] The roller 84 shown in FIG. 4 is electrically connected to the connector 83. The connector 83 rotatably supports the roller 84 so that the roller 84 comes into contact with the communication line 4 when the conveyance platform 81 is moved in the reading direction D1. Specifically, the roller 84 has a conductive relay portion 841 formed in a ring shape along the circumferential direction so as to come into contact with each transmission line 41. When the conveyance platform 81 conveys the reading unit 3, the roller 84 rotates with the relay portion 841 in contact with each transmission line 41. Therefore, the roller 84 can electrically connect the cable 82 to the communication line 4 via the connector 83. In addition, the roller 84 can reduce the risk of the communication line 4 being worn out.

[0040] The structures of cable 82 and connector 83, as well as a preferred support structure for connector 83 on carrier table 81, will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 5 is a perspective view of connector 83 shown in Figure 3, showing a state in which connector 83 is disassembled.

[0041] 3, the cable 82 includes a reading side connection portion 821, a cable main body 822, and a connection end portion 823. Preferably, the cable 82 has flexibility. The cable 82 is, for example, an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable).

[0042] The reading side connection part 821 is an end part to which the reading unit 3 is electrically connected. The shape of the reading side connection part 821 is appropriately determined depending on the type of the reading unit 3.

[0043] The cable main body 822 is a portion that electrically transmits image data. The cable main body 822 has a flat plate shape. The cable main body 822 is held by the holding portion 811.

[0044] 4 in a separating direction to separate the roller 84 from the communication line 4. The connection end 823 is connected to the connector 83. Therefore, when the connector 83 moves in the separating direction, the connection end 823 is deformed in the separating direction.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the connector 83 has a case 831, a protrusion 832, a connection gate 833, and a relay wire 834.

[0046] The case 831 rotatably supports the roller 84. The case 831 is supported by the transport platform 81 so as to be movable in the separation direction. Therefore, the roller 84 in contact with the communication line 4 moves in the separation direction together with the case 831 before an excessive pressing force against the communication line 4 is generated. As a result, the risk of excessive friction caused by contact between the roller 84 and the communication line 4 can be reduced.

[0047] Specifically, the case 831 has a pair of side walls 83B, 83B, and an upper wall 83A. The side wall 83B is aligned along the reading direction D1. The upper wall 83A connects an upper end of one side wall 83B to an upper end of the other side wall 83B.

[0048] The protruding portion 832 protrudes from the case 831. Specifically, the protruding portion 832 protrudes from each of the pair of side walls 83B, 83B toward the outside of the case 831. The protruding portion 832 is supported by each of the pair of walls 813, 813 shown in FIG. 3 so as to be movable in the separation direction. For example, each of the pair of walls 813, 813 has a through hole (not shown in FIG. 3). The through hole provided in the wall 813 has a shape having a space through which the protruding portion 832 inserted into the through hole can move in the separation direction. By inserting each of the pair of protruding portions 832, 832 into the through holes provided in the pair of walls 813, 813, the case 831 is supported by the conveyance platform 81 so as to be movable in the separation direction.

[0049] The connection gate 833 is an elongated hole that penetrates the upper wall 83A and extends in a direction intersecting the reading direction D1. Two connection gates 833 are provided on the upper wall 83A with an interval therebetween in the reading direction D1. The connection end 823 of the cable 82 is inserted into the connection gate 833.

[0050] The relay wires 834 electrically relay the connection end 823 and the rollers 84. The connector 83 has a plurality of relay wires 834. Each of the plurality of relay wires 834 has electrical conductivity. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the plurality of relay wires 834 is connected to the connection end 823 and in contact with the rollers 84.

[0051] Specifically, the relay wire 834 has a pair of end portions 83C, 83C and a curved portion 83D, as shown in FIG. 4. Each of the pair of end portions 83C, 83C is disposed in the connection gate 833 along the reading direction D1. The connection end portion 823 inserted in the connection gate 833 is connected to the end portion 83C. As a result, the connection end portion 823 is electrically connected to the relay wire 834. The curved portion 83D curves downward between the pair of end portions 83C, 83C. The roller 84 is fixed to the case 831 such that the relay portion 841 contacts the bottom portion of the curved portion 83D. The relay wire 834 electrically relays the connection end portion 823 and the relay portion 841 of the roller 84, thereby reducing the risk of the cable 82 deteriorating due to the connection end portion 823 coming into direct contact with the relay portion 841 of the rotating roller 84.

[0052] The spacing mechanism 9 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the spacing mechanism 9, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 3.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the spacing mechanism 9 has the above-mentioned protrusion 832, a first support portion 92, a second support portion 93, a pulling body 94, a first guide 95, and a second guide 96.

[0054] The first support portion 92 supports the protruding portion 832 so that the case 831 is disposed at the position where the roller 84 contacts the communication line 4. The first support portion 92 may have any structure as long as it supports the protruding portion 832 so that the roller 84 does not move away from the position where the roller 84 contacts the communication line 4 when the transport platform 81 moves in the range between the start position SP and the end position EP.

[0055] The second support portion 93 supports the protruding portion 832 so that the case 831 is disposed at a position where the roller 84 is separated from the communication line 4. The second support portion 93 may have a structure that supports the protruding portion 832 so that the roller 84 does not move toward the position where it contacts the communication line 4 when the transport platform 81 is moving in the range between the start position SP and the end position EP.

[0056] The first support portion 92 and the second support portion 93 allow the roller 84 to move between a position in contact with the communication line 4 and a position spaced apart from the communication line 4 .

[0057] A preferred structure of the protruding portion 832, the first support portion 92, and the second support portion 93 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 10. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the movement of the conveying table 81 in FIG. 2 in the reading direction D1, and an enlarged view of the vicinity of the connector 83. In FIG. 7, the enlarged view of the vicinity of the connector 83 does not show the holding portion 811 for convenience of explanation. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a cross section of the vicinity of the connector 83, in which the first guide 95 guides the protruding portion 832. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the movement of the conveying table 81 in FIG. 7 in the return direction D2, and an enlarged view of the vicinity of the connector 83. In FIG. 9, the enlarged view of the vicinity of the connector 83 does not show the holding portion 811 for convenience of explanation. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cross section of the vicinity of the connector 83, in which the second guide 96 guides the protruding portion 832.

[0058] The protrusion 832 protrudes toward the conveyance platform 81 as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The first support portion 92 is provided on the conveyance platform 81. Additionally, the first support portion 92 is a recess in a direction that causes the roller 84 (see FIG. 6) to contact the communication line 4. The second support portion 93 is provided on the conveyance platform 81. Additionally, the second support portion 93 is connected to the first support portion 92 and is a recess in the return direction D2. Therefore, the structure that moves the roller 84 back and forth between a position in contact with the communication line 4 and a position spaced apart from the communication line 4 is concentrated in the conveyance platform 81 and the case 831. As a result, the spacing mechanism 9 can be made compact.

[0059] Specifically, the first support portion 92 and the second support portion 93 are provided on each of a pair of walls 813, 813 of the slider 812. In addition, the first support portion 92 and the second support portion 93 penetrate the wall 813. The protrusions 832 protrude from the first support portion 92 and the second support portion 93 into the space outside the wall 813.

[0060] The pulling body 94 pulls the protruding portion 832 in the return direction D2. The pulling body 94 is a spring such as a coil spring. In order to hold the pulling body 94, the slider 812 further has a hook portion 814. The hook portion 814 protrudes from the wall 813 toward the opposite side to the rail 5. One end of the pulling body 94 is hooked to the hook portion 814. Meanwhile, the other end of the pulling body 94 is hooked to the protruding portion 832 protruding into the space outside the wall 813. The natural length of the pulling body 94 is set shorter than the distance from the protruding portion 832 to the hook portion 814 when the protruding portion 832 is located at the second support portion 93. This allows the pulling body 94 to pull the protruding portion 832 in the return direction D2.

[0061] When the transport platform 81 moves in the reading direction D1, the first guide 95 guides the protrusion 832 supported by the first support portion 92 toward the second support portion 93. The first guide 95 is disposed on the reading direction D1 side of the position where the reading unit 3 finishes reading the document R.

[0062] 7, the protrusion 832 is guided by the first guide 95 as the transport platform 81 transports the reading unit 3 in the reading direction D1. Therefore, after the reading unit 3 completes reading the image, the roller 84 is disposed at a position separated from the communication line 4. This makes it possible to prevent the roller 84 from coming into contact with the communication line 4 when the reading unit 3 is transported in the return direction D2.

[0063] Specifically, the first guide 95 is a slope that rises toward the reading direction D1. The slope is small in size and has a simple structure. Therefore, the first guide 95 can be provided in a small space.

[0064] 7, when the conveyance platform 81 moves in the reading direction D1, the protruding portion 832 is guided by the first guide 95 and pushed up into a space where the first support portion 92 and the second support portion 93 are connected. As a result, the roller 84 moves away from the communication line 4 as shown in FIG. 8. Then, the pulling body 94 pulls the protruding portion 832 in the return direction D2, so that the protruding portion 832 moves toward the second support portion 93. Then, the protruding portion 832 is supported by the second support portion 93.

[0065] 9, when the transport platform 81 moves in the return direction D2, the second guide 96 guides the protrusion 832 supported by the second support portion 93 toward the first support portion 92. The second guide 96 is disposed on the return direction D2 side of the position where the reading unit 3 starts reading the document R.

[0066] Specifically, the protrusion 832 is guided by the second guide 96 as the transport platform 81 transports the reading unit 3 in the return direction D2. Therefore, before the reading unit 3 starts reading an image, the roller 84 is disposed at a position where it contacts the communication line 4. As a result, when the reading unit 3 is transported in the reading direction D1, the reading unit 3 is electrically connected to the communication line 4. As a result, when the reading unit 3 is transported in the reading direction D1, the image data output by the reading unit 3 is transmitted to a required location.

[0067] The second guide 96 protrudes in a rod-like shape toward the reading direction D1. The second guide 96 illustrated in FIG. 9 is supported by a pillar. The rod-like second guide 96 is small in size and has a simple structure. Therefore, the second guide 96 is provided in a small space. In addition, the second guide 96 is disposed so as to abut against an upper portion of the protrusion 832 supported by the second support portion 93.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 9, when the conveyance platform 81 moves in the return direction D2, the protrusion 832 is guided by the tip of the second guide 96 and pushed into the space where the first support portion 92 and the second support portion 93 are connected. The protrusion 832 is pushed into the space where the first support portion 92 and the second support portion 93 are connected, and is guided by the lower portion of the second support portion 93 and moves toward the second support portion 93. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the roller 84 comes into contact with the communication line 4. The pulling body 94 pulls the protrusion 832 in the return direction D2, so that the protrusion 832 gets caught by the second support portion 93. The state where the protrusion 832 gets caught by the second support portion 93, i.e., the state where the roller 84 comes into contact with the communication line 4, is maintained by the pulling body 94.

[0069] From the above, if the first guide 95 and the second guide 96 are provided, the roller 84 is positioned at an appropriate position simply by moving the conveyance platform 81 in the reading direction D1 or the return direction D2. If the first guide 95 is provided, the conveyance platform 81 moves in the reading direction D1, and the roller 84 moves away from the communication line 4 before the conveyance platform 81 moves in the return direction D2. Therefore, the conveyance platform 81 can move in the return direction D2 with the roller 84 moving away from the communication line 4. On the other hand, if the second guide 96 is provided, the conveyance platform 81 moves in the return direction D2, and the roller 84 comes into contact with the communication line 4 before the conveyance platform 81 moves in the reading direction D1. Therefore, the conveyance platform 81 can move in the reading direction D1 with the roller 84 in contact with the communication line 4. As a result, friction of the communication line 4 caused by the roller 84 is reduced.

[0070] 1, the image forming unit 101 forms an image on a recording medium S based on image data electrically transmitted from the image reading device 1. Here, the image reading device 1 reduces the risk of degradation in the reading quality of the image. Therefore, the image forming device 100 can form an image on the recording medium S based on the image data read with stable reading quality.

[0071] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of each component for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings are different from the actual ones due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0072] The present invention provides an image reading device and an image forming device, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1: Image reader 2: Placement table 3: Reading section 4: Communication line 5: Rail 6: Transport mechanism 7: Driving source 8: Connection mechanism 9: Separation mechanism 81: Transport platform 82: Cable 83: Connector 84: Roller 92: 1st support part 93:Second support part 94: Tensile body 95: First Guide 96: 2nd Guide 100: Image forming apparatus 101: Image forming unit 823: Connection end 831: Case 832:Protrusion 834: Relay wire 841: Relay section R: Manuscript S: Recording medium D1: Reading direction D2: Return direction SP:Start position EP :End position

Claims

1. a placement table for placing a document; a reading unit that reads the document placed on the document placement table and outputs image data; a communication line capable of electrically transmitting the image data; a rail to which the communication line is fixed and which is disposed along a reading direction in which the reading unit reads the document placed on the placement table; a transport mechanism that transports the reading unit along a reading path along which the reading unit reads the document placed on the placement table by transporting the reading unit along the rail; Equipped with The transport mechanism electrically connects the reading unit to the communication line.

2. The transport mechanism includes: a connection mechanism electrically connected to the reading unit and capable of contacting the communication line; The image reading device according to claim 1 , wherein the connection mechanism electrically connects the reading unit to the communication line by contacting the communication line.

3. The connection mechanism includes: a transport platform that transports the reading unit along the reading path; a cable fixed to the conveyance platform and electrically connected to the reading unit; a connector electrically connected to the reading unit via the cable; a roller having a conductive relay portion electrically connected to the connector; The image reading device according to claim 2 , wherein the roller rotates in contact with the communication line as the transport platform transports the reading unit.

4. The cable includes: The roller is deformable in a direction away from the communication line, and has a connection end portion that is connected to the connector; The connector comprises: A case is provided for rotatably supporting the roller, The image reading device according to claim 3 , wherein the case is supported by the conveying table so as to be movable in the separating direction.

5. The connector comprises: The roller further includes a plurality of relay wires that electrically relay the connection end and the relay portion of the roller, The image reading device according to claim 4 , wherein each of the plurality of relay wires is conductive, is connected to the connection end, and is in contact with the relay portion of the roller.

6. The transport mechanism includes:

5. The image reading device according to claim 4, further comprising a separation mechanism that separates the connection mechanism from the communication line when the reading unit is transported in a return direction that is opposite to the reading direction.

7. The spacing mechanism includes: A protrusion protruding from the case; a first support portion that supports the protrusion portion so that the case is disposed at a position where the relay portion of the roller contacts the communication line; The image reading device according to claim 6 , further comprising: a second support portion that supports the protruding portion so that the relay portion of the roller is spaced from the communication line.

8. The protrusion protrudes toward the conveyance platform, The first support portion is a recess provided on the conveyance platform in a direction in which the roller contacts the communication line; The second support portion is The image reading device according to claim 7 , wherein the recess is connected to the first support portion and is provided in the transport table in the return direction.

9. The spacing mechanism includes: A pulling body that pulls the protrusion in the return direction; a first guide that guides the protrusion supported by the first support portion toward the second support portion when the transport table moves in the reading direction; 9. The image reading device according to claim 8, further comprising a second guide that guides the protrusion supported by the second support portion toward the first support portion when the transport table moves in the return direction.

10. the first guide is disposed on the reading direction side of a position where the reading unit finishes reading the document, the second guide is disposed on the return direction side of a position where the reading unit starts reading the document, 10. The image reading device of claim 9, wherein the protrusion is guided by the first guide when the transport table transports the reading unit in the reading direction, and is guided by the second guide when the transport table transports the reading unit in the return direction.

11. The image reading device according to claim 10 , wherein the first guide is an inclined surface rising toward the reading direction.

12. The image reading device according to claim 10 , wherein the second guide protrudes in a rod shape toward the reading direction.

13. An image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, an image forming section that forms an image on a recording medium based on image data electrically transmitted from the image reading device;

Images