Electrical apparatus

Abstract

To provide an electrical apparatus which can prevent breaking of a wire with the use of a simple configuration.SOLUTION: An image formation device comprises: a drive control part 47 which is disposed in a fixed manner; a first motor 45 which is provided such that it can come close to or go away from the drive control part 47 along a front-to-rear direction D2; a first harness 48 which electrically connects the drive control part 47 to the first motor 45, and which forms a first bent part 48A whose bending angle is variable according to the movement of the first motor 45; and a pressing part 50 which is provided, inside the first bent part 48A, such that it is movable in the same direction as that of the first motor 45 in accordance with the movement of the first motor 45, and which presses and bends the first harness 48 in an approaching direction D5 when the first motor 45 moves in the approaching direction D5 where it comes closer to the drive control part 47.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric device.

Background Art

[0002] An electric device is known that includes a first electric component that is fixedly arranged, a second electric component that is provided so as to be able to approach and separate along a predetermined direction with respect to the first electric component, and a harness that electrically connects the first electric component and the second electric component.

[0003] In this type of electric device, when the harness is arranged so as to form a bent portion whose bending angle changes in accordance with the movement of the second electric component, the bent portion may become fatigued due to the movement of the second electric component being repeated a large number of times, and the harness may be disconnected. On the other hand, a configuration is known as a related art that is provided so as to be able to flex in accordance with the movement of the second electric component and includes a pair of harness support legs that support both ends and an intermediate portion of the extra-length portion of the harness at three points (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the configuration according to the above-described related art, the configuration for suppressing the disconnection of the harness becomes complicated.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an electric device capable of suppressing disconnection of an electric wire with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The electrical device according to the present invention includes a first electrical component, a second electrical component, an electric wire, and a pressing portion. The first electrical component is fixedly arranged. The second electrical component is provided so as to be able to approach and separate along a predetermined specific direction with respect to the first electrical component. The electric wire electrically connects the first electrical component and the second electrical component, and forms a bent portion whose bending angle changes according to the movement of the second electrical component. The pressing portion is provided inside the bent portion so as to be movable in the same direction as the second electrical component according to the movement of the second electrical component, and presses and bends the electric wire in the approaching direction when the second electrical component moves in the approaching direction toward the first electrical component.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress disconnection of the electric wire with a simple configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are an example of embodying the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0011] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] For convenience of explanation, in the installation state (the state shown in FIG. 1) in which the image forming apparatus 100 can be used, the vertical direction is defined as the up-down direction D1. Also, with the front surface (front face) of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 as the front, the front-rear direction D2 is defined. Further, with reference to the front of the image forming apparatus 100 in the installation state, the left-right direction D3 is defined.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 is an image processing apparatus having a printing function of forming an image based on image data on a sheet. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 is a multifunction device having a plurality of functions including the printing function. The image forming apparatus 100 is an example of an electrical device of the present invention.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 1, an image reading unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a sheet conveying unit 4, an operation display unit 5, a storage unit 6, and a control unit 7.

[0015] The ADF 1 conveys the document whose image is read by the image reading unit 2. The ADF 1 includes a document setting unit, a plurality of conveying rollers, a document presser, and a paper discharge unit.

[0016] The image reading unit 2 realizes a scanning function of reading the image of the document. The image reading unit 2 includes a document table, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).

[0017] The image forming unit 3 realizes the printing function. Specifically, the image forming unit 3 forms a color or monochrome image on the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyance unit 4 according to the electrophotographic method. Note that the image forming unit 3 may form an image on the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyance unit 4 according to the inkjet method.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 3 includes a plurality of image forming units 11 to 14, an optical scanning device 15, an intermediate transfer belt 16, a secondary transfer roller 17, a fixing device 18, and a paper discharge tray 19. The image forming unit 11 forms a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 16 using yellow (Y) toner. The image forming unit 12 forms a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 16 using cyan (C) toner. The image forming unit 13 forms a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 16 using magenta (M) toner. The image forming unit 14 forms a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 16 using black (K) toner. The plurality of image forming units 11 to 14 each include a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a developing device, a primary transfer roller, and a drum cleaning unit. The optical scanning device 15 emits light based on image data toward the surface of the photosensitive drum of each of the image forming units 11 to 14. The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum of each of the image forming units 11 to 14 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 16. The secondary transfer roller 17 transfers the toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 16 to the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyance unit 4. The fixing device 18 fixes the toner image transferred to the sheet by the secondary transfer roller 17 to the sheet. The sheet on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 18 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 19.

[0019] The sheet conveyance unit 4 conveys the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 3.

[0020] The operation display unit 5 is the user interface of the image forming apparatus 100. The operation display unit 5 includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit displays various types of information in accordance with control instructions from the control unit 7. For example, the display unit is a liquid crystal display. The operation unit inputs various types of information to the control unit 7 in accordance with user operations. For example, the operation unit is a touch panel.

[0021] The storage unit 6 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the storage unit 6 is a flash memory. Note that the storage unit 6 may be an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0022] The control unit 7 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 100. Note that the control unit 7 may be a control unit provided separately from the main control unit that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 100.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 7 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, and a RAM 23. The CPU 21 is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM 22 is a non-volatile storage device in which information such as control programs for causing the CPU 21 to execute various processes is stored in advance. The RAM 23 is a volatile or non-volatile storage device used as a temporary storage memory (working area) for various processes executed by the CPU 21. The CPU 21 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 100 by executing various control programs stored in advance in the ROM 22. Note that the control unit 7 may be configured by an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0024] [Configuration of Sheet Feeding Unit 4] Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of the sheet feeding unit 4 will be described.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sheet feeding unit 4 includes a paper feed cassette 31, a pickup roller 32, a paper feed roller 33, a separation roller 34, a sheet conveyance path 35, a sheet detection unit 36, and a correction mechanism 37.

[0026] The paper feed cassette 31 accommodates sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit 3. For example, the paper feed cassette 31 accommodates sheets such as paper, coated paper, postcards, envelopes, and OHP sheets.

[0027] At the bottom of the paper feed cassette 31, a lift plate 31A (see FIG. 1) that can move up and down in the vertical direction D1 is provided. The lift plate 31A lifts a bundle of sheets accommodated in the paper feed cassette 31 to a contact position where it contacts the pickup roller 32.

[0028] The pickup roller 32 is provided above the paper feed cassette 31. The pickup roller 32 contacts the uppermost sheet in the bundle of sheets lifted by the lift plate 31A and conveys the sheet to the paper feed roller 33.

[0029] The paper feed roller 33 contacts the upper surface of the sheet conveyed by the pickup roller 32 and conveys the sheet along the sheet conveyance path 35.

[0030] The separation roller 34 is provided below the paper feed roller 33. The separation roller 34 is biased toward the paper feed roller 33 by a biasing member (not shown). Thereby, a paper feed nip portion that pinches the sheet is formed between the paper feed roller 33 and the separation roller 34. When a plurality of sheets are conveyed to the paper feed nip portion, the separation roller 34 separates other sheets from the sheet that contacts the paper feed roller 33 among the plurality of sheets.

[0031] The sheet conveyance path 35 is a path for the movement of the sheet from the paper feed cassette 31 to the paper discharge tray 19 via the secondary transfer roller 17 and the fixing device 18. A paper feed roller 33 and a separation roller 34 are provided in the sheet conveyance path 35. Also, a plurality of pairs of conveyance rollers are provided at intervals along the sheet conveyance path 35. Further, a sheet detection unit 36 and a correction mechanism 37 are provided in the sheet conveyance path 35. In the sheet conveyance path 35, the sheet is conveyed in the conveyance direction D4 shown in FIG. 1 by the paper feed roller 33 and the plurality of pairs of conveyance rollers. The conveyance direction D4 is a direction along a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction D2.

[0032] The sheet detection unit 36 is used to detect the amount of inclination of the sheet conveyed along the sheet conveyance path 35 with respect to the conveyance direction D4 and the amount of deviation in the width direction (front-rear direction D2).

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet detection unit 36 is provided on the downstream side of the paper feed roller 33 in the conveyance direction D4 in the sheet conveyance path 35 and on the upstream side of the secondary transfer roller 17 in the conveyance direction D4.

[0034] Specifically, the sheet detection unit 36 is a contact image sensor (CIS) capable of imaging the conveyed sheet. When the sheet passes through the imaging position of the sheet detection unit 36, the sheet detection unit 36 images the sheet and outputs imaging image data indicating the imaging result. The imaging image data output from the sheet detection unit 36 is input to the control unit 7.

[0035] The control unit 7 detects the amount of inclination of the sheet conveyed along the sheet conveyance path 35 with respect to the conveyance direction D4 and the amount of deviation in the width direction (front-rear direction D2) based on the imaging image data output from the sheet detection unit 36.

[0036] The correction mechanism 37 is used to correct the inclination of the sheet conveyed along the sheet conveyance path 35 with respect to the conveyance direction D4 and the positional deviation in the width direction (front-rear direction D2).

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the correction mechanism 37 is provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction D4 of the sheet feeding roller 33 in the sheet conveyance path 35 and on the upstream side in the conveyance direction D4 of the sheet detection unit 36.

[0038] [Configuration of the correction mechanism 37] Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the configuration of the correction mechanism 37 will be described.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the correction mechanism 37 includes a correction roller pair 41, a first support portion 42, a second support portion 43, a third support portion 44, a first motor 45, a second motor 46, a drive control portion 47, a first harness 48, a second harness 49, and a pressing portion 50.

[0040] The correction roller pair 41 sandwiches and conveys the sheet. The correction roller pair 41 is composed of a drive roller that rotates by receiving a driving force supplied from a motor (not shown) and a driven roller provided opposite to the drive roller. The driven roller is biased toward the drive roller by a biasing member (not shown). Thereby, a conveyance nip portion for sandwiching the sheet is formed between the drive roller and the driven roller.

[0041] The first support portion 42 rotatably supports each of the drive roller and the driven roller included in the correction roller pair 41. The first support portion 42 is formed in a box shape that is long in the front-rear direction D2 without a top surface and a bottom surface. As shown in FIG. 3, the correction roller pair 41 is provided inside the first support portion 42. Each of the rotation axes of the drive roller and the driven roller included in the correction roller pair 41 is rotatably supported by a bearing portion 42A (see FIG. 3) provided on each of a pair of side wall portions of the first support portion 42 that face each other in the front-rear direction D2. On each of a pair of side wall portions of the first support portion 42 that face each other in the left-right direction D3, a shaft portion 42B that is long along the left-right direction D3 is provided. A first gear 42C that rotates integrally with the shaft portion 42B is provided on the shaft portion 42B of the left side wall portion of the first support portion 42.

[0042] The second support portion 43 supports the first support portion 42 so as to be swingable about the shaft portion 42B. The second support portion 43 is formed in a box shape that is long in the front-rear direction D2 without a front side surface and a rear side surface. As shown in FIG. 3, the first support portion 42 is provided inside the second support portion 43. Openings for passing a sheet conveyed along the conveyance direction D4 (see FIG. 1) are formed in each of the bottom surface portion and the top surface portion of the second support portion 43. The two shaft portions 42B of the first support portion 42 are rotatably supported by bearing portions 43A (see FIG. 3) provided on each of a pair of side wall portions of the second support portion 43 that face each other in the left-right direction D3. On the bottom surface portion of the second support portion 43, two long protrusion portions 43B (see FIG. 3) along the front-rear direction D2 are provided at intervals in the left-right direction D3. On the outer surface of the left side wall portion 43C (see FIG. 3) of the second support portion 43, a rack 43D that is long in the front-rear direction D2 and moves integrally with the second support portion 43 is provided. The rack 43D has teeth on the upper surface.

[0043] The third support portion 44 supports the second support portion 43 so as to be movable along the front-rear direction D2. The third support portion 44 is formed in a box shape that is long in the front-rear direction D2 without a front side surface and a rear side surface. As shown in FIG. 3, the second support portion 43 is provided inside the third support portion 44. Openings for passing a sheet conveyed along the conveyance direction D4 (see FIG. 1) are formed in each of the bottom surface portion and the top surface portion of the third support portion 44. The second support portion 43 is supported by the bottom surface portion of the third support portion 44. On the bottom surface portion of the third support portion 44, two groove portions 44A (see FIG. 3) capable of accommodating the two protrusion portions 43B (see FIG. 3) of the second support portion 43 are provided. The groove portions 44A are formed to be long in the front-rear direction D2. The two groove portions 44A guide the two protrusion portions 43B along the front-rear direction D2. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a first opening 44C and a second opening 44D are provided in the left side wall portion 44B (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the third support portion 44. The third support portion 44 is fixed to the housing of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first motor 45 is provided on the outer surface of the left side wall portion 43C of the second support portion 43. As shown in FIG. 4, the first motor 45 moves in the front-rear direction D2 integrally with the second support portion 43 inside the first opening 44C. The first motor 45 projects leftward from the first opening 44C (see FIG. 3). The first motor 45 includes a drive shaft that penetrates the side wall portion 43C, and a second gear 45A (see FIG. 3) provided on the drive shaft and rotating integrally with the drive shaft. The second gear 45A meshes with the first gear 42C.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second motor 46 is provided on the outer surface of the left side wall portion 44B of the third support portion 44. The second motor 46 includes a drive shaft that penetrates the side wall portion 44B, and a pinion 46A (see FIG. 3) provided on the drive shaft and rotating integrally with the drive shaft. The pinion 46A meshes with the rack 43D.

[0046] The drive control unit 47 is a control board that controls the driving of each of the first motor 45 and the second motor 46. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the drive control unit 47 is provided on the outer surface of the left side wall portion 44B of the third support portion 44. The drive control unit 47 controls the driving of each of the first motor 45 and the second motor 46 according to an instruction from the control unit 7.

[0047] During the sandwiching of the sheet by the correction roller pair 41, the control unit 7 transmits a drive instruction for the first motor 45 including the drive amount of the first motor 45 corresponding to the detection result of the inclination amount with respect to the sheet conveyance direction D4 to the drive control unit 47. The drive control unit 47 drives the first motor 45 during the sandwiching of the sheet by the correction roller pair 41 according to the drive instruction for the first motor 45 transmitted from the control unit 7.

[0048] When the first motor 45 is driven, the rotational driving force generated by the first motor 45 is transmitted to the first support portion 42 via the second gear 45A and the first gear 42C, and the first support portion 42 swings about the shaft portion 42B. When the first support portion 42 swings about the shaft portion 42B, the correction roller pair 41 supported by the first support portion 42 also swings integrally with the first support portion 42. Thereby, the inclination of the sheet sandwiched between the conveyance nip portions of the correction roller pair 41 with respect to the conveyance direction D4 is corrected.

[0049] Further, during the sandwiching of the sheet by the correction roller pair 41, the control unit 7 transmits a drive instruction for the second motor 46 including the drive amount of the second motor 46 corresponding to the detection result of the deviation amount in the width direction (front-rear direction D2) of the sheet to the drive control unit 47. The drive control unit 47 drives the second motor 46 during the sandwiching of the sheet by the correction roller pair 41 in accordance with the drive instruction for the second motor 46 transmitted from the control unit 7.

[0050] When the second motor 46 is driven, the rotational driving force generated by the second motor 46 is transmitted to the second support portion 43 via the pinion 46A and the rack 43D, and the second support portion 43 moves along the front-rear direction D2. When the second support portion 43 moves along the front-rear direction D2, the first support portion 42 supported by the second support portion 43 and the correction roller pair 41 supported by the first support portion 42 also move integrally with the second support portion 43. Thereby, the positional deviation in the width direction (front-rear direction D2) of the sheet sandwiched between the conveyance nip portions of the correction roller pair 41 is corrected.

[0051] The drive control unit 47 is fixedly arranged on a third support portion 44 fixedly arranged inside the housing of the image forming apparatus 100. That is, the drive control unit 47 is fixedly arranged inside the housing of the image forming apparatus 100. The drive control unit 47 is an example of the first electric component of the present invention.

[0052] The first motor 45 is provided on a second support portion 43 that is movably provided along the front-rear direction D2 inside the housing of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, the first motor 45 is provided at a distance from the drive control unit 47 in the front-rear direction D2. That is, the first motor 45 is provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the drive control unit 47 along the front-rear direction D2. The first motor 45 is an example of the second electrical component of the present invention. Further, the front-rear direction D2 is an example of the specific direction of the present invention.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, the first harness 48 electrically connects the drive control unit 47 and the first motor 45. Specifically, the first harness 48 is wired along the outer surface of the side wall portion 44B of the third support portion 44. Further, the first harness 48 is wired so as to form a first bent portion 48A (see FIG. 4) that bends upward. The bending angle of the first bent portion 48A changes according to the movement of the first motor 45. Specifically, the first bent portion 48A becomes sharp, that is, the bending angle becomes smaller, according to the movement of the first motor 45 in the approaching direction D5 (see FIG. 4) approaching the drive control unit 47. Further, the first bent portion 48A becomes blunt, that is, the bending angle becomes larger, according to the movement of the first motor 45 in the direction opposite to the approaching direction D5. The first harness 48 is an example of the electric wire of the present invention. Further, the first bent portion 48A is an example of the bent portion of the present invention.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4, the second harness 49 electrically connects the drive control unit 47 and the second motor 46. Specifically, the first harness 48 is wired along the outer surface of the side wall portion 44B of the third support portion 44.

[0055] By the way, when the first harness 48 is arranged so as to form the first bent portion 48A, the first bent portion 48A may become fatigued due to the movement of the first motor 45 being repeated a large number of times, and the first harness 48 may be disconnected. On the other hand, a configuration including a pair of harness support legs that are provided so as to be able to flex according to the movement of the first motor 45 and support both ends and the middle portion of the extra length portion of the first harness 48 at three points is known as a related art.

[0056] However, in the configuration according to the related art described above, the configuration for suppressing the disconnection of the first harness 48 becomes complicated.

[0057] On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as will be described below, it is possible to suppress the disconnection of the first harness 48 with a simple configuration.

[0058] The pressing portion 50 is provided so as to be movable in the same direction as the first motor 45 in accordance with the movement of the first motor 45 inside the first bent portion 48A. When the first motor 45 moves in the approaching direction D5 (see FIG. 4), the pressing portion 50 presses and bends the first harness 48 in the approaching direction D5.

[0059] Specifically, the pressing portion 50 is formed in a rod shape perpendicular to a plane parallel to the first bent portion 48A. In other words, the pressing portion 50 is a rod-shaped member that is long in the left-right direction D3. For example, the pressing portion 50 is a round rod-shaped member or a shaft member.

[0060] Further, the pressing portion 50 is provided so as to be movable integrally with the first motor 45. Specifically, the pressing portion 50 is fixedly disposed on the outer surface of the left side wall portion 43C of the second support portion 43. As shown in FIG. 4, the pressing portion 50 moves in the front-rear direction D2 integrally with the second support portion 43 inside the second opening 44D. The pressing portion 50 protrudes leftward from the second opening 44D.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, when the pressing portion 50 is farthest from the drive control portion 47 of the first motor 45, it contacts the first bent portion 48A of the first harness 48. When the first motor 45 moves in the approaching direction D5 in this state, the pressing portion 50 also moves in the approaching direction D5 and presses the first harness 48 in the approaching direction D5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, a second bent portion 48B is formed on the downstream side in the approaching direction D5 of the first bent portion 48A in the first harness 48. The pressing portion 50 and the second bent portion 48B formed by the pressing portion 50 move in the approaching direction D5 with respect to the first bent portion 48A when the first motor 45 moves in the approaching direction D5. The second bent portion 48B becomes more pointed, that is, the bending angle becomes smaller, as the distance between the pressing portion 50 and the first bent portion 48A increases. By forming the second bent portion 48B in the first harness 48, the portion between the first bent portion 48A and the second bent portion 48B in the first harness 48 receives a force in the circumferential direction D6 (see FIG. 5) of the pressing portion 50. Thereby, the sharpening of the first bent portion 48A corresponding to the movement of the first motor 45 in the approaching direction D5 is suppressed. That is, it is possible to reduce the amount of change in the bending angle of the first bent portion 48A corresponding to the movement of the first motor 45.

[0062] Further, when the first motor 45 moves in the direction opposite to the approaching direction D5 in a state where the second bent portion 48B is formed in the first harness 48, the first motor 45 causes the portion between the first bent portion 48A and the second bent portion 48B in the first harness 48 to be pulled to the upstream side in the approaching direction D5. As a result, the second bent portion 48B moves in the direction opposite to the approaching direction D5 with respect to the first bent portion 48A together with the pressing portion 50. The second bent portion 48B becomes more blunt, that is, the bending angle becomes larger, as the distance between the pressing portion 50 and the first bent portion 48A decreases. When the pressing portion 50 contacts the first bent portion 48A, the bending angle of the second bent portion 48B becomes 180 degrees. That is, the state where the second bent portion 48B is not formed is obtained.

[0063] In the correction mechanism 37, the second bent portion 48B may be formed in the first harness 48 in a state where the first motor 45 is farthest from the drive control portion 47.

[0064] In this way, in the image forming apparatus 100, when the first motor 45 moves in the approaching direction D5, the first harness 48 is pressed and bent in the approaching direction D5 by the pressing portion 50 provided inside the first bent portion 48A. Thereby, the amount of change in the bending angle of the first bent portion 48A corresponding to the movement of the first motor 45 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the disconnection of the first harness 48 with a simple configuration.

[0065] Further, in the image forming apparatus 100, the pressing portion 50 is formed in a rod shape perpendicular to the plane parallel to the first bent portion 48A. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the configuration of the pressing portion 50.

[0066] Further, in the image forming apparatus 100, the pressing portion 50 is provided so as to be movable integrally with the first motor 45. Thereby, with a simple configuration, it is possible to move the pressing portion 50 in the same direction as the first motor 45 in accordance with the movement of the first motor 45.

[0067] Note that the electric device of the present invention is not limited to the image forming apparatus 100. Further, the first electric component of the present invention is not limited to the control board. Further, the second electric component of the present invention is not limited to the motor. Further, the electric wire of the present invention is not limited to the harness.

[0068] [Other Embodiments] Note that the pressing portion 50 may be provided so as to be movable in the same direction as the first motor 45 at a speed different from that of the first motor 45 in accordance with the movement of the first motor 45.

[0069] Specifically, the correction mechanism 37 may include a speed change mechanism 60 shown in FIG. 6.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, the speed change mechanism 60 includes a rack 61, a pinion 62, a pinion 63, a rack 64, and a support portion 65.

[0071] The rack 61 is provided on the outer surface of the left side wall portion 43C (see FIG. 3) of the second support portion 43. The rack 61 is provided so as to be movable integrally with the second support portion 43. The rack 61 is long in the front-rear direction D2 and has teeth on its upper surface.

[0072] The pinion 62 is provided on the inner surface of the left side wall portion 44B of the third support portion 44. The pinion 62 rotates about a rotation shaft 62A fixed to the side wall portion 44B. The pinion 62 meshes with the rack 61 above the rack 61.

[0073] The pinion 63 is provided on the inner surface of the left side wall portion 44B of the third support portion 44. The pinion 63 rotates about a rotation shaft 63A fixed to the side wall portion 44B. The pinion 63 meshes with the pinion 62 above the pinion 62. The pinion 63 has fewer teeth than the pinion 62.

[0074] The rack 64 is provided to face the inner surface of the left side wall portion 44B of the third support portion 44. The rack 64 is long in the front-rear direction D2 and has teeth on its lower surface. The rack 64 meshes with the pinion 63 above the pinion 63. The rack 64 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction D2 with respect to the side wall portion 44B. Specifically, the rack 64 is movably supported in the front-rear direction D2 by a rack support portion 64A provided to be long in the front-rear direction D2 on the inner surface of the side wall portion 44B.

[0075] The support portion 65 is provided so as to be movable integrally with the rack 64. The support portion 65 is provided to face the second opening 44D. The support portion 65 supports the right end portion of the pressing portion 50.

[0076] In the speed change mechanism 60, when the second support portion 43 is moved in the approaching direction D5, the rack 61 is moved in the approaching direction D5. As a result, the pinion 62 meshing with the rack 61 rotates in the arrow direction (counterclockwise direction) shown in FIG. 6, and the pinion 63 meshing with the pinion 62 rotates in the arrow direction (clockwise direction) shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, the rack 64 meshing with the pinion 63 moves in the approaching direction D5, and the pressing portion 50 supported by the support portion 65 moves in the approaching direction D5.

[0077] Here, since the pinion 63 has fewer teeth than the pinion 62, it rotates at a speed faster than that of the pinion 62. As a result, the pressing portion 50 moves in the approaching direction D5 at a speed faster than that of the first motor 45. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of change in the bending angle of the second bending portion 48B corresponding to the movement of the pressing portion 50. That is, it is possible to further reduce the amount of change in the bending angle of the first bending portion 48A corresponding to the movement of the first motor 45.

[0078] Note that in the speed change mechanism 60, the pinion 63 may have more teeth than the pinion 62. Thereby, it is possible to move the pressing portion 50 in the approaching direction D5 at a speed slower than that of the first motor 45. Therefore, when the first motor 45 is moved in the approaching direction D5, it is possible to suppress the amount of bending of the connection portion 48C (see FIG. 5) with the drive control portion 47 in the first harness 48.

Explanation of Signs

[0079] 1 ADF 2 Image reading unit 3 Image forming unit 4 Sheet conveyance unit 5 Operation display unit 6 Storage unit 7 Control unit 31 Paper feed cassette 32 Pickup roller 33 Paper feed roller 34 Separation roller 35 Sheet conveyance path 36 Sheet detection unit 37 Correction mechanism 41 Correction roller pair 42 First support part 43 Second support part 44 Third support part 45 First motor 46 Second motor 47 Drive control unit 48 First harness 48A First bending part 49 Second harness 50 Pressing part 60 Transmission mechanism 100 Image forming apparatus

Claims

1. A first electric component that is fixedly disposed; a second electric component provided so as to be movable toward and away from the first electric component along a predetermined specific direction; an electric wire electrically connecting the first electric component and the second electric component and forming a bent portion whose bend angle changes in response to movement of the second electric component; a pressing portion that is provided inside the bending portion and is movable in the same direction as the second electric component in response to movement of the second electric component, and that presses the electric wire in the approaching direction to bend the electric wire when the second electric component moves in the approaching direction toward the first electric component; An electrical device comprising:

2. The pressing portion is formed in a rod shape perpendicular to a plane parallel to the bent portion.

2. The electrical device according to claim 1.

3. The pressing portion is provided so as to be movable integrally with the second electric component.

3. An electrical device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the pressing portion is provided to be movable in the same direction as the second electrical component but at a speed different from that of the second electrical component in response to movement of the second electrical component; 3. An electrical device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images