A device including multiple enclosures and a method for using the device.

Abstract

The protective earth wire facilitates proper connection between enclosures. [Solution] The device includes a first housing configured to be connectable to an external AC power source, a second housing containing electrical components supplied with operating power from the first housing, a first connector, a first protective earth wire connected to the first connector and the first housing, a second connector, and a second protective earth wire connected to the second connector and the second housing, wherein the first protective earth wire and the second protective earth wire are connected by connecting the first connector and the second connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , ,

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus composed of a plurality of housings, and more particularly to a technique for connecting the housings with a protective earth wire.

Background Art

[0002] In an apparatus composed of a plurality of housings, a configuration may be used in which operating power is supplied from a first housing connected to an external power source to a second housing not connected to the external power source. In this case, for safety standards, it is necessary to perform double insulation or reinforced insulation inside the second housing, or to connect a separate protective earth wire after performing basic insulation inside the second housing. Performing double insulation or reinforced insulation leads to an increase in the size of the apparatus. Also, depending on the apparatus configuration, it may be difficult to ensure the insulation distance required for double insulation or reinforced insulation. Non-Patent Document 1 discloses the latter configuration, specifically, a configuration in which the first housing and the second housing are connected by a protective earth wire.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The connection between the first housing and the second housing by the protective earth wire is performed when the apparatus is installed. However, operation errors such as omission of the connection work of the protective earth wire or the case where the connection work has been performed but the protective earth wire is not properly connected to the housing may occur. Even in such a case, since the apparatus itself operates normally, the apparatus can be operated with the protective earth wire not properly connected.

[0005] The present invention provides a technique for promoting proper connection between housings by a protective earth wire.​​

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, the device includes a first housing configured to be connectable to an external AC power source, a second housing containing electrical components supplied with operating power from the first housing, a first connector, a first protective earth wire connected to the first connector and the first housing, a second connector, and a second protective earth wire connected to the second connector and the second housing, wherein the first protective earth wire and the second protective earth wire are connected by connecting the first connector and the second connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, proper connection between housings can be facilitated by protective earth wires. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to several embodiments. [Figure 2] Power distribution configuration diagrams of an image forming apparatus according to several embodiments. [Figure 3] Diagram illustrating protective grounding wires in several embodiments. [Figure 4] A diagram showing a state in which the wiring between housings is connected with a connector, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the process of connecting bundled wiring between enclosures using connectors, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing a comparative example where two enclosures are connected with a protective ground wire. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the state in which the wiring between housings is connected to a connector, according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] External view of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] A perspective view of the seat storage section according to one embodiment. [Figure 11]A diagram showing a part of the main body according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] A diagram showing the connector configuration of the seat housing section according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] A diagram showing the connector configuration of the main body according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] A diagram showing the state in which the connectors of the seat storage section and the main body section are connected according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] A cross-sectional view showing the state in which the connector connection between the sheet storage section and the main body section has been initiated, according to one embodiment. [Figure 16] An explanatory diagram of the connectors of the seat housing section and the main body section according to one embodiment. [Figure 17] A diagram showing the state in which the connectors of two housings are connected according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an inkjet-type image forming apparatus 10 used to describe this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 consists of seven modules: a feeding module 100, a printing module 110, a drying module 120, a fixing module 130, a cooling module 140, an inversion module 150, and a loading module 160.

[0011] The feeding module 100 has storage bins 101 to 103 for accommodating sheets. The feeding module 100 feeds the sheets in the storage bins 101 to 103 to the main conveyance path 170 of the image forming apparatus 10 and conveys them to the printing module 110. The printing module 110 has a printing belt unit 112 and a recording unit 111. The recording unit 111 forms an image on the first side of the sheet by discharging ink onto the first side of the sheet conveyed by the printing belt unit 112. The sheet with the image formed on the first side is conveyed to the drying module 120.

[0012] The drying module 120 has a decoupling unit 122, a drying belt unit 123, and a hot air blowing unit 121. The decoupling unit 122 conveys the sheet from the printing module 110 toward the drying belt unit 123. The hot air blowing unit 121 dries the sheet with the image formed thereon by blowing hot air onto the sheet being conveyed by the drying belt unit 123. The sheet dried by the drying module 120 is conveyed to the fixing module 130. The fixing belt unit 131 of the fixing module 130 fixes the image onto the sheet by heating the sheet with an upper belt unit and a lower belt unit. The sheet on which the image has been fixed is conveyed to the cooling module 140.

[0013] The cooling module 140 has a plurality of cooling units 141. Each cooling unit 141 cools the sheet by blowing the outside air taken in by the fan onto the sheet. When forming an image only on one side (the first side) of the sheet, the cooled sheet is conveyed to the inversion module 150 via the path switching unit 142. When forming images on both sides (the first side and the second side) of the sheet, the sheet is conveyed to the duplex conveyance path 171 via the path switching unit 142. The path switching unit 142 is a guiding member that guides the sheet to the inversion module 150 or the duplex conveyance path 171. The sheet conveyed to the duplex conveyance path 171 is once conveyed to the inversion conveyance path 132 provided in the fixing module 130, and then conveyed to the main conveyance path 170 for image formation on the second side. The inversion conveyance path 132 is provided to make the second side of the sheet conveyed to the main conveyance path 170 via the duplex conveyance path 171 face the recording unit 111 side.

[0014] The inversion module 150 has an inversion unit 151. The inversion unit 151 is used when inverting the orientation (upward or downward in the figure) of the first side of the sheet conveyed from the cooling module 140 and conveying it to the stacking module 160. The sheet passing through the inversion module 150 is conveyed to the stacking module 160. The stacking module 160 has a top tray 161 and a stacking unit 162. The stacking module 160 discharges the sheet conveyed from the inversion module 150 to the top tray 161 or stacks it in the stacking unit 162.

[0015] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the housing configuration and power distribution route of the image forming apparatus 10. In this embodiment, the feed module 100 is provided in the feed housing 105. The print module 110 is provided in the print housing 115. The drying module 120 is provided in the drying housing 125. The fuser module 130 is provided in the fuser housing 135. The cooling module 140 is provided in the cooling housing 145. The inversion module 150 is provided in the inversion housing 155. The loading module 160 is provided in the loading housing 165. As shown in Figure 2, each of the seven modules in this embodiment is provided in one housing, but one or more of the seven modules may be composed of multiple housings. Multiple housings constituting one module may be connected integrally before shipment and shipped in a connected state.

[0016] In this embodiment, the feeding housing 105, drying housing 125, fixing housing 135, inversion housing 155, and stacking housing 165 are provided with inlets 201 for connecting a power cord 200. These housings are connected to an external AC power source via the power cord 200 connected to the inlets 201. An inlet bundle 202 is connected to the inlet 201. Alternatively, instead of connecting the inlet bundle 202 and the power cord 200 via the inlet 201, the inlet bundle 202 and the power cord 200 can be directly connected. In other words, the power cord 200 can be connected in a way that prevents it from being removed from the housing.

[0017] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the print housing 115 and the drying housing 125 are not provided with an inlet 201. In other words, the print housing 115 and the drying housing 125 are configured so that they cannot be connected to an external power supply via a power cord 200. Instead, the electrical components constituting the print module 110 housed in the print housing 115 receive power through the drying housing 125. Similarly, the electrical components constituting the cooling module 140 housed in the cooling housing 145 receive power through the fuser housing 135. To supply power from the drying housing 125 to the print housing 115, the drying housing 125 and the print housing 115 are connected by an inter-housing bundle 203. To supply power from the fuser housing 135 to the cooling housing 145, the fuser housing 135 and the cooling housing 145 are connected by an inter-housing bundle 203.

[0018] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 operates on single-phase AC power, and the power cord 200 and inlet bundle 202 have two wires for transmitting single-phase AC power (hereinafter referred to as L-wire and N-wire) and a protective earth wire 205. The protective earth wire 205 within the inlet bundle 202 is connected to the housing in which the inlet bundle 202 is installed.

[0019] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the connection of the protective earth wire 205 to the housing. As shown in Figure 3(A), the protective earth wire 205 has a round terminal 206 attached to its end by crimping. The thickness of the protective earth wire 205 is selected according to the current value flowing through it. Figure 3(B) is a plan view showing the protective earth wire 205 connected to the housing, and Figure 3(C) is a side view thereof. When connecting the protective earth wire 205 to the protective earth connection sheet metal 209 provided on the housing, a lock washer 207 is inserted between the round terminal 206 and the sheet metal 209 to prevent loosening. Then, the round terminal 206 and lock washer 207 are connected to the sheet metal 209 with a screw 208. The connection of the protective earth wire 205 to the housing is carried out in the manufacturing process of the image forming apparatus 10 so as to be below a predetermined grounding resistance value. Depending on the configuration of the sheet metal 209, a washer can also be used instead of the lock washer 207.

[0020] Next, the connections between enclosures will be explained using Figure 4, with the connection between the drying enclosure 125 and the printed enclosure 115 as an example. Inside the drying enclosure 125, the L and N wires of the inlet bundle 202 are connected to the input L and input N terminals of the circuit breaker 301. Also, the protective earth wire 205 of the inlet bundle 202 is connected to the drying enclosure 125, as explained using Figure 3. The output L and output N terminals of the circuit breaker 301 are connected to the input L and input N terminals of the AC filter 302. The AC filter 302 is provided to suppress noise components from an external AC power supply. The output L and output N terminals of the AC filter 302 are connected to the input L and output N terminals of the DC power supply 303a. The DC power supply 303a is a power supply unit that performs AC / DC conversion and supplies operating power to the electrical components of the drying module 120 housed in the drying enclosure 125.

[0021] The inter-housing wire bundle 203 includes a dry-side wire bundle 203a, a connector 304, a connector 305, and a printed-side wire bundle 203b. Connector 304 is a male connector having pin-shaped connection terminals as electrical contacts. Connector 305 is a female connector having connection terminals that secure electrical connection by sandwiching the pin-shaped connection terminals of connector 304. In this embodiment, connector 304 is male and connector 305 is female, but connector 304 may be female and connector 305 may be male.

[0022] One end of the L and N wires of the drying-side wiring bundle 203a is connected to the output L and output N terminals of the AC filter 302. The other end of the L and N wires of the drying-side wiring bundle 203a is connected to the connector 304. In addition, one end of the protective earth wire 205a of the drying-side wiring bundle 203a is connected to the drying enclosure 125 as explained in Figure 3, and the other end is connected to the connector 304. One end of the L and N wires of the print-side wiring bundle 203b is connected to the input L and input N terminals of the DC power supply 303b, and the other end is connected to the connector 305. In addition, one end of the protective earth wire 205b of the print-side wiring bundle 203b is connected to the print enclosure 115 as explained in Figure 3, and the other end is connected to the connector 305. The DC power supply 303b is a power supply unit that performs AC / DC conversion and supplies operating power to the electrical components of the print module 110 housed in the print enclosure 115.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, by connecting connector 304 and connector 305, the L-wire, N-wire, and protective ground wire 205a of the drying-side wiring harness 203a are connected to the L-wire, N-wire, and protective ground wire 205b of the print-side wiring harness 203b. Therefore, the AC voltage from the drying module 120 is applied to the DC power supply 303b, and the print housing 115 and the drying housing 125 are connected by the protective ground wires 205a and 205b. Connectors 304 and 305 are used that can ensure a creepage distance equivalent to basic insulation between terminals within the connectors.

[0024] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the connection process for connecting the drying side wire bundle 203a and the printing side wire bundle 203b. The connector 305 that connects to the printing side wire bundle 203b is fixed to the mounting base 403 inside the printing housing 115 during manufacturing. The drying side wire bundle 203a and the connector 304 are housed inside the drying housing 125 at the time of shipment. When the image forming apparatus 10 is installed, the printing housing 115 and the drying housing 125 are placed adjacent to each other, as shown in Figure 5. In the example in Figure 5, the drying housing 125 and the printing housing 115 are provided with casters 404 to facilitate movement of the housings. After the printing housing 115 and the drying housing 125 are placed adjacent to each other, the operator wires the drying side wire bundle 203a into the printing housing 115. Then, the operator connects the connector 304 to the connector 305.

[0025] Figure 6 shows a comparative configuration in which the drying enclosure 125 and the printed enclosure 115 are connected by a protective earth wire 205. According to Figure 6, the protective earth wire 2050 connecting the drying enclosure 125 and the printed enclosure 115 is shipped connected to only one of the two enclosures. Also, connectors 304 and 305 are used only for connecting the L wire and N wire.

[0026] Therefore, when installing the image forming apparatus 10, in addition to connecting connector 304 and connector 305, it is necessary to connect the protective earth wire 2050 to the unconnected enclosure among the drying enclosure 125 and the printing enclosure 115. However, in the configuration shown in Figure 6, if connector 304 and connector 305 are connected, the image forming apparatus 10 will operate even if the protective earth wire 2050 is not connected. Furthermore, even if the protective earth wire 2050 is connected to the unconnected enclosure among the drying enclosure 125 and the printing enclosure 115, there is still a possibility that the protective earth wire 2050 is not properly connected to the enclosure.

[0027] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the protective ground wire 205a is connected to the drying enclosure 125 and the connector 304, and the protective ground wire 205b is connected to the printed enclosure 115 and the connector 305 before shipment. Therefore, when the device is installed, the protective ground wires between the enclosures are connected by the connector connection. Furthermore, the presence or absence of the protective ground connection can be confirmed by whether or not the connector 304 and the connector 305 are connected. Thus, proper connection between enclosures using protective ground wires can be promoted.

[0028] Furthermore, as is clear from Figure 4, if connectors 304 and 305 are not connected, no AC voltage is applied to the DC power supply 303b of the print housing 115, and the DC power supply 303b does not operate. Therefore, the print module 110 does not operate, and consequently, the image forming apparatus 10 does not operate. Thus, in order to operate the image forming apparatus 10, it is necessary to connect connectors 304 and 305. By connecting connectors 304 and 305, the housings are connected by a protective ground wire. Therefore, proper connection between housings using a protective ground wire can be promoted. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent situations in which the image forming apparatus 10 is operated without a protective ground connection between housings.

[0029] In this embodiment, an AC voltage was applied to the DC power supply 303b of the printed circuit board enclosure 115 via the AC filter 302. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that the AC voltage is applied to the DC power supply 303b via a terminal block or the like, without going through the AC filter 302. In this case, the AC voltage can also be applied to the DC power supply 303b via an AC filter provided inside the printed circuit board enclosure 115.

[0030] <Second Embodiment> Next, the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be explained. In the first embodiment, the protective ground wire connecting the two housings was connected by connecting connector 304 and connector 305, and AC power was supplied from the drying housing 125 to the print housing 115. In this embodiment, the AC power is supplied via a connector separate from the connector for connecting the protective ground wire.

[0031] Figure 7 shows the connection configuration of the drying enclosure 125 and the printing enclosure 115 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the drying enclosure 125 is provided with an AC relay control unit 308. The AC relay control unit 308 operates on DC power supplied from the DC power supply 303a. The printing enclosure 115 is also provided with an AC relay 306.

[0032] In this embodiment, the drying-side wiring harness 203a includes a wire (control wire) for transmitting control signals output by the AC relay control unit 308 and a protective earth wire 205a. The control wire of the drying-side wiring harness 203a is connected to the output terminal of the control signal from the AC relay control unit 308 and to the connector 304. The protective earth wire 205a of the drying-side wiring harness 203a is connected to the drying enclosure 125 and to the connector 304, similar to the first embodiment. The printing-side wiring harness 203b in this embodiment also includes a control wire for transmitting control signals output by the AC relay control unit 308 and a protective earth wire 205b. The control wire of the printing-side wiring harness 203b is connected to the input terminal of the control signal to the AC relay 306 and to the connector 305. The protective earth wire 205b of the printing-side wiring harness 203b is connected to the printing enclosure 115 and to the connector 305, similar to the first embodiment.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the output L terminal and output N terminal of the AC filter 302 and the input L terminal and input N terminal of the DC power supply 303b are connected via the connection of connectors 3040 and 3050 and the AC relay 306. A basic insulation distance is ensured between the wires connecting the AC filter 302 to the AC relay 306 via the connection of connectors 3040 and 3050 and the grounded point, and a reinforced insulation distance is ensured between the wires and the ungrounded point.

[0034] Similar to the first embodiment, the drying enclosure 125 and the printed enclosure 115 are connected by a protective earth wire by connecting connectors 304 and 305. Furthermore, the AC relay 306 and the AC relay control unit 308 are connected by control lines by connecting connectors 304 and 305. The AC relay 306 is an electrical component that can be set to either a connected state, where the AC voltage from the AC filter 302 is applied to the DC power supply 303b, or a disconnected state, where the AC voltage from the AC filter 302 is not applied to the DC power supply 303b. In this embodiment, the AC relay 306 operates by receiving a control signal from the AC relay control unit 308 via the control lines. More specifically, the AC relay 306 is configured to transition to the connected state when a DC voltage is applied from the AC relay control unit 308. On the other hand, the AC relay 306 is configured to transition to the disconnected state when no DC voltage is applied from the AC relay control unit 308.

[0035] Therefore, in order to operate the DC power supply 303b, it is necessary to connect connector 304 and connector 305 to activate the AC relay 306 and set the AC relay 306 to the connected state. Thus, in this embodiment as well, in order to operate the image forming apparatus 10, it is necessary to connect connector 304 and connector 305, and by connecting connector 304 and connector 305, the housings are connected by a protective earth wire. Therefore, proper connection between housings by the protective earth wire can be promoted. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the image forming apparatus 10 is operated without a protective earth connection between housings.

[0036] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is an external view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 500 used in the description of the third embodiment. The image forming apparatus 500 includes a main body 501 and a sheet storage unit 600. The main body 501 is housed in a housing 501A (Figure 9), and the sheet storage unit 600 is housed in a housing 600A (Figure 9). The main body 501 has an operating unit 30 for the user to operate the image forming apparatus 500. In the following description, the side on which the user stands when operating the operating unit 30 will be referred to as the "front," and the opposite side will be referred to as the "rear." Also, the left side of the user operating the operating unit 30 will be referred to as the "left," and the right side as the "right." A front cover 910 is provided on the front side of the housing 501A, side covers 920 are provided on both the left and right sides, and a rear cover 930 is provided on the rear. The housing 600A is located below the housing 501A.

[0037] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 500. The image forming units PY, PM, PC, and PK of the main body 501 each comprise a photoreceptor 512, a charger 513, a developer 514, and a primary transfer roller 519. The photoreceptor 512 is rotated clockwise in the figure during image formation. The charger 513 charges the photoreceptor 512. The scanner unit 510 exposes each photoreceptor 512 to form an electrostatic latent image on each photoreceptor 512. The developer 514 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 512 with toner to form a toner image on the photoreceptor 512. The developer 514 of the image forming units PY, PM, PC, and PK develops the photoreceptor 512 with yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners, respectively. Therefore, toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are formed on the photoreceptors 512 of the image forming units PY, PM, PC, and PK, respectively. The primary transfer roller 519 transfers the toner images of each photoreceptor 512 to an intermediate transfer body 516 that is driven to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as shown in the figure. The toner images transferred to the intermediate transfer body 516 are then transported to the opposite position of the secondary transfer roller 517 by its rotation.

[0038] The main unit 501 has cassettes 541 and 542 for storing sheets and a manual feed tray 540. The sheet storage unit 600 has cassettes 543 and 544 for storing sheets. The image forming apparatus 500 feeds a sheet from one of the cassettes 541-544 or the manual feed tray 540 to the main transport path M and transports it toward the position opposite the secondary transfer roller 517. The secondary transfer roller 517 transfers the toner image of the intermediate transfer body 516 to the sheet. The fuser 520 fixes the toner image to the sheet. When an image is formed on only one side of the sheet, after the toner image is fixed, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 901 by the discharge roller 525a. When an image is formed on both sides of the sheet, after the toner image is fixed, the sheet is transported to the double-sided transport path R and again transported toward the position opposite the secondary transfer roller 517. The main transport path M is equipped with rollers for feeding sheets from cassettes 541-544 and manual feed tray 540 to the main transport path M, as well as rollers for transporting the sheets. The double-sided transport path R is equipped with rollers for transporting the sheets.

[0039] The reading unit 20 of the main unit 501 optically reads the image of the original document. The image forming apparatus 500 can form an image based on the image data of the image read by the reading unit 20, or based on image data received via the network.

[0040] The power supply unit 580 of the main body 501 is electrically connected to an external AC power supply and supplies operating power to the electrical components inside the housing 501A. In this embodiment, the cassettes 541 to 544 are provided with heaters 681 (Figure 17) for dehumidifying the sheets. The heaters 681 of cassettes 543 and 544 are heating units that generate heat using AC power received via the housing 501A under the control of a control unit (not shown).

[0041] Therefore, the housing 600A is positioned below the housing 501A, receives AC power from the housing 501A, and is configured to send and receive control signals with a control unit (not shown) located within the housing 501A. For this reason, the housing 501A of the main body 501 is provided with a connector section 550, and the housing 600A of the sheet storage section 600 is provided with a connector section 650. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 500 is configured such that the connector section 550 and the connector section 650 are connected when the housing 501A is placed on top of the housing 600A.

[0042] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the sheet storage section 600. The sheet storage section 600 is provided with a connector section 650 that connects to the connector section 550 of the main body section 501. The connector section 650 has a terminal section 651. Furthermore, the sheet storage section 600 is provided with positioning pins 800A and 800B. The positioning pins 800A and 800B are components that are fitted into positioning holes in the main body section 501 when placing the housing 501A on top of the housing 600A. By fitting the positioning pins 800A and 800B into the positioning holes in the main body section 501, the relative positional relationship between the housing 501A and the housing 600A is restricted to a predetermined positional relationship that allows the housing 501A to be placed on top of the housing 600A.

[0043] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the bottom portion 940 of the housing 501A. The bottom portion 940 is provided with a connector portion 550 that connects to the connector portion 650 of the sheet storage portion 600. The connector portion 550 has a terminal portion 551. The terminal portion 551 is provided so as to be exposed through an opening 941 provided in the housing 501A. Although not shown in Figure 11, the bottom portion 940 is provided with positioning holes through which the positioning pins 800A and 800B of the housing 600 pass.

[0044] Figure 12 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the connector portion 650 of the sheet storage portion 600. The terminal portion 651 of the connector portion 650 is electrically connected to the terminal portion 551 of the connector portion 550 when the housing 501A is positioned above the housing 600A. The terminal portion 651 is fixed to the connector support portion 23 by two fixing screws 25. The connector support portion 23 is attached to the housing 600A by a plurality of stepped screws 26. A coil spring 22 is disposed between the head portion of the stepped screw 26 and the housing 600A. The coil spring 22 allows the connector support portion 23 to swing relative to the mounting surface 6011 on the housing 600A to which the connector support portion 23 is attached, and also biases the connector support portion 23 toward the connector portion 550. The connector portion 650 also has a guide pin 24 that protrudes upward. The guide pin 24 is provided so as to be insertable and removable from the guide hole 14a of the connector portion 550. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, one end of the protective earth wire 691 is connected to the housing 600A. The other end of the protective earth wire 691 is connected to the terminal of the terminal section 651.

[0045] Figure 13 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the connector portion 550 of the main body portion 501. The terminal portion 551 of the connector portion 550 is electrically connected to the terminal portion 651 of the connector portion 650 when the housing 501A is positioned above the housing 600A. The terminal portion 551 is supported on the mounting surface 13c of the connector support portion 13 by stepped screws 15, with a portion of it protruding downward from the opening 13a formed in the connector support portion 13.

[0046] A coil spring 12 is positioned between the head of the stepped screw 15 and the connector support portion 13. The coil spring 12 biases the connector support portion 13 toward the housing 600A. The connector support portion 13 has a guide portion 14 with a guide hole 14a. By positioning the housing 501A on top of the housing 600A such that the guide pin 24 of the connector portion 650 passes through the guide hole 14a, the relative positional relationship between the housing 501A and the housing 600A is restricted to the positional relationship in which the terminal portion 551 and the terminal portion 651 are connected. As shown in Figure 13, one end of the protective earth wire 591 is connected to the housing 501A. The other end is connected to the terminal of the terminal portion 551. A cable 590 is also connected to the terminal portion 551. Cable 590 houses electric wires (L-wires and N-wires, collectively referred to as power wires hereafter) for supplying AC power to the sheet housing section 600, as well as electric wires (control wires) for carrying control signals.

[0047] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the housing 501A placed on top of the housing 600A, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the point in time when the guide pin 24 begins to enter the guide hole 14a. As shown in Figure 15, when the housing 501A is placed on top of the housing 600A, the connector section 550 and connector section 650 are configured such that the tip 24a of the guide pin 24 is inserted into the guide hole 14a before the terminal section 551 is inserted into the terminal section 651. By properly inserting the guide pin 24 into the guide hole 14a, the relative positioning of the terminal section 551 and the terminal section 651 is achieved, and the terminal section 551 is properly inserted into the terminal section 651.

[0048] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of terminals 551 and 651. Cable 590 and protective earth wire 591 are connected to terminal 551, and cable 690 and protective earth wire 691 are connected to terminal 651. Cable 590 includes power line 590a and control line 590b. Cable 690 includes power line 690a and control line 690b.

[0049] The protective earth wire 591 is connected to the male power contact 593 of the terminal 551, and the power line 590a is connected to the male power contact 594 of the terminal 551. The control line 590b is connected to the male signal contact (not shown) of the terminal 551. The protective earth wire 691 is connected to the female power contact 693 of the terminal 651, and the power line 690a is connected to the female power contact 694 of the terminal 651. The control line 690b is connected to the female signal contact (not shown) of the terminal 651. When the connector 550 and connector 650 are mated, the contacts of the terminal 551 and the corresponding contacts of the terminal 661 are electrically connected.

[0050] In this embodiment, terminal portion 551 has a male contact and terminal portion 651 has a female contact; however, it is also possible to have a configuration in which terminal portion 551 has a female contact and terminal portion 651 has a male contact.

[0051] Connectors 550 and 650 are configured to perform sequential connections. Specifically, when connecting terminals 551 and 651, contact 593 connected to protective earth wire 591 and contact 693 connected to protective earth wire 691 are connected first, followed by contacts 694 and 694. Finally, connectors 550 and 650 are configured so that contacts connected to control line 590b and 690b are connected. Therefore, when connecting enclosure 501A and enclosure 600A, the protective earth wire between enclosures is connected first, followed by power lines 590a and 690b, and finally control lines 590b and 690b. When separating enclosures 501A and 600A, the connections are disconnected in the reverse order of connection. That is, the protective earth wire between enclosures is disconnected last. This conforms to safety standards when distributing AC power between enclosures. Furthermore, the terminal section 551 is designed to ensure a distance equivalent to basic insulation between each contact. Similarly, the terminal section 651 is designed to ensure a creepage distance equivalent to basic insulation between each contact.

[0052] Figure 17 shows the enclosure 501A and enclosure 600A connected. Note that control lines are omitted in Figure 17. Enclosure 501A has an inlet 596 to which a power cord 595 is connected. The inlet bundle 594 has a protective earth wire 597, an L wire, and an N wire. One end of the protective earth wire 597 is connected to the earth terminal of the inlet 596, and the other end is connected to enclosure 501A. One end of the L wire and N wire of the inlet bundle 594 are connected to the L terminal and N terminal of the inlet 596, and the other end is connected to the input L terminal and input N terminal of the AC driver 598. The AC driver 598 suppresses noise components contained in the external AC power supply and supplies AC power to the power supply unit 580 provided in enclosure 501A and the heater 681 provided in enclosure 600A. For this reason, the AC driver 598 and the power supply unit 580 are connected by the L wire and N wire. Furthermore, the connector section 550 and the AC driver 598 are connected by a power line 590a including the L and N wires. Also, one end of the protective earth wire 591 is connected to the housing 501A, and the other end is connected to the connector section 550. The connector section 650 and the heater 681 are connected by a power line 690a including the L and N wires. Also, one end of the protective earth wire 691 is connected to the housing 600A, and the other end is connected to the connector section 650.

[0053] As described above, the protective ground wire 591 is connected to the housing 501A and the connector part 550, and the protective ground wire 691 is connected to the housing 600A and the connector part 650 before shipment. The connector part 550 is fixed to the side of housing 501A that is in contact with housing 600A, specifically the lower side. The connector part 650 is fixed to the side of housing 600A that is in contact with housing 501A, specifically the upper side. The image forming apparatus 500 is configured such that the connector part 550 and the connector part 650 are connected when housing 501A and housing 600A are placed adjacent to each other in a predetermined positional relationship. Therefore, when installing the apparatus, the protective ground wires between the housings are connected by placing housing 501A on top of housing 600A in the correct positional relationship. Furthermore, whether or not the protective ground wires are connected can be determined by whether or not housing 501A is placed on top of housing 600A in the correct positional relationship. Therefore, proper connection between housings using protective ground wires can be promoted.

[0054] Furthermore, as is clear from Figure 17, if connector 550 and connector 650 are not connected, no AC voltage is applied to the heater 681, and the heater 681 does not operate. Therefore, in order to operate the heater 681, which is an electrical component housed in the housing 600A, it is necessary to connect connector 550 and connector 650. In addition, this connection connects housing 600A and housing 501A with a protective earth. Therefore, proper connection between housings using a protective earth wire can be promoted. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent situations in which the image forming apparatus 500 is operated without a protective earth connection between housings.

[0055] <Summary> The embodiments described above have used inkjet-type and electrophotographic-type image forming apparatuses as examples. However, each of the above embodiments can be applied to any apparatus including a first housing configured to be connectable to an external AC power source, and a second housing that houses electrical components supplied with operating power from the first housing. The apparatus has a first protective ground wire connected to a first connector and the first housing, and a second protective ground wire connected to a second connector connectable to the first connector and the second housing. Therefore, the first protective ground wire and the second protective ground wire are connected by connecting the first connector and the second connector. This configuration facilitates proper connection between housings by protective ground wires. The second housing may not have a power cord for connecting to an external AC power source, or may be configured so that a power cord cannot be connected.

[0056] Furthermore, the device may be configured such that the first wire is connected to the first connector, the second wire is connected to the second connector, and the first and second wires are connected by connecting the first and second connectors. At least one electrical component of the second enclosure may be configured not to operate unless the first and second wires are connected. This configuration prevents situations in which the device is operated without a protective ground connection between the enclosures.

[0057] The electrical component can be any electrical component that operates when an AC voltage is applied from the first housing through the connection of the first wire and the second wire. For example, in the first embodiment, the first housing is a drying housing 125, the second housing is a printed housing 115, and the electrical component is a DC power supply 303b that converts the AC voltage from the first housing into a DC voltage and supplies it to other electrical components provided in the second housing. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the first housing is housing 501A, the second housing is housing 600A, and the electrical component is a heater 681 that generates heat based on the AC voltage applied through the first housing.

[0058] Furthermore, the electrical component may be any electrical component that operates based on a control signal received from the first housing or a DC voltage from the first housing via the connection between the first and second wires. For example, in the second embodiment, the electrical component is an AC relay 306 that operates in accordance with a control signal (DC voltage) from an AC relay control unit 308 provided in the first housing. The AC relay 306 is set by the control signal to either a connected state in which the AC voltage from the first housing is applied to the DC power supply 303b, or a disconnected state in which it is not applied.

[0059] Furthermore, although the AC relay 306 in the second embodiment does not operate on power from the DC power supply 303b, the electrical component may operate by receiving operating power from the DC power supply 303b and receiving a control signal via the connection between the first and second wires. Furthermore, the electrical component may operate by receiving AC power from a power line different from the first and second wires and receiving a control signal via the connection between the first and second wires. In addition, the electrical component may operate solely by receiving DC operating power via the connection between the first and second wires.

[0060] Although the devices in each of the above embodiments operated on single-phase AC power, the devices may also operate on three-phase AC power. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the first housing supplied operating power only to the electrical components housed in one second housing. However, it is also possible to configure the first housing to supply operating power to the electrical components housed in each of the multiple second housings. For example, the first housing can be connected to one of the multiple second housings with a protective earth wire and a power line. The multiple second housings can then be connected in series with a protective earth wire and a power line. Another example is to connect the first housing to each of the multiple second housings individually with a protective earth wire and a power line. Furthermore, a combination of the former and the latter configurations is also possible.

[0061] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a method for using an apparatus comprising a first enclosure configured to be connectable to an external AC power source, and a second enclosure containing electrical components supplied with operating power from the first enclosure. The method includes, in a manufacturing process, connecting a first protective earth wire connected to a first connector to the first enclosure, and connecting a second protective earth wire connected to a second connector connectable to the first connector to the second enclosure, and connecting the first connector and the second connector at the location where the apparatus will be used. The first protective earth wire and the second protective earth wire are connected to the first and second connectors such that they are connected when the first and second connectors are connected.

[0062] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0063] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 125: Drying enclosure, 115: Printed enclosure, 205a, 205b: Protective ground wire, 304, 305: Connector

Claims

1. A first enclosure configured to be connectable to an external AC power supply, A second housing containing electrical components to which operating power is supplied from the first housing, First connector and The first protective ground wire connected to the first connector and the first housing, The second connector, The second protective ground wire connected to the second connector and the second housing, Includes, A device in which the first protective earth wire and the second protective earth wire are connected by connecting the first connector and the second connector.

2. The first wire is connected to the first connector. The second wire is connected to the second connector. By connecting the first connector and the second connector, the first wire and the second wire are connected. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical component operates when an AC voltage is applied from the first housing by connecting the first wire and the second wire.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when connecting the first connector and the second connector, the first protective earth wire and the second protective earth wire are connected before the first electric wire and the second electric wire are connected.

4. The first electric wire is connected to a terminal inside the first housing to which an AC voltage from the external AC power supply is applied. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second electric wire is connected to the electrical component.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the electrical component is a power supply unit that converts the AC voltage from the first housing into a DC voltage and supplies it to other electrical components provided in the second housing.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the electrical component is a heater.

7. The first wire is connected to the first connector. The second wire is connected to the second connector. By connecting the first connector and the second connector, the first wire and the second wire are connected. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical component operates when a DC voltage is applied from the first housing by connecting the first wire and the second wire.

8. The first wire is connected to the first connector. The second wire is connected to the second connector. By connecting the first connector and the second connector, the first wire and the second wire are connected. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical component operates by receiving a control signal from the first housing through the connection of the first wire and the second wire.

9. The second housing has a power supply unit that converts the AC voltage from the first housing into a DC voltage and supplies it to other electrical components provided in the second housing. The aforementioned electrical component is a relay that can be set to either a connected state in which the AC voltage from the first housing is applied to the power supply unit, or a disconnected state in which the AC voltage from the first housing is not applied to the power supply unit. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the relay is set to the connected state by receiving the control signal via the second wire.

10. The first electric wire is provided in the first housing and connected to a control unit that controls the state of the relay. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second wire is connected to the relay.

11. The first wire is connected to the first connector. The second wire is connected to the second connector. By connecting the first connector and the second connector, the first wire and the second wire are connected. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical component does not operate unless the first wire and the second wire are connected.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second housing does not have a power cord for connecting to an external AC power source.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second housing is not provided with an inlet for connecting a power cord.

14. The first housing and the second housing are arranged adjacent to each other in a predetermined relative position. The first connector is fixedly provided on the side of the first housing that is in contact with the second housing, The second connector is fixedly provided on the side of the second housing that is in contact with the first housing. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first housing and the second housing are arranged adjacent to each other in the predetermined relative positional relationship, thereby connecting the first connector and the second connector.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein one of the first housing and the second housing is positioned above the other housing.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet.

17. The aforementioned apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, The second housing includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first housing includes a heating unit for applying heat to the sheet on which the image is formed.

18. A method for using a device comprising a first housing configured to be connectable to an external AC power source, and a second housing containing electrical components supplied with operating power from the first housing, In the manufacturing process, the first protective earth wire connected to the first connector is connected to the first housing, and the second protective earth wire connected to the second connector, which is connectable to the first connector, is connected to the second housing. The first connector and the second connector are connected at the location where the device is used. Includes, A method in which the first protective ground wire and the second protective ground wire are connected by connecting the first connector and the second connector.

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