Image reading device and image forming device

Abstract

To reduce damage to a connection member that electrically connects a housing and an opening and closing member openable and closable with respect to the housing to each other in a configuration to protect the connection member, compared with a configuration in which a protection member and the housing protect the connection member and the protection member goes in and out of the housing.SOLUTION: An image reading device comprises: a housing that has a processing unit processing image information; an opening and closing member that has a reading unit reading an image from an image holding medium to obtain the image information, and is provided openably and closably with respect to the housing; a connection member that electrically connects the reading unit and the processing unit to each other; and a protection member that has a first protection member rotatably supported by the opening and closing member and a second protection member rotatably supported by the housing and rotatably connected with the first protection member, in which the rotation axis directions of the first protection member and the second protection member are the same direction as the rotation axis direction of the opening and closing member, and accommodates and protects the connection member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image reading device comprising: a housing having a support table on which an original is supported; an opening / closing member supported rotatably about a rotation axis between an open position which opens the top surface of the support table and a closed position which closes the top surface of the support table; a reading member provided on the opening / closing member for reading the original; a processing unit provided on the housing for processing information read by the reading member; a connecting member electrically connecting the reading member and the processing unit; and a protective member having one end rotatably supported by the opening / closing member and housing the connecting member therein, the protective member being supported in a state in which it is suspended from the opening / closing member and the other end being unconstrained relative to the housing, and wherein the space of the protective member in which the connecting member is housed is formed wider on the opposite side of the support table at the other end than at the one end. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6554885 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the image reading device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the other end of the protective member is supported in an unconstrained state relative to the housing, and the protective member moves in and out of the housing with the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member. There is a risk that the connecting member will be damaged due to contact between the protective member and the connecting member caused by the protective member moving in and out of the housing.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an image reading device and an image forming device that, in a configuration for protecting a connecting member that electrically connects a housing and an opening / closing member that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, can suppress damage to the connecting member compared to a configuration in which the connecting member is protected by a protective member and the housing and the protective member enters and exits the housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image reading device of a first aspect of the present invention has a housing having a processing unit that processes image information, and a reading unit that reads an image from an image bearing medium to obtain image information, and has an opening / closing member that is openably and closably provided on the housing, a connecting member that electrically connects the reading unit and the processing unit, a first protective member rotatably supported on the opening / closing member, and a second protective member that is rotatably supported on the housing and rotatably connected to the first protective member, wherein the rotational axis directions of the first protective member and the second protective member are the same as the rotational axis direction of the opening / closing member, and the protective member that houses and protects the connecting member therein.

[0007] A second aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is the image reading device of the first aspect, wherein, when the opening / closing member is closed, a first rotating shaft connecting the opening / closing member and the first protective member is positioned on the open side of the opening / closing member and closer to the opening / closing end of the opening / closing member than a second rotating shaft connecting the housing and the opening / closing member.

[0008] A third aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is the image reading device of the second aspect, wherein, when the opening / closing member is closed, a third rotating shaft connecting the first protective member and the second protective member is positioned closer to the opening / closing end of the opening / closing member than the first rotating shaft and a fourth rotating shaft connecting the housing and the second protective member.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is the image reading device of the third aspect, in which, when the opening / closing member is open to its maximum position, the first rotating shaft is positioned on the opposite side to the opening / closing end of the opening / closing member than the position of the second rotating shaft when the opening / closing member is closed.

[0010] An image reading device of a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image reading device of the fourth aspect, wherein when the opening / closing member is open to its maximum position, the first rotating shaft is positioned on the opposite side to the opening side of the opening / closing member than the third rotating shaft.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is the image reading device of the first aspect, wherein, when the opening / closing member is closed, a first rotating shaft connecting the opening / closing member and the first protective member is arranged on the axis of a second rotating shaft connecting the housing and the opening / closing member.

[0012] An image reading device of a seventh aspect of the present invention is an image reading device of any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the first protective member has a cover portion that covers from the outside the connection portion between the first protective member and the second protective member.

[0013] An eighth aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is an image reading device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, in which a support portion for supporting the connecting member is provided inside the second protective member, and the support portion is curved midway.

[0014] An image reading device of a ninth aspect of the present invention is an image reading device of any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein an opening / closing surface of the opening / closing member is provided with a recess for accommodating the protective member when the opening / closing member is closed.

[0015] An image reading device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to the ninth aspect, wherein the recess has a width greater at a portion where a connecting portion between the first protection member and the second protection member is accommodated than at other portions.

[0016] An image reading device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the protection member also houses a connecting member different from the connecting member.

[0017] An image reading device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the inside of the protection member is partitioned into a portion that houses the connection member and a portion that houses the other connection member.

[0018] An image reading device of a 13th aspect of the present invention is an image reading device of any one of the first to 12th aspects, wherein the housing has a support surface that supports the image bearing medium, and a rotation axis connecting the opening / closing member and the housing is movable in a direction perpendicular to the support surface.

[0019] An image forming apparatus of a 14th aspect of the present invention includes an image reading apparatus of any one of the first to 13th aspects that reads an image from an image bearing medium and obtains image information, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the image information. Effect of the Invention

[0020] In the image reading device of the first aspect, in a configuration that protects a connecting member that electrically connects a housing and an opening / closing member that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, damage to the connecting member can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the connecting member is protected by the protective member and the housing and the protective member enters and exits the housing.

[0021] In the image reading device of the second embodiment, the protection member moves upward in conjunction with the opening and closing member.

[0022] In the image reading device of the third aspect, when the opening / closing member is closed, the third rotating shaft is positioned on the opposite side of the opening / closing end of the opening / closing member from the first rotating shaft and the fourth rotating shaft, so that a portion of the protective member can be prevented from protruding outside the housing.

[0023] In the image reading device of the fourth aspect, damage to the connecting member can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which, when the opening / closing member is open to its maximum position, the first rotating shaft is positioned closer to the opening / closing end of the opening / closing member than the position of the second rotating shaft when the opening / closing member is closed.

[0024] In the image reading device of the fifth aspect, the amount of movement of the third rotating shaft in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the opening / closing member caused by the opening and closing operation of the opening / closing member can be made smaller than in a configuration in which the first rotating shaft is positioned on the opening side of the opening / closing member relative to the third rotating shaft when the opening / closing member is open to its maximum position.

[0025] In the image reading device of the sixth aspect, the amount of movement of the protection member that moves in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member can be made smaller than in a configuration in which the first rotating shaft is deviated from the axis line of the second rotating shaft.

[0026] In the image reading device of the seventh aspect, compared to a configuration in which the connecting portion between the first protection member and the second protection member is exposed, it is possible to prevent an object from being caught in the connecting portion.

[0027] In the image reading device of the eighth aspect, compared to a configuration in which the support portion extends straight, the load acting on the connection portion between the connection member and the processing portion, and the connection portion between the connection member and the reading portion can be reduced when the opening and closing member is opened and closed.

[0028] In the image reading device of the ninth aspect, compared to a configuration in which a recess is provided on the housing side, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from getting into the recess.

[0029] In the image reading device of the tenth aspect, compared to a configuration in which the width of the recess is constant, the position of the opening and closing member can be adjusted, and it is possible to prevent an object from being caught between the recess and the protection member.

[0030] In the image reading device of the eleventh aspect, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which a plurality of connection members are protected by a plurality of protection members, respectively.

[0031] In the image reading device of the twelfth aspect, wear between the connection member and the other connection member can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which the connection member and the other connection member are mixed inside the protection member.

[0032] In the image reading device of the 13th embodiment, compared to a configuration in which the position of the rotating shaft connecting the opening / closing member and the housing is fixed relative to the support surface, damage to the connecting member can be suppressed even when a thick image-bearing medium is placed on the support surface.

[0033] In the image reading device of the fourteenth aspect, the read image can be formed on a recording medium. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an opening / closing member is in an open position in an image reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view of a protection member used in the image reading device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of a protection member used in the image reading device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a protection member used in the image reading device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a side view of the protective member, illustrating a state in which the opening / closing member used in the image reading device according to the embodiment is closed relative to the housing. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a side view of the protection member, showing a state in which the opening and closing member in FIG. 6 is opened relative to the housing. [Figure 8] 7 is a side view of the protection member, showing a state in which the opening / closing member in FIG. 6 is opened to a maximum opening position relative to the housing. [Figure 9] 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the protective member shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the protective member shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 11] 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the protective member shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 12] 2 is a plan view showing a part of an opening / closing surface of an opening / closing member used in the image reading device according to the embodiment; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0036] (Image forming device) An image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0037] Note that the arrow UP shown in each figure, including FIG. 1, indicates the top (vertically upward) of the device. Therefore, the opposite direction of the arrow UP is the bottom (vertically downward) of the device. Additionally, the arrow FR shown in each figure, including FIG. 1, indicates the front of the device. Therefore, the opposite direction of the arrow FR is the rear of the device. Additionally, the arrow RH shown in each figure, including FIG. 1, indicates the right side of the device. Therefore, the opposite direction of the arrow RH is the left side of the device. These directions are determined for the convenience of explanation, and the device configuration is not limited to these directions.

[0038] The front-to-back and left-to-right directions of the device can also be said to be the lateral, side, and horizontal directions of the device. In addition, the word "device" may be omitted when referring to each direction of the device. For example, "above the device" may simply be referred to as "above." In addition, a symbol with an "x" inside a "circle" in a figure means an arrow pointing from the front to the back of the page. In addition, a symbol with a "·" inside a "circle" in a figure means an arrow pointing from the back to the front of the page.

[0039] The image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 1 is an apparatus for forming an image. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming apparatus main body 11 and an image reading device 20. Each part of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below.

[0040] 1 is a portion in which each component of the image forming apparatus 10 is provided. Specifically, the image forming apparatus main body 11 is configured as a housing formed in a box shape.

[0041] The image forming apparatus main body 11 is provided with a medium storage section, an image forming section, a transport mechanism, a medium discharge section, etc. (not shown). In addition, an image reading device 20 is provided at the upper end of the image forming apparatus main body 11.

[0042] The medium storage section is a section that stores a recording medium (not shown), and the medium discharge section is a section where the recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming section is discharged. The transport mechanism is a mechanism that transports the recording medium from the medium storage section to the image forming section, and transports the recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming section from the image forming section to the medium discharge section.

[0043] The image forming unit is a part that forms an image on the recording medium sent out from the medium storage unit. Examples of this image forming unit include an inkjet type image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium using ink, and an electrophotographic type image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium using toner.

[0044] In the inkjet type image forming unit, for example, ink droplets are ejected from an ejection unit onto a recording medium to form an image on the recording medium. The inkjet type image forming unit may eject ink droplets from an ejection unit onto a transfer body, and transfer the ink droplets from the transfer body to the recording medium to form an image on the recording medium.

[0045] In an electrophotographic image forming section, for example, each process of charging, exposing, developing, transferring, and fixing is performed to form an image on a recording medium. In an electrophotographic image forming section, an image may be formed on a recording medium by performing each process of charging, exposing, developing, and transferring to form an image on a transfer body, transferring the image from the transfer body to a recording medium, and then fixing the image on the recording medium.

[0046] In the image forming device 10, when copying an image of a document G (see Figure 2) as an example of an image bearing medium, the image forming section forms an image read by the reading unit 28 and the reading sensor 54 (see Figure 2) as an example of a reading section of the image reading device 20 described below onto the recording medium.

[0047] Note that examples of the image forming section are not limited to the inkjet type image forming section and the electrophotographic type image forming section described above, and various other image forming sections can be used.

[0048] (Image reader) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a document transport device 30, which will be described later, is located at an open position in an image reading device 20. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the image reading device 20.

[0049] 2, the image reading device 20 is a device that reads an image of a document G. The image reading device 20 includes a reading device main body 22 as an example of a housing, a document transport device 30 as an example of an opening / closing member, an FFC 60 as an example of a connecting member, and a protective member 70.

[0050] -Reading device body- The reading device body 22 is formed in a box shape and has a transparent document table 24 at its upper end. A document transport device 30 is disposed on the upper surface of the reading device body 22. The document transport device 30 is provided on the reading device body 22 so as to be able to open and close the document table 24. In other words, the document transport device 30 is supported by the reading device body 22 so as to be rotatable.

[0051] A reading window 25 through which the document G passes is disposed at the left end of the document table 24. The document G transported by the document transport device 30 passes through this reading window 25. A platen glass 26 on which the document G placed by the user is supported is disposed to the right of the reading window 25. A document guide 27 is supported between the reading window 25 and the platen glass 26. The document guide 27 guides the document G that has passed through the reading window 25 into the document transport device 30.

[0052] Inside the reading device body 22, a reading unit 28 as an example of a first reading section is disposed below the document table 24. The reading unit 28 is supported so as to be movable in the left-right direction, which is an example of a sub-scanning direction, along the lower surface of the document table 24. The reading unit 28 is normally stopped at the initial position shown in FIG.

[0053] Inside the reading device main body 22, an image processing section 29 as an example of a processing section is disposed below the reading unit . The image processing section 29 is electrically connected to the reading unit .

[0054] The image processing section 29 converts the red R, green G, and blue B electrical signals input from the reading unit 28 into image information of black K, yellow Y, magenta M, and cyan C, and temporarily stores the information. Then, the image processing section 29 outputs the stored image information to the image forming section of the image forming apparatus main body 11 as image information at a preset time.

[0055] -Document transport device- The document transport device 30 has a document feed tray 32 as an example of a document stacking section in which a plurality of documents G to be copied are stored in a stacked manner. A document transport section 34 is provided to the left of the document feed tray 32. The document transport section 34 transports the documents G in the document feed tray 32 onto the document table 24. A document discharge tray 37 as an example of a document discharge section is disposed below the document feed tray 32. The documents G that have passed through the document table 24 are discharged from the document feed tray 34 to the document discharge tray 37.

[0056] The document feed tray 32 has a feed tray body 38. The feed tray body 38 is formed in a plate shape that extends diagonally upward to the right.

[0057] A set gate 40, which is an example of an alignment member for the originals G, is disposed at the left end of the original feed tray 32. The set gate 40 is rotatably supported. Before the originals G are transported, the set gate 40 is held in a suspended state, and the front ends of the originals G in the transport direction are abutted against the set gate 40 to align them. When the transport of the originals G begins, the hold of the set gate 40 is released, and the set gate 40 becomes rotatable downstream, so that the transport of the originals G is not impeded.

[0058] A take-out roller 42, which is an example of a document take-out member, is disposed above the set gate 40 and on the upstream side in the transport direction of the document G. The take-out roller 42 is configured to be capable of ascending and descending.

[0059] A transport roll 44, which is an example of a document transport member, is disposed downstream of the set gate 40. A separation roll 45, which is an example of a document separating member, is disposed below the transport roll 44 and faces the transport roll 44.

[0060] A transport roll 46 is disposed downstream of the transport roll 44 as an example of a document transport member having a tilt correction function.

[0061] A transport roll 48, which is an example of a document transport member, is disposed downstream of the transport roll 46.

[0062] A transport roll 50, which is an example of a document transport member, is disposed downstream of the transport roll 48. The transport roll 50 adjusts the timing of transporting the document G toward the first surface reading position P1.

[0063] A transport roll 52, which is an example of a document transport member, is disposed downstream of the transport roll 50 and downstream of the reading position P1 for the first surface. A reading position P2 for the second surface of the document G is set downstream of the transport roll 52. A reading sensor 54, which is an example of a second reading unit, is disposed at the reading position P2 for the second surface. The reading sensor 54 is constituted by a CIS (Contact Image Sensor).

[0064] A reading roll 56 as an example of a reading auxiliary member is disposed downstream of the reading sensor 54. A discharge roll 57 that discharges the document G to the document discharge tray 37 is disposed downstream of the reading roll 56.

[0065] The document transport device 30 is supported by the reading device main body 22 so as to be openable and closable about a pair of left and right rotating shafts 31. The rotating shafts 31 are configured to be movable in the vertical direction so as to read thick books such as dictionaries and encyclopedias. The configuration for supporting the rotating shafts 31 so as to be movable in the vertical direction may use a conventionally known technology.

[0066] -Connection parts- An FFC 60 and a cable 62 extend between the reading device main body 22 and the document transport device 30. The FFC 60 electrically connects the reading sensor 54 and the image processing unit 29. This FFC 60 is configured to transmit image information read by the reading sensor 54 to the image processing unit 29. Meanwhile, a cable 62, which is an example of another connecting member, is used to supply power to the drive motors of each roll and to communicate control signals to the drive motors. Note that "FFC" is an abbreviation for Flexible Flat Cable.

[0067] 3 and 4 are perspective views of the protective member 70, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the protective member 70. FIG. 6 is a side view of the protective member 70 showing a state in which the document transport device 30 is closed relative to the reading device body 22, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the protective member 70 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a side view of the protective member 70 showing a state in which the document transport device 30 is opened relative to the reading device body 22, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the protective member 70 shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a side view of the protective member 70 showing a state in which the document transport device 30 is opened to a maximum open position relative to the reading device body 22, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the protective member 70 shown in FIG. 8. The "maximum open position" here refers to a position when the document transport device 30 is fully opened (maximum open).

[0068] 3, the protective member 70 is a member that houses and protects the FFC 60 and the cable 62. The protective member 70 includes a first protective member 72 and a second protective member 74.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, the first protective member 72 has one end 72A rotatably supported by the document transport device 30. Specifically, shafts 73 are provided on the one end 72A side of both side walls 72C of the first protective member 72, and these shafts 73 are supported by bearings (not shown) provided in the document transport device 30, so that the first protective member 72 can rotate with respect to the document transport device 30. In this embodiment, both shafts 73 of the first protective member 72 are referred to as a rotation axis X1 as an example of a first rotation axis connecting the document transport device 30 and the first protective member 72. Note that the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, bearings may be provided on the one end 72A side of both side walls 72C of the first protective member 72, and shafts may be provided in the document transport device 30. In this case, the shaft of the document transport device 30 is referred to as the rotation axis X1.

[0070] As shown in Figs. 6, 7, and 8, the second protective member 74 has one end 74A rotatably supported by the reading device body 22. Specifically, shafts 75 are provided on the one end 74A side of both side walls 74C of the second protective member 74, and these shafts 75 are supported by bearings (not shown) provided in the reading device body 22, so that the second protective member 74 can rotate with respect to the reading device body 22. In this embodiment, both shafts 75 of the second protective member 74 are referred to as a rotation axis X3 as an example of a fourth rotation axis connecting the reading device body 22 and the second protective member 74. Note that the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, bearings may be provided on the one end 74A side of both side walls 74C of the second protective member 74, and shafts may be provided in the reading device body 22. In this case, the shaft of the reading device body 22 is referred to as the rotation axis X3.

[0071] The other end 74B of the second protective member 74 is rotatably connected to the other end 72B of the first protective member 72. Specifically, bearings (not shown) are provided on the other end 74B side of both side walls 74C of the second protective member 74. The other end 72B side of both side walls 72C of the first protective member 72 is provided with shafts 77. These shafts 77 are supported by the bearings on the other end 74B side of the second protective member 74, so that the first protective member 72 is rotatable with respect to the second protective member 74. In other words, the first protective member 72 and the second protective member 74 are relatively rotatable around the shafts 77. In this embodiment, the shafts 77 of the first protective member 72 are referred to as a rotation axis X2 as an example of a third rotation axis connecting the first protective member 72 and the second protective member 74. Note that the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a shaft portion may be provided on the other end 74B side of each of both side walls 74C of the second protective member 74, and a bearing portion may be provided on the other end 72B side of each of both side walls 72C of the first protective member 72. In this case, the shaft portion on the other end 74B side of the second protective member 74 is referred to as the rotation axis X2.

[0072] The axial directions of the rotation axes X1 to X3 are the same as the axial direction of the rotation axis 31. In this embodiment, the term "same direction" means that the rotation axes X1, X2, and X3 are parallel to the rotation axis 31.

[0073] 6, when the document transport device 30 is closed, the rotation axis X1 is located on the open side of the document transport device 30 and on the opening / closing end side of the document transport device 30 relative to the rotation axis 31. Specifically, the rotation axis X1 is located above and in front of the rotation axis 31. The open side of the document transport device 30 is the direction in which the document transport device 30 is opened, and in this embodiment, refers to the upper side of the document transport device 30. The opening / closing end side of the document transport device 30 means the free end side of the document transport device 30, and in this embodiment, refers to the front of the document transport device 30. In addition, in this embodiment, when the rotation axis X1 is located above and in front of the rotation axis 31, this includes a case where the rotation axis X1 is located on a line extending horizontally from the axis of the rotation axis 31 (in the front-to-rear direction of the device), and a case where the rotation axis X1 is located on a line extending vertically from the axis of the rotation axis 31 (in the up-to-down direction of the device).

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the document transport device 30 is in a closed state, the rotation axis X2 is located closer to the opening / closing end of the document transport device 30 than the rotation axis X1 and the rotation axis X3.

[0075] 8, when the document transport device 30 is opened to the maximum open position (maximum position), the rotation axis X1 is located on the opposite side to the opening / closing end side of the document transport device 30 from the position of the rotation axis 31 when the document transport device 30 is closed. In other words, when the document transport device 30 is opened to the maximum open position, the rotation axis X1 is located rearward of the rotation axis 31.

[0076] 8, when the document transport device 30 is opened to the maximum open position, the rotation axis X1 is located on the opposite side to the open side of the document transport device 30 from the rotation axis X2. Specifically, when the document transport device 30 is opened to the maximum open position, the rotation axis X1 is located below the rotation axis X2. Note that the opposite side to the open side of the document transport device 30 is the opposite direction to the opening direction of the document transport device 30 (the closing direction), and in this embodiment, refers to the lower side of the document transport device 30.

[0077] 3 and 4, the first protective member 72 has a cover portion 78 that covers the connecting portion (around the shaft portion 77) between the first protective member 72 and the second protective member 74 from the outside. Specifically, the first protective member 72 includes a lower member 82 that forms a housing portion that houses the FFC 60 and the cable 62, and an upper member 84 that closes the housing portion of the lower member 82. The shaft portion 77 is provided on the lower member 82. The upper member 84 is provided with a cover portion 78 so as to cover the shaft portion 77 from the outside.

[0078] Further, a support portion 74D that supports the FFC 60 and the cable 62 is provided inside the second protective member 74. This support portion 74D is curved midway. Specifically, the support portion 74D is formed on the bottom surface of the storage portion of the lower member 82. The degree of curvature of this support portion 74D (for example, the radius of curvature) is set to a degree that does not cause any malfunction in the FFC 60 and the cable 62.

[0079] As described above, the protective member 70 houses the FFC 60 and the cable 62. As shown in Fig. 3, the inside of this protective member 70 is partitioned into a portion that houses the FFC 60 and a portion that houses the cable 62. Specifically, both the first protective member 72 and the second protective member 74 are provided with partitions.

[0080] Further, a recess 86 is provided on the opening / closing surface 30A (the surface facing the platen 24 in this embodiment) of the document transport device 30 to accommodate the protective member 70 when the document transport device 30 is closed. The recess 86 is adapted to mainly accommodate the first protective member 72.

[0081] Moreover, the width of the portion of the recess 86 that accommodates the connecting portion between the first protective member 72 and the second protective member 74 is wider than the other portions. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12, the recess 86 is formed in a T-shape in a plan view, and a wide portion 86A of the T accommodates the connecting portion between the first protective member 72 and the second protective member 74 and the cover portion 78 of the first protective member 72 that covers the connecting portion. Meanwhile, a narrow portion 86B of the T accommodates one end 72A side of the first protective member 72.

[0082] (Action according to this embodiment) In the image reading device 20, the first protective member 72 is rotatably supported with respect to the document transport device 30, and the second protective member 74 is rotatably supported with respect to the reading device body 22. The first protective member 72 and the second protective member 74 are rotatably connected to each other. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, even if the document transport device 30 is opened from the closed state to the maximum open position, the FFC 60 and the cable 62 are protected by the protective member 70. Furthermore, since the first protective member 72 is rotatably supported by the document transport device 30, and the second protective member 74 is rotatably supported by the reading device body 22, the path length from one end to the other end of the protective member 70 (the length of the cable housing portion) does not change with the opening and closing operation of the document transport device 30. Therefore, for example, compared with a configuration in which the protective member enters and exits the reading device body 22, the movement of each cable is suppressed during the opening and closing operation of the document transport device 30. This makes it possible to suppress damage to the cables due to contact between the protective member 70 and each cable.

[0083] In addition, the rotation axis X1 is located closer to the open side of the document transport device 30 and closer to the opening / closing end side of the document transport device 30 than the rotation axis 31 that connects the reading device main body 22 and the document transport device 30. With this configuration, the protection member 70 moves upward as the document transport device 30 is opened, as shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8.

[0084] Furthermore, since the rotation axis X2 is located closer to the opening / closing end of the document transport device 30 than the rotation axes X1 and X3 when the document transport device 30 is closed, it is possible to prevent a portion of the protective member 70 from protruding outward from the reading device main body 22, compared to a configuration in which the rotation axis X2 is located on the opposite side of the opening / closing end of the document transport device 30 than the rotation axes X1 and X3.

[0085] Furthermore, when the document transport device 30 is open to the maximum open position, the rotation axis X1 is located on the opposite side to the opening / closing end of the document transport device 30 from the position of the rotation axis 31 that connects the reading device main body 22 and the document transport device 30 when the document transport device 30 is closed. Therefore, damage to the cable can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the rotation axis X1 is located on the opening / closing end side of the document transport device 30 from the position of the rotation axis 31 when the document transport device 30 is closed when the opening / closing member is open to the maximum open position.

[0086] Furthermore, when the document transport device 30 is opened to the maximum open position, the rotation axis X1 is located on the opposite side of the rotation axis X2 to the open side of the document transport device 30. Therefore, the amount of movement of the rotation axis X2 in the horizontal direction (the front-to-rear direction of the device) during the opening and closing operation of the document transport device 30 can be made smaller than in a configuration in which the rotation axis X1 is located on the open side of the document transport device 30 relative to the rotation axis X2 when the document transport device 30 is opened to the maximum open position.

[0087] The first protective member 72 has a cover portion 78 that covers from the outside the connection portion between the first protective member 72 and the second protective member 74. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the connection portion between the first protective member 72 and the second protective member 74 is exposed, it is possible to prevent an object from being caught in the connection portion between the first protective member 72 and the second protective member 74.

[0088] A support portion 74D that supports the cable is provided inside the second protective member 74, and this support portion 74D is curved midway. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the support portion extends straight, it is possible to reduce the burden acting on the connection portion between the FFC 60 and the image processing unit 29 and the connection portion between the FFC 60 and the reading sensor 54 when the document transport device 30 is opened or closed.

[0089] A recess 86 is provided on the opening / closing surface 30A of the document transport device 30 to accommodate mainly the first protective member 72 of the protective member 70 when the document transport device 30 is closed. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which a recess is provided on the reading device main body 22 side, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from getting into the recess 86.

[0090] The width of the recess 86 is wider at a portion that houses the connecting portion between the first protective member 72 and the second protective member 74 than at other portions. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the width of the recess 86 is constant, it is possible to adjust the position of the document transport device 30 relative to the reading device main body 22, and it is possible to prevent an object from getting caught between the recess 86 and the protective member 70 when the document transport device 30 is closed.

[0091] The protective member 70 also houses a cable 62 separate from the FFC 60. Therefore, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which a plurality of cables are protected by a plurality of protective members, respectively.

[0092] The inside of the protective member 70 is divided into a portion that houses the FFC 60 and a portion that houses the cable 62. Therefore, wear between the FFC 60 and the cable 62 can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the FFC 60 and the cable 62 are mixed inside the protective member 70.

[0093] The rotating shaft 31 is movable in the vertical direction. Therefore, when a thick image bearing medium (e.g., a dictionary) is placed on the document table 24, the rotating shaft 31 moves upward. This allows the document transport device 30 to press down the thick image bearing medium from above. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the vertical position of the rotating shaft 31 is fixed, even if a thick image bearing medium is placed on the document table 24, it can be pressed down reliably, improving reading accuracy.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, when the document transport device 30 is closed, the rotation axis X1 is disposed above and in front of the rotation axis 31, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the rotation axis X1 may be disposed on the axis of the rotation axis 31. In this case, the movement amount of the protection member 70 that moves in association with the opening and closing operation of the document transport device 30 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the rotation axis X1 is off the axis of the rotation axis 31.

[0095] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the above-described modified examples may be combined in combination as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10 Image forming device 20 Image reader 22 Reading device body (housing) 24 Document table (support surface) 29 Image processing section (processing section) 30 Document transport device (opening / closing member) 30A Opening and closing surface 31 Rotation axis (second rotation axis) 54 Reading sensor (reading section) 60 FFC (connecting material) 62 Cable (connecting parts (other connecting parts)) 70 Protective materials 72 First protective member 74 Second protective member 74D Support part 86 Recess 86A Narrow part 86B Wide part G Original (image bearing medium) X1 Rotational axis (first rotational axis) X2 rotation axis (third rotation axis) X3 rotation axis (4th rotation axis)

Claims

1. a housing having a processing unit for processing image information; an opening / closing member provided on the housing so as to be openable and closable, the opening / closing member having a reading unit for reading an image from an image bearing medium and obtaining image information; a connection member that electrically connects the reading unit and the processing unit; a protective member including a first protective member rotatably supported by the opening / closing member, and a second protective member rotatably supported by the housing and rotatably connected to the first protective member, wherein a rotation axis direction of each of the first protective member and the second protective member is the same as a rotation axis direction of the opening / closing member, the protective member houses and protects the connecting member therein, and the rotation axes of each of the first protective member and the second protective member are provided outside a portion that houses the connecting member; An image reading device comprising:

2. When the opening and closing member is closed, 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein a first rotating shaft connecting the opening / closing member and the first protective member is located on the open side of the opening / closing member and on the opening / closing end side of the opening / closing member relative to a second rotating shaft connecting the housing and the opening / closing member.

3. When the opening and closing member is closed, 3. The image reading device according to claim 2, wherein a third rotation shaft connecting the first protective member and the second protective member is located closer to the opening / closing end of the opening / closing member than the first rotation shaft and a fourth rotation shaft connecting the housing and the second protective member.

4. When the opening / closing member is opened to the maximum position, The image reading device according to claim 3 , wherein the first rotation shaft is located on a side opposite to the opening / closing end side of the opening / closing member with respect to a position of the second rotation shaft when the opening / closing member is in a closed state.

5. When the opening / closing member is opened to the maximum position, The image reading device according to claim 4 , wherein the first rotation shaft is located on the opposite side to the opening side of the opening / closing member than the third rotation shaft.

6. When the opening and closing member is closed, 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein a first rotating shaft connecting the opening / closing member and the first protective member is disposed on an axis line of a second rotating shaft connecting the housing and the opening / closing member.

7. 7. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the first protective member has a cover portion that covers from the outside a connection portion between the first protective member and the second protective member.

8. a support portion that supports the connection member is provided inside the second protection member, 8. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is curved midway.

9. 9. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing member has an opening surface provided with a recess for accommodating the protection member when the opening and closing member is in a closed state.

10. The image reading device according to claim 9 , wherein the recess has a width greater at a portion where the connecting portion between the first protection member and the second protection member is accommodated than at other portions.

11. 11. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the protection member also houses a connection member other than the connection member.

12. The image reading device according to claim 11 , wherein an interior of the protection member is partitioned into a portion that houses the connection member and a portion that houses the other connection member.

13. the housing has a support surface that supports the image bearing medium; 13. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein a rotation shaft that connects the opening / closing member and the housing is movable in a direction perpendicular to the support surface.

14. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which reads an image from an image bearing medium and obtains image information; an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the image information; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images