Image reading apparatus

An image reading apparatus includes: a housing; a cover pivotable with respect to the housing about a first pivot axis extending in first directions that are opposite each other; a first electric component provided in the housing; a second electric component provided in the cover; and an electric wire configured to connect the first electric component and the second electric component to each other. The electric wire includes: a first extending portion retained by the cover and extending in the first directions; and a second extending portion movable relative to the cover and extending from the first extending portion toward the housing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-153071, which was filed on Jul. 6, 2012, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus configured to read an image formed on a document.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is known an image reading apparatus including a main body and a document cover that is openable and closable with respect to the main body. A contact glass is disposed on an upper face of the main body. A reading unit is provided under the contact glass. The document cover is pivotable about a pivot axis to expose or cover an upper face of the contact glass.

After the document cover is opened, a document is placed on the contact glass, and the document cover is closed. In this state, the contact glass is covered with the document cover, with the document pressed on the contact glass. As a result, the document can be held in close contact with a document table. While moving at a predetermined speed in this state, the reading unit emits light onto the document placed on the contact glass. Light reflected from the document is received by an image sensor of the reading unit, so that reading of an image formed on the document is completed.

This image reading apparatus may include an auto document feeder (ADF) for automatically supplying a document placed on the document cover, onto the document table. In such an image reading apparatus, one end of a harness is connected to an electric component such as a motor provided in the document cover. The other end portion of the harness extends toward a main body side of the image reading apparatus, and the other end of the harness is connected to a control board provided for controlling components of the image reading apparatus.

The document cover is provided with a retaining shaft extending parallel to the pivot axis for the document cover. In the closed state of the document cover, the harness drawn to an outside of the document cover is bent along an upper portion of an outer circumferential face of the retaining shaft so as to form a U-shape and extends downward toward the main body side. When the document cover is opened, the U-shaped portion of the harness is straightened. This movement of the harness does not hinder the document cover from opening and closing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, the bending (flexing) and straitening (stretching) of the harness are repeated above the retaining shaft in accordance with the opening and closing of the document cover, causing stress concentration on the portion of the harness which is bent along the upper portion of the retaining shaft. That is, the portion of the harness gets fatigued easily, leading to a broken wire in the harness. If a degree of bending of the bent portion of the harness is made larger, the stress concentration of the harness can be reduced, but the size of the image reading apparatus is increased.

This invention has been developed to provide an image reading apparatus capable of reducing stress concentration of a harness caused by opening and closing of a cover without increase in size of the image reading apparatus.

The present invention provides an image reading apparatus, comprising: a housing; a cover pivotable with respect to the housing about a first pivot axis extending in first directions that are opposite each other; a first electric component provided in the housing; a second electric component provided in the cover; and an electric wire configured to connect the first electric component and the second electric component to each other, the electric wire comprising: a first extending portion retained by the cover and extending in the first directions; and a second extending portion movable relative to the cover and extending from the first extending portion toward the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, there will be described one embodiment of the present invention by reference to the drawings.

<External Structure of MFP>

As illustrated inFIG. 1, an MFP100has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. The MFP100includes an image reading device200as one example of an image reading apparatus, and an image forming device300disposed under the image reading device200.

It is noted that in a state in which the MFP100is placed on a horizontal surface, lengthwise directions of the MFP100in plan view are defined as right and left directions. Also, directions perpendicular to up and down directions and the lengthwise directions of the MFP100in plan view are defined as front and rear directions. Each direction is indicated by an arrow in each figure.

The image reading device200has a generally rectangular parallelepiped flat shape. The image reading device200includes an image reading main body201as one example of a housing, and an auto document feeder (ADF)202.

The image reading main body201is provided with a contact glass206(seeFIG. 2) and includes a contact image sensor (CIS) unit for reading an image of a document.

The ADF202is provided over or above the image reading main body201. The ADF202is provided with a hinge member462. The hinge member462is fitted in a recessed portion201A of the image reading main body201, whereby the ADF202is set on the image reading main body201. The hinge member462connects the image reading main body201and the ADF202to each other, allowing pivotal movement therebetween. The ADF202is pivotable about an axis AX between a closed position illustrated inFIG. 1and an open position illustrated inFIG. 2. The axis AX extends in the right and left directions near an upper rear end of the image reading main body201. In the closed position, the ADF202is superposed on the image reading main body201. In the open position, the ADF202is open with respect to the image reading main body201, with a front portion of the ADF202being raised.

The image forming device300has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. A front face of the image forming device300has an upper portion provided with an operation panel P that is operated by a user. The image forming device300includes an ink jet or electro-photographic image forming device having a printing function.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the ADF202includes an ADF housing250, a tray251, and a maintenance cover252.

The ADF housing250is a generally rectangular parallelepiped flat shape.

The tray251is provided on a central portion of an upper face of the ADF housing250in the right and left directions. The tray251has a generally rectangular shape in plan view. The tray251is opened and closed by its pivotal movement about an axis extending in the front and rear directions. In the closed state, an outer face of the tray251serves as a portion of an upper face of the ADF housing250. When the tray251is opened from the closed state, a left end portion of the tray251being in the closed state is raised, so that the tray251is pivoted rightward. In the open state, the tray251extends in an upper right direction as illustrated inFIG. 3.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the maintenance cover252is provided on a left end portion of the upper face of the ADF housing250. The maintenance cover252has a rectangular shape in plan view. The maintenance cover252is opened and closed by its pivotal movement about an axis extending in the front and rear directions. In the closed state, an outer face of the maintenance cover252serves as a portion of the upper face of the ADF housing250. In the open state, the maintenance cover252extends in an upper left direction as illustrated inFIG. 3.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the ADF202includes a document feeder253and a document discharger254that are exposed when the tray251is opened.

The document feeder253is located below the document discharger254. A right end portion of an upper face of the document feeder253is connected to an inner face of the tray251being in the open state, with a small space therebetween.

The document feeder253is provided with a pair of document width guides255. The pair of document width guides255face each other in the front and rear directions. Each of the document width guides255includes a guide wall256and a roof257. The guide wall256stands upright on the upper face of the document feeder253. The roof257extends inward from an upper end edge of the guide wall256in the front and rear directions. The pair of document width guides255are movable toward and away from a central position therebetween by the same moving amount.

The document discharger254is provided above the document feeder253, with a space therebetween. The document discharger254is shaped like a rectangular plate that expands in the front and rear directions and the right and left directions.

Three LF rollers258are rotatably provided and exposed when the maintenance cover252is opened. The three LF rollers258are supported on a shaft, not shown, extending in the front and rear directions. The three LF rollers258are arranged spaced apart from each other in the front and rear directions.

A guide member259is provided between the document discharger254and an uppermost portion of an outer circumferential face of each LF roller258so as to expand over portions of the document discharger254and the LF rollers258.

When the ADF202is used, that is, when the document having a sheet-like shape is conveyed, a distance between the pair of document width guides255is adjusted to the width of the document. The document is placed onto a position between the pair of document width guides255from a right side thereof, so that the document is positioned on the document feeder253and the tray251, with a center of the document being aligned to the center of the pair of document width guides255.

The document placed on the document feeder253and the tray251is pulled leftward from the document feeder253by a document supply roller, not shown, and conveyed toward on a lower side of the LF rollers258. The document is conveyed along the outer circumferential faces of the LF rollers258and makes a U-turn, that is, a conveying direction of the document is switched from the left direction to the right direction. The document is then conveyed rightward on the guide member259and discharged onto the document discharger254. A leading edge portion of the document is moved over the document discharger254and placed on the roofs257or the tray251. A trailing edge portion of the document is placed on the document discharger254or the roofs257. It is noted that since the roofs257of the document width guides255are located just above a document placed on the document feeder253, the document discharged and placed on the document discharger254and the tray251and the document not having been conveyed yet and placed on the document feeder253and the tray251are not mixed together.

The ADF housing250is provided at its rear left end portion with a drive frame261illustrated inFIGS. 4,5,6, and7.

As illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7, the drive frame261includes an upper face portion262, a bottom face portion263, and a wall portion264.

The upper face portion262integrally includes: an upper left face portion265extending in the front and rear directions; and an upper rear face portion266extending rightward from a rear end portion of the upper left face portion265.

The bottom face portion263is provided under the upper face portion262, with a space therebetween. The bottom face portion263integrally includes: a left bottom face portion267that overlaps the upper left face portion265in plan view; and a front bottom face portion268having a rectangular shape in plan view and extending from a front end portion of the left bottom face portion267. Disposed in front of the left bottom face portion267in the ADF housing250is a motor269as one example of a second electric component that generates a force for driving components such as the LF rollers258. It is noted that the motor269is disposed in a space (as one example of a first space) located in front of a harness routing portion446which will be described below and to the left of a cutout452which will be described below.

The wall portion264stands upright on a rear edge of the front bottom face portion268and is connected to a front edge of the upper rear face portion266. A rectangular cutout portion270is formed in a lower end portion of the wall portion264. The cutout portion270is formed by cutting out the wall portion264leftward from its right edge, so that the cutout portion opens rightward.

As illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, a harness support441is mounted on the drive frame261.

The harness support441is formed of resin and molded in one piece. As illustrated inFIG. 8, the harness support441integrally includes a first facing portion442, a second facing portion443, a first shaft holder444, a second shaft holder445, the harness routing portion446, and a hinge mount portion447.

It is noted that the drive frame261and the harness support441are one example of a cover, and the harness routing portion446is one example of a wall portion.

The first facing portion442and the second facing portion443have the same shape, i.e., a generally rectangular shape in side view. The first facing portion442and the second facing portion443face each other with a space therebetween in the right and left directions.

The first shaft holder444is disposed to the left of the first facing portion442and shaped like a generally rectangular plate that extends downward along the first facing portion442.

The second shaft holder445is provided to the right of the second facing portion443, with a distance between the second shaft holder445and an upper end portion of the second facing portion443. The second shaft holder445is shaped like a rectangular plate elongated in the right and left directions. The second facing portion443and the second shaft holder445are connected to each other by a connecting portion449.

The harness routing portion446is provided under the second shaft holder445. The harness routing portion446is shaped like a thin wall extending in the up and down directions and the right and left directions. That is, the space in front of the harness routing portion446(as one example of the first space) and a space at a rear of the harness routing portion446(as one example of a second space) are located on opposite sides of the harness routing portion446. A lower right end portion of the harness routing portion446has the rectangular cutout452, and the harness routing portion446includes an upper portion454and a lower portion453whose width is smaller than that of the upper portion454in the right and left directions. Also, the cutout452is formed by cutting out the harness routing portion446leftward from its right edge, so that the cutout452opens rightward.

The lower portion453of the harness routing portion446is provided with a projecting portion455. The projecting portion455extends rearward from the lower portion453and is bent leftward. The lower portion453and the projecting portion455form a recessed portion456that opens leftward.

Provided on the upper portion454of the harness routing portion446are a pair of hook portions457,458that are spaced apart from each other in the right and left directions. The pair of hook portions457,458are arranged next to each other in a direction parallel to the right and left directions (i.e., a direction parallel to the axis AX). The left hook portion457includes: a portion extending rearward from the upper portion454; and a portion extending leftward from a distal end portion thereof and bent frontward. The upper portion454and the hook portion457form a recessed portion459that opens leftward. The right hook portion458includes: a portion extending rearward from the upper portion454; and a portion extending rightward from a distal end portion thereof and bent frontward. The upper portion454and the hook portion458form a recessed portion460that opens rightward. A guide portion461is provided on the upper portion454and projects rearward from a position located between the projecting portion455and the right hook portion458. The guide portion461is shaped like a rib extending in a slanting direction, i.e., the upper right direction. It is noted that the right hook portion458is disposed to the right of the projecting portion455. Also, the left hook portion457is disposed to the left of the projecting portion455.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the hinge mount portion447is a square rod that is suspended between the first facing portion442and the second facing portion443. A central axis of the hinge mount portion447is one example of a first pivot axis.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, an upper end portion of the hinge member462is attached to the hinge mount portion447, allowing the pivotal movement of the hinge member462. A lower end portion of the hinge member462is connected to the image reading main body201. As a result, the ADF202can be pivoted about the hinge mount portion447with respect to the image reading main body201between the position at which the ADF202is superposed on the image reading main body201as illustrated inFIG. 1and the position at which the ADF202is open with respect to the image reading main body201, with the front portion of the ADF202being raised as illustrated inFIG. 2.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the harness support441has a screw hole466. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the harness support441is secured to the drive frame261by a screw428fitted in the screw hole466.

As illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, two harnesses471,472are routed on the drive frame261, for example.

As illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7, one end of the harness471as one example of an electric wire is connected to the motor269. The harness471extends in an upper rear right direction from the motor269, is bent rightward, and then extends rightward. The harness471is then bent rearward, extends rearward, and finally passes through the cutout portion270of the wall portion264to a rear side of the wall portion264.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, a portion of the harness471which is drawn to a rear side of the wall portion264is routed to the harness routing portion446of the harness support441. Specifically, the harness471is drawn from a front side to a rear side of the harness routing portion446through the cutout452. The harness471is routed from a lower side to an upper side of the projecting portion455through the recessed portion456. The harness471extends from the projecting portion455toward the right hook portion458along an upper face of the guide portion461. The harness471passes through the recessed portion460formed between the upper portion454and the right hook portion458, is routed to an upper side of the hook portion458, and extends in the right and left directions over the pair of hook portions457,458. In the state in which the ADF202is superposed on the image reading main body201, the harness471enters into the recessed portion459from an upper side of the left hook portion457and extends downward through the recessed portion459.

In the state in which the ADF202is superposed on the image reading main body201, the harness471includes: a detour portion473extending from the projecting portion455toward the right hook portion458; a first extending portion474continuous from the detour portion473and extending in the right and left directions over the pair of hook portions457,458along the central axis of the hinge mount portion447; and a second extending portion475continuous from the first extending portion474and extending downward from the left hook portion457. Opposite end portions of the first extending portion474in the right and left directions are respectively retained by the pair of hook portions457,458, so that the first extending portion474extends in the right and left directions between the pair of hook portions457,458.

When the ADF202is pivoted 90 degrees from the position at which the ADF202is superposed on the image reading main body201to the position at which the ADF202is open, as illustrated inFIG. 10, the first extending portion474of the harness471is twisted 90 degrees, and the second extending portion475extends in a direction in which the hook portion457extends.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the harness472extends rearward from a left portion of the harness support441. The harness472extends in the right and left directions over the pair of hook portions457,458. In the state in which the ADF202is superposed on the image reading main body201, the harness472is bent downward at the left of the left hook portion457and extends downward along and next to the second extending portion475of the harness471.

A slack preventive member476covers the second extending portion475of the harness471and the portion of the harness472which extends next to the second extending portion475. The slack preventive member476integrally includes two surrounding portions477,478and a connecting portion479. The two surrounding portions477,478have the same shape. The surrounding portion477and the surrounding portion478are distant from each other. The connecting portion479connects the surrounding portion477and the surrounding portion478to each other. The harnesses471,472are inserted through the two surrounding portions477,478, so as to be held by the slack preventive member476.

The ADF202is pivotable upward and downward with respect to the image reading main body201. In this pivot movement of the ADF202, the harnesses471,472are moved upward and downward with respect to the slack preventive member476in the state in which the harnesses471,472are held by the slack preventive member476. That is, the slack preventive member476prevents the harnesses471,472from slacking at their portions covered by the slack preventive member476, preventing the harnesses471,472from being pinched between the image reading main body201and the ADF202.

Also, as illustrated inFIG. 4, a flexible flat cable (FFC)451is drawn from the ADF202to a rear side of the drive frame261. The FFC451is located to the left of the harnesses471,472and extends downward.

As illustrated inFIGS. 11,12, and13, a holder501is provided on a left end portion of a lower face of the image reading main body201.

The holder501is formed of resin and molded in one piece. As illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15, the holder501includes an FFC holding portion502and a harness holding portion503.

The FFC holding portion502includes a divider plate504extending in the front and rear directions. The divider plate504includes a step507provided in front of a central portion of the divider plate504in the front and rear directions. The divider plate504includes: a portion505provided at a rear of the step507; and a portion506provided in front of the step507. The portion505is one step lower than the portion506in a state in which the holder501extends horizontally.

The harness holding portion503is provided on a right side of the FFC holding portion502. The harness holding portion503includes a bottom plate508extending in the front and rear directions. The bottom plate508includes steps508F,508R formed at two different positions in the front and rear directions. As a result, the bottom plate508includes three portions509,510,511, with the steps508F,508R serving as boundaries. In the state in which the holder501extends horizontally, the portion509located at the rear most position is located at the lowest position, the portion510located at a central position is located higher than the portion509, and the portion511located at the frontmost position is located at the highest position.

The holder501further includes a partition wall512. The partition wall512extends in the up and down directions and the front and rear directions along a boundary between the divider plate504and the bottom plate508.

The holder501further includes a pair of mount portions513that are opposite each other in the right and left directions. Each of the pair of mount portions513is shaped like a plate that extends in a lower rear direction from a rear edge of the divider plate504. Each of the mount portions513has a distal end portion on which is formed a corresponding one of shaft portions514extending outward in the right and left directions.

The holder501further includes an engaging portion515. The engaging portion515is continuous from a front edge of the bottom plate508. The engaging portion515extends downward from the front edge of the bottom plate508, is flexed or bent so as to extend upward, and is bent so as to extend frontward.

As illustrated inFIGS. 12,13, and14, the shaft portions514are pivotably held by a shaft holder516provided on a rear left end portion of the image reading main body201, so that the holder501is pivotable about a pivot axis C as one example of a second pivot axis.

As illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 16, formed on the lower face of the image reading main body201is a retaining portion517shaped like a bag that opens rearward. As illustrated inFIG. 16, a distal end portion of the engaging portion515is inserted into the retaining portion517, so that the engaging portion515is retained by the retaining portion517, and thereby the holder501is secured to the lower face of the image reading main body201. Accordingly, where the engaging portion515is retained by the retaining portion517upon transportation of the image reading device200, the holder501does not swing, facilitating handling of the image reading device200.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, the harnesses471,472drawn from the ADF202pass through a rear end portion of the harness holding portion503and extend frontward along the bottom plate508of the harness holding portion503. As a result, the harness holding portion503of the holder501holds a portion of the harness471which extends from the second extending portion475toward an opposite side of the second extending portion475from the first extending portion474. Also, the FFC451drawn from the ADF202passes through a rear end portion of the FFC holding portion502and extends frontward along a lower face of the divider plate504of the FFC holding portion502. Also, an FFC518extends from the image reading main body201, passes through the rear end portion of the FFC holding portion502, and extends frontward along an upper face of the divider plate504of the FFC holding portion502.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, distal ends of the harnesses471,472and the FFCs451,518are connected to a control board521as one example of a first electric component. The control board521is provided in the image forming device300, for example.

As described above, the ADF202is pivotable with respect to the image reading main body201about the pivot axis extending in the right and left directions, i.e., about the central axis of the hinge mount portion447. The ADF202includes the motor269to which the harness471is connected. The other end of the harness471is connected to the control board521provided in the image forming device300.

The harness471includes the first extending portion474and the second extending portion475. The first extending portion474is retained by the harness support441mounted on the drive frame261of the ADF202and extends in the right and left directions. The second extending portion475is provided freely with respect to the ADF202and extends from the first extending portion474toward the image reading main body201.

With this construction, the first extending portion474of the harness471is twisted by the pivotal movement of the ADF202. In a construction in which the harness471is bent (flexed) and straightened (stretched), its bent and straightened portion gets fatigued easily owing to stress concentration. In the construction in which the first extending portion474is twisted, on the other hand, a stress (i.e., fatigue) caused by the twist of the harness471is distributed over an entirety of the first extending portion474.

Also, no space is required for the twist of the first extending portion474.

This construction can reduce stress concentration of the harness with the opening and closing the ADF202without increase in size of the image reading device200, making it possible to extend a useful life of the harness.

A center of the twist of the harness471is located on the central axis of the hinge mount portion447.

This construction prevents portions of the harness471other than the portion to be twisted from being bent and straightened with the opening and closing of the ADF202.

The harness471passes through the cutout452formed in the harness routing portion446of the harness support441provided in the ADF202and is routed from the space in front of the harness routing portion446to the space at a rear of the harness routing portion446.

This construction allows the harness471to be routed easily when compared with a construction in which the harness routing portion446has a through hole through which the harness471is routed from the space in front of the harness routing portion446to the space at a rear of the harness routing portion446.

Accordingly, the harness471can be inserted into the cutout452from a right side thereof.

The image reading device200includes: the hinge member462pivotably connecting between the image reading main body201and the ADF202; and the projecting portion455provided on the wall portion264and projecting rearward. The harness471is retained by the projecting portion455and includes the detour portion473extending away from the hinge member462.

Since the detour portion473extends away from the hinge member462, it is possible to prevent the harness471being pinched between the hinge member462and the ADF202when the ADF202is closed.

Also, the pair of hook portions457,458projecting rearward from the wall portion264are provided on the ADF202and spaced apart from each other in the right and left directions. The portion of the harness471which is continuous to the detour portion473is retained by the pair of hook portions457,458.

This construction allows the ADF202to retain the harness471easily. Also, the first extending portion474extending in the right and left directions can be easily formed.

The recessed portion459that opens leftward is formed between the upper portion454and the hook portion457of the harness routing portion446. Also, the recessed portion460that opens rightward is formed between the upper portion454and the hook portion458.

Accordingly, the harness471can be fitted in the recessed portion459from a left side thereof and fitted in the recessed portion460from a right side thereof to have the harness471be retained by the pair of hook portions457,458easily.

The guide portion461projecting rearward is provided between the projecting portion455and the right hook portion458to guide the routing of the harness471.

In the routing of the harness471, the guide portion461can guide the harness471from the projecting portion455to the hook portion458, facilitating the routing of the harness471.

The slack preventive member476is provided to cover the second extending portion475of the harness471and the portion of the harness472which extends next to the second extending portion475.

Specifically, the slack preventive member476integrally includes the two surrounding portions477,478and a connecting portion479. The surrounding portion477and the surrounding portion478are distant from each other. The connecting portion479connects the surrounding portion477and the surrounding portion478to each other. The harnesses471,472are inserted through the two surrounding portions477,478, so as to be held by the slack preventive member476.

In the pivot movement of the ADF202, the harnesses471,472are moved upward and downward with respect to the slack preventive member476in the state in which the harnesses471,472are held by the slack preventive member476. That is, the slack preventive member476prevents the harnesses471,472from slacking at their portions covered by the slack preventive member476, preventing the harnesses471,472from being pinched between the image reading main body201and the ADF202.

The holder501is provided on the image reading main body201so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis C extending in the right and left directions. The holder501includes the harness holding portion503for holding the harnesses471,472.

Since the harness471is held by the harness holding portion503, the routing of the harness471can be performed more easily.

The harness holding portion503includes the step508F at its middle portion. In the state in which the harness471is connected to the control board521, the portion511that is nearer to the control board521than the step508F is one step higher than the portions509,510that are farther from the control board521than the step508F.

Accordingly, even if water gets on the holder501, the water does not flow to the control board521along the holder501, preventing the control board521from getting wet.

While the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of the illustrated embodiment, but may be embodied with various changes and modifications, which may occur to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the image reading device200and the image forming device300are combined together to provide the MFP100. However, the image reading device200alone can provide a scanner.