Patent Description:
An image forming apparatus described in Patent Literature <NUM> includes an open and close section, a main body section, a flexible flat cable, and a guide section. The open and close section is linked to the main body section so as to be able to ascend and descend and to rotate. The open and close section is linked to the main body section by means of a hinge section. The flexible flat cable electrically connects a reading section and a control substrate to each other. The guide section guides the flexible flat cable so that the flexible flat cable follows the rotation or the ascent and descent of the open and close section.

Moreover, <CIT> discloses an image reading apparatus in which cables are used to connect reading units to a controller or control circuit board configured to execute certain instructions and perform various functions, wherein the cables are routed between the reading units and the controller so as to reduce and/or eliminate noise; <CIT> discloses an image reading device with a housing including a document support, an opening and closing member, a reading member, a processing unit, a connecting member, and a protective member; and <CIT> discloses a hinge unit including a support member, a mount member, and a detachment restricting member.

There is a possibility, however, that the hinge section may come out of a guide hole formed in the main body section, and the open and close section (a cover section) may be detached from the main body section (a casing). Further, when the open and close section is detached from the main body section, the flexible flat cable may be detached from either or both the reading section and the control substrate.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a reading device and an image forming apparatus capable of preventing the cover section from being detached from the casing.

The present invention provides a reading device according to claim <NUM> and an image forming apparatus according to claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the cover section from being detached from the casing.

The following will describe embodiments of the present invention, with reference to drawings. Some of the elements in the drawings that are the same as each other or that correspond to each other will be referred to by using the same reference characters, and the explanations thereof will not be repeated.

A reading device <NUM> representing a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of the reading device <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the reading device <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the reading device <NUM> includes a cover section <NUM>, a tray <NUM>, and a conveyance section <NUM>.

The cover section <NUM> has a hollow shape. The tray <NUM> is disposed on the outside of the cover section <NUM>. The tray <NUM> is linked to the cover section <NUM>. The tray <NUM> has one or more sheets loaded thereon. Each of the sheets may be, for example, sheets of plain paper, copy paper, recycled paper, thin paper, thick paper, glossy paper, or overhead projector (OHP) film. The cover section <NUM> is rotatably supported. More specifically, the cover section <NUM> is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis L. The rotation axis L is the rotation axis of the cover section <NUM>. The cover section <NUM> includes a rotation edge section <NUM> and a fulcrum edge section <NUM>. The rotation edge section <NUM> is such an edge section of the cover section <NUM> that is positioned on a second side in terms of a first direction D1 while the cover section <NUM> is closed. The fulcrum edge section <NUM> is such an edge section of the cover section <NUM> that is positioned on a first side in terms of the first direction D1 while the cover section <NUM> is closed. The fulcrum edge section <NUM> is disposed along the rotation axis L. In the first embodiment, the rotation edge section <NUM> rotates about the fulcrum edge section <NUM> as a center. The rotation edge section <NUM> and the fulcrum edge section <NUM> each extend in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is a direction parallel to the rotation axis L of the cover section <NUM>. The first direction D1 is a direction perpendicular to the second direction D2. In the first embodiment, the first direction L1 and the second direction D2 are each a direction parallel to the horizontal direction.

The conveyance section <NUM> conveys the sheet. More specifically, the conveyance section <NUM> conveys the sheet from the tray <NUM>. For example, the conveyance section <NUM> functions as an auto document feeder (ADF). The conveyance section <NUM> is housed in the cover section <NUM>. The conveyance section <NUM> includes rollers <NUM> and a first driving section <NUM>.

The rollers <NUM> include, for example, pickup rollers, separation rollers, conveyance rollers, and ejecting rollers. The pickup rollers forward the sheet loaded on the tray <NUM> to the inside of the cover section <NUM>. The separation rollers forward the sheet while separating the sheet from one another. The conveyance rollers convey the sheet on the inside of the cover section <NUM>. The ejecting rollers eject the sheet conveyed by the conveyance rollers, to the outside of the cover section <NUM>.

The first driving section <NUM> is a driving source that rotates the rollers <NUM>. The first driving section <NUM> rotates the rollers <NUM> so that the rollers <NUM> convey the sheet. More specifically, each of the pairs of rollers <NUM> conveys the sheet by rotating while having the sheet held therebetween. The first driving section <NUM> may be a motor, for example.

The reading device <NUM> further includes an image reading section <NUM>.

The image reading section <NUM> includes an opposing section <NUM>, a loading section <NUM>, a reading section <NUM>, and a second driving section <NUM>.

The opposing section <NUM> is arranged in a location so as to be able to oppose the sheet conveyed by the conveyance section <NUM>. The opposing section <NUM> is arranged on a conveyance path of the sheet conveyed by the conveyance section <NUM>. The opposing section <NUM> may be a layer of contact glass, for example. It is possible to load any sheet on the loading section <NUM>. The loading section <NUM> is arranged on the second side in terms of the second direction D2 with respect to the opposing section <NUM>. The loading section <NUM> may be a layer of contact glass, for example.

The reading section <NUM> reads an image formed on any sheet. More specifically, the reading section <NUM> reads an image formed on each of the sheets conveyed by the conveyance section <NUM>. While the cover section <NUM> is closed, the reading section <NUM> reads the image formed on a sheet conveyed by the conveyance section <NUM>. Also, the reading section <NUM> reads an image formed on a sheet loaded on the loading section <NUM>. "Reading an image" denotes obtaining image data representing the image by scanning the image.

For example, the reading section <NUM> may be a contact image sensor (CIS). For example, the reading section <NUM> includes a light emitting section such as a light emitting diode (LED) and an imaging section such as an image sensor. The reading section <NUM> scans the image formed on the sheet by employing the light emitting section and the imaging section.

The reading section <NUM> is arranged below the opposing section <NUM>. Further, the reading section <NUM> is arranged below the loading section <NUM>. The reading section <NUM> is supported so as to be movable in the second direction D2.

As a result of the conveyance section <NUM> conveying the sheet while the reading section <NUM> is positioned beneath the opposing section <NUM>, the reading section <NUM> reads the image formed on the sheet. In this situation, while the sheet passes over the opposing section <NUM>, the reading section <NUM> reads the image formed on the sheet.

As a result of the reading section <NUM> moving along the loading section <NUM> while the sheet is loaded on the loading section <NUM>, the reading section <NUM> reads the image formed on the sheet. In this situation, while moving along the loading section <NUM>, the reading section <NUM> reads the image formed on the sheet.

The second driving section <NUM> is a driving source that moves the reading section <NUM>. The second driving section <NUM> may be a motor, for example.

The reading device <NUM> further includes an input section <NUM>, storage <NUM>, and a controller <NUM>.

The input section <NUM> receives an instruction input to the reading device <NUM>. Via the input section <NUM>, for example, an instruction indicating that the image formed on the sheet should be read is input. The input section <NUM> includes, for example, either or both a touch panel and a group of operation keys.

The storage <NUM> includes a storage device. The storage device includes a main storage device (e.g., semiconductor memory) such as read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM) and may further include an auxiliary storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive). Either or both the main storage device and the auxiliary storage device store therein various types of computer programs to be executed by the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> includes a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a micro processing unit (MPU). The controller <NUM> controls each element of the reading device <NUM>. More specifically, by executing the computer programs stored in one or more storage devices, the processor of the controller <NUM> controls the conveyance section <NUM> and the reading section <NUM>. Even more specifically, in the first embodiment, the controller <NUM> controls the first driving section <NUM>, the reading section <NUM>, and the second driving section <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> controls the first driving section <NUM> so that the first driving section <NUM> rotates the rollers <NUM> to convey the sheet. Further, the controller <NUM> controls the reading section <NUM> so that the reading section <NUM> reads the image formed on the sheet. Further, the controller <NUM> controls the second driving section <NUM> so that the second driving section <NUM> moves the reading section <NUM>.

The reading device <NUM> further includes a casing <NUM>. The casing <NUM> has a hollow shape. The casing <NUM> houses therein the image reading section <NUM>, the storage <NUM>, and the controller <NUM>.

The casing <NUM> includes a ceiling section <NUM>, a first opening section <NUM>, and a second opening section <NUM>. The ceiling section <NUM> is a plate-like member. The ceiling section <NUM> is arranged in a top section of the casing <NUM>. The ceiling section <NUM>, the opposing section <NUM>, and the loading section <NUM> close the top section of the casing <NUM>.

The first opening section <NUM> and the second opening section <NUM> are arranged in the top section of the casing <NUM>. The first opening section <NUM> and the second opening section <NUM> are formed in the ceiling section <NUM>. The first opening section <NUM> and the second opening section <NUM> allow communication between the outside of the casing <NUM> and the inside of the casing <NUM>. The first opening section <NUM> and the second opening section <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2. The first opening section <NUM> is arranged with the opposing section <NUM>. The first opening section <NUM> is closed by the opposing section <NUM>. The second opening section <NUM> is arranged with the loading section <NUM>. The second opening section <NUM> is closed by the loading section <NUM>. As a result, the top surface of the opposing section <NUM> and the top surface of the loading section <NUM> are exposed to the outside of the casing <NUM> through the top section of the casing <NUM>.

The casing <NUM> further includes a pair of casing bores <NUM> and a through hole <NUM>. Each of the paired casing bores <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> is formed in the top section of the casing <NUM>. Each of the paired casing bores <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> is formed in the ceiling section <NUM>. The paired casing bores <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> allow communication between the outside of the casing <NUM> and the inside of the casing <NUM>. Each of the paired casing bores <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> extends in the vertical direction V. The paired casing bores <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> are arranged in the edge section of the casing <NUM> positioned on the first side in terms of the first direction D1. The paired casing bores <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2. Further, the through hole <NUM> is arranged between the paired casing bores <NUM>. In this situation, the paired casing bores <NUM> may each be a bottomless bore. In other words, the paired casing bores <NUM> may each allow communication between the inside of the casing bore <NUM> and the outside of the casing bore <NUM>. Conversely, the paired casing bores <NUM> may each be a bore having a bottom. In other words, the paired casing bores <NUM> do not necessarily have to allow communication between the inside of the casing bores <NUM> and the outside of the casing bores <NUM>.

Each of the paired casing bores <NUM> is located opposite to the cover section <NUM>. More specifically, each of the paired casing bores <NUM> is located opposite to the fulcrum edge section <NUM> of the cover section <NUM>. Further, the through hole <NUM> opposes the cover section <NUM>. More specifically, the through hole <NUM> is located opposite to the fulcrum edge section <NUM> of the cover section <NUM>.

The paired casing bores <NUM> include a first casing bore 164a and a second casing bore 164b. The first casing bore 164a is arranged on a first side of the casing <NUM> in terms of the second direction D2. The second casing bore 164b is arranged on a second side of the casing <NUM> in terms of the second direction D2.

The input section <NUM> is arranged on the second side of the casing <NUM> in terms of the first direction D1. Accordingly, a user operates the input section <NUM> from the second side of the casing <NUM> in terms of the first direction D1.

It is possible to place the cover section <NUM> on the casing <NUM>. While the cover section <NUM> is placed on the casing <NUM>, the cover section <NUM> is located opposite to the opposing section <NUM> and the loading section <NUM>.

It is possible to place a sheet between the cover section <NUM> and the casing <NUM>. While the cover section <NUM> is closed and the sheet is spaced between the cover section <NUM> and the casing <NUM>, the reading section <NUM> reads an image formed on the sheet.

The reading device <NUM> further includes a pair of interposed members <NUM>.

Next, the interposed members <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>, and <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of either of the interposed members <NUM>. <FIG> is a drawing illustrating a manner to use the interposed members <NUM>.

The interposed members <NUM> in the pair have the same structure as each other. In the following sections, a configuration of one of the interposed members <NUM> in the pair will be described.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the interposed member <NUM> is interposed between the cover section <NUM> and the casing <NUM>. The interposed member <NUM> is disposed in one of the casing bores <NUM>. The interposed member <NUM> supports the cover section <NUM> so as to be rotatable and also supports the cover section <NUM> so as to be movable in the vertical direction V. More specifically, the interposed member <NUM> supports the cover section <NUM> so as to be rotatable about the casing <NUM> and also supports the cover section <NUM> so as to be movable in the vertical direction V with respect to the casing <NUM>. The interposed member <NUM> functions as a fulcrum of the rotation of the cover section <NUM>.

The interposed member <NUM> includes a first member 170a and a second member 170b. More specifically, each of the paired interposed members <NUM> includes a first member 170a and a second member 170b.

The first member 170a is inserted into the one of the casing bores <NUM>. More specifically, a bottom section of the first member 170a is inserted into the casing bore <NUM>. A top section of the first member 170a protrudes from the casing <NUM>. The first member 170a slides along the casing bore <NUM>. Accordingly, the first member 170a is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction V More specifically, the first member 170a is supported by the casing <NUM> so as to be movable in the vertical direction V.

The second member 170b is rotatably attached to the first member 170a. The rotation axis L of the cover section <NUM> is positioned in the location where the second member 170b is rotatably attached to the first member 170a. The second member 170b is rotatably attached to the top section of the first member 170a. Accordingly, the second member 170b is arranged above the casing <NUM>. Further, the cover section <NUM> is fixed to the second member 170b. The second member 170b is fixed to the fulcrum edge section <NUM> of the cover section <NUM>. Accordingly, the second member 170b and the cover section <NUM> integrally rotate with respect to the first member 170a. Further, the second member 170b and the cover section <NUM> integrally rotate with respect to the casing <NUM>. At that time, the cover section <NUM> rotates about the second member 170b as a center.

The lower end of the first member 170a has such a size that it is possible to insert the first member 170a into the casing bore <NUM>. More specifically, the size of the lower end of the first member 170a is smaller than the size of the opening of the casing bore <NUM>. Accordingly, when the first member 170a descends after the lower end of the first member 170a is arranged above the opening of the casing bore <NUM>, the lower end of the first member 170a is inserted into the casing bore <NUM> via the opening of the casing bore <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to smoothly perform the procedure of inserting the first member 170a into the casing bore <NUM> and attaching the cover section <NUM> to the casing <NUM>.

The paired interposed members <NUM> include a first interposed member <NUM> and a second interposed member <NUM>. In the first embodiment, the first member 170a of the first interposed member <NUM> is inserted into the first casing bore 164a. The first member 170a of the second interposed member <NUM> is inserted into the second casing bore 164b.

When the cover section <NUM> rotates, the rotation edge section <NUM> of the cover section <NUM> moves close to or away from the casing <NUM>. When the cover section <NUM> rotates, it is possible to open and close the cover section <NUM> with respect to the casing <NUM>. While the cover section <NUM> is closed, the cover section <NUM> is placed on the casing <NUM>. Also, while the cover section <NUM> is closed, a bottom surface <NUM> of the cover section <NUM> is located opposite to the opposing section <NUM> and the loading section <NUM>, and the rotation edge section <NUM> is in contact with the ceiling section <NUM>. On the contrary, while the cover section <NUM> is open, the rotation edge section <NUM> of the cover section <NUM> moves away upward in the vertical direction V with respect to the casing <NUM>. As a result of the cover section <NUM> opening, it becomes possible to arrange a sheet between the cover section <NUM> and the casing <NUM>. After that, the cover section <NUM> is closed, so that the sheet is scanned.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the first members 170a move in the vertical direction V, the cover section <NUM> moves together with the first members 170a. At that time, the first members 170a slide along the casing bores <NUM>. Accordingly, the cover section <NUM> is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction V with respect to the casing <NUM>. For example, when the cover section <NUM> moves upward in the vertical direction V with respect to the casing <NUM> so that the gap between the cover section <NUM> and the casing <NUM> becomes widened, it is possible to place a thick book B between the casing <NUM> and the cover section <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to have the thick book B scanned and to have an image read from the book B by the reading section <NUM> housed in the casing <NUM>.

The reading device <NUM> further includes a cable <NUM> and a linking member <NUM>.

Next, the cable <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view taken at the IV-IV cross-section in <FIG>. The linking member <NUM> is omitted from <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the cover section <NUM> is closed.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cable <NUM> electrically connects the conveyance section <NUM> and the controller <NUM> to each other. The cable <NUM> is connected to the conveyance section <NUM> and to the controller <NUM>. More specifically, the cable <NUM> is connected to the first driving section <NUM> of the conveyance section <NUM> and to the controller <NUM>. For example, the cable <NUM> is connected to the conveyance section <NUM> via a substrate <NUM>. Further, the cable <NUM> transfers a control signal output by the controller <NUM> to the conveyance section <NUM> (the first driving section <NUM>). The control signal is, for example, a signal indicating that the first driving section <NUM> should be operated so that the conveyance section <NUM> conveys a sheet. In the first embodiment, the cable <NUM> is a flat cable. Further, the cable <NUM> is flexible. In other words, the cable <NUM> includes a flexible member. The cable <NUM> has, for example, a structure in which a plurality of conductors each covered by electrically-insulative coating are integrally formed in a belt-like shape.

The cable <NUM> is connected to the conveyance section <NUM> on the inside of the cover section <NUM>. More specifically, a first end section <NUM> of the cable <NUM> enters the inside of the cover section <NUM> via a hole <NUM> formed in the cover section <NUM> and is connected to the conveyance section <NUM> on the inside of the cover section <NUM>.

The hole <NUM> in the cover section <NUM> is formed in a bottom section of the cover section <NUM>. The hole <NUM> formed in the cover section <NUM> allows communication between the inside of the cover section <NUM> and the outside of the cover section <NUM>. Further, the hole <NUM> formed in the cover section <NUM> is located opposite to the through hole <NUM> formed in the casing <NUM>.

The cable <NUM> is connected to the controller <NUM> on the inside of the casing <NUM>. More specifically, a second end section <NUM> of the cable <NUM> enters the inside of the casing <NUM> via the through hole <NUM> (see <FIG>) and is connected to the controller <NUM> on the inside of the casing <NUM>.

As a result of the cable <NUM> being connected to the conveyance section <NUM> and to the controller <NUM>, it is possible to transfer the control signal output by the controller <NUM> to the conveyance section <NUM> via the cable <NUM>.

The cable <NUM> is arranged in the fulcrum edge section <NUM> of the cover section <NUM> (see <FIG>). Further, the cable <NUM> is arranged in a position apart from the interposed members <NUM> with intervals in the extending direction of the rotation axis L of the second member 170b. In the first embodiment, the extending direction of the rotation axis L is the second direction D2. Further, in the first embodiment, the cable <NUM> is arranged next to the second interposed member <NUM>.

Next, the linking member <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is another view taken at the IV-IV cross-section in <FIG>. The cable <NUM> is omitted from <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the linking member <NUM> is linked to the cover section <NUM> and is also linked to the casing <NUM>. Accordingly, the cover section <NUM> and the casing <NUM> are linked to each other via the linking member <NUM>.

The linking member <NUM> has a belt-like shape. The linking member <NUM> is arranged so as to be positioned adjacent to the cable <NUM>.

The linking member <NUM> is linked to the cover section <NUM> on the inside of the cover section <NUM>. More specifically, a first end section <NUM> of the linking member <NUM> enters the inside of the cover section <NUM> via the hole <NUM> formed in the cover section <NUM> and is linked to the cover section <NUM> on the inside of the cover section <NUM>. For example, the linking member <NUM> is linked to the cover section <NUM> by means of a screw. The expression "the linking member <NUM> is linked to the cover section <NUM>" does not only mean a situation where the linking member <NUM> is directly linked to the cover section <NUM>, but also includes a situation where the linking member <NUM> is indirectly linked to the cover section <NUM>. When the linking member <NUM> is indirectly linked to the cover section <NUM>, for example, the linking member <NUM> is linked to a member supported on the cover section <NUM>.

The linking member <NUM> is linked to the casing <NUM> on the inside of the casing <NUM>. More specifically, a second end section <NUM> of the linking member <NUM> enters the inside of the casing <NUM> via the through hole <NUM> (see <FIG>) and is linked to the casing <NUM> on the inside of the casing <NUM>. For example, the linking member <NUM> is linked to the casing <NUM> by means of a screw. The expression "the linking member <NUM> is linked to the casing <NUM>" does not only mean a situation where the linking member <NUM> is directly linked to the casing <NUM>, but also includes a situation where the linking member <NUM> is indirectly linked to the casing <NUM>. When the linking member <NUM> is indirectly linked to the casing <NUM>, for example, the linking member <NUM> is linked to a member supported on the casing <NUM>.

As a result of the linking member <NUM> being linked to the casing <NUM> on the inside of the casing <NUM>, it is possible to cover the linking member <NUM> with the casing <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to prevent the linking member <NUM> from being damaged.

The linking member <NUM> is arranged in the fulcrum edge section <NUM> of the cover section <NUM>. Further, the linking member <NUM> is arranged in a position apart from the interposed members <NUM> with intervals in the extending direction of the rotation axis L (see <FIG>) of the second member 170b. Accordingly, the linking member <NUM> is arranged in the fulcrum edge section <NUM> of the cover section <NUM>. As a result, when the cover section <NUM> is opened or closed, it is possible to prevent the linking member <NUM> from being obstructive. In the first embodiment, the linking member <NUM> is arranged next to the second interposed member <NUM>.

The linking member <NUM> is flexible. Further, the linking member <NUM> has electrical conductivity. In other words, the linking member <NUM> includes a flexible member and also includes a member having electrical conductivity. For example, the linking member <NUM> is constituted by a member made from metal. For example, the linking member <NUM> may contain copper. For example, the linking member <NUM> may have a structure in which a member made from metal and having electrical conductivity is fixed to a member made from resin.

Because the linking member <NUM> is flexible, it is possible to smoothly perform operation of opening the cover section <NUM>, operation of closing the cover section <NUM>, and operation of moving the cover section <NUM> each in the vertical direction V.

Further, because the linking member <NUM> has electrical conductivity, it is possible to have the conveyance section <NUM> grounded to the casing <NUM> via the linking member <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to prevent the conveyance section <NUM> from having static electricity.

As described above with reference to <FIG>, and <FIG>, the linking member <NUM> is linked to the cover section <NUM> and is also linked to the casing <NUM>. Accordingly, when the cover section <NUM> is opened and the cover section <NUM> is detached from the casing <NUM>, the linking member <NUM> becomes taut and is able to restrain the opening motion of the cover section <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cover section <NUM> from being detached from the casing <NUM>. In this situation, the expression "the linking member <NUM> becomes taut" means that the linking member <NUM> is stretched tight and is unable to extend further. Further, the expression "the cover section <NUM> is detached from the casing <NUM>" means that at least one of the first members 170a comes out of the casing bore <NUM>. When the cover section is opened and one of the first members comes out of the casing bore the linking member becomes taut and is able to prevent the cover section from being detached.

Next, dimensions of the interposed members <NUM>, the cable <NUM>, and the linking member <NUM> will be explained, with reference to <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the cover section <NUM> has moved upward in the vertical direction V.

As illustrated in <FIG>, while the cover section <NUM> is closed, the first members 170a are inserted in the casing bores <NUM>. Further, while the cover section <NUM> is closed, the cable <NUM> and the linking member <NUM> are each slack.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the cover section <NUM> has moved upward in the vertical direction V, the linking member <NUM> becomes taut. When the linking member <NUM> is taut, the cover section <NUM> is restrained from moving upward in the vertical direction V. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first members 170a from coming out of the casing bores <NUM>, and it is therefore possible to prevent the cover section <NUM> from being detached from the casing <NUM>.

Further, when the cover section <NUM> has moved upward in the vertical direction V, the linking member <NUM> becomes taut while the cable <NUM> is slack. In other words, before the cable <NUM> becomes taut, the linking member <NUM> becomes taut. Accordingly, the cover section <NUM> is restrained from further moving upward, and the cable <NUM> is restrained from becoming taut. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cable <NUM> from being detached from either or both the conveyance section <NUM> (the substrate <NUM>) and the controller <NUM>. The length of the linking member <NUM> being taut is shorter than the length of the cable <NUM> being taut and is such a length that prevents the first members 170a from being positioned apart from the casing <NUM>.

An image forming apparatus <NUM> representing a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The image forming apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment is obtained by adding an image forming function to the reading device <NUM> of the first embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the image forming apparatus <NUM> includes the reading device <NUM>, a cassette <NUM>, a feed roller <NUM>, conveyance rollers <NUM>, an image forming section <NUM>, ejection rollers <NUM>, a third driving section <NUM>, and a casing <NUM>.

The cassette <NUM> houses one or more sheets therein. The feed roller <NUM> feeds the sheets in the cassette <NUM>. The conveyance rollers <NUM> forward each of the sheets conveyed from the feed roller <NUM> to the image forming section <NUM>.

The image forming section <NUM> forms an image on the sheet. More specifically, the image forming section <NUM> forms the image on one of the sheets supplied thereto from the cassette <NUM>. The image is, more specifically, a toner image. The image forming section <NUM> includes a photosensitive drum, a charger, a light exposing section, a developing section, and a transfer section, a cleaner, and a charge eliminating section. The image is formed on the sheet by the photosensitive drum, the charger, the light exposing section, the developing section, and the transfer section. The cleaner removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The charge eliminating section eliminates electric charges remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The image forming section <NUM> forms the image on the sheet and subsequently forwards the sheet to a fixing section. The fixing section fixed the image onto the sheet by applying heat and pressure.

The ejection rollers <NUM> ejects the sheet that has passed through the image forming section <NUM> out of the casing <NUM>.

The third driving section <NUM> is a driving source that rotates the feed roller <NUM>, the conveyance rollers <NUM>, and the ejection rollers <NUM>. The third driving section <NUM> conveys the sheet by rotating the feed roller <NUM>, the conveyance rollers <NUM>, and the ejection rollers <NUM>. The third driving section <NUM> is a motor, for example.

The casing <NUM> has a hollow shape. The casing <NUM> houses therein the image reading section <NUM>, the storage <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, the cassette <NUM>, the feed roller <NUM>, the conveyance rollers <NUM>, the image forming section <NUM>, the ejection rollers <NUM>, and the third driving section <NUM>. The linking member <NUM> is linked to the casing <NUM>.

The casing <NUM> includes a first casing section <NUM> and a second casing section <NUM>.

The first casing section <NUM> functions as the casing <NUM> of the first embodiment. The first casing section <NUM> houses the image reading section <NUM> therein. It is possible to place the cover section <NUM> on the first casing section <NUM>.

The second casing section <NUM> houses therein the storage <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, the cassette <NUM>, the feed roller <NUM>, the conveyance rollers <NUM>, the image forming section <NUM>, the ejection rollers <NUM>, and the third driving section <NUM>. In the first embodiment, the casing <NUM> corresponding to the first casing section <NUM> houses therein the storage <NUM> and the controller <NUM>. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the second casing section <NUM> houses therein the storage <NUM> and the controller <NUM>.

The first casing section <NUM> is placed on the second casing section <NUM>. The first casing section <NUM> is secured to the second casing section <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> controls each element of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The controller <NUM> controls the conveyance section <NUM> (the first driving section <NUM>), the reading section <NUM>, the second driving section <NUM>, the image forming section <NUM>, and the third driving section <NUM>.

Next, the location in which the cable <NUM> is arranged and the location in which the linking member <NUM> is arranged will be explained with reference to <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the cover section <NUM> is closed.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second end section <NUM> of the cable <NUM> is connected to the controller <NUM> on the inside of the second casing section <NUM>. More specifically, the second end section <NUM> of the cable <NUM> enters the inside of the second casing section <NUM> via the first casing section <NUM> and is connected to the controller <NUM> on the inside of the second casing section <NUM>.

The linking member <NUM> is linked to the second casing section <NUM>. The linking member <NUM> is linked to the second casing section <NUM> on the inside of the second casing section <NUM>. More specifically, the second end section <NUM> of the linking member <NUM> enters the inside of the second casing section <NUM> via the first casing section <NUM> and is linked to the second casing section <NUM> on the inside of the second casing section <NUM>. In this situation, the expression "the linking member <NUM> is linked to the second casing section <NUM>" does not only mean a situation where the linking member <NUM> is directly linked to the second casing section <NUM>, but also includes a situation where the linking member <NUM> is indirectly linked to the second casing section <NUM>. When the linking member <NUM> is indirectly linked to the second casing section <NUM>, for example, the linking member <NUM> is linked to a member supported on the second casing section <NUM>.

Next, dimensions of the interposed members <NUM>, the cable <NUM>, and the linking member <NUM> will be explained, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the cover section <NUM> has moved upward in the vertical direction V.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the pair of interposed members <NUM> is interposed between the first casing section <NUM> and the cover section <NUM>. While the cover section <NUM> is closed, the first members 170a are inserted in the casing bores <NUM>. Further, while the cover section <NUM> is closed, the cable <NUM> and the linking member <NUM> are each slack.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the cover section <NUM> has moved upward in the vertical direction V, the linking member <NUM> becomes taut while the state in which the first members 170a are inserted in the casing bores <NUM> is maintained. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first members 170a from coming out of the casing bores <NUM>, and it is therefore possible to prevent the cover section <NUM> from being detached from the casing <NUM>.

Further, when the cover section <NUM> has moved upward in the vertical direction V, the linking member <NUM> becomes taut while the cable <NUM> is slack. Accordingly, the cover section <NUM> is restrained from further moving upward, and the cable <NUM> is restrained from becoming taut. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cable <NUM> from being detached from either or both the conveyance section <NUM> (the substrate <NUM>) and the controller <NUM>.

Certain embodiments of the present invention have thus been described with reference to the drawings (<FIG>). It should be noted, however, that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is possible to carry out the present invention in various ways (e.g., (<NUM>) to (<NUM>)) without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Further, it is possible to arrive at various inventions by combining together two or more of the elements of configuration disclosed in the above embodiments as appropriate. For example, one or more of the elements of configuration described in the embodiments may be omitted. To enhance legibility, the drawings are schematically illustrated while a focus is placed on the elements of configuration thereof. The quantity and the like of the elements of configuration illustrated in the drawings may be different from those in actuality for the sake of convenience in the preparation of the drawings. Further, the elements of configuration described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and are not particularly limited. It is possible to apply different variations thereto without substantially departing from advantageous effects of the present invention.

In any of the configurations (i), (ii), and (iii) above, when the cover section <NUM> has moved upward in the vertical direction V, the linking member <NUM> becomes taut while the state in which the first members 170a are inserted in the casing bores <NUM> is maintained. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first members 170a from coming out of the casing bores <NUM>, and it is therefore possible to prevent the cover section <NUM> from being detached from the casing <NUM>. Further, when the cover section <NUM> has moved upward in the vertical direction V, the linking member <NUM> becomes taut while the cable <NUM> is slack. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cable <NUM> from being detached from either of both the conveyance section <NUM> (the substrate <NUM>) and the controller <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A reading device (<NUM>) comprising:
a reading section (<NUM>) configured to read an image formed on a sheet;
a casing (<NUM>) housing the reading section therein;
a cover section (<NUM>) capable of being placed on the casing;
a conveyance section (<NUM>) housed in the cover section and configured to convey the sheet;
a pair of interposed members (<NUM>) interposed between the cover section and the casing;
a controller (<NUM>) housed in the casing and configured to control the conveyance section; and
a cable (<NUM>) that is connected to the controller, is also connected to the conveyance section, and is configured to transfer a control signal output by the controller to the conveyance section; wherein
the casing has a pair of casing bores (<NUM>) located therein for placement of the interposed members,
each of the interposed members includes a first member (170a) inserted in a corresponding one of the casing bores and supported so as to be movable in a vertical direction and a second member (170b) rotatably attached to the first member, and
the cover section is fixed to the second member, the reading device characterized in that:
the reading device further comprises a linking member (<NUM>) that is linked to the cover section and is also linked to the casing,
the linking member is arranged so as to be positioned adjacent to the cable,
the linking member is flexible,
the cable and the linking member are each arranged in a position apart from the interposed members with an interval in an extending direction of a rotation axis (L) of the cover section,
the linking member has such a length that the linking member is able to become taut while a state in which at least one of the first members remains inserted in a corresponding one of the casing bores, and
the linking member has such a length that the linking member is able to become taut while the cable is slack.