Imaging device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an imaging device. The imaging device includes a first frame and a second frame arranged to support a forming unit, an outer surface component for covering the first frame, and a circuit board arranged between the first frame and the outer surface component. The circuit board includes a printed board, a first electronic component arranged on a mounting surface of the printed board, and a second electronic component smaller than the first electronic component and arranged on the mounting surface of the printed board. The circuit board is arranged so that the mounting surface faces the outer surface component and extends in a direction intersecting with the plane of the outer surface component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of various embodiments are directed to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material. Background Art

[0002] A general laser beam printer (hereinafter referred to as an imaging device) is operated with the aid of electricity and includes an electronic circuit board provided with electronic components for performing imaging operations. The electronic circuit board includes a power supply board (low-voltage power supply board) for distributing input power to each part at an appropriate voltage and an appropriate current, a controller board for managing each operation, and a sensing board for performing sensing. Among these boards used in the imaging device, the power supply board is generally provided with electronic components of relatively large size, and therefore a wide space and shielding may be required to avoid short circuits with electrical conductors arranged around the electronic components. It is known that the power supply board is provided with a frame along the front surface and other thin metal plates along the rear surface to control noise. Therefore, depending on the layout of the power supply board, the size of the imaging device increases.

[0003] In the known technology, a frame is formed by a right side plate and a paper supply unit frame, the side surface of the paper supply unit frame is arranged on the inner side (box side) of the side surface of the right side plate, and a relatively large component of the power supply unit (e.g., a transformer) is arranged at a position facing the second side surface, as discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-20932. In this way, the protrusion of the power supply unit is suppressed. At the same time, it is recommended to prevent unnecessary space from being generated between the second side surface and the box, and it is recommended to effectively utilize the space in the device.

[0004] However, by forming a frame using the right side plate and the paper supply unit frame and arranging the electronic components toward the inner side of the imaging device, the size of the imaging device can be reduced. However, this arrangement increases the complexity of the frame construction. Since the plate is arranged to face the outer side of the imaging device, an additional thin metal plate is arranged between the plate and the cover, resulting in increased costs. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the device includes: a forming unit configured to form an image on a recording material; a first frame and a second frame arranged to sandwich the forming unit and support the forming unit; an outer surface component for covering the first frame; and a circuit board arranged between the first frame and the outer surface component. The circuit board includes a printed board, a first electronic component arranged on a mounting surface of the printed board, and a second electronic component smaller than the first electronic component and arranged on the mounting surface of the printed board. The circuit board is arranged so that the mounting surface faces the outer surface component and extends in a direction intersecting with the plane of the outer surface component, and a first gap between the first electronic component and the outer surface component is shorter than a second gap between the second electronic component and the outer surface component.

[0006] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A and 1B are perspective views each showing an imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2A and 2B are perspective views each showing an internal configuration of an imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a frame according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of an imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figures 5A to 5D are partial cross-sectional views each showing an internal configuration of an imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Fig. 6A and 6B are perspective views each showing a power supply unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 The imaging device according to the exemplary embodiment is shown when viewed from the right side.

[0014] Figures 8A to 8D are cross-sectional views each showing the vicinity of a power supply unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 9A and 9B Each shows a power supply unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 10A and 10B Each shows an internal configuration of an imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figures 11A to 11C Each shows an internal configuration of an imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 12A and 12B Each shows an internal configuration of an imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figures 13A to 13C Each shows an air duct of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figures 14A to 14C Each shows an internal configuration of an imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] An exemplary embodiment for embodying the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the size, material, shape and relative arrangement of the components according to the exemplary embodiment may be modified as required depending on the configuration of the device according to the present disclosure and other various conditions. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments.

[0022] (Imaging device)

[0023] The following will refer to Figure 1A and 1B Describe the imaging device. Figure 1A and 1B 1 and 2 are perspective views each showing a color laser beam printer, which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A and 1B In the figure, the coordinate axis X is referred to as the front-to-back direction of the product, the coordinate axis Y is referred to as the width direction of the product, and the coordinate axis Z is referred to as the height direction (vertical direction) of the product. The outer surface of the imaging device 1 is composed of a plurality of covers mainly made of non-conductive resin. Non-conductor does not mean an insulator, but means a material that does not have high conductivity, such as metal. The outer surface cover of the imaging device 1 includes a top cover 2, a right cover 3 (outer surface component), a left cover 4, a front door 5 and a box cover 6. The cover located on the rear surface includes an upper rear cover 7a, a rear door 7b, a rear door handle 7c, and a lower rear cover 7d. The front door 5 is openably and closably arranged on the main body of the imaging device 1 so that the box 21 can be replaced. The box cover 6 is integrally fixed to the box 9 and is insertably and removably arranged together with the box 9. The rear door 7b is openably and closably arranged on the main body of the imaging device 1 so that paper jam recovery and internal unit replacement can be performed. The top cover 2 is fixed to the main body of the imaging device 1, and a discharge tray 81 for stacking printed recording materials S (such as paper) is provided. The right cover 3 is fixed to the main body of the imaging device 1 and is provided with an air intake port 3a, an air exhaust port 3b ( Fig. 13B ), and a power opening 3c in which a power inlet 49 is exposed. A cable connected to an external power source (e.g., a socket) for supplying power is connected to the power inlet 49. The left cover 4 is provided with a communication opening 4a, which exposes an input / output (I / O) port 55a for inserting and removing various communication cables from the outside. The fixing, opening and closing, and split configuration of the cover according to the present exemplary embodiment should be regarded as illustrative and not limiting. Each cover can be integrally provided, further split, or openably / closably or fixedly supported. Each opening can be provided with a cover different from the present exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2A and 2B 1 and 2 are perspective views each showing an internal configuration of the imaging device 1 (the cover is not shown). Figure 3 1 is a perspective view showing the construction of a frame 10 forming a frame of the image forming apparatus 1. The frame 10 is made of a conductive metal plate and is mainly composed of a left frame 11 (first frame), a right frame 12 (second frame), a main frame 13, a scanner frame 14, and a fixing frame 15. According to the present exemplary embodiment, a space between the left frame 11 and the right frame 12 is referred to as a frame-inner space, and a space outside the left frame 11 and the right frame 12 is referred to as a frame-outer space. The main frame 13, the scanner frame 14, and the fixing frame 15 are arranged between the left frame 11 and the right frame 12, and form a part of the frame by being combined with the left frame 11 and the right frame 12.

[0025] The following will refer to Figure 2A and 2B The arrangement and support of each unit in the imaging device are described. The laser scanner 19 is arranged at the upper part of the scanner frame 14 and supported by the scanner frame 14. The drive unit 90 is mainly arranged on the outside of the right frame 12 and supported by the right frame 12. A part of the drive unit 90 penetrates the hole in the right frame 12 to transmit the driving force to the unit arranged in the frame space. The power supply unit 100 is arranged on the outside of the right frame 12 and below the drive unit 90, and is supported by the right frame 12 and the peripheral members. The box 9 is arranged in the frame space and arranged below the main frame 13. The manual feed unit 8 is divided into an upper unit and a lower unit with a conveying path P2 therebetween. The upper unit is supported by the main frame 13. The separation unit 40 is mainly arranged in the frame space and supported by the main frame 13, the right frame 12 and the left frame 11. The supply drive mechanism 44 is arranged on the inner side of the bottom of the right frame 12, and crosses the right frame 12 to connect the units arranged inside and outside the frame 10. The primary transfer unit 30 is arranged in the frame inner space, between the main frame 13 and the scanner frame 14, below the box 21, and supported by the left frame 11, the right frame 12 and peripheral components (not shown). The secondary transfer unit 60 is swingably supported by the left frame 11 and the right frame 12. When the rear door 7b is opened, the secondary transfer unit 60 can be moved to the open position. When the secondary transfer unit 60 moves to the open position, the conveying path leads to the outside. The fixing unit 70 and the discharge unit 80 are formed as a unit and are supported at the rear side of the top of the left frame 11 and the right frame 12. The control unit 55 and the high-voltage unit 56 are arranged on the outside of the left frame 11 and supported by the left frame 11 and peripheral components.

[0026] Figure 4is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a recording material feeding unit including a cartridge 9, a manual feeding unit 8, a separation unit 40, a conveying unit 50, and a discharge unit 80. The image forming apparatus 1 includes two different paths for supplying a recording material S that can be supplied from the cartridge 9 and the manual feeding unit 8. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a conveying path P1 starting from a feed port of the cartridge 9, a conveying path P2 starting from the manual feeding unit 8, and a conveying path P3 located downstream of the conveying paths P1 and P2.

[0027] (Image Forming Operation on Recording Material S)

[0028] Next, the imaging operation will be described. Figure 5A 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the separation unit 40 and the conveyance unit 50. The separation unit 40 includes a feed roller 41, a separation roller pair 42, a supply drive motor 43, and a supply drive mechanism 44.

[0029] When conveying the recording material S in the box 9, the feed roller 41 contacts the uppermost recording material S among the recording materials S stacked on the stacking plate 9a of the box 9. Then, the feed roller 41 rotates to feed the recording material S to the downstream side. The stacking plate 9a is swingably supported by the box 9, and when the box 9 is stored in the imaging device 1, the stacking plate 9a swingably lifts the recording material S to a feedable position. The separation roller pair 42 includes a separation conveying roller 42a and a separation roller 42b. The separation conveying roller 42a contacts the upper surface of the recording material S and then rotates to apply a conveying force that moves the recording material S to the downstream side. At the same time, the separation roller 42b applies resistance to the recording material S and subsequent recording materials S in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, so that multiple recording materials S are not conveyed to the downstream side. One recording material S can be conveyed to the downstream side by the separation roller pair 42. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the separation roller 42b is connected to a torque limiter (not shown), and the recording material S is separated by the rotation resistance of the torque limiter. However, aspects of the embodiments are not limited to this separation method used in the separation roller 42b. Examples of applicable methods include a pad separation method using a friction force applied by a separation pad, and a delay method in which the separation roller 42b obtains a driving force from the supply drive mechanism 44 and rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the separation conveying roller 42a to perform separation.

[0030] When conveying the recording material S from the manual feed unit 8 , the user places the recording material S in the manual feed unit 8 so as to enable the recording material S to be conveyed along the conveying path P2 via the manual feed port 8 a . Figure 5B8a is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the manual feed conveying unit 45 for conveying the recording material S along the conveying path P2. The manual feed conveying unit 45 includes an upstream conveying front roller 45a, an upstream conveying front rotatable member 45b, a downstream conveying front roller 45c, a downstream conveying front rotatable member 45d, and a paper detection mark 46. Therefore, the paper detection mark 46 is swung by the leading edge of the recording material S, and a paper detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation of the paper detection mark 46 can detect that the recording material S is inserted into the manual feed port 8a. In response to the paper detection sensor detecting that the recording material S is placed in the manual feed unit 8a, the upstream conveying front roller 45a and the downstream conveying front roller 45c start to rotate. When the recording material S is further inserted into the upstream conveying front roller 45a, the upstream conveying front roller 45a and the upstream conveying front rotatable member 45b facing the upstream conveying front roller 45a clamp the recording material S, and then the upstream conveying front roller 45a rotates to convey the recording material S to the downstream conveying front roller 45c located on the downstream side. The downstream pre-conveying roller 45c and the downstream pre-conveying rotatable member 45d nip the recording material S, and then convey the recording material S to the separation roller pair 42 located on the downstream side. After the recording material S reaches the separation roller pair 42, an operation similar to that performed in the cassette 9 is performed.

[0031] The conveying unit 50 will be described below. The conveying unit 50 mainly includes a conveying roller 51, a conveying rotatable member 52, and a conveying sensor (not shown). The conveying roller 51 clamps the recording material S supplied from the separation unit 40 by means of the conveying rotatable member 52, and then conveys the recording material S to the downstream side. The conveying sensor detects the leading edge of the recording material S conveyed by the conveying roller 51 and adjusts (changes) the rotation speed of the conveying roller 51 so that the position of the image to be transferred at the secondary transfer unit 60 matches the position of the recording material S within a predetermined range. The conveying unit 50 obtains a driving force from the supply drive motor 43.

[0032] Next, the image forming unit 20 will be described. The image forming unit 20 mainly includes a laser scanner 19, a cartridge 21, a primary transfer unit 30, and a secondary transfer unit 60. Figure 5C2 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the imaging unit 20. The imaging process performed by the imaging unit 20 will be described below. The box 21 mainly includes a toner accommodating container 22, a toner supply unit 23, a photosensitive drum 24, a waste toner accommodating container 25, a cleaning unit 26, and a charging roller 28. The charging roller 28 in the box 21 applies an electric charge on the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 24. The laser scanner 19 appropriately irradiates the rotating photosensitive drum 24 with a laser beam. A latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 24 by a potential difference. The box 21 includes a toner accommodating container 22 for storing and accommodating toner, and the toner in the toner accommodating container 22 is supplied from the toner supply unit 23 to the photosensitive drum 24. When the toner is transferred to the latent image on the photosensitive drum 24, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 24. The imaging unit 20 obtains a driving force from a driving motor 91 of a driving unit 90 to rotate and operate each unit.

[0033] The primary transfer unit 30 mainly includes an intermediate transfer belt 31, a driving roller 32, a tension roller 33, a primary transfer roller 34, and a mechanism and an electric bias supply structure for operating these components. The intermediate transfer belt 31 is supported by the driving roller 32 and two tension rollers 33, so that there is no slack on the intermediate transfer belt 31. Four primary transfer rollers 34 are arranged at the inner periphery of the intermediate transfer belt 31. The primary transfer rollers 34 are arranged to be changeable between a pressing position where the primary transfer rollers 34 are in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt 31 and a separation position where the primary transfer rollers 34 are not in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 31. During the image formation process, when the primary transfer rollers 34 are set to the pressing position, the intermediate transfer belt 31 is in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 24. When the electric bias is applied, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 24 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 31. The toner images are sequentially transferred from the photosensitive drums 24 of the cartridge 21 for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black to the intermediate transfer belt 31. Thus, a color image produced by four different color toners is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 31. The intermediate transfer belt 31 and the drive roller 32 are also used in the secondary transfer unit 60. After the toner has been transferred from the photosensitive drum 24 to the intermediate transfer belt 31, that is, after the image formation, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 24 is scraped off from the photosensitive drum 24 by the cleaning unit 26. The scraped off toner is accommodated in a waste toner accommodating container 25 as a waste toner storage unit included in the cartridge 21.

[0034] The secondary transfer unit 60 includes the intermediate transfer belt 31, the driving roller 32, and the secondary transfer roller 61. The driving roller 32 and the secondary transfer roller 61 sandwich the recording material S conveyed from the conveying unit 50, so that the recording material S is subjected to transfer and conveying processing. When an electric bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 61 and the recording material S passes between the intermediate transfer belt 31 and the secondary transfer roller 61, the toner on the intermediate transfer belt 31 is transferred to the recording material S, and a color image based on the toner is formed on the recording material S.

[0035] Next, the fixing unit 70 will be described. Figure 5D 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the fixing unit 70 and the discharge unit 80. The fixing unit 70 includes a fixing roller 71 as a pressure roller and a heating unit 72 facing the fixing roller 71 to form a nip portion. In the fixing unit 70, the fixing roller 71 and the heating unit 72 rotate while nip-joining the recording material S to which the color toner image is transferred, and the fixing unit 70 applies heat and pressure to the recording material S, thereby performing fixing. The heating unit 72 includes a heater 73 as a heat source, a fixing film 74, a heater bracket 75, and a heater bracket support 76, and increases the temperature of the fixing roller 71 and the heating unit 72. The heater bracket 75 supports the heater 73 and rotatably supports the fixing film 74. The heater bracket support 76 supports the heater bracket 75. The heating unit 72 includes a fixing temperature detection sensor (not shown) that controls the heat value of the heater so that the nip portion formed by the fixing roller 71 and the heating unit 72 reaches a predetermined temperature. Before the recording material S with the image transferred thereon reaches the fixing unit 70, the fixing unit 70 is heated to a predetermined temperature by a heater. When the recording material S passes between the fixing roller 71 and the heating unit 72 whose temperature has reached a predetermined temperature, the image formed by the toner transferred to the recording material S is fixed. The predetermined temperature depends on the environment in which the device is installed, the type of paper, and other various conditions. The fixing unit 70 obtains a driving force from a fixing drive motor 79 of a fixing drive unit 78 to rotate various components for paper conveying. The fixing unit 70 includes a fixing cover 77 for shielding the heating unit 72 from the outside.

[0036] Next, the discharge unit 80 will be described. The discharge unit 80 mainly includes a discharge roller 82, a discharge guide 84, and various types of paper detection sensors. The recording material S having an image fixed thereon by the fixing unit 70 is pinched and conveyed by the discharge roller 82 and the discharge rotatable member 83. Various types of paper detection sensors detect the width and length of the conveyed paper. The discharge tray 81 located on the downstream side of the discharge unit 80 stacks the discharged recording material S.

[0037] (Power supply unit)

[0038] The configuration of the periphery of the power supply unit 100 will be described below. The power supply unit 100 is an electronic circuit board (low-voltage power supply board) that supplies power to the various units within the imaging device 1. Power is supplied from a power inlet 49 to which a cable connected to an external power source (e.g., a socket) is connected.

[0039] Fig. 6A and 6B 1 is a perspective view showing a power supply unit 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment. The power supply unit 100 mainly includes a power supply board 101, a circuit 102 including printed copper foil wires and jumper wires (not shown), an electronic component 103 connected to the circuit 102, and an accessory component 104 attached to the electronic component 103.

[0040] There are various types of printed boards for power board 101, including single-sided boards, double-sided boards and multilayer boards. In this exemplary embodiment, a single-sided board will be described as an example. Various materials used for power board 101 include paper phenol, paper epoxy resin and glass. In this exemplary embodiment, a power board 101 made of paper phenol will be described as an example. The single-sided board has a circuit surface 101a (printing surface) on which a wiring pattern is printed with a conductive material (such as copper), and a mounting surface 101b opposite to the circuit surface 101a. The circuit (not shown) formed on the circuit surface 101a and the electronic component 103 are connected with a conductive material (such as solder and copper). A hole is formed in the power board 101, and the electronic component 103 is arranged on the mounting surface 101b side, and the connection terminal of the electronic component 103 protrudes to the circuit surface 101a side through the hole. Then, the circuit and the electronic component 103 are connected with solder to achieve electrical and mechanical connection. In this process, a solder flow process is effective in which the connection terminals of the electronic component 103 protrude to the circuit surface 101a side through the holes of the power board 101, and in this state, the solder is blown up when the power board 101 moves on the molten solder bath to solder the circuit and the electronic component 103. Therefore, electronic components relatively large in size are often arranged on the mounting surface 101b side.

[0041] Various components are attached to the power board 101. For example, the output connector includes a primary output connector 103b for outputting a primary current, and a secondary output connector 103h for outputting a secondary current.

[0042] The circuit has an independent part including a primary circuit 102a and a secondary circuit 102b, the primary circuit 102a mainly uses the primary current input from the commercial power supply, and the secondary circuit 102b converts the voltage of the primary current into a different voltage of the secondary current and uses the secondary current. The primary circuit 102a and the secondary circuit 102b are separated by a boundary line 102c.

[0043] The electronic component 103 includes various elements. Examples of relatively large-sized electronic components 103 include an input connector 103a that is powered from the outside via the power inlet 49, an output connector 103b for outputting power to the outside, and a transformer 103c for converting voltage. Other examples of relatively large-sized electronic components 103 include Schottky barrier diodes 103d, electrolytic capacitors 103e, varistors 103f, and fuses 103g. The small-sized electronic component 103 with a large calorific value is also provided with a heat sink 104a for cooling as an auxiliary component 104. Since the heat sink 104a is made of a material with high thermal conductivity (such as aluminum and iron), the cooling effect increases with the increase of the surface area. Therefore, the material and shape of the heat sink 104a are generally selected to achieve the desired performance, and its size is equal to or smaller than the size of other large electronic components mounted on the mounting surface 101b. Compared with other circuit boards in the imaging device 1, the power supply unit 100 is often provided with the above-mentioned multiple large-sized electronic components. However, aspects of the embodiments are not limited to these boards, electronic components, and accessories, and all of these elements need not necessarily be provided.

[0044] Figure 7 The imaging device 1 is shown as viewed from the left side. Figures 8A to 8D 8A is a cross-sectional view showing the frame 10, the right cover 3 and the power supply unit 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. Figure 8B is along Fig. 8A Cross-sectional view taken along line (b). Figure 8C is along Fig. 8A A cross-sectional view taken along line (c) in FIG. Fig. 8A As shown in FIG8D , the right frame 12 and the right cover 3 are arranged in parallel to extend in the directions of the coordinate axes X and Z. Fig. 9A and 9B The external appearance of the power supply unit 100 is shown.

[0045] (the inclination of the coordinate axis X' relative to the coordinate axis X)

[0046] like Fig. 8A As shown, when the power supply unit 100 is observed from the Z' direction to the -Z' direction, the coordinate axis X' is parallel to the plane of the power supply board 101 and intersects the coordinate axes Y' and Z' orthogonally. In other words, the coordinate axis X' is parallel to the mounting surface 101b, and the coordinate axis Y' is perpendicular to the mounting surface 101b.

[0047] Among the electronic components 103 of the power supply unit 100, the transformer 103c (first electronic component) is the largest component, that is, the electronic component 103 that is the highest in the +Y' direction from the mounting surface 101b as the reference plane. The center line T1 of the transformer 103c extends parallel to the coordinate axis Y' (FIG. 9A). With the center line T1 as the boundary line, the side including the larger area of ​​the power board 101 is called the a side, and the side including the smaller area of ​​the power board 101 is called the b side. The distance La from the edge of the board on the a side to the line T1 is made larger than the distance Lb from the edge of the board on the b side to the line T1.

[0048] The transformer 103c as the highest electronic component 103 has a height (distance) H1 from the mounting surface 101b as the reference plane in the +Y' direction. Figures 8A to 8C , 9A and 9B. The transformer 103c is arranged so that the shortest distance to the right cover 3 on the coordinate axis Y is the distance C1. Meanwhile, the electrolytic capacitor 103e (second electronic component) has a height (distance) H2 from the mounting surface 101b as a reference plane in the +Y' direction. Fig. 9A In the cross section shown, the electrolytic capacitor 103e is the second highest electronic component 103 after the transformer 103c in the a-side region on the left side of the center line T1. The electrolytic capacitor 103e is arranged so that the shortest distance to the right cover 3 on the coordinate axis Y is the distance C2 ( Figure 8C ).

[0049] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the power board 101 is arranged so that the coordinate axis X' parallel to the plane of the power board 101 intersects with the coordinate axis X, thereby becoming non-parallel to the right frame 12 and the right cover 3. More specifically, the power board 101 is arranged to be inclined relative to the right frame 12 and the right cover 3 so that the difference between the heights H1 and H2 is greater than the difference between the distances C2 and C1.

[0050] (The inclination of the coordinate axis Z' relative to the coordinate axis Z)

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1 , the power supply unit 100 viewed from the X direction to the −X direction Figure 8B and 8D As shown, the coordinate axis Z' is parallel to the plane of the power board 101 and intersects the coordinate axes Y' and Z' orthogonally.

[0052] Among the electronic components 103 of the power supply unit 100, the transformer 103c (first electronic component) is the electronic component 103 which is highest in the +Y' direction from the mounting surface 101b as the reference plane. The center line T2 of the transformer 103c extends parallel to the coordinate axis Y' ( Fig. 9B). With the center line T2 as a boundary line, the side including the larger area of ​​the power board 101 is referred to as the c side, and the side including the smaller area of ​​the power board 101 is referred to as the d side. The distance Lc from the board edge of the c side to the center line T2 is made larger than the distance Ld from the board edge of the d side to the center line T2.

[0053] The transformer 103c as the highest electronic component 103 has a height (distance) H1 from the mounting surface 101b as the reference plane in the +Y' direction. Figure 8B The transformer 103c is arranged so that the shortest distance to the right cover 3 on the coordinate axis Y is the distance C1.

[0054] Meanwhile, the heat sink 104c (second electronic member) has a height (distance) H3 in the +Y' direction from the mounting surface 101b as a reference plane. Fig. 9B In the cross section shown, the heat sink 104c is the second highest electronic component 103 after the transformer 103c in the c-side region above the center line T2. The heat sink 104c is arranged so that the shortest distance to the right cover 3 on the coordinate axis Y is the distance C3 ( Fig.8D ).

[0055] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the power board 101 is arranged so that the coordinate axis Z' parallel to the plane of the power board 101 intersects the coordinate axis Z, thereby becoming non-parallel to the right frame 12 and the right cover 3. More specifically, the power board 101 is arranged to be inclined relative to the right frame 12 and the right cover 3 so that the difference between the heights H1 and H3 is greater than the difference between the distances C3 and C1.

[0056] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the power board 101 is arranged to be tilted three-dimensionally with respect to the X and Z axes, as shown in FIG. Figures 8A to 8D as shown in .

[0057] (Grounding of the power supply unit 100)

[0058] Next, the grounding of the power supply unit 100 will be described. Fig. 10A and 10B 1 is a perspective view showing the power supply unit 100 and the imaging device 1 excluding the outer surface cover. In order to make the power supply unit 100 operate stably, grounding is adopted. The imaging device 1 is externally grounded through the ground line of the external power source connected via the cable inserted into the power inlet 49. However, a plurality of grounding paths are provided in the imaging device 1. Therefore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the power supply board 101 is provided with a plurality of board-side grounding connection members 105 as grounding connection members on the board side, more specifically, three board-side grounding connection members 105a, 105b and 105c, as shown in FIG. Fig. 6AIn contrast, the main body of the imaging device 1 is provided with three device-side ground connection parts 110a, 110b and 110c corresponding to the three board-side ground connection parts 105a, 105b and 105c, respectively, as ground connection parts on the device side, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10B As described above, in a state where the power board 101 is attached to the imaging device 1, since the power board 101 is tilted relative to the right frame 12, the distances between the board-side ground connection parts 105a, 105b, and 105c and the right frame 12 are different. More specifically, the power board 101 is tilted so that the distance to the right frame 12 in the Y-axis direction gradually decreases toward the +X direction ( Fig. 8A and 10B ) and gradually decreases towards the -Z direction ( Figures 8B to 8D ). Therefore, in a state where the power supply board 101 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 , the board-side ground connection member 105 a is closest to the right frame 12 , and the board-side ground connection member 105 c is farthest from the right frame 12 .

[0059] In contrast, the device-side ground connection part 110a corresponds to the board-side ground connection part 105a in which the power board 101 is closest to the right frame 12, and is formed by the right frame 12. The device-side ground connection part 110b corresponds to the board-side ground connection part 105b, and is formed by the drive frame 92 of the drive unit 90. The device-side ground connection part 110c corresponds to the board-side ground connection part 105c in which the power board 101 is farthest from the right frame 12, and is formed by the motor metal plate 48 that supports the supply drive motor 43 of the separation unit 40.

[0060] The frame 10, which forms the frame of the image forming apparatus 1 and has conductivity, includes a left frame 11, a right frame 12, a main frame 13, a scanner frame 14, and a fixing frame 15. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the motor metal plate 48 and the driving frame 92 are fastened and fixed to the right frame 12 with conductive screws (not shown). Therefore, the motor metal plate 48 and the driving frame 92 ensure continuity with the right frame 12 and with the frame 10.

[0061] The power inlet 49 is supported by an integrated power fixing metal plate 49a, which is fastened and fixed to the motor metal plate 48 with screws 49b. Therefore, the power inlet 49 is fixed to the motor metal plate 48 and also fixed to the frame 10. Therefore, the motor metal plate 48, that is, the frame 10 ensures continuity with the power fixing metal plate 49a through the conductive screws 49b. In addition, the power inlet 49 is configured so that the power fixing metal plate 49a is connected to the ground line of the external power source connected by the cable inserted into the power inlet 49.

[0062] In this way, the board-side ground connection component 105a is connected to the ground line of the external power source through the device-side ground connection component 110a of the right frame 12 and the power source fixing metal plate 49a and is grounded. The board-side ground connection component 105b is connected to the ground line of the external power source through the device-side ground connection component 110b of the drive frame 92, the right frame 12, and the power source fixing metal plate 49a and is grounded. The board-side ground connection component 105c is connected to the ground line of the external power source through the device-side ground connection component 110c of the motor metal plate 48 and the power source fixing metal plate 49a and is grounded. In other words, among the ground connection components, the board-side ground connection component 105c is connected to the inlet through a path with the least number of components, while the board-side ground connection component 105b is connected to the inlet through a path with the greatest number of components.

[0063] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the power board 101 is arranged to be inclined relative to the right frame 12 and fixed to the frame 10, so that the distance between the power board 101 and the right frame 12 varies depending on the position, by using a member for grounding the power board 101. This configuration enables the component for grounding the power board 101 to be used also as a component for supporting the power supply unit 100, thereby eliminating the need for additional components and reducing the number of components.

[0064] Although in this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of components are fixed with screws to ensure continuity, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, non-conductive screws may also be used as long as continuity is ensured by direct contact of conductive components. In addition, each component may be fixed by using a device other than a screw.

[0065] (Drive unit 90)

[0066] Figures 11A to 11C The configuration of the drive unit 90 is schematically shown. Fig.11A The driving unit 90 and the power supply unit 100 are shown as viewed from the −Y direction to the +Y direction. Fig. 11B The drive unit 90 and the power supply unit 100 are shown as viewed from the −X direction to the +X direction. Fig. 11C is along Fig.11A A cross-sectional view taken from section (c) in FIG.

[0067] The driving unit 90 is arranged such that a part of the driving unit 90 is arranged between the right frame 12 and the power supply unit 100. The driving unit 90 mainly includes a driving frame 92, a driving motor 91, and a driving transmission mechanism 93.

[0068] The drive frame 92 is fixed to the right frame 12 to support the various components of the drive unit 90. The drive frame 92 is provided with a harness guide 98 ( Figure 2A and2B ). The wiring harness 109 includes wiring harnesses 109a, 109b, 109c and 109d. The wiring harness 109a connects the drive motor 91 and the control board (not shown), and the wiring harness 109b connects the fixing drive motor 79 and the control board. The wiring harness 109c connects the power supply unit 100 and the power supply board 101, and the wiring harness 109d connects the separation solenoid 97a of the drive unit 90 and the control board. The wiring harness guide 98 is also used as a part of the shielding wall 98a, which is a partition between the drive transmission mechanism 93 and the power supply unit 100 (Figure 11C). An eye-blocking guide 99 is arranged near the wiring harness guide 98. The eye-blocking guide 99 includes a shielding wall 99a and an eye-blocking wall 99b (described below). The shielding wall 99a is used together with the shielding wall 98a as a partition between the drive transmission mechanism 93 and the power supply unit 100.

[0069] The drive transmission mechanism 93 mainly includes a drum drive unit 94, a toner supply drive unit 95, a primary transfer drive unit 96, and a separation drive unit 97, and transmits the driving force from the drive motor 91 to each component. The drum drive unit 94 includes a drum drive gear 94a and engages with the photosensitive drum 24 so as to rotatably drive the photosensitive drum 24. The toner supply drive unit 95 includes a toner supply drive gear 95a and is configured to transmit the driving force from the drive motor 91 to the toner supply unit 23 for rotation, thereby supplying toner to the photosensitive drum 24. The primary transfer drive unit 96 includes a primary transfer drive gear 96a, and is configured to transmit the driving force from the primary transfer drive gear 96a to the drive roller 32 ( Figure 5C The separation drive unit 97 causes the primary transfer roller 34 ( Figure 5C ) is movable. More specifically, the separation drive unit 97 can change the position of the primary transfer roller 34 between the pressing position and the separation position. The pressing position is a position where the primary transfer roller 34 pushes the intermediate transfer belt 31 so that the toner image can be transferred from the photosensitive drum 24 to the intermediate transfer belt 31. The separation position is a position where the primary transfer roller 34 is retracted from the pressing position and the intermediate transfer belt 31 is separated from the photosensitive drum 24.

[0070] More specifically, a clutch with an electromagnetic actuator is used as the separation drive unit 97. The separation drive unit 97 includes a separation solenoid 97a used as an electromagnetic actuator, a partially toothless separation gear 97b whose rotation is restricted / permitted by the separation solenoid 97a, and a separation cam 97c driven by the partially toothless separation gear 97b. The separation cam 97c is made movable so that a supporting member (not shown) supporting the primary transfer roller 34 slides. More specifically, the separation cam 97c is configured to allow the partially toothless separation gear 97b to rotate when the separation electromagnet 97a is turned on and transmit the driving force to the separation cam 97c to rotate the separation cam 97c, thereby changing the position of the primary transfer roller 34.

[0071] The arrangement of each component of the drive unit 90 will be described below. The drum drive unit 94 and the toner supply drive unit 95 are arranged to face the four different cartridges 21 across the right frame 12. The separation cam 97c is arranged to face the intermediate transfer belt 31 across the right frame 12. The primary transfer drive unit 96 is arranged to face the drive roller 32 across the right frame 12. Fig.11A As shown, in the drive unit 90, the drum drive unit 94 and the toner supply drive unit 95 are arranged at the vertical center, the separation drive unit 97 is arranged at the lower part, and the drive motor 91 is arranged at the upper part. The separation drive unit 97 including the separation cam 97c and the separation solenoid 97a is provided between the power supply board 101 and the right frame 12, and is arranged to face the circuit surface 101a ( Fig. 11C ).

[0072] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the drive transmission mechanism 93 of the drive unit 90, more specifically, the separation solenoid 97a of the separation drive unit 97 is arranged in the space between the right frame 12 and the power board 101. This space is obtained by arranging the power board 101 to be inclined relative to the right frame 12. More specifically, the separation solenoid 97a is arranged on the outside of the frame 10 (right frame 12). Compared with the case where the power board 101 is arranged parallel to the right frame 12 and the case where the separation solenoid 97a is arranged on the inside of the frame 10 (right frame 12), this arrangement can reduce the width of the imaging device 1 in the Y direction. Compared with the case where the power board 101 and the separation solenoid 97a are arranged to be offset in the X direction, this arrangement can also reduce the height of the imaging device 1 in the X direction. This arrangement can also prevent the size of the imaging device 1 from increasing.

[0073] (Supply Drive Motor 43 and Supply Drive Mechanism 44)

[0074] According to the present exemplary embodiment, a supply drive motor 43 and a portion of a supply drive mechanism 44 as a drive unit are arranged between the right frame 12 and the power supply unit 100 . Fig. 12A FIG. 12B is a perspective view showing the structure near the supply drive motor 43 and the supply drive mechanism 44. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view showing the imaging device 1 taken along the plane XY. The supply drive motor 43 transmits the driving force to the feed roller 41, the separation roller pair 42, the manual feed conveying unit 45 and the conveying unit 50 through the supply drive mechanism 44 to drive these units. The supply drive mechanism 44 includes a supply drive gear group 44a (not shown) for operating the feed roller 41 and the separation roller pair 42, a conveying front drive gear group 44b for operating the manual feed conveying unit 45, and a conveying rear drive gear group 44c for operating the conveying unit 50. The large-sized supply drive motor 43 is arranged on the rear side of the power supply unit 100 and the outer side of the right frame 12 to facilitate the connection of the wiring harness. On the other hand, the feed roller 41, the separation roller pair 42, the manual feed conveying unit 45 and the conveying unit 50 are arranged inside the right frame 12 (which is a paper conveying space) to convey paper. Therefore, the driving force of the supply drive motor 43 arranged outside the frame 10 is transmitted to the feed roller 41 , the separation roller pair 42 , the manual feed conveying unit 45 , and the conveying unit 50 arranged inside the frame 10 via the supply drive mechanism 44 .

[0075] According to the present exemplary embodiment, a portion of the supply drive gear group 44a of the supply drive mechanism 44 covered by the supply cover 47 (shielding member) is arranged between the right frame 12 and the power supply board 101. By overlapping a portion of the supply drive gear group 44a of the supply drive mechanism 44 with the power supply board 101 in the Y direction in this manner, the width in the X direction can be reduced compared to a case where the supply drive gear group 44a of the supply drive mechanism 44 and the power supply board 101 are arranged offset in the X direction. This arrangement can also prevent the size of the imaging device 1 from increasing.

[0076] The manual feed conveying unit 45 of the supply drive mechanism 44 is arranged on the outwardly protruding protrusion 12a ( Figure 3 ), and is arranged to face the power supply unit 100 with the right frame 12 interposed therebetween. The protrusion 12a of the right frame 12 is arranged to protrude into the space between the right frame 12 and the power supply board 101, and a part of the manual feed conveying unit 45 is arranged in the protrusion 12a. The space is obtained by arranging the power supply board 101 to be inclined relative to the right frame 12. Compared with the case where the protrusion 12a is not provided on the right frame 12, this arrangement can reduce the width of the imaging device 1 in the Y direction. This arrangement can also prevent the size of the imaging device 1 from increasing.

[0077] As described above, the size of the imaging device 1 can be reduced by arranging other units in the space between the right frame 12 and the power board 101. The space is obtained by arranging the power board 101 to be inclined relative to the right frame 12.

[0078] (Air duct)

[0079] The following will refer to Figures 13A to 14C The construction of the air duct according to the present exemplary embodiment is described. Some electronic components on the power board 101 generate heat during operation. In addition, each electronic component has an upper temperature limit at which the component can operate normally. If there is an electronic component that may reach a high temperature, control is performed to maintain the temperature at or below the upper limit. If there is a lot of space around the power board 101, a cooling effect by natural convection can be expected. However, recently people have called for reducing the size of the imaging device 1. Since other units are closely and densely arranged around the power board 101, it is difficult to provide a lot of space around the power board 101, making it difficult to expect a cooling effect by natural convection.

[0080] Therefore, in this exemplary embodiment, in order to control the temperature of the electronic component 103 at a predetermined temperature or below, a fan is provided to introduce ambient air into the imaging device 1 and then blow the introduced ambient air toward the electronic component 103 of the power supply unit 100 to cool the electronic component 103.

[0081] Figures 13A to 13C and Figures 14A to 14C The air flow in the imaging device 1 is shown. Fig.13A Air intake from the outside of the imaging device 1 and exhaust to the outside of the imaging device 1 are shown. The air flow F0 is generated by taking in air from the outside of the imaging device 1, and the air flow F5 is an exhaust air flow to the outside of the imaging device 1. The air flow F0 is generated by taking in air through the air intake port 3a with a louver arranged on the right cover 3. The air flow F5 is generated when air is exhausted through a gap between the front door 5 and the box cover 6 covering the front surface of the box 9. Fig. 13B The imaging device 1 is shown with the box cover 6 removed. The air flow F4 is generated when air is exhausted through the air outlet 3b with shutters arranged on the right cover 3. The air flow F4 passes through the gap between the front door 5 and the box cover 6 covering the front surface of the box 9 to become the air flow F5. Fig. 13C is a perspective view showing the flow of air in the imaging device 1 . Fig. 13C The image forming apparatus 1 is shown with outer surface covers (including the top cover 2, the right cover 3, the left cover 4, the front door 5, and the box cover 6) removed.

[0082] Fig.14A1 is a cross-sectional view showing the air flow in the imaging device 1. The fan 121 rotates blades (not shown) to generate an air flow, and sucks air from the air intake port 3a having a louver. The air sucked by the fan 121 is supplied in a manner of branching into air flows F1 and F2 through an air duct formed by a duct 122. The air flow F1 passes through the interior of the duct 122 and flows from the opening 122b of the duct 122 to an area in which the box 21 is disposed to cool the box 21. The air flow F2 flows from the opening 122c of the duct 122 to an area in which the power supply unit 100 (power supply board 101) is disposed. In this area, the air flow F2 becomes the air flow F3 ( Fig. 14C ). The air passing through the power supply unit 100 flows as a downstream air flow F4 and is then exhausted to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 as an air flow F5. Fig. 14B 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the exhaust port 3b. In order to prevent the power supply unit 100 from being visually recognized directly from the outside of the imaging device 1 through the exhaust port 3b, a blind wall 99b of the blind guide 99 is provided near the exhaust port 3b on the right cover 3. Therefore, near the exhaust port 3b, the air flow F3 passes through the paths above and below the blind wall 99b in a branched manner and is then discharged through the exhaust port 3b.

[0083] The cooling configuration for cooling the power supply unit 100 by using the air flow F3 according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described below. The power supply unit 100 is surrounded by the shielding wall 98a that separates the power supply unit 100 from the drive unit 90 to separate the space, and the right cover 3 and the right frame 12 (frame 10) that constitute the outer surface, and is configured to be cooled by the air flow F3 that passes through the surrounded space.

[0084] In other words, the fan 121 generates the air flow F3 that flows from one side to the other side of the power board 101. The air flow F3 flowing in the space between the mounting surface 101b of the power board 101 and the right cover 3 further contacts the electronic component 103 to cool the electronic component 103 more effectively than the air flow F3 flowing in the space between the circuit surface 101a and the frame 10. Therefore, in one embodiment, the air flow F3 flows in the flow path section between the mounting surface 101b and the right cover 3, more specifically, in the section between the upper edge in the Z direction of the mounting surface 101b to the upper hem extending in the Y direction of the right cover 3 and the lower hem extending in the Y direction from the lower edge in the Z direction of the mounting surface 101b to the right cover 3.

[0085] However, if the electronic components 103 occupy the flow path cross section, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow is reduced, resulting in a reduction in the amount of air flow. In particular, if large-sized electronic components 103 are arranged on the upstream side of the air flow F3 and small-sized electronic components 103 are arranged on the downstream side of the air flow F3, the cooling efficiency of the electronic components 103 decreases.

[0086] More specifically, on the upstream side where the large-sized electronic components 103 are arranged, the electronic components 103 occupy most of the flow path cross section, thus allowing the cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow to decrease, resulting in a decrease in the amount of air flow. On the other hand, on the downstream side where the small-sized electronic components 103 are arranged, the electronic components 103 occupy a small portion of the flow path cross section, thus allowing the cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow to increase. However, the amount of air flow on the upstream side where the large-sized electronic components 103 are arranged has been reduced. Therefore, on the downstream side where the small-sized electronic components 103 are arranged, the flow rate of the air flow F3 decreases, resulting in a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the electronic components 103.

[0087] Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, a cross section parallel to a plane YZ defined by the mounting surface 101b of the power board 101 and the right cover 3 facing the mounting surface 101b is differentiated between the upstream side and the downstream side of the air flow F3, that is, the cross section on the downstream side is made larger than the cross section on the upstream side. In other words, the power board 101 is inclined relative to the right cover 3 so that the cross section gradually increases from the -X direction side toward the +X direction side. The protrusion 12a of the right frame 12 and the separation solenoid 97a of the separation drive unit 97 are arranged in the space between the circuit surface 101a and the frame 10 to reduce the size of the device. This space is generated by arranging the power board 101 to be inclined relative to the right cover 3.

[0088] Further, among the electronic components 103 arranged on the mounting surface 101b of the power board 101, the large-sized (tall) components are arranged on the downstream side of the air flow F3, and the small-sized (short) components are arranged on the upstream side of the air flow F3. More specifically, the electronic components 103 are arranged on the mounting surface 101b so that the height (length in the Y' direction) of the electronic components 103 gradually increases from the -X direction toward the +X direction.

[0089] More specifically, refer to Figure 8B The edge of Fig. 8A In the cross-sectional view taken at section BB in FIG. 1 , a transformer 103c is arranged on the downstream side of the air flow F3, and the transformer 103c is the electronic component 103 which is the highest from the mounting surface 101b as the reference plane in the +Y' direction. Figure 8C The edge of Fig. 8AIn the cross-sectional view taken at section CC in FIG. 1 , an electrolytic capacitor 103e which is the second highest electronic component 103 next to the transformer 103c in the +Y' direction from the mounting surface 101b as the reference plane is arranged on the upstream side of the air flow F3.

[0090] Reference Figure 8B , the flow path section A1 refers to the section between the mounting surface 101b and the right cover 3, more specifically, the section from the upper edge of the mounting surface 101b in the Z direction to the upper hem of the right cover 3 extending in the Y direction and from the lower edge of the mounting surface 101b in the Z direction to the lower hem of the right cover 3 extending in the Y direction. Figure 8C , the flow path section A2 refers to the section between the mounting surface 101b and the right cover 3, more specifically, the section between the upper edge in the Z direction of the mounting surface 101b to the upper hem extending in the Y direction of the right cover 3 and the section between the lower edge in the Z direction of the mounting surface 101b to the lower hem extending in the Y direction of the right cover 3. The flow path section A1 on the downstream side of the air flow F3 is made larger than the flow path section A2 on the upstream side of the air flow F3.

[0091] The flow path section A1 on the downstream side of the air flow F3 is occupied by the transformer 103c as the highest electronic component 103, so that the cross-sectional area allowing the air flow is reduced, resulting in a reduction in the amount of air flow. Similarly, the flow path section A2 on the upstream side of the air flow F3 is occupied by the electrolytic capacitor 103e, so that the cross-sectional area allowing the air flow is reduced, resulting in a reduction in the amount of air flow. However, the amount of air flow reduction with respect to the flow path section A2 can be made smaller than the amount of air flow reduction with respect to the flow path section A1.

[0092] Therefore, the power board 101 is inclined relative to the right cover 3, and the flow path cross section gradually increases from the upstream side of the air flow F3 toward the downstream side (A1>A2). In this configuration, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path cross section A1 on the upstream side of the air flow F3 increases. Therefore, even if a large-sized electronic component 103 (such as a transformer 103c) is arranged, the air can be smoothly guided, thereby preventing the amount of air flow from being reduced. On the other hand, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path cross section A2 on the upstream side of the air flow F3 is reduced. Therefore, the air flow F3 can flow evenly, so that the electrolytic capacitor 103e can be fully cooled.

[0093] Since the imaging device 1 includes a heating unit in addition to the power supply unit 100, the temperature in the device often becomes higher than the ambient air. Although it is preferable to introduce ambient air directly to the power supply unit 100 for air supply, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, if the heating member is arranged on a path for introducing ambient air into the power supply unit 100 by a fan, there is no harm because as long as the air temperature is lower than the electronic member 103, a cooling effect can be produced.

[0094] As described above, aspects of the embodiments provide a small-sized imaging device having a well-designed power supply layout and providing favorable power supply cooling efficiency.

[0095] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising: a forming unit configured to form an image on a recording material; a first frame and a second frame arranged to sandwich the forming unit and support the forming unit; an outer surface member for covering the first frame; and a circuit board arranged between the first frame and the outer surface member, The circuit board includes a printed board, a first electronic component arranged on a mounting surface of the printed board, and a second electronic component arranged on the mounting surface of the printed board. wherein the height of the second electronic component from the mounting surface is less than the height of the first electronic component from the mounting surface; wherein the circuit board is arranged so that the mounting surface faces the outer surface component and extends in a direction intersecting with a plane of the outer surface component, wherein a first gap between the first electronic component and the outer surface component is shorter than a second gap between the second electronic component and the outer surface component, wherein the mounting surface is arranged to be inclined relative to the outer surface part so that a difference between a height of the first electronic component from the mounting surface and a height of the second electronic component from the mounting surface is greater than a difference between the second distance and the first distance; wherein the first distance is the shortest distance between the outer surface component and the first electronic component on a coordinate axis perpendicular to the mounting surface; The second distance is the shortest distance between the outer surface component and the second electronic component on a coordinate axis perpendicular to the mounting surface.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The first electronic component is an electronic component having a maximum height from the mounting surface in a vertical direction of the circuit board, and The second electronic component is an electronic component having a height from the mounting surface that is second only to the first electronic component in the vertical direction of the circuit board.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein: Other units are arranged between the circuit board and the first frame.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein: The other units include a driving unit for transmitting a driving force to the forming unit.

5. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein: The first frame has a protrusion protruding toward the circuit board at a position where the circuit board faces the first frame.

6. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein: The circuit board includes a low voltage power supply board.

7. The imaging device according to claim 2, further comprising a fan configured to generate an air flow from one side to the other side of the circuit board, wherein The gap between the outer surface member and the one printed board gradually increases from the upstream side toward the downstream side of the air flow.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: Other units are arranged between the circuit board and the first frame.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein: The other units include a driving unit for transmitting a driving force to the forming unit. 10 . The imaging device according to claim 8 , further comprising a shielding member for covering the other unit between the other unit and the circuit board.

11. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: The first frame has a protrusion protruding toward the circuit board at a position where the circuit board faces the first frame.

12. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: The circuit board includes a low voltage power supply board.

13. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a fan configured to generate an air flow from one side to the other side of the circuit board, wherein The gap between the outer surface member and the one printed board gradually increases from the upstream side toward the downstream side of the air flow.

14. The imaging device according to claim 13, wherein: The first electronic component is arranged on a downstream side of a center of the circuit board in a direction in which the air flow flows.

Images