Imaging equipment

Abstract

An imaging device according to the present invention includes: an optical box; a housing having a discharge opening; a cover, which is arranged downstream of the optical box along a discharge direction in which a recording material is discharged through the discharge opening and forms a part of the housing; and a circuit board, wherein the circuit board includes a plurality of electronic components and a wiring board configured to electrically connect the plurality of electronic components, the circuit board is arranged in a direction in which a surface of the wiring board on which the plurality of electronic components are mounted intersects the discharge direction, and the wiring board is arranged between the cover and the optical box in the discharge direction, and wherein, when viewed in a vertical direction, the optical box and the plurality of electronic components partially overlap each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. Background Art

[0002] Many components such as circuit boards and motors are installed inside an imaging device such as a printer or a copier. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-20932 discusses a configuration for reducing the size of an imaging device, in which the placement positions of components such as a low voltage power supply unit, a high voltage power supply unit, and a motor are described in detail.

[0003] The configuration discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-20932 fully meets the size of the imaging device expected at the time. However, in recent years, there is a demand for further downsizing of the imaging device. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to meet further needs of users.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an imaging device comprises: an optical box including a light source configured to emit light to an image bearing member; a shell including the optical box inside the shell, and the shell has a discharge opening, through which a recording material is discharged; a cover arranged on an end face of the shell on the downstream side of a discharge direction in which the recording material is discharged through the discharge opening formed in the shell, and arranged downstream of the optical box along the discharge direction, and forming a part of the shell; and a circuit board configured to convert alternating current supplied from an external power source into direct current and supply power to the light source; wherein the circuit board comprises a plurality of electronic components and a wiring board configured to electrically connect the plurality of electronic components, the circuit board is arranged in a direction such that a surface of the wiring board on which the plurality of electronic components are mounted intersects with the discharge direction, and the wiring board is arranged between the cover and the optical box in the discharge direction; and wherein, when viewed in a vertical direction, the optical box and the plurality of electronic components partially overlap each other.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, an imaging device includes: an optical box including a light source configured to emit light to an image bearing member; a shell, the shell including the optical box inside, and the shell has an opening, and a recording material is inserted through the opening; a feeding member configured to feed the recording material inserted through the opening along a feeding direction; a cover, which is arranged on an end face of the shell on the same side as the side on which the opening is formed, and is arranged upstream of the optical box along the feeding direction, and forms a part of the shell; and a circuit board configured to convert alternating current supplied from an external power source into direct current and supply power to the light source; wherein the circuit board includes a plurality of electronic components and a wiring board configured to electrically connect the plurality of electronic components, the circuit board is arranged in a direction such that a surface of the wiring board on which the plurality of electronic components are mounted intersects with the feeding direction, and the wiring board is arranged between the cover and the optical box in the feeding direction.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, an imaging device comprises: an optical box including a light source configured to emit light to an image bearing member; a shell including the optical box inside, and the shell having a discharge opening through which a recording material is discharged; and a circuit board configured to convert alternating current supplied from an external power source into direct current and supply power to the light source; wherein the circuit board comprises a plurality of electronic components and a wiring board configured to electrically connect the plurality of electronic components, and the circuit board is arranged in a direction such that a surface of the wiring board on which the plurality of electronic components are mounted intersects with a discharge direction in which the recording material is discharged through the discharge opening; and wherein, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction, the optical box and the plurality of electronic components partially overlap each other.

[0008] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device.

[0010] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an imaging device.

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view used to illustrate the position of the circuit board.

[0012] Figure 4 is a front perspective view used to illustrate the location of the circuit board.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the circuit board and the components surrounding the circuit board.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the circuit board and the components surrounding the circuit board.

[0015] Figure 7It is a top view of the circuit board and the components surrounding the circuit board.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a perspective view for explaining a holding structure for holding the optical box and the driving motor.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the electronic components on a circuit board.

[0018] Fig.10 is a block diagram illustrating the functionality of the board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] With reference to the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiments for realizing the present invention will be described in detail in an illustrative manner based on the following exemplary embodiments. However, the size, material, shape and relative arrangement of the components described in this exemplary embodiment should be appropriately changed according to the configuration or various conditions of the equipment to which the present invention is applied. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments. Each embodiment of the present invention described below can be implemented separately, or when necessary or in a single embodiment, the combination of elements or features from each embodiment is beneficial as a combination of multiple embodiments or their features.

[0020] [Overall structure of imaging device]

[0021] The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment is now described. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment is a monochrome laser beam printer that adopts an electrophotographic method, and forms an image on a recording material P using a developer (toner) according to image information transmitted from an external device such as a personal computer. Examples of the recording material P include a recording sheet, a label sheet, an overhead projector (OHP) sheet, and a cloth.

[0022] In the following description, in the case where the imaging device 1 is installed on a horizontal surface, the height direction (the direction opposite to the vertical direction) of the imaging device 1 is the Z direction. The direction intersecting the Z direction and parallel to the axial direction (main scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum 11 is the X direction. The direction intersecting the X direction and the Z direction is the Y direction. Preferably, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction should intersect each other perpendicularly. For convenience, the positive side of the X direction is called the "right side", and the negative side of the X direction is called the "left side". The positive side of the Y direction is called the "front side" or "front surface side", and the negative side of the Y direction is called the "rear side" or "rear surface side". The positive side of the Z direction is called the "upper side", and the negative side of the Z direction is called the "lower side".

[0023] Figure 1 A perspective view of the imaging device 1 is shown. Figure 2 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 along a plane perpendicular to the X direction (the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11). Figure 1 In the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a feed cassette 4 for storing recording materials P and a discharge tray 14 for stacking discharged recording materials P. The feed cassette 4 is inserted through a feed opening 81, so that the recording materials P stored in the feed cassette 4 can be fed into the interior of the image forming apparatus 1. The feed cassette 4 can be pulled out from the feed opening 81 in the Y direction, and the user can replenish the recording materials P. The recording materials P fed from the feed cassette 4 and on which an image has been formed are stacked along the Y direction. Figure 1 The discharged materials are discharged in the shown discharge direction (positive direction of the Y axis) through the discharge opening 15 and are stacked in the discharge tray 14 .

[0024] In a portion of the side surface (a portion of the front surface) of the imaging device 1 on the downstream side in the discharge direction, a front cover 70 is provided and covers the circuit board 100. An outer cover 71 is provided in a portion of the front surface of the imaging device 1 except for a portion where the front cover 70 is provided, and on the side surface and the top surface. The front cover 70, the outer cover 71, and the discharge tray 14 together form a housing 75 of the imaging device 1. The housing 75 is a member that covers the imaging device 1, and includes processing members such as the optical box 50 inside. The feed opening 81 and the discharge opening 15 are openings formed in a portion of the housing 75. The recording material P is inserted into the interior of the imaging device 1 via the feed opening 81, and the recording material P is discharged to the outside of the imaging device 1 via the discharge opening 15. The recording material P is fed into the imaging device along the feed direction (or a predetermined direction).

[0025] refer to Figure 2 , to describe the process of performing an imaging operation on a recording material P. As image information is transmitted to the imaging device 1, based on a print start signal, the photosensitive drum (or image bearing member) 11 as a rotating member is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow R at a predetermined peripheral speed (processing speed). Based on the input image information, the optical cartridge 50 emits laser light to the photosensitive drum 11. The optical cartridge 50 is a box-shaped unit including internal components such as a laser oscillator that outputs laser light, a polygonal mirror and a lens that irradiates the photosensitive drum 11 with laser light, and a scanner motor that rotates the polygonal mirror. The photosensitive drum 11 is pre-charged by the charging roller 17 and irradiated with laser light, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11. Then, the developing roller 12 develops the electrostatic latent image with toner, thereby forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 11.

[0026] In parallel with the above-mentioned image forming process, the recording material P is fed from the feed box 4. On the conveying path of the image forming apparatus 1, a pickup roller 3, a feed roller 5a, and a conveying roller pair 5c are provided. The pickup roller 3 (feeding member) contacts the recording material P at the top of the recording material P stored in the feed box 4 and rotates itself to feed the recording material P in the feeding direction (negative direction of the Y axis). The feed roller 5a and the separation pad 5b in pressure contact with the feed roller 5a form a separation nip. In the case where a plurality of recording materials P are fed to the separation nip by the friction force between the plurality of recording materials P, the feed roller 5a and the separation pad 5b separate the plurality of recording materials P, and only the recording material P at the top is fed to the downstream side.

[0027] The recording material P fed from the feed cassette 4 is conveyed by the conveying roller pair 5c toward the transfer roller 7. A transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 7 to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 to the recording material P. The recording material P to which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer roller 7 is subjected to a heating / pressing process by the fixing device 9, so that the toner image is fixed to the recording material P. The fixing device 9 includes a heating roller 9a having a built-in heater (not shown) and a pressing roller 9b biased toward the heating roller 9a. Then, the recording material P to which the toner image has been fixed is discharged to the discharge tray 14 by the discharge roller pair 10.

[0028] In the case where images are to be formed on both sides of the recording material P, the discharge roller pair 10 turns back the recording material P on which the image is formed on the first surface to guide the recording material P to the double-sided transport path 16. The recording material P guided to the double-sided transport path 16 is transported again toward the transfer roller 7 by the double-sided transport roller pair 5d. After the image is formed on the second surface of the recording material P by the transfer roller 7, the recording material P is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 by the discharge roller pair 10. After the toner image is transferred to the recording material P, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 13.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the imaging device 1 includes a circuit board 100. The circuit board 100 includes a wiring board 101 made of an insulator and electronic components 111 and 121 soldered to the wiring board 101. Conductor wiring is provided on and within the board of the wiring board 101, so that the electronic components 111 and 121 are electrically connected together. The circuit board 100 has a function of converting alternating current supplied from the outside of the imaging device 1 into direct current and converting an input voltage to obtain a predetermined voltage value required for imaging processing.

[0030] like Figure 2As shown, the circuit board 100 is arranged in a direction such that the mounting surface of the wiring board 101 on which the electronic components 111 and 121 are mounted intersects with the discharge direction. In addition, the wiring board 101 is arranged between the front cover 70 and the optical box 50 along the discharge direction. The electronic components 111 and 121 are arranged on the surface of the wiring board 101 opposite to the optical box 50.

[0031] [PCB Configuration]

[0032] refer to Figures 3 to 8 , the configuration of the circuit board 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 3 1 is a perspective view of the imaging device 1, for illustrating the configuration of the circuit board 100. Figure 1 Different, in Figure 3 The front cover 70 and the outer cover 71 are omitted (for illustration purposes). Figure 3 As shown, the circuit board 100 is mounted on the front surface side. In addition, the optical box 50 and the drive motor 60 are provided on the rear side (negative side in the Y direction) of the circuit board 100. Figure 3 In the figure, the optical box 50 and the driving motor 60 are actually located at a position where the user cannot see the optical box 50 and the driving motor 60, and thus are shown by dotted lines.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the imaging device 1 includes a right side plate frame 72 (first side plate frame), a left side plate frame 73 (second side plate frame), and a base frame 74. The right side plate frame 72 supports the right side end portion (first end portion) of the photosensitive drum 11 in the X direction. The left side plate frame 73 supports the left side end portion (second end portion) of the photosensitive drum 11 in the X direction. The base frame 74 is provided on the bottom surface and supports the right side plate frame 72 and the left side plate frame 73 from below.

[0034] The circuit board 100 is supported by these frame members and mounted on the imaging device 1 so that the board surface of the circuit board 100 is approximately parallel to the XZ plane. The right side plate frame 72 and the left side plate frame 73 are reinforced with curved portions 72a and 73a formed in the Y-direction ends of the right side plate frame 72 and the left side plate frame 73, respectively. The curved portion 72a is bent toward the positive side of the X direction to be approximately parallel to the XZ plane. The curved portion 73a is bent toward the negative side of the X direction to be approximately parallel to the XZ plane. That is, the curved portions 72a and 73a are bent along the surface of the wiring board 101. Since the two side plate frames are bent toward the outside of the imaging device 1 (in the direction away from the photosensitive drum 11 in the X direction) in this way, electronic components can be mounted on a larger area of ​​the wiring board 101.

[0035] Figure 4 1 is a front perspective view of the imaging device 1, for illustrating the configuration of the circuit board 100. Figure 4As shown, the distance L1 between the inner surface of the right plate frame 72 and the inner surface of the left plate frame 73 in the X direction is shorter than the length L2 of the circuit board 100 in the X direction. The wiring board 101 is arranged closer to the positive side (front surface side) in the Y direction than the bent portions 72a and 73a, and the wiring board 101 is in contact with each of the bent portions 72a and 73a. When viewed from the front surface side, the circuit board 100 and the bent portions 72a and 73a overlap each other. Figure 4 , some portions of the bending portions 72a and 73a, the optical box 50, and the driving motor 60 are actually located at positions where the user cannot see these portions of the bending portions 72a and 73a, the optical box 50, and the driving motor 60, and are therefore shown by dotted lines.

[0036] <Positional Relationship Between Electronic Components and Optical Box>

[0037] Next, refer to Figures 5 to 7 , the positional relationship between the electronic component 111 and the optical box 50 will be described in detail.

[0038] Figure 5 1 is a perspective view of the circuit board 100 when viewed from behind the main body of the imaging device 1. In order to effectively utilize the space, the electronic components 111 having a larger size than other components in the Y direction are arranged together in the lower part of the wiring board 101 and installed in the range below the optical box 50. More specifically, the electronic components 111 are arranged below the center of the wiring board 101 in the vertical direction. A power input unit 115 is provided at the end of the wiring board 101. The power input unit 115 is connected to a socket (not shown) and receives power supply from a commercial power source.

[0039] Figure 6 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the circuit board 100 when viewed from the left side surface of the main body. The optical box 50 is set at the optimal position for emitting the laser light indicated by the dot-dash line to the photosensitive drum 11. In the portion where the optical box 50 and the wiring board 101 are closest to each other in the Y direction, a member that protrudes greatly from the board surface, such as the electronic component 111, is not set. That is, the optical box 50 and the electronic component 111 are set at positions offset from each other in the Z direction to avoid interfering with each other.

[0040] Figure 7 1 is an enlarged top view of the circuit board 100 when viewed from the upper surface of the main body. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the optical box 50 and the electronic component 111 are arranged at a position where the optical box 50 and the electronic component 111 partially overlap each other. As described above, since the optical box 50 is arranged above the electronic component 111, the electronic component 111 cannot be seen from this direction in general. Figure 7, in order to show the positional relationship between the optical box 50 and the electronic component 111 in an easily understandable manner, the electronic component 111 is shown in a transparent manner by indicating the optical box 50 with a dotted line.

[0041] Therefore, the electronic component 111 is disposed at the above-mentioned position, so that the distance in the Y direction (front-rear direction) between the circuit board 100 and the optical box 50 can be shortened. Therefore, the imaging device 1 can be downsized.

[0042] <Positional Relationship between Electronic Components and Drive Motor>

[0043] Next, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 , the positional relationship between the electronic component 111 and the drive motor 60 will be described in detail. The drive motor 60 is used to rotate the members (pickup roller 3, feed roller 5a and transport roller pair 5c) for feeding and conveying the recording material P, and also to rotate the photosensitive drum 11.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, the drive motor 60 protrudes toward the negative side in the X direction, and the wiring board 101 is arranged on the front side of the main body relative to the drive motor 60. It should be understood that the electronic component 111 is installed at a position offset from the drive motor 60 to avoid interfering with the drive motor 60. Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from the left side surface of the main body, the drive motor 60 and the electronic component 111 are arranged at a position where the drive motor 60 and the electronic component 111 partially overlap each other. Figure 7 As shown, when viewed from the upper surface of the main body, the drive motor 60 and the electronic component 111 are disposed at positions offset from each other in the X direction so as to avoid interfering with each other.

[0045] Therefore, the electronic component 111 is disposed at the above-mentioned position, so that the distance in the Y direction (front-rear direction) between the circuit board 100 and the drive motor 60 can be shortened. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 1 can be downsized.

[0046] <Configuration installed to the main body>

[0047] Next, refer to Figure 8 , the mounting configuration of the optical box 50 and the driving motor 60 to the main body will be described in detail. Figure 8 It is through Figure 5 1 and 2. A diagram obtained by adding a perspective view showing the right side plate frame 72 and the scanner holding member 40 is added. The left side plate frame 73 and the base frame 74 are omitted (for illustration purposes).

[0048] The optical cartridge 50 is held by the scanner holding member 40. The scanner holding member 40 is fixed to the right side plate frame 72 and the left side plate frame 73 ( Figure 8The drive motor 60 is mounted on the right side plate frame 72, and a gear coupled to the drive motor 60 is provided on the positive side (right side) in the X direction of the right side plate frame 72. The driving force of the drive motor 60 is transmitted to the feed roller 5a and the photosensitive drum 11 via the gear.

[0049] [PCB Configuration]

[0050] Next, refer to Fig. 9 , the configuration of the circuit board 100 will be described. Fig. 9 is a rear view of the circuit board 100 when viewed from the rear side of the main body. Fig. 9 Not only the circuit board 100 but also the optical box 50 and the driving motor 60 are shown.

[0051] The circuit board 100 includes: a low voltage power supply unit 110 for introducing AC power from an external commercial power supply and converting the AC power into DC power; and a high voltage power supply unit 120 for providing a high voltage required for imaging to a processing member. In the circuit board 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the low voltage power supply unit 110 and the high voltage power supply unit 120 are mounted on the same board.

[0052] The low voltage power supply unit 110 includes a low voltage power supply transformer 112, a heat sink 113, and an electrolytic capacitor 114, which are electronic components 111 with a large size in the Y direction. In addition, the low voltage power supply unit 110 includes a power input unit 115. The high voltage power supply unit 120 includes a charging transformer 122, a developing transformer 123, and a transfer transformer 124, which are electronic components 121 with a large size in the Y direction. Fig. 9 It can be clearly seen that the electronic components 111 and 121 having large size in the Y direction are both arranged at positions offset relative to the positions of the optical box 50 and the drive motor 60 .

[0053] Next, refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , functions of the low voltage power supply unit 110 and the high voltage power supply unit 120 will be described. Fig.10 is a block diagram showing the functions of the circuit board 100 .

[0054] First, the low voltage power supply unit 110 introduces power from an external power source via a power input unit 115 mounted on the end of the circuit board 100, and converts the AC voltage into a stable DC voltage using a rectifier smoothing circuit including an electrolytic capacitor 114. Then, the low voltage power supply unit 110 converts the DC voltage into a high-frequency AC voltage using a switching element (such as a transistor), and then inputs the high-frequency AC voltage to the low voltage power transformer 112. The low voltage power transformer 112 converts the high-frequency AC voltage as the input voltage into an AC voltage (output voltage) having a desired voltage value. The low voltage power supply unit 110 converts the AC voltage into a DC voltage again, and outputs the obtained DC voltage to the high voltage power supply unit 120 and the optical box 50. In the low voltage power supply unit 110, the loss of each circuit component is manifested as heat. Therefore, in order to dissipate heat, a heat sink 113 made of aluminum or iron is provided.

[0055] The high voltage power supply unit 120 converts the voltage (e.g., 24V) supplied from the low voltage power supply unit 110 into a high voltage required for image forming processes such as charging, developing, and transferring. The charging transformer 122 converts the voltage supplied from the low voltage power supply unit 110 into a voltage for charging, and then supplies the converted voltage to the charging roller 17. The developing transformer 123 converts the voltage supplied from the low voltage power supply unit 110 into a voltage for developing, and then supplies the converted voltage to the developing roller 12. The transfer transformer 124 converts the voltage supplied from the low voltage power supply unit 110 into a voltage for transfer, and then supplies the converted voltage to the transfer roller 7.

[0056] The low voltage power supply unit 110 supplies voltage (e.g., 3.3V or 5V) not only to the high voltage power supply unit 120 but also to the optical box 50, the drive motor 60, the engine control unit 130, and the video controller 140. The engine control unit 130 is used to perform overall control of various processing components. The engine control unit 130 includes a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown), a random access memory (RAM) (not shown) for calculating or temporarily storing data required for controlling the imaging device 1, and a read-only memory (ROM) (not shown) for storing programs and various types of data for controlling the imaging device 1. The engine control unit 130 may be provided on a board different from the circuit board 100, or may be provided on the same board as the circuit board 100. The video controller 140 is used to communicate with an external device (such as a personal computer), receive print data, and notify the engine control unit 130 of the result of analyzing the print data.

[0057] Based on the above configuration, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the needs of users can be further met.

[0058] In the above exemplary embodiment, the configuration in which the low voltage power supply unit 110 and the high voltage power supply unit 120 are arranged on the same board (circuit board 100) has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The two power supply units may be arranged on different boards. The board of the low voltage power supply unit 110 and the board of the high voltage power supply unit 120 may both be arranged on Figure 3 The front surface side of the image forming apparatus 1 is shown. Alternatively, only the board of the low voltage power supply unit 110 may be disposed on the front surface side, and the board of the high voltage power supply unit 120 may be disposed at a different position.

[0059] Alternatively, only the board of the high voltage power supply unit 120 may be disposed on the front surface side, and the board of the low voltage power supply unit 110 may be disposed at a different position. However, in this case, it is preferable that the electronic component 121 which is large in size in the Y direction and mounted on the high voltage power supply unit 120 should be disposed at a position offset relative to the positions of the optical box 50 and the drive motor 60.

[0060] In the above exemplary embodiments, the following configuration has been described, wherein Figure 4 As shown, the distance L1 between the inner surface of the right plate frame 72 and the inner surface of the left plate frame 73 in the X direction is shorter than the length L2 of the circuit board 100 in the X direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the relationship can be set so that the distance L1 is greater than or equal to the length L2. In addition, the wiring board 101 can be arranged closer to the negative side (rear surface side) in the Y direction than the bent portions 72a and 73a. That is, the wiring board 101 can be arranged in the area between the inner surface of the right plate frame 72 and the inner surface of the left plate frame 73.

[0061] In the above exemplary embodiments, Fig. 9 As shown, a portion of the low voltage power supply unit 110 is installed at a position overlapping with the optical box 50 (a position opposite to the optical box 50 in the Y direction) when viewed from the rear surface of the main body. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. A different circuit, such as the high voltage power supply unit 120, may be installed; or the circuit board 100 may not be installed at this position first.

[0062] In the above exemplary embodiment, the feed cassette 4 that can be pulled out from the main body of the imaging device 1 is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A tray that cannot be pulled out from the imaging device 1 but allows the user to directly insert the recording material P via the feed opening 81 formed in the front of the imaging device 1 may be used.

[0063] In addition, from Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be clearly seen in FIG. 1 , the front cover 70 is provided on the same side (front surface side) as the side where the feed opening 81 is provided. In the configuration of the present exemplary embodiment, the feed direction and the discharge direction are opposite to each other but are in a parallel relationship. Therefore, it can also be said that the front cover 70 is located upstream of the optical box 50 in the feed direction.

[0064] In the above exemplary embodiments, Figure 7 As shown, the optical box 50 and the electronic component 111 have a relationship in which the optical box 50 and the electronic component 111 at least partially overlap each other when viewed in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The optical box 50 and the electronic component 111 may be arranged at positions offset from each other to a certain extent in the X direction. That is, the optical box 50 and the electronic component 111 may have a relationship in which the optical box 50 and the electronic component 111 do not overlap each other when viewed in the vertical direction, but the optical box 50 and the electronic component 111 at least partially overlap each other when viewed from a direction parallel to the XZ plane and intersecting the vertical direction. In other words, the optical box 50 and the electronic component 111 may have a relationship in which the optical box 50 and the electronic component 111 at least partially overlap each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction or the feed direction. Even with the above configuration, the distance between the circuit board 100 and the optical box 50 in the Y direction (front-rear direction) may be shortened, so the size of the imaging device 1 may be reduced.

[0065] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention 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 modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising: an optical cartridge including a light source configured to emit light toward an image bearing member; a housing, the housing including the optical cartridge therein, and the housing having a discharge opening through which the recording material is discharged; a cover provided on an end surface of the housing on a downstream side in a discharge direction in which the recording material is discharged via a discharge opening formed in the housing, and provided downstream of the optical cartridge in the discharge direction, and forming a part of the housing; as well as A circuit board configured to convert alternating current supplied from an external power source into direct current and supply power to the light source, wherein the circuit board includes a plurality of electronic components and a wiring board configured to electrically connect the plurality of electronic components, the circuit board is arranged in a direction such that a surface of the wiring board on which the plurality of electronic components are mounted intersects with a discharge direction and the circuit board extends in a vertical direction and in a direction of a rotation axis of an image bearing member, and the wiring board is disposed between the cover and the optical box in the discharge direction, and Wherein, when viewed in a vertical direction, the optical box and the plurality of electronic components partially overlap each other.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: a motor configured to drive the image bearing member to rotate, wherein the motor and the plurality of electronic components partially overlap each other when viewed in the rotation axis direction of the image bearing member.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein: When viewed in the vertical direction, the motor and the plurality of electronic components do not overlap each other.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first side plate frame configured to support a first end portion of the image bearing member in a rotation axis direction of the image bearing member; as well as a second side plate frame configured to support a second end portion of the image bearing member in the direction of the rotation axis, Wherein, the width of the circuit board in the direction of the rotation axis is greater than the distance between the first side plate frame and the second side plate frame in the direction of the rotation axis.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein: The first side plate frame includes a first bent portion bent along the surface of the wiring board, the second side plate frame includes a second bent portion bent along the surface of the wiring board, and the first bent portion and the second bent portion are in contact with the wiring board.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein: The first curved portion and the second curved portion are curved in a direction away from the image bearing member along the direction of the rotation axis.

7. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of electronic components are arranged below the center of the wiring board in the vertical direction.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of electronic components include at least any one of a capacitor configured to smooth an AC voltage supplied from an external power source, a transformer configured to convert an input voltage smoothed by the capacitor and converted again into an AC voltage by a switching element into an output voltage to be supplied to the optical box, and a heat sink configured to dissipate heat of a circuit board.

9. An imaging device comprising: an optical cartridge including a light source configured to emit light toward an image bearing member; a housing, the interior of the housing including the optical cartridge, and the housing having an opening through which the recording material is inserted; a feeding member configured to feed the recording material inserted through the opening in a feeding direction; a cover provided on an end surface of the housing on the same side as the side where the opening is formed and provided upstream of the optical cartridge in the feeding direction and forming a part of the housing; as well as A circuit board configured to convert alternating current supplied from an external power source into direct current and supply power to the light source, Wherein, the circuit board includes multiple electronic components and a wiring board configured to electrically connect the multiple electronic components, the direction in which the circuit board is arranged makes the surface of the wiring board on which the multiple electronic components are installed intersect with the feeding direction and the circuit board extends in the vertical direction and the direction of the rotation axis of the image bearing member, and the wiring board is arranged between the cover and the optical box in the feeding direction.

10. The imaging device according to claim 9, further comprising: a motor configured to drive the image bearing member to rotate, wherein the motor and the plurality of electronic components partially overlap each other when viewed in the rotation axis direction of the image bearing member.

11. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein When viewed in the vertical direction, the motor and the plurality of electronic components do not overlap each other.

12. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein: The plurality of electronic components are arranged below the center of the wiring board in the vertical direction.

13. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein: The plurality of electronic components include at least any one of a capacitor configured to smooth an AC voltage supplied from an external power source, a transformer configured to convert an input voltage smoothed by the capacitor and converted again into an AC voltage by a switching element into an output voltage to be supplied to the optical box, and a heat sink configured to dissipate heat from a circuit board.

14. An imaging device comprising: an optical cartridge including a light source configured to emit light toward an image bearing member; a housing, the housing including the optical cartridge therein, and the housing having a discharge opening through which the recording material is discharged; as well as A circuit board configured to convert alternating current supplied from an external power source into direct current and supply power to the light source, wherein the circuit board includes a plurality of electronic components and a wiring board configured to electrically connect the plurality of electronic components, and the circuit board is arranged in a direction such that a surface of the wiring board on which the plurality of electronic components are mounted intersects a discharge direction in which the recording material is discharged through the discharge opening, and the circuit board extends in a vertical direction and in a rotation axis direction of the image bearing member, and Wherein, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction, the optical box and the plurality of electronic components partially overlap each other.

15. The imaging device according to claim 14, wherein When viewed in the vertical direction, the optical box and the plurality of electronic components partially overlap each other.

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