imaging device

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus frame, a cover configured to cover the apparatus frame, a wireless communication module including an antenna for wireless communication and a substrate on which the antenna is mounted, and disposed between the apparatus frame and the cover, and a fixing unit configured to fix the wireless communication module to the cover and including a screw screwed into a screw hole provided on the cover via a hole provided on the substrate, wherein the substrate has four sides including a first side close to the antenna and a second side extending along the first side and away from the antenna, and the hole provided on the substrate is disposed close to the second side.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, a laser printer (hereinafter referred to as "image forming apparatus") generally includes a wireless communication unit so that a user can instruct various operations such as printing and setting to the image forming apparatus, to improve user friendliness. The wireless communication unit generally includes a wireless substrate provided independently of a control board, so as to be controlled by connecting the wireless substrate with the control board. Since communication performance is essential to the wireless substrate, it is preferable to arrange the wireless substrate at a position close to the outside in the apparatus, and to arrange as few components that can interfere with communication near the wireless substrate as possible.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-196335 discloses a configuration in which a control board and a wireless substrate are connected by a cable, and the wireless substrate is held at a plurality of points at a position close to an outer cover, thereby achieving good wireless communication performance. SUMMARY

[0004] Short distance wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) uses a frequency band (e.g., 13.56 MHz) that is less likely to be affected by an obstacle, and a user holds a communication apparatus and moves it close to a specific portion of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, in short distance wireless communication, even if the wireless substrate is supported in the image forming apparatus at a plurality of sites in a manner covering a wireless communication module provided in the image forming apparatus, unless there is an obstacle (e.g., a metal plate) directly between the portion to which the communication apparatus is moved close and an antenna of the wireless communication module, communication is not disturbed. In contrast, medium distance wireless LAN communication such as Wi-Fi uses a frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) that is more likely to be affected by an obstacle than short distance wireless communication, and a communication destination position is indefinite. Therefore, if a holding member for holding a wireless module is located near an antenna for wireless communication provided in the image forming apparatus, the holding member can interfere with wireless communication.

[0005] In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present application to provide an image forming apparatus having good wireless communication performance.

[0006] The image forming apparatus according to the present application includes

[0007] an apparatus frame;

[0008] an outer cover configured to cover the apparatus frame;

[0009] a wireless communication module including an antenna for wireless communication and a substrate on which the antenna is mounted, and provided between the apparatus frame and the outer cover, and

[0010] a fixing unit configured to fix the wireless communication module to the cover, and including a screw screwed into a screw hole provided on the cover via a hole provided on the substrate;

[0011] wherein, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a substrate mounting surface for mounting the antenna, the antenna and the hole on the substrate are arranged between a first side constituting a part of an outline of the substrate and a second side extending along the first side, the antenna is arranged closer to the first side than to the second side, and the hole on the substrate is arranged closer to the second side than to the first side.

[0012] According to the present application, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus having good wireless communication performance.

[0013] Other features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1;

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1;

[0016] Figures 3A to 3D is an explanatory view of a wireless communication module according to Embodiment 1;

[0017] Figures 4A to 4G is an explanatory view of an upper cover according to Embodiment 1;

[0018] Figures 5A to 5G is an explanatory view of an upper cover and a wireless LAN communication module in a mounted state according to Embodiment 1;

[0019] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1;

[0020] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2;

[0021] Figures 8A to 8D is an explanatory view of a wireless LAN communication module according to Embodiment 2;

[0022] Figures 9A to 9E is an explanatory view of an upper cover according to Embodiment 2;

[0023] Figures 10A to 10E is an explanatory view of an upper cover and a wireless LAN communication module in a mounted state according to Embodiment 2;

[0024] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2;

[0025] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3;

[0026] Figures 13A to 13D is an explanatory view of the wireless LAN communication module according to Embodiment 3;

[0027] Figures 14A to 14G is an explanatory view of the upper cover according to Embodiment 3;

[0028] Figures 15A to 15G is an explanatory view of the upper cover and the wireless LAN communication module in an installed state according to Embodiment 3;

[0029] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3;

[0030] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4;

[0031] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4;

[0032] Figures 19A to 19D is an explanatory view of the wireless LAN communication module according to Embodiment 4;

[0033] Figures 20A to 20G is an explanatory view of the left front cover and the left rear cover according to Embodiment 4;

[0034] Figures 21A to 21G is an explanatory view of the left front cover and the wireless LAN communication module in an installed state according to Embodiment 4;

[0035] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4; and

[0036] Figure 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail using examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. The size, material, shape and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments can be changed as appropriate in accordance with a configuration of the apparatus to which the present application is applied and various conditions. In other words, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present application.

[0038] Embodiment 1

[0039] In Embodiment 1, a case where the present application is applied to a tandem (four-drum) color laser beam printer that can form a full-color image using an electrophotographic system will be described. The application of the present application is not limited to this, and the present application is also applicable to a copying machine, a printer, and the like using an electrostatic recording system or an inkjet recording system.

[0040] In the following description, directions are defined with respect to a user who is using the image forming apparatus 1. In other words, a front side (front face side) of the image forming apparatus 1 in use, which the user faces, will be referred to as "front", a rear side (back face side) will be referred to as "rear", an upper side (top face side) will be referred to as "upper", and a lower side (bottom face side) will be referred to as "lower". A left side (left face side) of the image forming apparatus 1, when viewed from the front face side, will be referred to as "left", and a right side (right face side) will be referred to as "right". A front-rear direction is defined as a Z direction, an up-down direction as a Y direction, and a left-right direction as an X direction.

[0041] (1) Overall configuration of image forming apparatus 1

[0042] Figure 23 Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 using an electrophotographic recording technique according to an embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the left side. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming section and a fixing section, which are supported by a metal frame 2. The image forming apparatus 1 includes four image forming sections arranged substantially in a straight line, each of which forms an image of each color: yellow (hereinafter referred to as Y), magenta (hereinafter referred to as M), cyan (hereinafter referred to as C), and black (hereinafter referred to as K). In the present embodiment, each of the image forming sections has substantially the same configuration and operation, except for the color of the image to be formed. Therefore, in the following description, the suffix Y, M, C, or K to be included in the reference numeral of the corresponding element to indicate the color related to the element will be omitted, where it is not necessary to distinguish.

[0043] Each of the image forming sections includes a photosensitive drum 62 (image bearing member), a charging roller 63, a developing roller 64, and a toner container 65. The image forming section can have a process cartridge configuration capable of being integrally detached from the apparatus as a whole. Upon reception of image information and start of an image forming operation, the photosensitive drum 62 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1. First, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 63, and the charged surface is irradiated with a laser beam 61 from a scanning unit 60 in accordance with the image information, to form an electrostatic latent image. The latent image is made visible by the developing roller 64, to form a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 62. The toner image formed by each of the image forming sections is transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 57 (intermediate transfer member). Figure 23

[0044] ​The intermediate transfer belt 57 is a loop-shaped belt member, which is tensioned along the direction in which the image forming sections are arranged by a driving roller 55 and a driven roller 56. The intermediate transfer belt 57 is rotated along each image forming section by the driving roller 55 rotating in accordance with a print instruction. On the inner circumferential surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 57, a primary transfer roller 66 is arranged so as to face the photosensitive drum 62, and the toner image formed by each image forming section is sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 57 by the primary transfer roller 66 pressing the intermediate transfer belt 57 toward the photosensitive drum 62. The toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 57 is conveyed to the transfer nip (contact portion with the secondary transfer roller 70) by further rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 57.

[0045] Before an image is formed, the sheet-shaped recording material P is stored in a feeding cassette 67 provided in the lower portion of the image forming apparatus 1, is separated and fed one sheet at a time from the feeding cassette 67 by a feeding roller 68, and is fed to a stopper roller pair 69. The stopper roller pair 69 conveys the recording material P into the transfer nip between the intermediate transfer belt 57 and the secondary transfer roller 70. The secondary transfer roller 70 is arranged so as to face the driving roller 55, with the intermediate transfer belt 57 therebetween. A bias voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 70 from a high-voltage power supply (not shown) while the recording material P is passing through the transfer nip. In this way, the full-color toner image is secondary-transferred from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 57 to the recording material P that is passing through the transfer nip.

[0046] The recording material P carrying the toner is conveyed to a fixing section (image heating section). The fixing section includes a heating unit 71 in which a heater is provided on the inner side of a flexible cylindrical film, and a pressure roller 72 provided so as to face the heating unit 71. The toner image carried on the recording material P is fixed to the recording material P by being heated and pressed in a fixing nip formed by the heating unit 71 and the pressure roller 72. Then, the recording material P is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 by a discharge roller 73. Figure 23 The recording material P is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 in the direction indicated by the arrow. In the present embodiment, the user operates the apparatus from the front side of the apparatus, and therefore the recording material P is discharged to the discharge paper stack section 11a arranged near the front side of the apparatus via the discharge port 90 arranged near the rear side of the apparatus. In other words, the discharge direction of the recording material P is the same as the front-rear direction of the apparatus, that is, the downstream side in the discharge direction corresponds to the front side, and the upstream side opposite to the downstream side in the discharge direction corresponds to the rear side. The recording material P is discharged via the discharge port 90 arranged near the rear side of the apparatus, and is stacked on the discharge paper stack section 11a arranged near the front side of the apparatus and positioned lower than the discharge port 90, and therefore the user who operates the apparatus from the front side can easily take the discharged recording material P in this configuration.

[0047] Figure 1is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 3 of the present application, as viewed from the front side of the apparatus. The operation section 3, the fixing discharge section 9, and the paper discharge stack section 11a are arranged at the upper portion of the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 1. The outer surface of the image forming apparatus 1 has a plurality of covers 10 made of resin. Among these covers 10, the upper cover 11 covers at least a portion of the image forming apparatus 1 on the top surface side. The upper cover 11 can be divided into a plurality of covers, or can be formed integrally with other covers. The left cover 12 and the right cover 13 are arranged on the left and right sides of the upper cover 11. The front side of the image forming apparatus 1 is covered by the front door 14 and the cassette cover 15. The front door 14 is supported by the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 1 so that the front door 14 can be opened and closed, thereby allowing replacement of consumables such as a toner cartridge. The cassette cover 15 is fixed to a cassette (not shown) and is supported by the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 1 so that it can be pulled out, thereby allowing the user to pull out the cassette and replace paper.

[0048] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1, in which the upper cover 11 and the left cover 12 are not shown. The control board 30 is supported by a metal frame 2 (apparatus frame) which is the frame of the image forming apparatus 1. The wireless LAN communication module 20 is connected to the control board 30 through an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) 31 and is supported on the upper cover 11 (top cover) which constitutes an outer cover. The drive section 6 is arranged on the opposite side of the control board 30 across the frame 2, the fixing discharge section 9 which is configured to fix an image on a recording material such as paper and discharge the recording material, and the laser scanner 5 which is configured to form a latent image are arranged within the frame 2.

[0049] Figures 3A to 3D is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the wireless LAN communication module 20 (wireless communication module) according to Embodiment 1, which includes an antenna for wireless LAN communication (for wireless communication). Figure 3A is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, showing the configuration of the surface on the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Figure 3B is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, showing the configuration of the surface on the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Figure 3C is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, showing the configuration of the surface on the opposite side of the mounting surface of the substrate 21. Figure 3D is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, showing the configuration of the surface on the opposite side of the mounting surface of the substrate 21.

[0050] The wireless LAN communication module 20 includes a substrate 21 mainly having an electronic circuit, an antenna 22, electronic components (not shown), a shield portion 24 covering the electronic components, and a connector 23 connected with a control board 30 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 through a cable. The substrate 21 has a rectangular outer shape, and includes a hole 21e and a cutout 21f. A surface of the substrate 21 closer to the upper cover 11 side is referred to as a front surface 21z, and a surface on the opposite side is referred to as a back surface 21w. The antenna 22 is arranged near an end surface 21a that constitutes the outer shape of the substrate 21. When the substrate 21 is viewed in a direction perpendicular to a mounting surface on which the antenna 22 is mounted, an edge of the substrate 21 formed by the end surface 21a among four edges that constitute the rectangular outer shape of the substrate 21 corresponds to a first edge. The connector 23 is arranged near an end surface 21c opposite the antenna 22 across the shield portion 24. An edge of the substrate 21 formed by the end surface 21c corresponds to a second edge, and a direction in which the first edge and the second edge face each other corresponds to a first direction. That is, the first edge and the second edge are parallel to each other, and the first direction is orthogonal to both the first edge and the second edge. The hole 21e is arranged at a corner where the end surface 21c near the connector 23 and an end surface 21b near the shield portion 24 intersect each other. In other words, the antenna 22 is arranged closer to the end surface 21a of the outer shape of the substrate 21 than to the end surface 21c, and the hole 21e is arranged closer to the end surface 21c of the outer shape of the substrate 21 than to the end surface 21a. The cutout 21f is arranged at an end surface 21d on the opposite side of the end surface 21b across the connector 23, the end surface 21d corresponding to a fourth edge. The weight of the wireless LAN communication module 20 is mainly determined by the shield portion 24, the connector 23, and the substrate 21. When viewed from a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate 21, a center of gravity 20g of the wireless LAN communication module 20 (a center of gravity of the substrate 21 in a state where the antenna 22, the connector 23, the shield portion 24, and the like are mounted) is closest to a corner of the four corners of the substrate 21 where the end surfaces 21b and 21c intersect each other. The substrate 21 has two edges extending in the first direction. Among the two edges, an edge of the substrate 21 formed by the end surface 21b farther from the antenna 22 and closer to the center of gravity 20g corresponds to a third edge. An edge of the substrate 21 formed by the end surface 21d closer to the antenna 22, farther from the center of gravity 20g, and extending along the third edge corresponds to a fourth edge. A second direction is defined as a direction orthogonal to both the third edge and the fourth edge.

[0051] Figures 4A to 4G is a plan view of the support portion of the wireless LAN communication module 20 on the upper cover 11 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4A is a plan view, Figure 4B is a perspective view, Figure 4C is a sectional view along the line C-C in Figure 4A is a sectional view along the line D-D in Figure 4D is a sectional view along the line E-E in Figure 4A is a sectional view along the line F-F in Figure 4E is a sectional view along the line G-G inFigure 4A Sectional view of the EE line. Figure 4F It is along Figure 4A Sectional view of the FF line. Figure 4G It is along Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the GG line.

[0052] The top cover 11 includes a support portion 51 for supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20, and control portions 52, 53, and 54. The support portion 51 has a screw hole 51a, control surfaces 51x and 51y, and a receiving surface 51z. The screw hole 51a is configured to allow for the tightening of a screw 32. The control portion 52 has control surfaces 52x and 52y, and a receiving surface 52z. The control portion 53 has a control surface 53x and a receiving surface 53z. The control portion 54 has a control surface 54y, a receiving surface 54z, and a hook surface 54w.

[0053] Figures 5A to 5G This is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to Embodiment 1 is screwed into the top cover 11 using screws 32. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the internal structure of the imaging device 1 in the area near the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5A It's a floor plan. Figure 5B It is a perspective view. Figure 5C It is along Figure 5A Sectional view of the CC line. Figure 5D It is along Figure 5A Sectional view of the DD line in the middle. Figure 5E It is along Figure 5A Sectional view of the EE line. Figure 5F It is along Figure 5A Sectional view of the FF line. Figure 5G It is along Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the GG line.

[0054] The regulating surface 51x regulates movement of the end surface 21b of the substrate 21 in the +X direction (second regulating portion), and the regulating surface 52x regulates movement of the end surface 21d of the substrate 21 in the -X direction (third regulating portion). By these regulating functions, rotation of the wireless LAN communication module 20 and movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the equipment width direction (X direction) are regulated. The regulating surfaces 51y and 52y regulate movement of the end surface 21c of the substrate 21 in the -Z direction (first regulating portion). The regulating surface 54y of the regulating portion 54 engages with the cutout 21f (the cutout 21f is a recessed portion formed in the end surface 21d of the substrate 21), and thus the regulating portion 54 comes into contact with the cutout 21f in the Z direction. In this way, movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the front and back direction (Z direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 is regulated (fourth regulating portion). As with the regulating surface 51x, the regulating surface 53x regulates movement of the end surface 21b of the substrate 21 in the +X direction (fifth regulating portion). Furthermore, movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the Y direction is regulated by the receiving surfaces 51z, 52z, and 53z for regulating the front surface 21z of the substrate 21 and the hook surface 54w of the regulating portion 54 and the screw 32 seating surface 32w for regulating the back surface 21w of the substrate 21. Here, movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the +Z direction and the +X direction is regulated by the support portions 51 (51x and 51y) which contact a region near a corner (first corner) of the substrate 21 between the end surface 21c and the end surface 21b. Furthermore, movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the -Z direction and the -X direction is regulated by the regulating portions 52 (52x and 52y) and the regulating portion 54 which contact a region near a corner (second corner) of the substrate 21 between the end surface 21c and the end surface 21d. Furthermore, movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the +X direction is regulated by the regulating portion 53 which contacts the end surface 21b. In this way, the wireless LAN communication module 20 is supported on the upper cover 11.

[0055] The support portion 51 plays a key role in supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20 on the upper cover 11. Specifically, the substrate 21 is held between the mounting surface 32w of the screw 32 and the receiving surface 51z by tightening the screw 32 and screw hole 51a through the hole 21e of the wireless LAN communication module 20. This generates friction between the mounting surface 32w and the back surface 21w of the substrate 21, and between the receiving surface 51z and the front surface 21z of the substrate 21. This friction controls the rotation of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the horizontal direction and its movement in the front-back direction (Z direction) and width direction (X direction) of the imaging device 1. Furthermore, holding the substrate 21 between the mounting surface 32w and the receiving surface 51z also controls the movement and tilting of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the imaging device 1. Since the control sections 52, 53, and 54 are primarily for stability during assembly, the top cover 11 may only include the support section 51 and may not include the control sections 52, 53, and 54, for example, when assembly is performed using a jig. Figure 5A As shown in the plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 (substrate 21), the center of gravity 20g is located in the area surrounded by the imaginary line connecting the support 51 and the control parts 52, 53, and 54 (the area bounded by the imaginary line connecting the positions of the fourth and fifth control parts, including the second side). With this configuration, the wireless LAN communication module 20 can be stably mounted on the top cover 11. Furthermore, it is assumed that the surface of the substrate 21 is divided into four regions by the bisectors of the horizontal and vertical sides (e.g., ...). Figure 5A (The four areas indicated by the dashed lines) The center of gravity 20g and the fastened part secured by screw 32 are located in the same area of ​​these areas. This configuration can also effectively support the wireless LAN communication module 20. The center of gravity 20g is closer to the end face 21b of the substrate 21 than to the end face 21d. This allows the control section 54 to be positioned further away from the antenna 22 than the control section 53. This prevents the control section 54 from becoming an obstruction to the antenna 22. As described above, by properly supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20 at a location away from the antenna 22, an imaging device with good communication performance can be provided.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] Reference Figures 7 to 11 The construction of an imaging device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is described. For elements identical to those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 will be used to denote elements, or the same terms as in Embodiment 1 will be used to denote elements, and their descriptions will be omitted. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the interior of the imaging device 1 according to Embodiment 2, wherein the top cover 11 and the left cover 12 are not shown.

[0058] The control board 30 is supported by the frame 2 that is a frame of the image forming apparatus 1. The wireless LAN communication module 20 is connected with the control board 30 through a harness 33 and is supported on the upper cover 11. The drive section 6 is arranged across the frame 2 on opposite sides of the control board 30, and a fixing and discharge section 9 configured to fix an image on paper and discharge the paper, and a laser scanner 5 configured to form a latent image are arranged within the frame 2. The wireless LAN communication module 20 of Embodiment 2 is supported so that a mounting surface of a substrate 21 on which the antenna 22 and the like are mounted faces the frame 2 side (toward the -Y direction), unlike Embodiment 1 in which the mounting surface of the substrate 21 faces upward (+Y direction) so that the antenna 22 and the like are arranged on the upper cover 11 side.

[0059] Figures 8A to 8D is a diagram of the configuration of the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to Embodiment 2, the wireless LAN communication module 20 including an antenna 22 for wireless LAN communication. Figure 8A is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, showing the configuration of the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Figure 8B is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, showing the configuration of the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Figure 8C is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, showing the configuration of the surface on the opposite side of the mounting surface of the substrate 21. Figure 8D is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, showing the configuration of the surface on the opposite side of the mounting surface of the substrate 21.

[0060] The wireless communication module 20 includes a substrate 21 mainly having an electronic circuit, an antenna 22, electronic components (not shown), a shield 24 covering the electronic components, and a connector 23 connected to the control board 30 by a cable. The substrate 21 has a rectangular outer shape, and includes a hole 21e (second hole) and an oval hole 21g fastened with a screw. A surface of the substrate 21 closer to the upper cover 11 is referred to as a front surface 21z, and a surface on the opposite side thereof is referred to as a back surface 21w. The antenna 22 is disposed near an end surface 21a constituting the outer shape of the substrate 21. The connector 23 is disposed near an end surface 21c opposite the antenna 22 across the shield 24. The hole 21e is disposed at a corner where the end surface 21c near the connector 23 and an end surface 21b intersect each other. The oval hole 21g is disposed on an end surface 21d side opposite the end surface 21b across the connector 23. An edge of the substrate 21 formed by the end surface 21a corresponds to a first edge, and an edge of the substrate 21 formed by the end surface 21c corresponds to a second edge. An edge of the substrate 21 formed by the end surface 21d near the oval hole 21g (first hole) corresponds to a third edge among third and fourth edges of the substrate 21 extending in a first direction orthogonal to a second direction in which the first and second edges extend. An edge of the substrate 21 formed by the end surface 21b near the hole 21e (second hole) corresponds to the fourth edge. A corner of the substrate 21 where the oval hole 21g fastened with a screw is disposed corresponds to a first corner, and a corner of the substrate 21 where the hole 21e engaging with the protrusion 52a to be described later is disposed corresponds to a second corner. The weight of the wireless LAN communication module 20 is mainly determined by the shield 24, the connector 23, and the substrate 21. When viewed from a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate 21, the center of gravity 20g of the wireless LAN communication module 20 is closer to the end surface 21c than to the end surface 21a.

[0061] Figures 9A to 9E is a diagram illustrating the support portion 51 of the wireless LAN communication module 20 on the upper cover 11 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 9A is a plan view, Figure 9B is a perspective view, Figure 9C is a sectional view along Figure 9A line C-C in FIG. 6, Figure 9D is a sectional view along Figure 9A line D-D in FIG. 6, Figure 9E is a sectional view along Figure 9A line E-E in FIG. 6.

[0062] The upper cover 11 includes a support portion 51 for supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20, and a regulation portion 52. The support portion 51 has a screw hole 51a and a receiving surface 51z. The screw hole 51a is configured so that the screw 32 can be fastened. The regulation portion 52 has a protrusion 52a and a receiving surface 52z.

[0063] Figures 10A to 10Eis a view showing a state in which the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to Embodiment 2 is screwed into the upper cover 11 using the screw 32, Figure 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in the vicinity of the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 10A is a plan view, Figure 10B is a perspective view, Figure 10C is a cross-sectional view along Figure 10A line C-C in FIG. 6, Figure 10D is a cross-sectional view along Figure 10A line D-D in FIG. 6, Figure 10E is a cross-sectional view along Figure 10A line E-E in FIG. 6.

[0064] The convex column 52a is fitted into the hole 21e of the substrate 21 and guides movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the front-rear direction (Z direction) and the width direction (X direction) of the image forming apparatus 1. The outer diameter of the screw 32 is fitted into the elliptical hole 21g of the substrate 21 in the front-rear direction (Z direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 to regulate rotation of the wireless LAN communication module 20. The receiving surfaces 51z and 52z are in contact with the front surface 21z of the substrate 21, and the substrate 21 is held between the seating surface 32w of the screw 32 and the receiving surface 51z of the upper cover 11, thereby regulating movement and tilting of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the image forming apparatus 1. In this way, the wireless LAN communication module 20 is supported on the upper cover 11.

[0065] To support the wireless LAN communication module 20 on the upper cover 11, the support portion 51 plays a major role. Specifically, the substrate 21 is held between the seating surface 32w of the screw 32 and the receiving surface 51z, thereby generating a frictional force between the seating surface 32w and the back surface 21w of the substrate 21 and between the receiving surface 51z and the front surface 21z of the substrate 21. By this frictional force, rotation of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the horizontal direction and movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the front-rear direction (Z direction) and the width direction (X direction) of the apparatus are regulated. Furthermore, by holding the substrate 21 between the seating surface 32w and the receiving surface 51z, movement and tilting of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 are also regulated. Since the regulation portion 52 is provided for stability during assembly, the upper cover 11 can include only the support portion 51 without the regulation portion 52 in the case of assembly using, for example, a jig. As described above, by appropriately supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20 at a position away from the antenna 22, an image forming apparatus having good communication performance can be provided.

[0066] Embodiment 3

[0067] Reference will be made to Figures 12 to 16The configuration of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present application is described. As to the same elements as Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals as Embodiment 1 will be used to denote the elements, or the same terms as Embodiment 1 will be used to denote the elements, and the description thereof is omitted. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3, in which the upper cover 11 and the left cover 12 are not shown. The control board 30 is supported by the frame 2 that is the frame of the image forming apparatus 1. The wireless LAN communication module 20 is connected with the control board 30 through the FFC 31, and is supported on the upper cover 11. The drive section 6 is arranged across the frame 2 on the opposite side of the control board 30, and the fixing and discharging section 9 that is configured to fix an image on a paper and discharge the paper, and the laser scanner 5 that is configured to form a latent image are arranged inside the frame 2.

[0068] Figures 13A to 13D is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to Embodiment 3, the wireless LAN communication module 20 including an antenna 22 for wireless LAN communication. Figure 13A is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, showing the configuration of the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Figure 13B is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, showing the configuration of the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Figure 13C is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, showing the configuration of the surface on the opposite side of the mounting surface of the substrate 21. Figure 13D is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, showing the configuration of the surface on the opposite side of the mounting surface of the substrate 21.

[0069] The wireless LAN communication module 20 includes a substrate 21 mainly having electronic circuits, a first antenna 22a, a second antenna 22b, electronic components (not shown), a shield section 24 covering the electronic components, and a connector 23 connected with the control board 30 through a cable. The substrate 21 has a rectangular outer shape, and includes a hole 21e. The surface of the substrate 21 closer to the upper cover 11 is called a front surface 21z, and the surface on the opposite side thereof is called a back surface 21w. The first antenna 22a is arranged near an end surface 21a constituting the outer shape of the substrate 21, and the second antenna 22b is arranged near an end surface 21d constituting the outer shape of the substrate 21. The connector 23 is arranged near an end surface 21c opposite the first antenna 22a across the shield section 24. The hole 21e is arranged at a corner where the end surface 21c near the connector 23 and an end surface 21b near the shield section 24 intersect each other. The weight of the wireless LAN communication module 20 is mainly determined by the shield section 24, the connector 23, and the substrate 21. When viewed from a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate 21, the center of gravity 20g of the wireless LAN communication module 20 is closest to the corner of the four corners of the substrate 21 formed by the end surface 21b and the end surface 21c.

[0070] Figures 14A to 14G is a plan view of the support portion 51 of the wireless LAN communication module 20 on the upper cover 11 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 14A is a plan view, Figure 14B is a perspective view, Figure 14C is a sectional view along Figure 14A line C-C in FIG. 6, Figure 14D is a sectional view along Figure 14A line D-D in FIG. 6, Figure 14E is a sectional view along Figure 14A line E-E in FIG. 6, Figure 14F is a sectional view along Figure 14A line F-F in FIG. 6, Figure 14G is a sectional view along Figure 14A line G-G in FIG. 6.

[0071] The upper cover 11 includes a support portion 51 for supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20, and regulation portions 52 and 53. The support portion 51 has a screw hole 51a, regulation surfaces 51x and 51y, and a receiving surface 51z. The screw hole 51a is configured so that the screw 32 can be fastened. The regulation portion 52 has regulation surfaces 52x and 52y, and a receiving surface 52z. The regulation portion 53 has a receiving surface 53z.

[0072] Figures 15A to 15G is a plan view of the support portion 51 of the wireless LAN communication module 20 on the upper cover 11 according to Embodiment 3, Figure 16 is a sectional perspective view of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in the vicinity of the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 15A is a plan view, Figure 15B is a perspective view, Figure 15C is a sectional view along Figure 15A line C-C in FIG. 6, Figure 15D is a sectional view along Figure 15A line D-D in FIG. 6, Figure 15E is a sectional view along Figure 15A line E-E in FIG. 6, Figure 15F is a sectional view along Figure 15A line F-F in FIG. 6, Figure 15G is a sectional view along Figure 15A line G-G in FIG. 6.

[0073] The regulating surface 51x regulates the end surface 21b of the substrate 21, and the regulating surface 52x regulates the end surface 21d of the substrate 21, thereby regulating movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the width direction (X direction) of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the regulating surface 51y and the regulating surface 52y regulate the end surface 21c of the substrate 21, thereby regulating movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the rear direction (+Z direction) of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the receiving surfaces 51z, 52z, and 53z regulate the front surface 21z of the substrate 21, and the seating surface 32w of the screw 32 regulates the back surface 21w of the substrate 21. The forward direction (-Z direction) and the rotational direction of the image forming apparatus 1 are not regulated, but when the wireless LAN communication module 20 is assembled on the upper cover 11, the wireless LAN communication module 20 is moved in the rear direction (+Z direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 using a jig or a hand, and the screw 32 is fastened in a state where the end surface 21c is in contact with the regulating surface 51y and the regulating surface 52y. In this way, the position of the wireless LAN communication module 20 can be stabilized. In this way, the wireless LAN communication module 20 is supported on the upper cover 11.

[0074] In order to support the wireless LAN communication module 20 on the upper cover 11, the support portion 51 plays a major role. Specifically, the substrate 21 is held between the seating surface 32w of the screw 32 and the receiving surface 51z, thereby generating a frictional force between the seating surface 32w and the back surface 21w of the substrate 21 and between the receiving surface 51z and the front surface 21z of the substrate 21. By this frictional force, rotation of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the horizontal direction and movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the front-rear direction (Z direction) and the width direction (X direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 are regulated. Further, by holding the substrate 21 between the seating surface 32w and the receiving surface 51z, movement and tilting of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 are also regulated. Since the regulating portions 52 and 53 are provided mainly for stabilization during assembly, the upper cover 11 can include only the support portion 51 without the regulating portions 52 and 53 in the case of assembly using a jig, for example. As described above, if the center of gravity 20g is in the area surrounded by the receiving surfaces 51z and 52z and 53z, assembly becomes stable. Further, since the shielding portion 24 is arranged close to the end surface 21b, the center of gravity 20g is arranged close to the end surface 21b, and the end surface 21b extends along close to the end surface 21d of the second antenna 22b. Therefore, the receiving surface 53z can be arranged farther from the second antenna 22b, and communication disturbance can be prevented. As described above, by supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20 at an appropriate position away from the antennas 22a and 22b, an image forming apparatus with good communication performance can be provided.

[0075] Example 4

[0076] Figure 17is a perspective view of a color laser beam printer, which is an example of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present application. The outer surface of the image forming apparatus 1 has a plurality of covers 10 made of resin. The left front cover 17 and the left rear cover 18 are side covers (outer covers) that cover at least a portion of the left side surface of the image forming apparatus 1. The front surface side of the image forming apparatus 1 is covered by the front door 14 and the cassette cover 15. The front door 14 is supported by the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 1 so as to be openable and closable, thereby allowing replacement of consumables such as a toner cartridge. The cassette cover 15 is fixed to a cassette (not shown) and is supported by the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 1 so as to be pullable out, thereby allowing the user to pull out the cassette and replace paper.

[0077] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4, in which the upper cover 11, the left front cover 17, and the left rear cover 18 are not shown. The control board 30 is supported by the frame 2 that is the frame of the image forming apparatus 1. The wireless LAN communication module 20 is connected to the control board 30 through the FFC 31 and is supported on the left front cover 17. The drive section 6 is arranged across the frame 2 on the opposite side of the control board 30, and the fixing and discharging section 9 configured to fix an image on paper and discharge the paper and the laser scanner 5 configured to form a latent image are arranged in the frame 2.

[0078] Figures 19A to 19D is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to Embodiment 4, which includes an antenna for wireless LAN communication. Figure 19A is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, which shows the configuration of the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Figure 19B is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, which shows the configuration of the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Figure 19C is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, which shows the configuration of the surface on the opposite side of the mounting surface of the substrate 21. Figure 19D is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20, which shows the configuration of the surface on the opposite side of the mounting surface of the substrate 21.

[0079] The wireless LAN communication module 20 includes a substrate 21 mainly having an electronic circuit, a first antenna 22a, a second antenna 22b, an electronic component (not shown), a shield portion 24 covering the electronic component, and a connector 23 connected to the control board 30 through a cable. The substrate 21 has a rectangular outer shape and includes a hole 21e. A surface of the substrate 21 near the left front cover 17 is referred to as a front surface 21z, and a surface on the opposite side thereof is referred to as a back surface 21w. The first antenna 22a is disposed near an end surface 21a constituting the outer shape of the substrate 21, and the second antenna 22b is disposed near an end surface 21d constituting the outer shape of the substrate 21. The connector 23 is disposed near an end surface 21c opposite the first antenna 22a across the shield portion 24. The hole 21e is disposed at a corner where the end surface 21c near the connector 23 and an end surface 21b near the shield portion 24 intersect each other. The weight of the wireless LAN communication module 20 is mainly determined by the shield portion 24, the connector 23, and the substrate 21. When viewed from a plane parallel to the surfaces of the substrate 21, the center of gravity 20g of the wireless LAN communication module 20 is closest to the corner where the end surface 21b and the end surface 21c intersect each other among the four corners of the substrate 21.

[0080] Figures 20A to 20G is an explanatory view of the support portion of the wireless LAN communication module 20 on the left front cover 17 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 20A is a plan view, Figure 20B is a perspective view, Figure 20C is a sectional view along Figure 20A line C-C in FIG. 6, Figure 20D is a sectional view along Figure 20A line D-D in FIG. 6, Figure 20E is a sectional view along Figure 20A line E-E in FIG. 6, Figure 20F is a sectional view along Figure 20A line F-F in FIG. 6, Figure 20G is a sectional view along Figure 20A line G-G in FIG. 6.

[0081] The left front cover 17 includes a support portion 51 for supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20, and regulation portions 52 and 54. The support portion 51 has a screw hole 51a, regulation surfaces 51x and 51y, and a receiving surface 51z. The screw hole 51a is configured so that the screw 32 can be fastened. The regulation portion 52 has regulation surfaces 52x and 52y, and a receiving surface 52z. The regulation portion 54 has a regulation surface 54x, a receiving surface 54z, and a hook surface 54w.

[0082] Figures 21A to 21G is an explanatory view of a state in which the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to Embodiment 4 is screwed into the left front cover 17 using the screw 32, Figure 22 is a perspective view when a region near the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to Embodiment 4 is viewed from inside the image forming apparatus 1.Figure 21A is a plan view, Figure 21B is a perspective view, Figure 21C is a sectional view taken along Figure 21A line C-C in FIG. 3, Figure 21D is a sectional view taken along Figure 21A line D-D in FIG. 3, Figure 21E is a sectional view taken along Figure 21A line E-E in FIG. 3, Figure 21F is a sectional view taken along Figure 21A line F-F in FIG. 3, Figure 21G is a sectional view taken along Figure 21A line G-G in FIG. 3.

[0083] The regulation surfaces 51x and 54x regulate the end surface 21b of the substrate 21, and the regulation surface 52x regulates the end surface 21d of the substrate 21, thereby regulating the rotation and movement in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the wireless LAN communication module 20. The regulation surfaces 51y and 52y regulate the end surface 21c of the substrate 21, thereby regulating the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the backward direction (+Z direction) of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the receiving surfaces 51z, 52z, and 54z regulate the front surface 21z of the substrate 21, and the seating surface 32w of the screw 32 and the hook surface 54w of the regulation portion 54 regulate the back surface 21w of the substrate 21. In this way, the wireless LAN communication module 20 is supported on the left front cover 17.

[0084] In order to support the wireless LAN communication module 20 on the left front cover 17, the support portion 51 plays a major role. Specifically, the substrate 21 is held between the seating surface 32w of the screw 32 and the receiving surface 51z, thereby generating a frictional force between the seating surface 32w and the back surface 21w of the substrate 21 and between the receiving surface 51z and the front surface 21z of the substrate 21. By this frictional force, the rotation of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the horizontal direction and the movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the forward and backward direction (Z direction) and the vertical direction (Y direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 are regulated. Further, by holding the substrate 21 between the seating surface 32w and the receiving surface 51z, the movement and tilt of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the width direction (X direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 are also regulated.

[0085] Finally, a method of assembling the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. First, the left front cover 17 and the wireless LAN communication module 20 are fixed, and then installed in the device body of the image forming apparatus in this state where the wireless LAN communication module 20 is installed in the left front cover 17. Then, the wireless LAN communication module 20 and the control board 30 are connected by the FFC 31, and installed on the left rear cover 18. By this configuration, it is possible to install the wireless LAN communication module 20 on the cover on the same side as the control board 30. As described above, by supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20 at an appropriate position away from the antenna 22, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with good communication performance.

[0086] While the present application has been described with reference to example embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the disclosed example embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the widest interpretation so as to embrace all the variations and equivalents.

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising: Equipment frame; The outer cover is configured to cover the device frame; The wireless communication module includes an antenna for wireless communication and a substrate for mounting the antenna, and is disposed between the device frame and the outer cover; A fixing unit is configured to fix a wireless communication module to an outer cover, and includes screws that are screwed into screw holes provided on the outer cover via holes provided on the substrate; as well as The door is configured to open and close, and the door forms the front of the imaging device; When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the substrate used to mount the antenna, the antenna and the hole on the substrate are arranged between a first side that forms part of the shape of the substrate and a second side that extends along the first side. The antenna is positioned closer to the first side than to the second side, and the hole on the substrate is positioned closer to the second side than to the first side. When viewed vertically, the antenna is closer to the front than the screw.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second sides are parallel to each other, and In a first direction orthogonal to both the first and second sides, the holes on the substrate are positioned closer to the second side rather than closer to the center of gravity of the substrate when the antenna is mounted on the substrate.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein, The third and fourth sides of the substrate extend in the first direction, and In the second direction, which is orthogonal to both the third and fourth sides, The third side of the substrate is closer to the center of gravity than the fourth side of the substrate, and The holes on the substrate are arranged near the third side of the substrate, and are positioned closer to the third side rather than closer to the center of gravity.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein, The fixed unit also includes: A first control section is configured to contact the second side in a first direction near a first corner between the second and third sides of the substrate; and The second control unit is configured to contact the third side in the second direction near the first corner.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein, The fixed unit also includes: The third control section is configured to contact the fourth side in a second direction near the second corner between the second and fourth sides of the substrate. The cut is recessed in the second direction and is arranged on the end face of the fourth side of the substrate at a position closer to the first side than the third control section; The fourth control section is located on the outer cover and engages with the cutout; and The fifth control section is configured to be located on the third side of the substrate in the second direction, closer to the first side than the second control section.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein, If the substrate is divided into multiple regions in the plan view of the substrate by an imaginary line connecting the positions where the fourth control section contacts the substrate and the positions where the fifth control section contacts the substrate, then the center of gravity is located in the region including the second side among the multiple regions.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein, The cut is positioned further away from the antenna in the first direction than the substrate contacted by the fifth control section.

8. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein, The third and fourth sides of the substrate extend in the first direction, and The hole on the substrate is located at the first corner between the second and third sides of the substrate, and The fixed unit also includes: The second hole is disposed in the second corner between the second and fourth sides of the substrate; and The protruding post is configured to fit into the second hole and is arranged in the outer cover.

9. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein, The wireless communication module also includes a second antenna for wireless communication, which is arranged at a different location from the stated antenna, and The second antenna is installed near the fourth side.

10. The imaging device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, further comprising a control board configured to control the operation of the imaging device, wherein, A connector is located near the second side of the substrate, and the connector is configured to connect the control board and the wireless communication module via a cable.

11. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein, The substrate includes: electronic components mounted on the substrate between holes and the antenna; and a shielding portion covering the electronic components.

12. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein, The outer cover is the top cover that covers the top surface of the equipment frame.

13. The imaging device according to claim 2 or 9, wherein, The outer cover is a side cover that covers the sides of the equipment frame.

14. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein, If the substrate is divided into four regions in the plan view by the bisectors of the horizontal and vertical sides, then the center of gravity and the holes on the substrate are located in the same region among these regions.

Images