Printed circuit board and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide one form of a printed circuit board that can improve workability in inserting a member to be inserted into a connector.SOLUTION: A printed circuit board has: a B surface that has an external edge 401a, and that has an end 401f being the external edge 401a extending in a predetermined direction; and a connector 402 that includes a receiving port 402a receiving an FFC 403, where (i) the receiving port 402a opens toward the end 401f so as to allow the FFC 403 to be inserted in an insertion direction along a direction parallel to the B surface, and (ii) the connector 402 is located on the downstream side of the end 401f in the insertion direction, and mounted on the B surface so that the end 401f extends along a longitudinal direction. The external edge 401a has an extension part E that is extended along the insertion direction, and the extension part E is located on the upstream side of the connector 402 in the insertion direction. With respect to the longitudinal direction, a downstream end of the extension part E in the insertion direction is located between one end of the opening and one end of the connector 402.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printed circuit board and an image forming apparatus equipped with the printed circuit board. [Background technology]

[0002] In some cases, an FFC (flexible flat cable), an FPC (flexible printed circuit board), etc. are inserted into a connector of a printed circuit board. Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration for improving the insertion operation of an FFC into a connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-099370 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an embodiment of a printed circuit board that can improve the ease of inserting an inserted member into a connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0006] (1) A printed circuit board to which an inserted member is electrically connected, the printed circuit board having a connector mounting surface having an outer edge portion, the outer edge portion having an end portion extending in a predetermined direction, and a connector having a receiving opening for receiving the inserted member, wherein (i) the receiving opening opens toward the end portion so that the inserted member can be inserted in an insertion direction along a direction parallel to the connector mounting surface, and (ii) a connector mounted on the connector mounting surface located downstream of the end portion in the insertion direction and with its longitudinal direction aligned with the end portion, the outer edge portion having an extension portion extending along the insertion direction, the extension portion being located upstream of the connector in the insertion direction, and with respect to the longitudinal direction, a downstream end of the extension portion in the insertion direction is located between one end of the opening and one end of the connector.

[0007] The present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus equipped with the above-mentioned printed circuit board. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide one embodiment of a printed circuit board that can improve the ease of inserting an inserted member into a connector. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to first to sixth embodiments; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows the layout of an exposure unit inside an image forming apparatus according to first to sixth embodiments. [Diagram 3] Configuration diagram of the printed circuit board of the first embodiment [Figure 4] Configuration diagram of the printed circuit board of the second embodiment [Diagram 5] Configuration diagram of a printed circuit board according to the third embodiment [Figure 6] Configuration diagram of the printed circuit board of the fourth embodiment [Figure 7] Configuration diagram of the printed circuit board of the fifth embodiment [Figure 8] Configuration diagram of the printed circuit board of the sixth embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS EXAMPLES

[0010] In the first embodiment, an electrophotographic laser beam printer is shown as an example of an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material.

[0011] <Image forming device> FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a laser beam printer 100 (hereinafter, referred to as printer 100) of the first embodiment. Paper (recording material) Pa loaded in a paper feed cassette 102 is conveyed to an image forming section 103 by a paper feed conveying section 105. The image forming section 103 includes a charging section, a developing section, and a cleaning section (not shown), and further includes a photosensitive drum 123 and a transfer section 110. The surface of the photosensitive drum 123 is charged by the charging section, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 123 by a laser beam output from an exposure section 101. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by the developing section, thereby forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 123. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 123 is transferred to the conveyed paper Pa by the transfer section 110. The toner image transferred to the paper Pa is heated and pressed by a fixing section 104, and fixed to the paper Pa. The paper Pa is then discharged outside the printer 100. This series of controls is performed by the engine control unit 200.

[0012] Note that FIG. 1 does not accurately depict the positions (positional relationships) of the elements shown in FIG. 1. For example, the exposure device 101 is actually disposed above the image forming unit 103.

[0013] Here, the printed circuit board 400 of the engine control unit 200 and the printed circuit board 401 of the exposure unit 101 are connected by a flexible flat cable 403 (hereinafter, referred to as FFC 403). The printed circuit board 401 has an outer edge portion 401a (see FIG. 2(B)).

[0014] The controller unit 201 outputs a video signal to the engine control unit 200 based on a print command and image information from a host computer (such as a personal computer). The engine control unit 200 then outputs the video signal to the exposure unit 101 via the FFC 403. In response to the video signal thus received, the exposure unit 101 irradiates the photosensitive drum 123 with laser light.

[0015] <Arrangement of exposure unit 101> 2(A) is a diagram showing the arrangement of the exposure unit 101 inside the printer 100, showing a view of the printer 100 seen from above. The exposure unit 101 is arranged in a space sandwiched between a frame 301, which is a first frame of the printer 100, and a frame 302, which is a second frame that faces the frame 301 and forms an internal space. In other words, the exposure unit 101 has a first surface 101a that is adjacent to and faces the frame 301, and a second surface 101b that is adjacent to and faces the frame 302, and is an example of a unit installed in the internal space.

[0016] Furthermore, the printed circuit board 401 of the exposure unit 101 is provided on a side surface (first surface 101a) of the exposure unit 101, and faces the frame 301. The printed circuit board 401 is disposed on the first surface 101a so that surface B, on which a connector 402 (described later) is mounted, faces the frame 301.

[0017] Printed circuit board 401 has connector 402 and printed wiring board 401P on which connector 402 is mounted. A laser diode for emitting laser light and the like are mounted on surface A of printed circuit board 401, and connector 402 to which FFC 403 is connected is mounted on surface B of printed circuit board 401. Printed circuit board 401 has surface B (mounting surface, connector mounting surface) on which connector 402 is mounted, and outer edge portion 401a of surface B (see FIG. 2(B)). Outer edge portion 401a is the outer edge portion of surface B in the planar direction of surface B (the direction in which surface B extends). Outer edge portion 401a can also be said to be the outer edge portion of printed wiring board 401P.

[0018] 2(B), the connector 402 is mounted so that its longitudinal direction is along the outer edge portion 401a. The connector 402 has a receiving opening 402a that receives an FFC 403 and that opens in a direction parallel to the B surface and toward the outer edge portion 401a. The FFC 403 is inserted into the receiving opening 402a of the connector 402 and is electrically connected to the printed circuit board 401 via the connector 402. The FFC 403 is an example of an inserted member that is inserted into the connector.

[0019] The connector 402 is a right-angled connector, and the FFC 403 can be inserted into the receiving opening 402a in an insertion direction parallel to the surface B. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 2(B), the FFC 403 is connected to the receiving opening 402a of the connector 402 in the direction of the arrow C, that is, in a direction parallel to the surface B of the printed circuit board 401. The arrow C indicates the insertion direction (insertion direction C) of the FFC 403 into the receiving opening 402a of the connector 402. The removal direction of the FFC 403 from the receiving opening 402a is opposite to the insertion direction C.

[0020] Here, FIG. 2(B) is a view seen from the direction indicated by dashed arrow 303, but it is intended only to explain the relationship between connector 402 and FFC 403, and since frame 301 is omitted, it differs from the state that an operator would actually see.

[0021] In order for an operator to check the receiving port 402a of the connector 402 from the direction indicated by the dashed arrow 303, it is necessary to widen the distance D between the frame 301 and the printed circuit board 401 shown in FIG. 2A. However, widening the distance D leads to an increase in the size of the printer 100. On the other hand, it is possible to arrange the connector 402 on the opposite side to the frame 301, that is, on the A-side of the printed circuit board 401. This allows the operator to check the receiving port 402a of the connector 402 from the direction indicated by the dashed arrow 304, but it is necessary to lengthen the printed circuit board 401 in order to arrange the connector 402. In this case, it is necessary to widen the distance W shown in FIG. 2A, which leads to an increase in the size of the printer 100.

[0022] <Configuration of Printed Circuit Board 401> The configuration of printed circuit board 401 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3(A) is a view of printed circuit board 401 as seen from the rear side (hereinafter referred to as side A) of the surface on which connector 402 is mounted. Connector 402 is mounted on side B of printed circuit board 401, and is located on the rear side of printed circuit board 401 when viewed from dashed arrow 304 in Fig. 2(A).

[0023] The outer edge portion 401a has an end portion 401f extending in a predetermined direction. The connector 402 is mounted on the surface B so that the connector 402 is located downstream of the end portion 401f with respect to the insertion direction C in FIG. 3, and the longitudinal direction of the connector 402 is aligned with the end portion 401f. It is preferable that the longitudinal directions of the end portion 401f and the connector 402 are parallel to each other. The extending direction of the end portion 401f is a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the insertion direction C of the FFC 403.

[0024] The receiving port 402a of the connector 402 opens toward the outer edge portion 401a (more specifically, the end portion 401f). Therefore, the FFC 403 is inserted into the connector 402 in an insertion direction C from the end portion 401f toward the connector 402.

[0025] When viewed in a direction perpendicular to face B, the distance between connector 402 and end 401f in insertion direction C is shorter than the length of connector 402 in the short side direction. Here, the length of connector 402 in the short side direction is length L0, and the distance between connector 402 and end 401f is distance (shortest distance) D0. Connector 402 in Example 1 is provided near end 401f of outer edge portion 401a. Distance D0 is shorter than the length of connector 401 in the long side direction, and distance D0 is shorter than length L0 (L0>D0).

[0026] Since connector 402 is located on the back side of printed circuit board 401, in order for an operator to visually check connector 402, the operator must look in from the direction indicated by dashed arrow 303 in FIG. 2(A), making it difficult to visually check connector 402.

[0027] 3(B) is a view of printed circuit board 401 as viewed from the mounting surface side (hereinafter referred to as surface B (connector surface)) of connector 402. Both of FIG. 3(A) and FIG. 3(B) can be said to be plan views of printed circuit board 401 as viewed in a direction perpendicular to surface B.

[0028] Connector 402 is mounted on surface B of printed circuit board 401. In the first embodiment, connector 402 is a surface mount type component, and connector 402 has hold-down portion 405 for strengthening the holding strength of connector 402 to printed wiring board 402P. Hold-down portion 405 is connected and held to printed circuit board 401 by soldering.

[0029] In the longitudinal direction of the connector 402, the connector 402 has one end 402d1 and the other end 402d2 opposite the end 402d1. In the longitudinal direction of the connector 402, the receiving port 402a has one end 402a1 and the other end 402a2 opposite the end 402a1. In the longitudinal direction of the connector 402, the one end 402d1 of the connector 402 and the one end 402a1 of the receiving port 402a are located on one side with respect to the center of the receiving port 402. In the longitudinal direction of the connector 402, the other end 402d2 of the connector 402 and the other end 402a2 of the receiving port 402a are located on the other side with respect to the center of the receiving port 402.

[0030] 3B, positions 401b and 401c on outer edge 401a are defined as follows. Position 401b is a position between one end 402a1 of receiving port 402a and one end 402d1 of connector 402 in the longitudinal direction of connector 402. Position 401b includes the same position as one end 402a1 of receiving port 402a and the same position as one end 402d1 of connector 402. Position 401c is a position between the other end 402a2 of receiving port 402a and the other end 402d2 of connector 402 in the longitudinal direction of connector 402. Position 401c includes the same position as the other end 402a2 of receiving port 402a and the same position as the other end 402d2 of connector 402.

[0031] The printed circuit board 401 has an extension (extension) E that extends along the insertion / removal direction (insertion direction C and removal direction) of the FFC 403 at a position 401b aligned with the end of the receiving port 402a of the connector 402. In other words, the outer edge 401a has the extension E. The extension E is a part of the printed wiring board 401P. It can also be said that the extension E extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the connector 402. Moreover, the extension E extends from the end 401f in the opposite direction to the insertion direction C.

[0032] That is, the extension portion E is located on the upstream side of the connector 402 in the insertion direction C of the FFC 403. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction of the connector 402, the downstream end E1 of the extension portion E in the insertion direction of the FFC 403 is located at position 401b. That is, in the longitudinal direction of the connector 402, the downstream end E1 of the extension portion E is located between one end 402a1 of the receiving port 402a and one end 402d1 of the connector 402. Note that in this embodiment, the entire extension portion E is located between one end 402a1 of the receiving port 402a and one end 402d1 of the connector 402 in the longitudinal direction of the connector 402.

[0033] The downstream end E1 of the extension E is disposed in the vicinity of the connector 402. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to face B, the distance between the connector 402 and the downstream end E1 in the insertion direction C is shorter than the length of the short side of the connector 402. In this embodiment, the shortest distance between the connector 402 and the downstream end E1 is shorter than the length of the connector 402 in the short side.

[0034] In this embodiment, the region in which the wiring portion (wiring pattern) of the printed wiring board 401P is arranged overlaps at least a part of the extending portion E in the insertion direction C.

[0035] In the case of the first embodiment, in FIG. 3(B), the extension E is provided at position 401b aligned with the lower end of the receiving port 402a of the connector 402, but the extension may be provided at position 401c aligned with the upper end. Considering the ease of operation of the operator described below, it is preferable that the length Le of the extension E is longer than the length L0 of the connector 402 in the short direction (Le>L0). For example, it is preferable that the length Le of the extension E is about 5 mm or more. The length Le of the extension E may be longer than the length of the connector 402 in the longitudinal direction.

[0036] In order to make the extension portion E smooth and prevent burrs from occurring on the printed circuit board 401, it is preferable not to provide perforations in the extension portion E, or to form the extension portion E with a V-cut.

[0037] 3(C) is a view of printed circuit board 401 seen from side A, and shows the state in which FFC 403 is being inserted into connector 402. The worker has difficulty visually checking connector 402. The following describes a method in which the worker can use extension portion E of printed circuit board 401 to smoothly insert FFC 403 into receiving opening 402a of connector 402 even in such a state.

[0038] When inserting the FFC403 into the receiving opening 402a of the connector 402, the worker holds the FFC403 and brings an end of the FFC403 into contact with the extension E of the printed circuit board 401, and then slides the FFC403 in this state in the direction of the arrow C (insertion direction C). The position of the FFC403 in the direction of the arrow F (up and down direction) relative to the receiving opening 402a of the connector 402 is fixed. Therefore, the worker can insert the FFC403 into the connector 402 simply by aligning the positions of the receiving opening 402a of the connector 402 and the FFC403 in the direction of the arrow G (depth direction).

[0039] That is, with the FFC 403 in contact with the extension E, the FFC 403 can be inserted into the connector 402. Specifically, with the portion of the FFC 403 that houses the wiring in contact with the extension E, the FFC 403 can be inserted into the connector 402.

[0040] Since it is particularly difficult for an operator to determine the position in the direction of arrow G, determining the position in the direction of arrow G makes it much easier to insert FFC 403 into connector 402. Note that by abutting reinforcing plate 404 of FFC 403 against extension portion E of printed circuit board 401, FFC 403 becomes less likely to bend, making the operation even easier. Because downstream end E1 of extension portion E is located in the vicinity of connector 402, extension portion E can guide FFC 403 to the vicinity of connector 402.

[0041] Fig. 3(D) is a view of Fig. 3(C) viewed from the direction of arrow H. Connector 402 is mounted on surface B of printed circuit board 401. A worker works from surface A of printed circuit board 401, abutting FFC 403 or reinforcing plate 404 against extension E and sliding it in the direction of arrow C (insertion direction C) to insert FFC 403 into connector 402. The worker can easily insert FFC 403 into connector 402 simply by aligning the position of arrow G on FFC 403.

[0042] Here, printer 100 has many printed circuit boards other than printed circuit board 400 and printed circuit board 401. Inexpensive and space-saving FFCs are often used as a means for connecting these many printed circuit boards together, and therefore the present invention is applicable in many situations in printer 100. In other words, units having printed circuit boards to which the present invention is applicable are not limited to exposure unit 101 described above.

[0043] For example, as a pre-treatment before the charging treatment of the photosensitive drum 123, a treatment (hereinafter referred to as a pre-exposure treatment) may be performed in which the surface of the photosensitive drum 123 is irradiated with light by an LED or the like in order to make the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 123 uniform. Since the pre-exposure treatment involves irradiating light toward the inside of the printer 100, the printed circuit board is usually attached to the printer 100 so that the component mounting surface of the printed circuit board faces the inside of the printer 100. In this case, the connector of the FFC is present on the back side of the printed circuit board as viewed from the worker, and therefore the connector of the FFC cannot be easily seen. Even in such a situation, by applying the first embodiment, the worker can easily insert the FFC into the connector.

[0044] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the ease of inserting the inserted member into the connector can be improved. EXAMPLES

[0045] <Configuration of Printed Circuit Board 401> In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described with reference to FIG. 4. In the second embodiment, when the extension E is the first extension, the outer edge 401a of the printed circuit board 401 has an extension (extension, second extension) J that extends along the FFC 403 insertion / removal directions (insertion direction and removal direction) at a position 402c corresponding to the other end in the longitudinal direction. The extension J is a part of the printed wiring board 401P. It can also be said that the extension J extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the connector 402.

[0046] That is, the extension J is located on the upstream side of the connector 402 in the insertion direction of the FFC 403. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction of the connector 402, the downstream end J1 of the extension J in the insertion direction of the FFC 403 is located at position 401c. That is, in the longitudinal direction of the connector 402, the downstream end J1 of the extension J is located between the other end 402a2 of the receiving port 402a and the other end 402d2 of the connector 402. Note that in this embodiment, the entire extension J is located between the other end 402a2 of the receiving port 402a and the other end 402d2 of the connector 402 in the longitudinal direction of the connector 402.

[0047] In this embodiment, the region in which the wiring portion (wiring pattern) of printed wiring board 401P is arranged overlaps with at least a part of extension portion E and at least a part of extension portion J in the insertion direction C.

[0048] FIG. 4(A) is a view of the printed circuit board 401 as viewed from the A side, and FIG. 4(B) is a view of the printed circuit board 401 as viewed from the B side. A connector 402 is mounted on the B side of the printed circuit board 401, and the connector 402 has a hold-down portion 405. The printed circuit board 401 also has an extension E at a position 402b aligned with the lower end of the receiving port 402a of the connector 402, and an extension J at a position 402c aligned with the upper end of the receiving port 402a. The lengths of the extensions E and J are preferably about 5 mm or more, taking into consideration the workability of the operator, which will be described later. The lengths of the extensions E and J may be longer than the short-side length of the connector 402 and longer than the long-side length of the connector 402.

[0049] In addition, in order to make the extension portions E and J smooth, it is preferable not to provide perforations in the extension portions E and J so as to prevent burrs from occurring on the printed circuit board 401, or to form the extension portions E and J with a V-cut.

[0050] FIG. 4C is a diagram of printed circuit board 401 as viewed from surface A, illustrating the state in which FFC 403 is being inserted into connector 402. FIG.

[0051] When inserting the FFC403 into the receiving opening 402a of the connector 402, the worker holds the FFC403 so that the FFC403 abuts against either the extension E or the extension J. Because the distance between the extension E and the extension J is approximately equal to the width of the FFC403, the position of the FFC403 in the direction of the arrow F is determined with respect to the receiving opening 402a of the connector 402. When sliding the FFC403 in the direction of the arrow C (insertion direction C), the worker can insert the FFC403 into the connector 402 simply by aligning the position of the receiving opening 402a of the connector 402 with the position of the FFC403 in the direction of the arrow G (depth direction).

[0052] That is, the FFC403 can be inserted into the connector 402 in a state in which the FFC403 abuts against the extension portion E and in a state in which the FFC403 abuts against the extension portion J. Specifically, the FFC403 can be inserted into the connector 402 in a state in which the portion of the FFC403 that houses the wiring abuts against the extension portion E or the extension portion J. Furthermore, the FFC403 may be capable of being inserted into the connector 402 in a state in which the FFC abuts against both the extension portion E and the extension portion J.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the upward position of the FFC 403 is also determined by the extension portion J, so that the ease with which the worker inserts the FFC 403 into the connector 402 is further improved.

[0054] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the ease of inserting the inserted member into the connector can be improved. EXAMPLES

[0055] <Configuration of Printed Circuit Board 401> In the third embodiment, a method for further improving the operability of the worker will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the third embodiment, the extensions E and J are formed such that the distance between them becomes longer as they are farther away from the receiving opening 402a.

[0056] Fig. 5(A) is a view of printed circuit board 401 as viewed from side A, and Fig. 5(B) is a view of printed circuit board 401 as viewed from side B. Connector 402 is mounted on side B of printed circuit board 401, and connector 402 has hold-down portion 405. Printed circuit board 401 has extension portion E as a first extension portion at position 402b aligned with the lower end of receiving opening 402a of connector 402, and extension portion J as a second extension portion at position 402c aligned with the upper end of receiving opening 402a.

[0057] 5(B), when extension E is extended in a direction away from connector 402, it has extension K whose extension direction has changed, and similarly, when extension J is extended in a direction away from connector 402, it has extension L whose extension direction has changed. In other words, with respect to the insertion direction of connector 402, extension K is connected to the upstream end of extension E, and extension L is connected to the upstream end of extension J.

[0058] Thus, in Example 3, extension portion E is connected to extension portion K as a third extension portion having a different extending direction at a position away from connector 402, and extension portion J is connected to extension portion L as a fourth extension portion having a different extending direction at a position away from connector 402.

[0059] The distance L1 between the extensions E and J in the vicinity of the connector 402 is approximately equal to the width Wc of the FFC 403 (L1≈Wc), and the distance L2 (the distance between the board ends) between the right end of the extension K and the right end of the extension L in FIG. 5(B) is longer than the width Wc of the FFC 403 (L2>Wc). Thus, the distance L2 in the longitudinal direction between the extensions K and L is greater than the distance L1 in the longitudinal direction between the extensions E and J. Furthermore, the distance L1 in the longitudinal direction between the extensions E and J is the same as the length of the connector 402 in the longitudinal direction, and the distance L2 in the longitudinal direction between the extensions K and L is longer than the length of the connector 402 in the longitudinal direction.

[0060] 5(C) is a view of printed circuit board 401 seen from surface A, and shows a state in which FFC403 is being inserted into connector 402. The worker holds FFC403 and moves it from the left side between extensions K and L, and then slides it in the direction of arrow C (insertion direction C) to guide it to between extensions E and J. When FFC403 reaches between extensions E and J, the position of FFC403 in the direction of arrow F is determined with respect to receiving opening 402a of connector 402. The worker continues to slide FFC403 in the direction of arrow C (insertion direction C) and aligns the position of receiving opening 402a of connector 402 with the position of FFC403 in the direction of arrow G (depth direction), and inserts FFC403 into connector 402.

[0061] Since the distance L1 between extension portion E and extension portion J is approximately equal to the width Wc of FFC 403, it may be difficult for the worker to guide FFC 403 between extension portion E and extension portion J. Therefore, by configuring printed circuit board 401 as shown in Figure 5, it becomes easier for the worker to guide FFC 403 between extension portion E and extension portion J, and the ease with which the worker can insert FFC 403 into connector 402 is further improved.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5B, in the third embodiment, the extension direction of the extension E is not changed up to the position 401d, and the extension direction is changed at the position 401d to form the extension L. Also, the extension direction of the extension J is not changed up to the position 401e, and the extension direction is changed at the position 401e to form the extension K, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the extension direction may be gradually changed from the positions 401b and 401c. Also, in the third embodiment, the positions 401d and 401e are bent to form corners, but the extension direction may be changed to form a curve.

[0063] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the ease of inserting the inserted member into the connector can be improved. EXAMPLES

[0064] <Configuration of Printed Circuit Board 401> 6, similarly to the configuration of Example 3, the operator can easily guide the FFC 403 between the extension portion E and the extension portion J. In Example 4, the extension portion E and the extension portion J have different lengths in the insertion / removal direction.

[0065] FIG. 6(A) is a view of the printed circuit board 401 as viewed from the A side, and FIG. 6(B) is a view of the printed circuit board 401 as viewed from the B side. A connector 402 is mounted on the B side of the printed circuit board 401, and the connector 402 has a hold-down portion 405. The printed circuit board 401 has an extension E at a position 401b aligned with the lower end of the receiving port 402a of the connector 402, and an extension J at a position 401c aligned with the upper end of the receiving port 402a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the lengths of the extension E and the extension J in the direction of the arrow C (insertion direction C) are made different, and in the case of the fourth embodiment, the extension E is configured to be longer than the extension J. The extension J may be configured to be longer than the extension E. The distance L1 between the extension E and the extension J is approximately equal to the width Wc of the FFC 403.

[0066] 6(C) is a view of printed circuit board 401 as viewed from surface A, and shows a state in which FFC403 is being inserted into connector 402. When inserting FFC403 into receiving opening 402a of connector 402, the worker holds FFC403 and brings an end of FFC403 into contact with the tip of extension portion E of printed circuit board 401. With FFC403 aligned with extension portion E, the worker slides FFC403 in the direction of arrow C (insertion direction C), whereby FFC403 is smoothly guided between extension portion E and extension portion J. With the configuration of FIG. 6, the worker can guide FFC403 between extension portion E and extension portion J without it getting caught, further improving the ease of insertion of FFC403 into connector 402.

[0067] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the efficiency of inserting the inserted member into the connector can be improved. EXAMPLES

[0068] <Configuration of Printed Circuit Board 401> In the fifth embodiment, a configuration for further improving the ease with which a worker inserts the FFC 403 into the connector 402 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In the fifth embodiment, the outer edge portion 401a has a notch portion (recess) M recessed toward the inside of the printed circuit board 401 so that at least a portion of the receiving opening 402a is exposed. At least a portion of the connector 402 is exposed from the notch portion M toward the back side of surface B. The notch portion M is a recess recessed from the end portion 401f toward the connector 402 (toward the insertion direction C).

[0069] 7(A) and 7(B) are views of printed circuit board 401 viewed from surface A. In embodiment 5, in addition to FIG. 3 described in embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 7, a concave cutout portion M is provided at an end of printed circuit board 401, directly below connector 402, and in a position corresponding to the direction of receiving port 402a. By providing cutout portion M, an operator can visually check connector 402 and part of receiving port 402a through cutout portion M from surface A.

[0070] Here, connector 402 may have hold-down portion 405, and in that case it is not possible to cut out the entire area directly below connector 402. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, cutout portion M is cut out in a manner that avoids hold-down portion 405, giving it a concave shape.

[0071] 7(B) will be used to explain a method in which an operator inserts FFC403 into connector 402. While holding FFC403, the operator brings an end of FFC403 into contact with the tip of extension E of printed circuit board 401. While aligning FFC403 with extension E, the operator slides FFC403 in the direction of arrow C (insertion direction C), and when FFC403 reaches receiving opening 402a of connector 402, inserts FFC403 into connector 402 while checking the position of receiving opening 402a. With the above-mentioned method, the operator can visually check the direction of arrow G while determining the position of FFC403 in the direction of arrow F (up and down direction) relative to receiving opening 402a of connector 402, thereby further improving the ease of inserting FFC403 into connector 402.

[0072] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the ease of inserting the inserted member into the connector can be improved. EXAMPLES

[0073] <Configuration of Printed Circuit Board 401> In the sixth embodiment, a configuration capable of checking whether the FFC 403 is properly inserted after the worker inserts the FFC 403 into the connector 402 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. Here, properly inserted means that the FFC 403 is not inserted obliquely into the connector 402 and that the FFC 403 is firmly inserted to the back of the receiving opening 402a of the connector 402. The sixth embodiment is applicable to the first to fourth embodiments. In the sixth embodiment, the FFC 403 has a reinforcing plate 404 that extends on the opposite side to the part inserted into the receiving opening 402a in the insertion / removal direction. The reinforcing plate 404 has a reinforcing plate end N as an edge portion that is aligned in a straight line with the outer edge portion 401a when the FFC 403 is properly inserted into the receiving opening 402a.

[0074] 8A is a view of the printed circuit board 401 as viewed from side A, and shows a state in which the connector 402 is mounted on side B and the FFC 403 is normally inserted into the connector 402. The printed circuit board 401 has extensions E and J that are extended in the insertion / removal direction of the FFC 403 at positions aligned with both ends of the receiving opening 402a of the connector 402. In the sixth embodiment, when the FFC 403 is normally inserted into the connector 402, the reinforcing plate end N of the reinforcing plate 404 of the FFC 403 is aligned in a straight line with the board end P and board end Q of the printed circuit board 401 in the left-right direction. Thus, the length of the reinforcing plate 404 of the FFC 403 and the lengths of the extensions E and J of the printed circuit board 401 are adjusted in advance.

[0075] Outer edge 401a includes board end Q as a first outer edge and board end P as a second outer edge. Board end Q is located upstream of extension E in insertion direction C, and extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of connector 402 and away from connector 402. Board end P is located upstream of extension J in insertion direction C, and extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of connector 402 and away from connector 402.

[0076] 8(B) is a diagram showing a state in which FFC 403 is inserted into connector 402 with the tip of FFC 403 tilted upward. In this case, reinforcing plate end N of FFC 403 is misaligned with board end P and board end Q and is not in a straight line. In particular, at board corner R of printed circuit board 401, a large misalignment occurs between reinforcing plate end N and board end P.

[0077] 8(C) shows a state in which FFC 403 is inserted into connector 402 with the tip of FFC 403 tilted downward. In this case, reinforcing plate end N of FFC 403 is misaligned with board end P and board end Q and is not in a straight line. In particular, at board corner S of printed circuit board 401, a large misalignment occurs between reinforcing plate end N and board end Q.

[0078] 8(D) is a diagram showing a state in which FFC 403 is only partially inserted into connector 402 and is not inserted all the way in. In this case, reinforcing plate end N of FFC 403 is misaligned with board end P and board end Q and is not in a straight line. At both board corner R and board corner S of printed circuit board 401, the position between reinforcing plate end N and board end P and board end Q is misaligned, resulting in steps.

[0079] As described above, with the configuration of the printed circuit board 401 of the sixth embodiment, the worker can check whether the FFC 403 is properly inserted into the connector 402 by checking the positional deviation between the reinforcing plate end N and the board end P and board end Q. Although the sixth embodiment is configured to have two extensions E and J on the printed circuit board 401, it may be configured to have one extension.

[0080] As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the efficiency of inserting the inserted member into the connector can be improved.

[0081] (Modification) In the above embodiments, the FFC 403 is exemplified as an example of the member to be inserted into the connector 402. However, the member to be inserted into the connector 402 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPC).

[0082] In each of the above embodiments and modified examples, the inserted member preferably has a cross section perpendicular to the insertion direction C into connector 402 having the following shape. The cross section of the inserted member preferably has a shape in which the length (width) in the width direction perpendicular to the insertion direction C is longer than the length (thickness) in the thickness direction perpendicular to the width direction. In the portion inserted into connector 402, the thickness direction of the cross section of the inserted member preferably intersects with face B, and more preferably is perpendicular to face B.

[0083] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A printed circuit board to which an inserted member is electrically connected, a connector mounting surface having an outer edge, the outer edge having an end extending in a predetermined direction; a connector having a receiving port for receiving the inserted member, (i) the receiving port opens toward the end portion so that the inserted member can be inserted in an insertion direction parallel to the connector mounting surface, and (ii) the connector is mounted on the connector mounting surface so as to be located downstream of the end portion in the insertion direction and to be longitudinally aligned with the end portion; having the outer edge portion has an extension portion extending along the insertion direction, the extension portion being located on the upstream side of the connector in the insertion direction, A printed circuit board characterized in that, with respect to the longitudinal direction, a downstream end of the extension portion in the insertion direction is located between one end of the opening and one end of the connector. (Configuration 2) The printed circuit board described in configuration 1, characterized in that when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connector mounting surface, the distance between the connector and the end portion in the insertion direction is shorter than the length of the connector in the short side direction. (Configuration 3) The printed circuit board described in configuration 1, characterized in that when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connector mounting surface, the distance between the connector and the downstream end in the insertion direction is shorter than the length of the connector in the short side direction. (Configuration 4) 3. The printed circuit board according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the extension is longer than the length of the connector in the short side direction. (Configuration 5) When the stretched portion is a first stretched portion, The printed circuit board described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the outer edge portion has a second extension portion extending along the insertion direction, the second extension portion is located on the upstream side of the connector in the insertion direction, and the downstream end of the second extension portion in the insertion direction is located between the other end of the opening and the other end of the connector in the longitudinal direction. (Configuration 6) The printed circuit board according to configuration 5, wherein the first extension portion and the second extension portion have different lengths in the insertion direction. (Configuration 7) the first extension portion is connected to a third extension portion that extends in a different direction at a position away from the connector; the second extension portion is connected to a fourth extension portion that extends in a different direction at a position away from the connector; The printed circuit board described in configuration 5 or 6, characterized in that the distance in the longitudinal direction between the third extension portion and the fourth extension portion is greater than the distance in the longitudinal direction between the first extension portion and the second extension portion. (Configuration 8) a distance in the longitudinal direction between the first extension portion and the second extension portion is equal to a length in the longitudinal direction of the connector; 8. The printed circuit board according to claim 7, wherein a distance in the longitudinal direction between the third extension portion and the fourth extension portion is longer than a length in the longitudinal direction of the connector. (Configuration 9) The outer edge portion has a first outer edge portion extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction and away from the connector, and a second outer edge portion extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction and away from the connector, the inserted member has a reinforcing plate extending on a side opposite to a portion inserted into the receiving opening in the insertion direction, The printed circuit board described in configuration 8, characterized in that the reinforcing plate has an edge portion that is aligned in a straight line with the first outer edge portion and the second outer edge portion when the inserted member is normally inserted into the receiving port. (Configuration 10) A printed circuit board described in any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the outer edge portion has a recess that is recessed toward the inside of the connector mounting surface so that at least a portion of the connector is exposed on the back side of the connector mounting surface. (Configuration 11) 11. The printed circuit board according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the inserted member is a flexible flat cable or a flexible printed circuit board. (Configuration 12) A first frame; a second frame facing the first frame and defining an internal space; A unit installed in the internal space; A printed circuit board according to any one of configurations 1 to 11; The inserted member; having The connector mounting surface faces the first frame. An image forming apparatus comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 401 Printed Circuit Board 401a Outer edge 402 Connector 402a Reception 403 Flexible Flat Cable B side E extension

Claims

1. A printed circuit board to which an inserted member is electrically connected, a connector mounting surface having an outer edge, the outer edge having an end extending in a predetermined direction; a connector having a receiving port for receiving the inserted member, (i) the receiving port opens toward the end portion so that the inserted member can be inserted in an insertion direction parallel to the connector mounting surface, and (ii) the connector is mounted on the connector mounting surface so as to be located downstream of the end portion in the insertion direction and to be longitudinally aligned with the end portion; having the outer edge portion has an extension portion extending along the insertion direction, the extension portion being located on the upstream side of the connector in the insertion direction, A printed circuit board characterized in that, with respect to the longitudinal direction, a downstream end of the extension portion in the insertion direction is located between one end of the opening and one end of the connector.

2. 2. The printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the connector and the end portion in the insertion direction, as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connector mounting surface, is shorter than the length of the connector in the short side direction.

3. 2. The printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the connector and the downstream end in the insertion direction, as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connector mounting surface, is shorter than the length of the connector in the short direction.

4. 2. The printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein the extension is longer than a length of the connector in a short side direction.

5. When the stretched portion is a first stretched portion, The printed circuit board according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer edge portion has a second extension portion extending along the insertion direction, the second extension portion being located upstream of the connector in the insertion direction, and in the longitudinal direction, a downstream end of the second extension portion in the insertion direction is located between the other end of the opening and the other end of the connector.

6. The printed circuit board according to claim 5 , wherein the first extension portion and the second extension portion have different lengths in the insertion direction.

7. the first extension portion is connected to a third extension portion having a different extending direction at a position away from the connector, the second extending portion is connected to a fourth extending portion having a different extending direction at a position away from the connector, 6. The printed circuit board according to claim 5, wherein a distance in the longitudinal direction between the third extension portion and the fourth extension portion is greater than a distance in the longitudinal direction between the first extension portion and the second extension portion.

8. a distance in the longitudinal direction between the first extension portion and the second extension portion is equal to a length in the longitudinal direction of the connector, 8. The printed circuit board according to claim 7, wherein a distance between the third extension portion and the fourth extension portion in the longitudinal direction is longer than a length of the connector in the longitudinal direction.

9. The outer edge portion has a first outer edge portion extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction and away from the connector, and a second outer edge portion extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction and away from the connector, the inserted member has a reinforcing plate extending on a side opposite to a portion inserted into the receiving opening in the insertion direction, The printed circuit board according to claim 8, characterized in that the reinforcing plate has an edge portion that is aligned in a straight line with the first outer edge portion and the second outer edge portion when the inserted member is normally inserted into the receiving port.

10. 2. The printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein the outer edge portion has a recess that is recessed toward the inside of the connector mounting surface so that at least a part of the connector is exposed on the back side of the connector mounting surface.

11. 2. The printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein the inserted member is a flexible flat cable or a flexible printed circuit board.

12. A first frame; a second frame facing the first frame and defining an internal space; A unit installed in the internal space; A printed circuit board according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The inserted member; having The connector mounting surface faces the first frame. An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images