Image formation device

Abstract

To provide an image formation device that can easily replace substrates from a bottom face of a main body housing.SOLUTION: An image formation device 1 comprises: a main body housing 10 that has a bottom face 10B and a plurality of lateral faces 10C and 10D, and accommodates an image formation unit; a sheet tray 31 that accommodates sheets to be supplied to the image formation unit, and is positioned below the image formation unit; and a first substrate 210 that is freely detachably accommodated in the main body housing 10. The main body housing 10 has: a first side cover 110 that constitutes a left lateral face 10C; and a second side cover 120 that constitutes a right lateral face 10D. The sheet tray 31 is positioned between the first side cover 110 and the second side cover 120 in a right and left. In the bottom face 10B of the main body housing 10, an opening 12 is formed that communicates with the inside of the main body housing 10 and the outside of the main body housing 10. The opening 12, through which the first substrate 210 passes when mounting the first substrate 210 to the main body housing 10, is positioned between the first side cover 110 and the sheet tray 31 in the right and left direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus is known that includes a main body housing and a circuit board housed in the main body housing (Patent Document 1). In this technology, the image forming apparatus further includes a controller housing that supports the circuit board at the bottom inside the main body housing. The circuit board can be replaced by removing the controller housing from the bottom of the main body housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-143161 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional configuration, the bottom of the main body housing must be opened widely when replacing the board, so the board cannot be easily replaced from the bottom of the main body housing. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to easily replace the board from the bottom of the main body housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a main body housing, a sheet tray, and a first substrate. The image forming section forms an image on a sheet. The main body housing has a bottom surface and multiple side surfaces and houses the image forming unit. The main body housing has a first side cover that forms one of the side surfaces and a second side cover that forms the other side surface on the opposite side of the first side surface with the image forming unit in between. The sheet tray is located between the first side cover and the second side cover in the first direction in which the first side cover and the second side cover face each other, and stores sheets to be fed to the image forming unit. The sheet tray is located below the image forming unit. The first substrate is detachably housed in the main body housing. An opening is formed in the bottom surface of the main body housing. The opening communicates the inside of the main body housing with the outside of the main body housing. The first board passes through the opening when the first board is attached to the main body housing. The opening is located between the first side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction.

[0006] The first substrate can be replaced through an opening formed in the bottom surface of the main body housing and positioned between the first side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction, so the first substrate can be easily replaced from the bottom surface of the main body housing.

[0007] The image forming apparatus may include an opening / closing cover, and the main body housing may have a contact surface on the bottom surface thereof that comes into contact with the surface on which the image forming apparatus is placed. The opening / closing cover is movable relative to the main body housing between a closed position where the opening is closed and an open position where the opening is open. The openable cover is located above the contact surface when in the closed position.

[0008] The image forming apparatus is provided with an opening / closing cover that closes the opening, thereby preventing dust and other particles from entering the main body housing through the opening. When the opening / closing cover is in the closed position, it is positioned above the contact surface of the main body housing, so that no force is applied to the opening / closing cover when the image forming apparatus is placed on the installation surface.

[0009] The opening / closing cover may be located between the first side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction when in the closed position, and may be located between the first side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction when in the open position.

[0010] By positioning the opening / closing cover between the first side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction when the opening / closing cover is in the open position, the opening / closing cover can be prevented from protruding outward in the first direction beyond the first side cover even when the opening / closing cover is in the open position.

[0011] The opening / closing cover may be slidable relative to the main body housing between a closed position and an open position.

[0012] The opening / closing cover is slidable relative to the main body housing between the closed position and the open position, so that the opening / closing cover does not protrude below the contact surface even when the opening / closing cover is in the open position.

[0013] The opening / closing cover may be rotatable relative to the main body housing between a closed position and an open position.

[0014] The opening / closing cover is rotatable relative to the main body housing between the closed position and the open position, making it easy to notice that the opening / closing cover is open.

[0015] The image forming apparatus may include a holder that holds the first substrate. The holder is detachable from the main body housing together with the first substrate.

[0016] By providing a holder that holds the first board and is detachable from the main body housing together with the first board, the first board can be attached and detached by holding the holder.

[0017] The holder may close the opening when attached to the main body housing, and may open the opening when detached from the main body housing.

[0018] The holder opens and closes the opening in the main body housing, which reduces the effort required to replace the first board. The holder closes the opening in the main body housing, which prevents dust and other particles from entering the main body housing through the opening.

[0019] The main body housing may have a contact surface on the bottom surface thereof that comes into contact with the installation surface of the image forming apparatus. The holder is located above the contact surface when attached to the main body housing.

[0020] By positioning the holder above the contact surface when attached to the main body housing, it is possible to prevent force from being applied to the holder and the first board when the image forming apparatus is placed on an installation surface.

[0021] The image forming apparatus may include a second substrate, the first substrate having a first connector, and the second substrate having a second connector. The second substrate is housed in the main body housing and is electrically connected to the first substrate when the first substrate is attached to the main body housing. The second connector is directly connected to the first connector when the first board is attached to the main body housing.

[0022] The first board has a first connector, and the second board has a second connector, so that the first board and the second board can be easily electrically connected, and the first board can be easily replaced.

[0023] The first substrate may have a CPU that controls the image forming unit.

[0024] Since the first board has a CPU, the CPU can be replaced when the first board is replaced.

[0025] The first substrate may have a DC / DC converter, and the second substrate may have a CPU that controls the image forming unit.

[0026] By including a DC / DC converter in the first board, the DC / DC converter can be replaced when the first board is replaced.

[0027] The image forming device may include a metal plate. The metal plate is housed in the main body housing and covers the second substrate. The metal plate has a mounting guide that guides the mounting of the first substrate.

[0028] The metal plate has a mounting guide, so that the first substrate can be mounted or removed along the mounting guide, thereby enabling the first substrate to be mounted or removed stably.

[0029] The image forming apparatus may include a motor, the main body housing may have a first side frame, and the opening may be formed in a bottom surface of the first side frame. The motor provides a driving force to the image forming unit. The first side frame is positioned between the first side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction, and supports a motor. The dimension of the opening in the first direction is smaller than the dimension of the first side frame in the first direction.

[0030] Since the dimension in the first direction of the opening formed in the bottom surface of the first side frame is smaller than the dimension in the first direction of the first side frame, interference between the first board and the surrounding components of the first side frame can be prevented when the first board is attached or removed.

[0031] The image forming apparatus may include a pickup roller and a drive force transmission mechanism, and the first side frame supporting the motor may support the drive force transmission mechanism. The pickup roller feeds the sheets stored in the sheet tray toward the image forming unit. The driving force transmission mechanism transmits the driving force of the motor to the pickup roller. The motor is located between the first board when attached to the main body housing and the pickup roller, as viewed along the first direction. The driving force transmission mechanism is located between the motor and the pickup roller when viewed along the first direction.

[0032] When viewed along the first direction, the motor is positioned between the first substrate and the pickup roller, and the drive force transmission mechanism is positioned between the motor and the pickup roller, thereby preventing the first substrate from interfering with the drive force transmission mechanism when the first substrate is attached or removed.

[0033] The main body housing may have a first side frame and a second side frame, and the opening may be formed in the bottom surface of the first side frame. The first side frame is positioned between the first side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction. The second side frame is positioned between the second side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction. The dimension of the first side frame in the first direction is greater than the dimension of the second side frame in the first direction.

[0034] The dimension in the first direction of the first side frame, in which the opening is formed on the bottom surface, is larger than the dimension in the first direction of the second side frame, so that the dimension in the first direction of the opening can be secured, making it easy to attach and detach the first board through the opening.

[0035] The first side cover may have an intake port formed therein, the second side cover may have an exhaust port formed therein, and the image forming apparatus may be provided with a fan. The fan forms an air flow from the intake port to the exhaust port within the main body housing, and is located closer to the second side cover than to the first side cover within the main body housing. The intake port is located on one side of a vertical line passing through the horizontal center of the first side cover when viewed along the first direction. When attached to the main body housing, the first board is located on the other side of the vertical line when viewed along the first direction.

[0036] When viewed along the first direction, the air intake port is located on one side of a vertical line passing through the horizontal center of the first side cover, and the first substrate is located on the other side of the vertical line, so that the air intake port and the first substrate can be positioned apart.

[0037] The imaging device may have an upward facing display screen. The display screen is located below the top surface of the main body housing.

[0038] By positioning the display screen below the top surface of the main body housing, even if the image forming device is placed upside down when replacing the first board, the top surface of the main body housing will come into contact with the installation surface of the image forming device, preventing force from being applied to the display screen.

[0039] The image forming device may include an upward facing display screen and an elastic member. The elastic member protrudes above the display screen and the top surface of the main body housing.

[0040] Because the elastic member protrudes above the display screen and the top surface of the main body housing, the elastic member comes into contact with the installation surface of the image forming device even if the image forming device is placed upside down when replacing the first board. This prevents force from being applied to the display screen. Because the elastic member comes into contact with the installation surface when the image forming device is placed upside down, it is possible to reduce the impact that occurs when the image forming device is placed upside down.

[0041] The elastic member may be an operation button for operating the image forming apparatus.

[0042] By using the operation button as the elastic member, the number of parts can be reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0043] The board can be easily replaced from the bottom of the main body housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a motor, a driving force transmission mechanism, a first substrate, and a second substrate. [Figure 3] 1A is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged side view showing a display screen and an elastic member. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus as seen from the bottom side. [Figure 5]1A and 1B are diagrams showing a first substrate, a holder, a second substrate, and a metal plate. [Figure 6] 1A is a perspective view showing the opening / closing cover in a state where the opening / closing cover is located in a closed position, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the opening / closing cover in a state where the opening / closing cover is located in an open position. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the image forming apparatus as seen from the bottom side. [Figure 8] 1A is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus as seen from the left, FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus as seen from the right, and FIG. 1C is a side view of the image forming apparatus as seen from the left. [Figure 9] 1A is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus in a state where a discharge stopper is located in a use position, and FIG. 1B is a side view showing a state where the image forming apparatus is placed upside down on an installation surface. [Figure 10] 10A is a perspective view showing an opening / closing cover of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing a modified example of the opening / closing cover. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are perspective views showing a holder of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the top surface of a main body housing and a display screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a modified example, as viewed from the bottom side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Next, a first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body housing 10, a front cover 20, a sheet supply unit 30, an image forming unit 40, and a discharge roller 81.

[0046] The main body housing 10 is a housing that houses the sheet supply unit 30, the image forming unit 40, and the like. The front cover 20 opens and closes the front opening 11 of the main body housing 10. The front opening 11 is formed in the front surface of the main body housing 10.

[0047] The sheet supply unit 30 supplies sheets S to the image forming unit 40. The sheet supply unit 30 is located at the bottom inside the main body housing 10. The sheet supply unit 30 includes a sheet tray 31 and a sheet supply mechanism 32. The sheet tray 31 stores sheets S to be supplied to the image forming unit 40. The sheet tray 31 is detachable from the main body housing 10. When the sheet tray 31 is attached to the main body housing 10, it is located below the image forming unit 40.

[0048] The sheet supply mechanism 32 includes a pickup roller 33, a separation roller 34, a separation pad 35, a conveyance roller 36, and a registration roller 37. The pickup roller 33 feeds the sheets S stored in the sheet tray 31 toward the image forming unit 40. The separation roller 34 and the separation pad 35 separate the sheets S fed by the pickup roller 33 into a single sheet. The conveyance roller 36 and the registration roller 37 convey the sheets S toward the image forming unit 40.

[0049] The image forming section 40 forms an image on a sheet S. The image forming section 40 includes an exposure unit 50, a process unit 60 as a replaceable unit, and a fixing unit .

[0050] The exposure unit 50 is located in the upper part of the main body housing 10. The exposure unit 50 includes a light source, a deflector, a lens, a mirror, etc. The exposure unit 50 emits a light beam as shown by the imaginary line to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 of the image forming section 40.

[0051] The process unit 60 is located inside the main body casing 10 between the exposure unit 50 and the sheet tray 31. The process unit 60 includes a drum unit 60A and a developing unit 60B that is detachable from the drum unit 60A.

[0052] The process unit 60 can be attached to and detached from the main body housing 10 through the front opening 11 when the front cover 20 is open. The drum unit 60A has a photosensitive drum 61, a charger 62, and a transfer roller 63. A toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0053] The developing unit 60B has a developing roller 64, a supply roller 65, a layer thickness regulating blade 66, an agitator 67, and a toner storage section 68. The toner storage section 68 stores toner. The agitator 67 agitates the toner in the toner storage section 68. The agitator 67 also supplies toner to the supply roller 65. The supply roller 65 supplies toner to the developing roller 64. The layer thickness regulating blade 66 contacts the surface of the developing roller 64 and regulates the thickness of the toner on the developing roller 64 to a constant thickness.

[0054] The fixing unit 70 is located behind the process unit 60 inside the main body housing 10. The fixing unit 70 includes a heating unit 71, a pressure roller 72, and an intermediate discharge roller 73. The heating unit 71 includes a heater, a fixing belt, a nip plate, etc. The heating unit 71 heats the sheet S. The pressure roller 72 is pressed against the heating unit 71.

[0055] In the image forming section 40, the charger 62 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. The exposure unit 50 emits a light beam onto the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 61. As a result, an electrostatic latent image based on image data is formed on the photosensitive drum 61. The development roller 64 supplies toner to the surface of the exposed photosensitive drum 61. As a result, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 61.

[0056] The photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63 transport the sheet S supplied from the sheet supply unit 30. As a result, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 61 is transferred to the sheet S. The heating unit 71 and the pressure roller 72 transport the sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred. As a result, the toner image transferred onto the sheet S is fixed onto the sheet S. The intermediate discharge roller 73 transports the sheet S onto which the toner image has been fixed towards the discharge roller 81.

[0057] The discharge rollers 81 are located above the fixing unit 70. The discharge rollers 81 discharge the sheet S, on which an image has been formed by the image forming section 40, onto the discharge tray 13. The discharge tray 13 is formed on the top surface 10A of the main body housing 10.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a motor MT, a driving force transmission mechanism MD, a first substrate 210, a second substrate 220, a holder 230, and a metal plate 150. The motor MT is a drive source that provides drive force to the sheet supply unit 30, the image forming unit 40 (see FIG. 1), and the like.

[0059] The driving force transmission mechanism MD transmits the driving force of the motor MT to the pickup roller 33 of the sheet supply unit 30. When viewed along the left-right direction, the driving force transmission mechanism MD is located between the motor MT and the pickup roller 33. In the embodiment, the left-right direction corresponds to the "first direction."

[0060] The driving force transmission mechanism MD has gears G1 to G7 and an electromagnetic clutch EC. The gear G1 is in mesh with a motor gear MG provided on the output shaft of the motor MT. Gear G2 meshes with gear G1. Gear G3 meshes with gear G2.

[0061] Gear G4 meshes with gear G3. Gear G5 meshes with gear G4. Gear G6 meshes with gear G5. Gear G7 meshes with gear G6.

[0062] The driving force from the motor MT is input to the electromagnetic clutch EC via gear G7. The electromagnetic clutch EC can be switched between a transmission state and a disconnection state. The electromagnetic clutch EC is in the transmission state when energized and in the disconnection state when not energized. In the transmission state, the driving force from the motor MT is transmitted to the pickup roller 33. In the disconnection state, the driving force from the motor MT is not transmitted to the pickup roller 33.

[0063] The second substrate 220 has a CPU 221 that controls the operations of the sheet supply unit 30, the image forming unit 40, etc. When the pickup roller 33 sends out the sheet S in the sheet tray 31 toward the image forming unit 40, the CPU 221 energizes the electromagnetic clutch EC for a predetermined time.

[0064] The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a gear G10. The gear G10 is in mesh with the gear G1. Although not shown, the driving force from the motor MT is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 61, the developing roller 64, the pressure roller 72, the discharge roller 81, and the like via the gears G1 and G10.

[0065] First board 210 is a board that is detachably housed in main body housing 10. In other words, first board 210 is a replaceable board. As an example, first board 210 has DC / DC converter 211. DC / DC converter 211 converts, for example, a 24 V DC voltage output from an AC / DC converter (not shown) that converts AC voltage supplied from a commercial power source into DC voltage, into a 3.3 V DC voltage, and supplies the converted DC voltage to second board 220 and the like.

[0066] When viewed in the left-right direction, motor MT is located between first substrate 210 attached to main body housing 10 and pickup roller 33. In other words, first substrate 210 is located on the opposite side of pickup roller 33 in the front-rear direction relative to motor MT. Furthermore, first substrate 210 is located on the opposite side of drive force transmission mechanism MD in the front-rear direction relative to motor MT.

[0067] The second substrate 220 is a substrate housed in the main body housing 10. The second substrate 220 is fixed to the main body housing 10 with screws or the like. The second substrate 220 is electrically connected to the first substrate 210 when the first substrate 210 is attached to the main body housing 10.

[0068] More specifically, the first substrate 210 has a first connector C1. The mating surface of the first connector C1 faces the mounting direction of the first substrate 210 relative to the main body housing 10 when the first substrate 210 is mounted in the main body housing 10. Specifically, the mating surface of the first connector C1 faces upward when the first substrate 210 is mounted in the main body housing 10.

[0069] The second substrate 220 has a second connector C2. The second connector C2 is directly connected to the first connector C1 of the first substrate 210 when the first substrate 210 is attached to the main body housing 10. The mating surface of the second connector C2 faces in the opposite direction to the attachment direction of the first substrate 210 to the main body housing 10. Specifically, the mating surface of the second connector C2 faces downward. The first substrate 210 and the second substrate 220 are electrically connected via the first connector C1 and the second connector C2.

[0070] The first connector C1 and the second connector C2 are board-to-board connectors for connecting boards together. At least one of the first connector C1 and the second connector C2 may be a floating connector designed to absorb misalignment by moving relative to the boards 210 and 220.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the main body housing 10 has a top surface 10A, a bottom surface 10B, and multiple side surfaces 10C and 10D. The multiple side surfaces 10C and 10D include a left side surface 10C and a right side surface 10D. The right side surface 10D is the side surface opposite the left side surface 10C across the image forming unit 40 (see FIG. 1) inside the main body housing 10. In the embodiment, the left side surface 10C corresponds to "one side surface." The right side surface 10D corresponds to "the other side surface."

[0072] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a display screen 14 and a plurality of elastic members 15. The display screen 14 is a screen on which information is displayed. As an example, the display screen 14 is a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display screen 14 is provided facing upward.

[0073] The elastic members 15 are operation buttons for operating the image forming apparatus 1. As an example, the elastic members 15 are made of rubber. The multiple elastic members 15 are located in front of the display screen 14. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the elastic members 15 protrude above the display screen 14 and the top surface 10A of the main body housing 10.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4, the main body housing 10 has a first side cover 110, a second side cover 120, a first side frame 130, and a second side frame 140.

[0075] The first side cover 110 and the second side cover 120 form the exterior surfaces of the image forming apparatus 1. The first side cover 110 forms the left side surface 10C of the main body housing 10. The second side cover 120 forms the right side surface 10D of the main body housing 10.

[0076] The first side cover 110 and the second side cover 120 face each other in the left-right direction (first direction). The image forming unit 40 (see FIG. 1) and the sheet tray 31 are located between the first side cover 110 and the second side cover 120 in the left-right direction.

[0077] Mounting surface 210A of first substrate 210, on which main electronic components such as DC / DC converter 211 are mounted, is perpendicular to the left-right direction when first substrate 210 is attached to main body housing 10. Mounting surface 210A of first substrate 210 faces first side cover 110 in the left-right direction when first substrate 210 is attached to main body housing 10.

[0078] Mounting surface 220A of second substrate 220, on which main electronic components such as CPU 221 are mounted, is perpendicular to the left-right direction. Mounting surface 220A of second substrate 220 faces first side cover 110 in the left-right direction.

[0079] The first side frame 130 and the second side frame 140 form the frame of the main body housing 10. The first side frame 130 is located between the first side cover 110 and the sheet tray 31 in the left-right direction. The second side frame 140 is located between the second side cover 120 and the sheet tray 31 in the left-right direction.

[0080] The first side frame supports a motor MT (see FIG. 2), a driving force transmission mechanism MD, a second board 220, etc. The second board 220 is fixed to the first side frame .

[0081] An opening 12 is formed in the bottom surface 10B of the main body housing 10. The opening 12 connects the inside of the main body housing 10 to the outside of the main body housing 10. The opening 12 connects in the vertical direction. The opening 12 is an opening through which the first board 210 passes when the first board 210 is attached to the main body housing 10. The opening 12 is located between the first side cover 110 and the sheet tray 31 in the left-right direction. The opening 12 is formed in the bottom surface of the first side frame 130.

[0082] The main body housing 10 has a contact surface 16 on the bottom surface 10B of the main body housing 10. The contact surface 16 is a surface that comes into contact with the installation surface SF (see FIG. 1) of the image forming apparatus 1. More specifically, when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on the installation surface SF with the top surface 10A of the main body housing 10 facing up and the bottom surface 10B facing down, the contact surface 16 comes into contact with the installation surface SF. The contact surface 16 includes a first contact surface 16A, a second contact surface 16B, a third contact surface 16C, and a fourth contact surface 16D.

[0083] The first contact surface 16A and the second contact surface 16B are provided on the bottom surface of the first side frame 130. The first contact surface 16A is located at the front end of the first side frame 130, and the second contact surface 16B is located at the rear end of the first side frame 130. The third contact surface 16C and the fourth contact surface 16D are provided on the bottom surface of the second side frame 140. The third contact surface 16C is located at the front end of the second side frame 140, and the fourth contact surface 16D is located at the rear end of the second side frame 140.

[0084] 5(a), the holder 230 is a member that holds the first substrate 210. As an example, the first substrate 210 is fixed to the holder 230 by a screw SC. The holder 230, together with the first substrate 210, is detachable from the main body housing 10 through the opening 12 of the main body housing 10.

[0085] The metal plate 150 is a member formed by bending a metal plate. The metal plate 150 is housed in the main body housing 10 (see FIG. 2). The metal plate 150 is fixed to the first side frame 130 (see FIG. 4) of the main body housing 10 with screws or the like. In the embodiment, the metal plate 150 is located between the first side frame 130 and the second board 220 in the left-right direction. The metal plate 150 covers the second board 220 from the right side. In other words, the metal plate 150 covers the surface of the second board 220 opposite to the mounting surface 220A.

[0086] The second substrate 220 is fixed to the metal plate 150. That is, the second substrate 220 is fixed to the first side frame 130 of the main body housing 10 via the metal plate 150.

[0087] 5(a) and 5(b), the metal plate 150 has a mounting guide 151. The mounting guide 151 has a function of guiding the mounting of the first substrate 210. In the embodiment, the mounting guide 151 guides the mounting of the holder 230, thereby guiding the mounting of the first substrate 210 held by the holder 230. The mounting guide 151 is formed by cutting and raising a part of the metal plate 150.

[0088] The mounting guide 151 has a first guide 151A, a second guide 151B, and a third guide 151C. The first guide 151A, the second guide 151B, and the third guide 151C extend in the vertical direction.

[0089] First guide 151A guides front side surface 231 of holder 230. First guide 151A is located in front of holder 230 and first board 210 when holder 230 and first board 210 are attached to main body housing 10.

[0090] Second guide 151B guides rear side surface 232 of holder 230. Second guide 151B is located behind holder 230 and first board 210 when holder 230 and first board 210 are attached to main body housing 10. When holder 230 and first board 210 are attached to main body housing 10, they are located between first guide 151A and second guide 151B in the front-to-rear direction. In the embodiment, the left-to-right dimension of first guide 151A and the left-to-right dimension of second guide 151B are approximately the same.

[0091] Third guide 151C guides right side surface 233 of holder 230. Third guide 151C is located between first guide 151A and second guide 151B in the front-rear direction. Third guide 151C is located on the right side of holder 230 and first board 210 when holder 230 and first board 210 are attached to main body housing 10. The left-right dimension of third guide 151C is smaller than the left-right dimensions of first guide 151A and second guide 151B.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the image forming apparatus 1 further includes an opening / closing cover 90. The opening / closing cover 90 opens and closes the opening 12 of the main body housing 10. The opening / closing cover 90 is movable relative to the main body housing 10 between a closed position shown in FIG. 6(a) and an open position shown in FIG. 6(b). The closed position is a position where the opening 12 is closed. The open position is a position where the opening 12 is open.

[0093] In the first embodiment, the opening / closing cover 90 is slidable relative to the main body housing 10 between a closed position and an open position. The opening / closing cover 90 is slidable in the front-to-rear direction relative to the main body housing 10. The opening / closing cover 90 is slidably supported by the main body housing 10. Specifically, the opening / closing cover 90 is slidably supported by the first side frame 130.

[0094] When the opening / closing cover 90 is in the closed position, it is located above the contact surface 16. In the first embodiment, the opening / closing cover 90 is located above the contact surface 16 even when it is in the open position.

[0095] As shown by the phantom lines in Fig. 7, when the opening / closing cover 90 is in the closed position, it is located between the first side cover 110 and the sheet tray 31 in the left-right direction. Also, as shown by the solid lines in Fig. 7, even when the opening / closing cover 90 is in the open position, it is located between the first side cover 110 and the sheet tray 31 in the left-right direction.

[0096] The left-right dimension D1 of the first side frame 130 is greater than the left-right dimension D2 of the second side frame 140. The left-right dimension D3 of the opening 12 is smaller than the left-right dimension D1 of the first side frame 130.

[0097] 8(a) and 8(b), an intake port 111 is formed in the first side cover 110. An exhaust port 121 is formed in the second side cover 120. The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a fan 91.

[0098] The fan 91 forms an air flow from the intake port 111 to the exhaust port 121 inside the main body housing 10. The fan 91 is located inside the main body housing 10. The fan 91 is supported by the second side frame 140 (see FIG. 7). The fan 91 is closer to the second side cover 120 than to the first side cover 110 inside the main body housing 10.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 8(c), the intake port 111 is located on one side of a vertical line L that passes through the center of the first side cover 110 in the front-to-rear direction (horizontal direction) when viewed in the left-to-right direction. The first board 210 attached to the main body housing 10 is located on the other side of the vertical line L when viewed in the left-to-right direction. Specifically, the intake port 111 is located on the front side of the vertical line L when viewed in the left-to-right direction. The first board 210 is located on the rear side of the vertical line L when viewed in the left-to-right direction.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 4, when replacing the first substrate 210, first, the image forming apparatus 1 is placed upside down on the installation surface SF (see FIG. 1). Next, the opening / closing cover 90 is moved from the closed position to the open position. Next, the holder 230 is grasped and pulled out upward ("downward" in FIG. 4). This causes the holder 230 and the first substrate 210 to pass through the opening 12 formed in the bottom surface 10B of the main body housing 10 and be removed from the main body housing 10.

[0101] Next, the holder 230 of the new first board 210 is grasped and moved downward ("up" in FIG. 4) toward the opening 12, and the first board 210 and holder 230 are passed through the opening 12 and attached to the main body housing 10. Then, the first connector C1 of the first board 210 is fitted into the second connector C2 of the second board 220, thereby attaching the holder 230 and the first board 210 to the main body housing 10. Thereafter, the opening / closing cover 90 is moved from the open position to the closed position, and the image forming apparatus 1 is placed on the installation surface SF with the bottom surface 10B of the main body housing 10 facing downward.

[0102] Next, the effects of the first embodiment will be described. Since the first substrate 210 can be replaced through a small opening 12 formed in the bottom surface 10B of the main body housing 10 and positioned between the first side cover 110 and the sheet tray 31 in the left-right direction, the first substrate 210 can be easily replaced from the bottom surface 10B of the main body housing 10. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to widely open the bottom surface of the main body housing when replacing a substrate, as in the conventional configuration, the first substrate 210 can be easily replaced from the bottom surface 10B of the main body housing 10.

[0103] Image forming apparatus 1 is provided with opening / closing cover 90 that closes opening 12, thereby preventing dust and the like from entering main body housing 10 through opening 12. When opening / closing cover 90 is in the closed position, it is positioned above contact surface 16 of main body housing 10, so that no force is applied to opening / closing cover 90 when image forming apparatus 1 is installed on installation surface SF.

[0104] When the opening / closing cover 90 is in the open position, it is positioned between the first side cover 110 and the sheet tray 31 in the left-right direction, so that the opening / closing cover 90 does not protrude outward (to the left) from the first side cover 110 in the left-right direction even when the opening / closing cover 90 is in the open position.

[0105] The opening / closing cover 90 is slidable relative to the main body housing 10 between the closed position and the open position, so that the opening / closing cover 90 does not protrude below the contact surface 16 even when the opening / closing cover 90 is in the open position.

[0106] By providing a holder 230 that holds the first substrate 210 and is detachable from the main body housing 10 together with the first substrate 210, the first substrate 210 can be attached or detached by holding the holder 230.

[0107] The first substrate 210 has the first connector C1, and the second substrate 220 has the second connector C2, which allows for easy electrical connection between the first substrate 210 and the second substrate 220. This allows for easy replacement of the first substrate 210.

[0108] Since the mating surface of the first connector C1 faces the mounting direction of the first board 210, when the first board 210 is mounted to the main housing 10, the first connector C1 can be easily mated with the second connector C2 of the second board 220.

[0109] Since the first substrate 210 has the DC / DC converter 211, when the first substrate 210 is replaced, the DC / DC converter 211 can be replaced.

[0110] Since the metal plate 150 has the mounting guide 151, the first substrate 210 can be mounted or removed along the mounting guide 151. This allows the first substrate 210 to be mounted or removed stably.

[0111] The left-right dimension D3 of the opening 12 formed in the bottom surface of the first side frame 130 is smaller than the left-right dimension D1 of the first side frame 130, which prevents the first board 210 from interfering with components around the first side frame 130 when attaching or detaching the first board 210. For example, it is possible to prevent the first board 210 from interfering with the first side cover 110, the sheet tray 31, etc.

[0112] When viewed in the left-right direction, the motor MT is located between the first substrate 210 and the pickup roller 33, and the driving force transmission mechanism MD is located between the motor MT and the pickup roller 33, which makes it possible to prevent the first substrate 210 from interfering with the driving force transmission mechanism MD when the first substrate 210 is attached or detached. Specifically, it is possible to prevent the first substrate 210 from interfering with the gears G1 to G7, etc.

[0113] The left-right dimension D1 of the first side frame 130, in which the opening 12 is formed on the bottom surface, is larger than the left-right dimension D2 of the second side frame 140, thereby ensuring the left-right dimension D3 of the opening 12. This makes it easy to attach and detach the first board 210 through the opening 12.

[0114] When viewed in the left-right direction, air intake 111 is located on one side of a vertical line L that passes through the center of the first side cover 110 in the front-to-rear direction, and first board 210 is located on the other side of vertical line L, so that air intake 111 and first board 210 can be arranged apart. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, dust and the like that has entered main body housing 10 through air intake 111 from adhering to first board 210.

[0115] Since the elastic member 15 protrudes above the display screen 14 and the top surface 10A of the main body housing 10, the elastic member 15 comes into contact with the installation surface SF of the image forming apparatus 1 even if the image forming apparatus 1 is placed upside down when replacing the first board 210. This prevents force from being applied to the display screen 14. Furthermore, since the elastic member 15 comes into contact with the installation surface SF when the image forming apparatus 1 is placed upside down, it is possible to reduce the impact that occurs when the image forming apparatus 1 is placed upside down.

[0116] By using the elastic member 15 as an operation button, the number of parts can be reduced compared to, for example, a case where an elastic member and an operation button are separately provided.

[0117] 9(a), the image forming apparatus 1 has a discharge stopper 160 on the front side of the discharge tray 13 to prevent the sheet S from falling off the discharge tray 13. The discharge stopper 160 is rotatable between a storage position shown in FIG. 3(a) and a use position shown in FIG. 9(a). More specifically, the discharge stopper 160 is rotatable relative to the main body housing 10 between the storage position and the use position, around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction and located at the bottom end of the discharge stopper 160 when it is located at the use position.

[0118] 9(b), the discharge stopper 160 may be provided so as to support the image forming apparatus 1 when the image forming apparatus 1 is placed upside down on the installation surface SF while in the use position. This creates a gap between the installation surface SF and the display screen 14, so that no force is applied to the display screen 14.

[0119] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on differences from the previously described embodiment. The same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 10(a), in the second embodiment, the opening / closing cover 90 is rotatable relative to the main body housing 10 between a closed position (see FIG. 6(a)) and an open position. The opening / closing cover 90 is rotatably supported by the main body housing 10. More specifically, the opening / closing cover 90 is rotatable relative to the main body housing 10 between the closed position and the open position, around a rotation axis that extends in the front-to-rear direction and is located at the left end of the opening / closing cover 90.

[0121] In the second embodiment, the opening / closing cover 90 is rotatable relative to the main body housing 10 between a closed position and an open position, making it easier to notice that the opening / closing cover 90 is open compared to, for example, when the opening / closing cover is slidable.

[0122] 10(b), the opening / closing cover 90 may be rotatable relative to the main body housing 10 between a closed position and an open position about a rotation axis extending in the front-to-rear direction and located at the right end of the opening / closing cover 90. Although not shown, the opening / closing cover 90 may be rotatable relative to the main body housing 10 between a closed position and an open position about a rotation axis extending in the left-to-right direction and located at the front end or the rear end of the opening / closing cover 90.

[0123] Even if the rotatable opening / closing cover 90 is forgotten to be closed, it may be configured to rotate from the open position to the closed position by hitting the installation surface SF when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on the installation surface SF, for example.

[0124] Next, a third embodiment will be described. 11(a), in the third embodiment, a holder 230 that holds a first substrate 210 closes an opening 12 of the main body housing 10 when the holder 230 is attached to the main body housing 10 together with the first substrate 210. Also, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the holder 230 opens the opening 12 when the holder 230 is detached from the main body housing 10 together with the first substrate 210. In the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 does not include an opening / closing cover that opens and closes the opening 12.

[0125] The holder 230 is located above the contact surface 16 when attached to the main body housing 10. In other words, the holder 230 is located above the contact surface 16 when the holder 230 closes the opening 12 of the main body housing 10.

[0126] In the third embodiment, the holder 230 opens and closes the opening 12 of the main body housing 10, eliminating the need to provide a separate cover for opening and closing the opening 12, and eliminating the need to open and close the cover when replacing the first substrate 210, thereby reducing the effort required when replacing the first substrate 210. Furthermore, closing the opening 12 of the main body housing 10 with the holder 230 can prevent dust and the like from entering the main body housing 10 through the opening 12.

[0127] The holder 230 is positioned above the contact surface 16 when attached to the main body housing 10, so that no force is applied to the holder 230 and the first substrate 210 when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on the installation surface SF.

[0128] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. 12(a) and 12(b), in the fourth embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 does not include an elastic member as an operation button. The display screen 14 is located within a top surface opening 17 formed in a top surface 10A of the main body housing 10, and is located below the top surface 10A of the main body housing 10.

[0129] In the fourth embodiment, the display screen 14 is positioned below the top surface 10A of the main body housing 10, so that even if the image forming apparatus 1 is placed upside down when replacing the first board 210, the top surface 10A of the main body housing 10 comes into contact with the installation surface SF of the image forming apparatus 1. This prevents force from being applied to the display screen 14.

[0130] Although the embodiment has been described above, the image forming apparatus can be modified as appropriate as exemplified below.

[0131] For example, the elastic member may be a cushion that absorbs shock when the image forming apparatus is placed upside down, rather than an operation button. The image forming apparatus does not need to be equipped with a display screen.

[0132] The image forming apparatus does not necessarily have to include a holder for holding the first substrate. In this case, the first substrate may be directly and detachably housed in the main body housing through an opening in the main body housing.

[0133] In the embodiment, the metal plate 150 has the mounting guide 151, but for example, the first side frame may have a mounting guide that guides the mounting of the first board. The image forming apparatus does not have to have a mounting guide.

[0134] When the openable cover is in the open position, the openable cover may protrude outward in the first direction from a position between the first side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction.

[0135] In the embodiment, the second substrate 220 has the CPU 221 that controls the image forming unit 40, etc. However, for example, as shown in Fig. 13, the first substrate 210 may have the CPU 221. By having the CPU 221 on the first substrate 210, the CPU 221 can be replaced when the first substrate 210 is replaced.

[0136] The first and second substrates may not be directly connected by a connector, but may be electrically connected via a harness, etc. The image forming apparatus does not necessarily have to include a second substrate.

[0137] In the embodiment, the left side surface 10C is the "one side surface" and the right side surface 10D is the "other side surface," but for example, the right side surface of the main body housing may be the "one side surface" and the left side surface of the main body housing may be the "other side surface." In other words, in the embodiment, the first side cover 110 is located on the left and the second side cover 120 is located on the right, but for example, the first side cover may be located on the right and the second side cover may be located on the left. Furthermore, one of the front side surface and the rear side surface of the main body housing may be the "one side surface," and the other of the front side surface and the rear side surface of the main body housing may be the "other side surface."

[0138] In the embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is a printer capable of forming only monochrome images, but for example, the image forming apparatus may be a printer capable of forming color images. The image forming apparatus may also be a copier, a multifunction peripheral, etc. In the embodiment, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is exemplified, but for example, an inkjet image forming apparatus, a dot impact image forming apparatus, etc. may also be used.

[0139] The elements described in the embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1. Image forming device 10 Main unit housing 10B Bottom 10C Left side 10D right side 12 Aperture 31 Sheet Tray 40 Image forming unit 110 First side cover 120 Second side cover 210 First board S seat

Claims

1. an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a main body housing having a bottom surface and a plurality of side surfaces and accommodating the image forming unit, the main body housing including a first side cover constituting one of the side surfaces and a second side cover constituting another side surface opposite to the one side surface with the image forming unit in between; a sheet tray located between the first side cover and the second side cover in a first direction in which the first side cover and the second side cover face each other, the sheet tray accommodating sheets to be supplied to the image forming unit, the sheet tray being located below the image forming unit; a first substrate that is detachably housed in the main body housing, An image forming apparatus characterized in that an opening is formed on the bottom surface of the main body housing, which connects the inside of the main body housing with the outside of the main body housing, through which the first board passes when the first board is attached to the main body housing, and which is located between the first side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction.

2. an opening / closing cover that is movable relative to the main body housing between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening; the main body housing has a contact surface on the bottom surface of the main body housing that comes into contact with an installation surface of the image forming apparatus, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing cover is positioned above the contact surface when the opening / closing cover is in the closed position.

3. The opening and closing cover is When the cover is located at the closed position, the cover is located between the first side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction, and 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the opening and closing member is located between the first side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction when the opening and closing member is located at the open position.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the opening / closing cover is slidable relative to the main body housing between the closed position and the open position.

5. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the opening / closing cover is rotatable relative to the main body housing between the closed position and the open position.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a holder for holding the first substrate, the holder being detachable from the main body housing together with the first substrate.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the holder closes the opening when attached to the main body housing, and opens the opening when detached from the main body housing.

8. the main body housing has a contact surface on the bottom surface of the main body housing that comes into contact with an installation surface of the image forming apparatus, 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the holder is positioned above the contact surface when attached to the main body housing.

9. a second substrate accommodated in the main body housing, the second substrate being electrically connected to the first substrate when the first substrate is attached to the main body housing; the first substrate has a first connector; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second board has a second connector that is directly connected to the first connector when the first board is attached to the main body housing.

10. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first substrate has a CPU that controls the image forming unit.

11. the first substrate has a DC / DC converter; 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second substrate has a CPU that controls the image forming unit.

12. a metal plate accommodated in the main body housing and covering the second substrate; 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the metal plate has a mounting guide for guiding the mounting of the first substrate.

13. a motor for applying a driving force to the image forming unit; the main body housing includes a first side frame positioned between the first side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction and supporting the motor; The opening is formed in a bottom surface of the first side frame, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dimension of the opening in the first direction is smaller than the dimension of the first side frame in the first direction.

14. a pickup roller that feeds the sheets stored in the sheet tray toward the image forming unit; a driving force transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the motor to the pickup roller, the first side frame supports the driving force transmission mechanism, the motor is located between the first board when the device is attached to the main body housing and the pickup roller, as viewed along the first direction; 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the drive force transmission mechanism is located between the motor and the pickup roller when viewed along the first direction.

15. The main body housing includes: a first side frame positioned between the first side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction; a second side frame positioned between the second side cover and the sheet tray in the first direction, The opening is formed in a bottom surface of the first side frame, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dimension of the first side frame in the first direction is larger than the dimension of the second side frame in the first direction.

16. The first side cover is formed with an air intake port, The second side cover is formed with an exhaust port, the image forming apparatus includes a fan that forms an air flow from the intake port toward the exhaust port within the main body housing, the fan being closer to the second side cover than the first side cover within the main body housing; the intake port is located on one side of a vertical line passing through a horizontal center of the first side cover when viewed along the first direction, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first board, when attached to the main body housing, is located on the other side of the vertical line when viewed along the first direction.

17. It has an upward-facing display screen, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display screen is located below a top surface of the main body housing.

18. An upward-facing display screen and 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an elastic member protruding above the display screen and a top surface of the main body housing.

19. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the elastic member is an operation button for operating the image forming apparatus.

Images