Image forming device

Abstract

An image forming apparatus capable of maintaining good communication performance in wireless communication is provided. [Solution] An image forming device having a device frame, an exterior cover that covers the device frame, an antenna for wireless communication, and a board on which the antenna is mounted, a wireless communication module that is arranged between the device frame and the exterior cover, and a fixing means for fixing the wireless communication module to the exterior cover, the fixing means including a screw hole provided in the exterior cover, a hole portion provided in the board, and a screw that is screwed into the screw hole through the hole portion, characterized in that the hole portion is provided near a second side that is far from the antenna and opposite a first side that is close to the antenna, of the four sides of the board.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, to improve user convenience, laser printers (hereinafter referred to as image forming apparatuses) have generally been equipped with wireless communication units that allow users to wirelessly instruct the image forming apparatus to perform various operations, such as printing and settings. In general, the wireless communication unit is provided as a separate wireless board from the control board, and the control board is connected to the wireless board to control it. Furthermore, because communication performance is important for the wireless board, it is preferable that it be located as close to the outside of the device as possible and that there are as few obstructing components near the wireless board as possible.

[0003] As a configuration for ensuring good wireless communication, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a control board and a wireless board are connected by wire and the wireless board is held at multiple points in close proximity to the exterior cover (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-196335 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Near-field communication (NFC) and other short-range wireless communications use a frequency band (e.g., 13.56 MHz) that is relatively unaffected by obstacles, and users place their communication device close to a specific part of an image forming device. Therefore, even if a wireless communication module installed in an image forming device is supported at multiple locations within the device to cover it, communication is not disrupted unless there is a direct obstacle (e.g., a metal plate) between the proximity points and the antenna of the wireless communication module. However, medium-range wireless LAN communication such as Wi-Fi uses a frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) that is more susceptible to obstacles than near-field communication, and the location of the communication destination is also uncertain. Therefore, there was a problem in that a support member for holding a wireless module near the antenna for wireless communication installed in an image forming device could cause communication disruption.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can maintain good communication performance in wireless communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises: A device frame; an exterior cover that covers the device frame; a wireless communication module including an antenna for wireless communication and a substrate on which the antenna is mounted, the wireless communication module being provided between the device frame and the exterior cover; a fixing means for fixing the wireless communication module to the exterior cover, the fixing means including a screw hole provided in the exterior cover, a hole portion provided in the board, and a screw that is threaded into the screw hole through the hole portion; In an image forming apparatus having When the substrate is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface on which the antenna is mounted, The antenna and the hole are arranged between a first side that forms part of the outline of the substrate and a second side that faces the first side, the antenna is arranged closer to the first side than the second side, and the hole is arranged closer to the second side than the first side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can maintain good communication performance in wireless communication. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a wireless communication module according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an upper cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 3 is an explanatory diagram of an attachment state of the upper cover and the wireless LAN communication module according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a wireless LAN communication module according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an upper cover according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is an explanatory diagram of an attachment state of an upper cover and a wireless LAN communication module according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a wireless LAN communication module according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an upper cover according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is an explanatory diagram of an attachment state of an upper cover and a wireless LAN communication module according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a wireless LAN communication module according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 is an explanatory diagram of a left front cover and a left rear cover according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 21] 10 is an explanatory diagram of a mounting state of a left front cover and a wireless LAN communication module according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a detailed description will be given of an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiment may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0011] Example 1 In this embodiment, the present invention is described as being applied to a color laser beam printer employing a tandem (four-drum) system that can form full-color images using an electrophotographic system. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be applied to copying machines, printers, etc. that use electrostatic recording or inkjet recording systems.

[0012] In the following description, directions are defined based on the user using the image forming apparatus 1. In other words, the front (front, near side) side of the image forming apparatus 1 that the user faces when using it is referred to as "front," the rear (back, far side) side as "rear," the top (top) side as "up," and the bottom (bottom) side as "down." Furthermore, the left side of the image forming apparatus 1 when viewed from the front side is referred to as "left," and the right side as "right." The front-to-back direction is defined as the Z direction, the up-down direction as the Y direction, and the left-to-right direction as the X direction.

[0013] (1) Schematic configuration of image forming apparatus 1 FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 using electrophotographic recording technology according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left side. Image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit and a fixing unit supported by a metal frame 2. Image forming apparatus 1 includes four image forming units arranged in a substantially linear fashion, each forming an image in yellow (hereinafter abbreviated as Y), magenta (hereinafter abbreviated as M), cyan (hereinafter abbreviated as C), or black (hereinafter abbreviated as K). In this embodiment, the configuration and operation of each image forming unit are essentially identical, except for the color of the image they form. Therefore, unless otherwise required, the suffixes Y, M, C, and K, which are added to reference numerals to indicate that the element is provided for one of the colors, will be omitted in the following description.

[0014] Each image forming station has a photosensitive drum 62 as an image carrier, a charging roller 63, a developing roller 64, and a toner container 65. The image forming stations may be configured as a process cartridge that can be detachably mounted on the apparatus. When image information is received and an image forming operation is initiated, the photosensitive drum 62 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 23. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62 is first uniformly charged by the charging roller 63, and the charged surface is exposed to a laser beam 61 from the scanner unit 60 in accordance with the image information, forming an electrostatic latent image. The latent image is visualized by the developing roller 64, forming a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The toner image formed in each image forming station is transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 57 as an intermediate transfer member.

[0015] Intermediate transfer belt 57, an endless belt, is stretched around drive roller 55 and driven roller 56 in the direction in which the image forming units are arranged. As drive roller 55 rotates in response to a print command, intermediate transfer belt 57 rotates along each image forming unit. A primary transfer roller 66 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of intermediate transfer belt 57 facing photosensitive drum 62, and as primary transfer roller 66 presses intermediate transfer belt 57 toward photosensitive drum 62, toner images formed at each image forming unit are sequentially transferred onto intermediate transfer belt 57. As intermediate transfer belt 57 continues to rotate, the toner images transferred to intermediate transfer belt 57 are transported to a transfer nip portion, which is the portion in contact with secondary transfer roller 54.

[0016] Sheet-like recording materials P before image formation, which are stored in a feed cassette 67 provided at the bottom of the image forming apparatus 1, are separated and fed one by one from the feed cassette 67 by a feed roller 68, and fed to a pair of registration rollers 69. The pair of registration rollers 69 sends the fed recording materials P to a transfer nip portion between the intermediate transfer belt 57 and a secondary transfer roller 70. The secondary transfer roller 70 is disposed so as to face the drive roller 55 with the intermediate transfer belt 57 therebetween. A bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 70 from a high-voltage power supply (not shown) when the recording material P passes through the transfer nip portion. As a result, a full-color toner image is secondarily transferred from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 57 onto the recording material P passing through the transfer nip portion.

[0017] The recording material P carrying the toner is conveyed to the fixing section (image heating section). The fixing section includes a heating unit 71 in which a heater is provided inside a flexible cylindrical film, and a pressure roller 72 provided opposite the heating unit 71. The heating unit 71 and the pressure roller 72 form The recording material P is conveyed to a fixing nip formed by the fixing nip, and is heated and pressed, thereby fixing the carried toner image to the recording material P. The recording material P is then discharged by the discharge rollers 73 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 23 ). In this embodiment, since the user operates the apparatus from the front side, the recording material P is discharged from a discharge outlet 90 provided at the rear side of the apparatus to a discharge stacker 11a provided at the front side of the apparatus. In other words, the discharge direction of the recording material is synonymous with the front-to-rear direction of the apparatus, with the downstream side of the discharge direction being the front side and the opposite upstream side being the rear side. The recording material P is discharged from the discharge outlet 90 at the rear side of the apparatus and stacked on the discharge stacker 11a located at the front side of the apparatus below the discharge outlet 90, making it easy for a user operating the apparatus from the front side to collect the recording material P.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to first to third embodiments of the present invention, viewed from the front side of the apparatus. An operation unit 3, a fixing / discharging unit 9, and a discharged paper stacking unit 11a are provided on the upper part of the apparatus body. The exterior of the image forming apparatus 1 is made up of multiple covers 10 formed of resin. Among them, the top cover 11 covers at least a portion of the top side of the image forming apparatus. The top cover 11 may be divided into multiple parts or may be integral with other covers. A left cover 12 and a right cover 13 are provided on the left and right sides. The front side of the image forming apparatus is covered by a front door 14 and a cassette cover 15. The front door 14 is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the image forming apparatus body, allowing for the replacement of consumables such as toner cartridges. The cassette cover 15 is fixed to a cassette (not shown) and supported so as to be insertable and removable relative to the image forming apparatus body, allowing the user to replace paper by pulling out the cassette.

[0019] 2 is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, with the top cover 11 and left cover 12 not shown. A control board 30 is supported by a metal frame 2 (apparatus frame) that forms the skeleton of the image forming apparatus 1. The wireless LAN communication module 20 is connected to the control board 30 by an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) 31 and is supported by the top cover 11, which is part of the exterior cover. A drive unit 6 is provided on the opposite side of the control board 30 across the frame 2, and a fixing and ejection unit 9 for fixing and ejecting an image on paper, and a laser scanner 5 for creating a latent image are provided between the control board 30 and the frame 2.

[0020] Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a wireless LAN communication module 20 (wireless communication module) having an antenna for wireless LAN communication (wireless communication) according to a first embodiment. Fig. 3(a) is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Fig. 3(b) is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Fig. 3(c) is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the surface opposite to the mounting surface of the substrate 21. Fig. 3(d) is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the surface opposite to the mounting surface of the substrate 21.

[0021] The wireless LAN communication module 20 mainly comprises a substrate 21 having an electronic circuit, an antenna 22, electronic elements (not shown), a shield 24 covering the electronic elements, and a connector 23 for wired connection to a control substrate 30 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The substrate 21 has a rectangular outer shape and includes a hole 21e and a notch 21f. The surface of the substrate 20 closest to the top cover is referred to as a front surface 21z, and the opposite surface is referred to as a back surface 21w. The antenna 22 is provided near an end surface 21a of the substrate's outer shape. When the substrate 21 is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface on which the antenna 22 is mounted, the edge of the substrate 21 formed by the end surface 21a corresponds to the first side, out of the four sides that make up the rectangular outer shape of the substrate 21. The connector 23 is provided near an end surface 21c that faces the antenna 22 across the shield 24. The side of the substrate 21 formed by the end face 21c corresponds to the second side, and the direction in which the first and second sides face each other corresponds to the first direction. The hole 21e is provided at the corner where the end face 21c and the end face 21b, which are close to the connector 23 and the shield 24, respectively, intersect. That is, the antenna 22 is provided at a position closer to the end face 21a than the end face 21c of the substrate outer shape, and the hole 21e is provided at a position closer to the end face 21a than the end face 21a of the substrate outer shape. 21c。 Notch 21f is provided on the side of end face 21d corresponding to the fourth side, which is opposite end face 21b with connector 23 in between. The main components of the weight of the wireless LAN communication module 20 are the shield 24, the connector 23, and the substrate 21. When viewed from a plane horizontal to the plane of the substrate 21, the center of gravity 20g of the wireless LAN communication module 20 (the center of gravity of the substrate 21 when the antenna 22, connector 23, shield 24, etc. are mounted) is closest to the corner where 21b and 21c intersect, among the four corners of the substrate 21. Here, of the two opposing sides in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the side of the substrate 21 formed by end face 21b, which is away from the antenna 22 and closer to the center of gravity 20g, corresponds to the third side. The side of the substrate 21 that is opposed to the third side and is formed by the end face 21d that is close to the antenna 22 and spaced apart from the center of gravity 20g corresponds to the fourth side.

[0022] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a support portion of the upper cover 11 for the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4(a) is a plan view, Fig. 4(b) is a perspective view, Fig. 4(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in Fig. 4(a), Fig. 4(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along DD in Fig. 4(a), Fig. 4(e) is a cross-sectional view taken along FF in Fig. 4(a), Fig. 4(f) is a cross-sectional view taken along EE in Fig. 4(a), and Fig. 4(g) is a cross-sectional view taken along GG in Fig. 4(a).

[0023] The upper cover 11 has a support portion 51 for supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20, and restriction portions 52, 53, and 54. The support portion 51 has a screw hole 51a, restriction surfaces 51x and 51y, and a receiving surface 51z. The screw hole 51a is configured so that a screw 32 can be fastened therein. The restriction portion 52 has restriction surfaces 52x and 52y and a receiving surface 52z. The restriction portion 53 has restriction surfaces 53x and 53y and a receiving surface 53z. The restriction portion 54 has a restriction surface 54y, a receiving surface 54z, and a hook surface 54w.

[0024] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to the first embodiment is held by being screwed into the upper cover 11 with a screw 32, and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus near the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5(a) is a plan view, Fig. 5(b) is a perspective view, Fig. 5(c) is a CC cross-sectional view of Fig. 5(a), Fig. 5(d) is a DD cross-sectional view of Fig. 5(a), Fig. 5(e) is an FF cross-sectional view of Fig. 5(a), Fig. 5(f) is an EE cross-sectional view of Fig. 5(a), and Fig. 5(g) is a GG cross-sectional view of Fig. 5(a).

[0025] The restricting surface 51x restricts movement of the end face 21b of the substrate 21 in the +X direction (second restricting portion), and the restricting surface 52x restricts movement of the end face 21d of the substrate 21 in the -X direction (third restricting portion). These restrictions restrict rotation and movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the product width direction (X direction). The restricting surfaces 51y and 52y restrict movement of the end face 21c of the substrate 21 in the -Z direction (first restricting portion). The restricting surface 54y of the restricting portion 54 abuts against the notch 21f, which is a recessed portion (notch-shaped portion) provided in the end face 21d of the substrate 21, in the Z direction by engaging with the notch 21f. This restricts movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the product front-rear direction (Z direction) (fourth restricting portion). Like the restricting surface 51x, the restricting surface 53x restricts movement of the end surface 21b of the substrate 21 in the +X direction (fifth restricting portion). Furthermore, the receiving surfaces 51z, 52z, and 53z restrict the front surface 21z of the substrate 21, and the bearing surface 32w of the screw 32 and the hook surface 54w of the restricting portion 54 restrict the back surface 21w of the substrate 21, thereby restricting movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the Y direction. Here, the restricting portions 51 (51x, 51y) abut near a corner (first corner) of the substrate 21 between the end surface 21c and the end surface 21b, thereby restricting movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the +Z direction and the +X direction. Furthermore, restriction portions 52 (52x, 52y) and 54 abut against the vicinity of a corner (second corner) of the substrate between end face 21c and end face 21d, thereby restricting movement in the -Z and -X directions. Furthermore, restriction portion 53 abuts against end face 21d, thereby restricting movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the +X direction. In this manner, the wireless LAN communication module 20 is supported by the upper cover 11.

[0026] The restricting portion 51 plays a major role in supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20 on the upper cover 11. Specifically, by fastening the screw 32 to the screw hole 51a through the hole 21e of the wireless LAN communication module 20, the board 21 is sandwiched between the seating surface 32w of the screw 32 and the receiving surface 51z. This generates friction between the seating surface 32w and the back surface 21w of the board 21, and between the receiving surface 51z and the front surface 21z of the board 21. This friction restricts the horizontal rotation of the wireless LAN communication module 20 and movement in the front-to-back direction (Z direction) and width direction (X direction) of the product. Furthermore, by sandwiching the board 21 between the seating surface 32w and the receiving surface 51z, movement and tilting of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the top-to-bottom direction (Y direction) of the product are also restricted. That is, the restricting portions 52, 53, and 54 are provided primarily for the purpose of stabilizing assembly. For example, by using a jig during assembly, it is possible to configure the wireless LAN communication module 20 (substrate 21) with only the support portion 51 without providing the restricting portions 52, 53, and 54. As shown in FIG. 5(a), when the wireless LAN communication module 20 (substrate 21) is viewed in plan, the center of gravity 20g is located in an area surrounded by imaginary lines connecting the support portion 51 and the restricting portions 52, 53, and 54 (an area divided by an imaginary line connecting the positions of the fourth restricting portion and the fifth restricting portion and including the second side). This arrangement allows the wireless LAN communication module 20 to be stably assembled to the upper cover 21. Furthermore, when the plane of the substrate 21 is divided into four equal parts vertically and horizontally (four divided areas indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 5(a)), the center of gravity 20g and the fastening portion using the screw 32 are included in the same area. This arrangement also allows the wireless LAN communication module 20 to be effectively supported. At this time, since the center of gravity 20g is closer to the end face 21b than to the end face 21d of the substrate 21, by arranging the restricting portion 54 farther from the antenna 22 than the restricting portion 53, it is possible to further avoid obstructing the antenna 22. As described above, the wireless LAN communication module 20 has the feature of suitably supporting a portion farther from the antenna 22, making it possible to provide an image forming apparatus with good communication properties.

[0027] <Example 2> The configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 11. Components configured similarly to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, or even if the reference numerals are different, the same component names will be used and their description will be omitted. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, with the top cover 11 and left cover 12 not shown.

[0028] The control board 30 is supported by a frame 2 that forms the framework of the image forming apparatus 1. The wireless LAN communication module 20 is connected to the control board 30 by a cable 33 and is supported by the upper cover 11. A drive unit 6 is provided on the opposite side of the control board 30 across the frame 2, and a fixing and ejection unit 9 for fixing and ejecting an image on paper and a laser scanner 5 for creating a latent image are provided between the frame 2 and the wireless LAN communication module 20. Unlike the first embodiment, the wireless LAN communication module 20 of this embodiment is supported so that the mounting surface of the board 21 on which the antenna 22 and other components are mounted faces the frame 2 (facing the -Y direction). In the first embodiment, the mounting surface of the board 21 faces upward (in the +Y direction) so that the antenna 22 and other components are located on the upper cover 11 side.

[0029] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a wireless LAN communication module 20 having an antenna for wireless LAN communication according to a second embodiment. Fig. 8(a) is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Fig. 8(b) is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Fig. 8(c) is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the surface opposite to the mounting surface of the substrate 21. Fig. 8(d) is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the surface opposite to the mounting surface of the substrate 21.

[0030] The wireless communication module mainly comprises a substrate 21 having an electronic circuit, an antenna 22, an electronic element (not shown), a shield 24 for covering the electronic element, and a connector 23 for wired connection to a control substrate 30. Furthermore, substrate 21 has a rectangular outer shape and includes hole 21e corresponding to the second hole portion and elongated hole 21g for fastening with a screw. The surface of substrate 21 closest to the top cover is referred to as front surface 21z, and the opposite surface is referred to as back surface 21w. Antenna 22 is provided near end surface 21a of the substrate's outer shape. Connector 23 is provided near end surface 21c facing antenna 22 across shield 24. Hole 21e is provided at the corner where end surface 21c close to connector 23 intersects with end surface 21b. Elongated hole 21g is provided on the side of end surface 21d opposite end surface 21b across connector 23. The side of substrate 21 formed by end surface 21a corresponds to the first side, and the side of substrate 21 formed by end surface 21c corresponds to the second side. The side of the substrate 21 formed by the end face 21d near the elongated hole 21g serving as a hole corresponds to the third side of the third and fourth sides of the substrate 21 that face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in which the first and second sides face each other. The side of the substrate 21 formed by the end face 21b near the hole 21e serving as the second hole corresponds to the fourth side. The corner of the substrate 21 where the elongated hole 21g to be fastened with a screw is provided corresponds to the first corner, and the corner of the substrate 21 where the hole 21e to be fitted with a boss described below is provided corresponds to the second corner. The shield 24, the connector 23, and the substrate 21 mainly contribute to the weight of the wireless LAN communication module 20. When viewed from a plane horizontal to the plane of the substrate 21, the center of gravity 20g of the wireless LAN communication module 20 is closer to the end face 21c than to the end face 21a.

[0031] 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams of a support portion of the upper cover 11 for the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to Example 2. Fig. 9A is a plan view, Fig. 9B is a perspective view, Fig. 9C is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in Fig. 9A, Fig. 9D is a cross-sectional view taken along EE in Fig. 9A, and Fig. 9E is a cross-sectional view taken along DD in Fig. 9A.

[0032] The upper cover 21 has a support portion 51 and a restriction portion 52 for supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20. The support portion 51 includes a screw hole 51a and a receiving surface 51z. The screw hole 51a is configured so that the screw 32 can be fastened thereto. The restriction portion 52 includes a boss 52a and a receiving surface 52z.

[0033] Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a wireless LAN communication module 20 according to the second embodiment is held to an upper cover 11 with screws 32, and Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus near the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10(a) is a plan view, Fig. 10(b) is a perspective view, Fig. 10(c) is a CC cross-sectional view of Fig. 10(a), Fig. 10(d) is an EE cross-sectional view of Fig. 10(a), and Fig. 10(e) is a DD cross-sectional view of Fig. 10(a).

[0034] The boss 52a fits into and guides the hole 21e of the substrate 21, thereby restricting movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the front-to-back direction (Z direction) and width direction (X direction). The outer diameter 32a of the screw 32 fits into the oblong hole 21g of the substrate 21 in the front-to-back direction of the product, restricting rotation of the wireless LAN communication module 20. The receiving surfaces 51z, 52z come into contact with the surface 21z of the substrate 21, and the substrate 21 is clamped between the seating surface 32w of the screw 32 and the receiving surface 51z of the upper cover 11, thereby restricting movement and tilt of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the top-to-bottom direction (Y direction). In this way, the wireless LAN communication module 20 is supported by the upper cover 11.

[0035] The restricting portion 51 plays a major role in supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20 on the upper cover 11. Specifically, by clamping the board 21 between the seating surface 32w and the receiving surface 51z of the screw 32, frictional forces are generated between the seating surface 32w and the back surface 21w of the board 21, and between the receiving surface 51z and the front surface 21z of the board 21. This frictional force restricts the horizontal rotation of the wireless LAN communication module 20 and movement in the front-to-back direction (Z direction) and width direction (X direction) of the product. Furthermore, by clamping the board 21 between the seating surface 32w and the receiving surface 51z, movement and tilting of the wireless LAN module in the top-to-bottom direction (Y direction) of the product are also restricted. In other words, the restricting portion 52 is provided for stability during assembly, and it is possible to use a jig during assembly, for example, and configure the device using only the support portion 51 without providing the restricting portion 52. As explained above, As explained above, by suitably supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20 at a location away from the antenna 22, an image forming apparatus with good communication properties can be provided.

[0036] Example 3 The configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figures 12 to 16. Components configured similarly to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, or even if the reference numerals are different, the same component names are used and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the interior of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, with the top cover 11 and left cover 12 not shown. A control board 30 is supported by a frame 2 that forms the framework of the image forming apparatus 1. A wireless LAN communication module 20 is connected to the control board 30 by an FFC 31 and is supported by the top cover 11. A drive unit 6 is provided on the opposite side of the frame 2 from the control board 30, and a fixing and ejection unit 9 for fixing and ejecting an image on paper, and a laser scanner 5 for creating a latent image are provided between the frame 2.

[0037] Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a wireless LAN communication module 20 having an antenna for wireless LAN communication according to a third embodiment. Fig. 13(a) is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Fig. 13(b) is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Fig. 13(c) is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the surface opposite to the mounting surface of the substrate 21. Fig. 13(d) is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the surface opposite to the mounting surface of the substrate 21.

[0038] The wireless LAN communication module 20 mainly comprises a substrate 21 having an electronic circuit, a first antenna 22a, a second antenna 22b, electronic elements (not shown), a shield 24 covering the electronic elements, and a connector 23 for wired connection to the control substrate 30. The substrate 21 has a rectangular outer shape and a hole 21e. The surface of the substrate 20 closest to the top cover is called the front surface 21z, and the opposite surface is called the back surface 21w. The first antenna 22a is provided near the edge surface 21a of the substrate, and the second antenna 22b is provided near the edge surface 21d of the substrate. The connector 23 is provided near the edge surface 21c that faces the first antenna 22a across the shield 24. The hole 21e is provided at the corner where the edge surfaces 21c and 21b, which are closest to the connector 23 and the shield 24, respectively, intersect. The main weight of the wireless LAN communication module 20 is accounted for by the shield 24, the connector 23, and the substrate 21. When viewed from a plane horizontal to the plane of the substrate 21, the center of gravity 20g of the wireless LAN communication module 20 is closest to the corner of the substrate 21 where the end face 21b intersects with the end face 21c.

[0039] Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a support portion of the upper cover 11 for the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to Example 3. Fig. 14(a) is a plan view, Fig. 14(b) is a perspective view, Fig. 14(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in Fig. 14(a), Fig. 14(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along DD in Fig. 14(a), Fig. 14(e) is a cross-sectional view taken along FF in Fig. 14(a), Fig. 14(f) is a cross-sectional view taken along EE in Fig. 14(a), and Fig. 14(g) is a cross-sectional view taken along GG in Fig. 14(a).

[0040] The upper cover 21 has a support portion 51 for supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20, and restricting portions 52 and 53. The support portion 51 has a screw hole 51a, restricting surfaces 51x and 51y, and a receiving surface 51z. The screw hole 51a is configured so that a screw 32 can be fastened thereto. The restricting portion 52 has restricting surfaces 52x and 52y, and a receiving surface 52z. The restricting portion 53 has a receiving surface 53z.

[0041] Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to the third embodiment is held in the upper cover 11 by the screws 32, and Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus near the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 15(a) is a plan view, Fig. 15(b) is a perspective view, Fig. 15(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in Fig. 15(a), and Fig. 15(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in Fig. 15(a). 15(a) is a DD cross-sectional view of FIG. 15(a), FIG. 15(e) is an FF cross-sectional view of FIG. 15(a), FIG. 15(f) is an EE cross-sectional view of FIG. 15(a), and FIG. 15(g) is a GG cross-sectional view of FIG. 15(a).

[0042] The restricting surface 51x restricts the end surface 21b of the substrate 21, and the restricting surface 52x restricts the end surface 21d of the substrate 21, thereby restricting movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the product width direction (X direction). The restricting surfaces 51y and 52y restrict the end surface 21c of the substrate 21, thereby restricting movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the product rear direction (+Z direction). Furthermore, the receiving surfaces 51z, 52z, and 53z restrict the front surface 21z of the substrate 21, and the bearing surface 32w of the screw 32 restricts the back surface 21w of the substrate 21. Although there is no restriction in the product front direction (-Z direction) or rotation direction, when assembling the wireless LAN communication module 20 to the upper cover 11, the wireless LAN communication module 20 is moved toward the product rear direction (+Z direction) using a jig or by hand, and the screw 32 is fastened with the end surface 21c butting against the restricting surfaces 51y and 52y. This stabilizes the position of the wireless LAN communication module 20. In this manner, the wireless LAN communication module 20 is supported by the upper cover 11 .

[0043] The restricting portion 51 plays a major role in supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20 on the upper cover 11. Specifically, by clamping the board 21 between the seating surface 32w and the receiving surface 51z of the screw 32, frictional forces are generated between the seating surface 32w and the back surface 21w of the board 21 and between the receiving surface 51z and the front surface 21z of the board 21. This frictional force restricts horizontal rotation of the wireless LAN communication module 20 and movement in the front-to-back direction (Z direction) and width direction (X direction) of the product. Furthermore, by clamping the board 21 between the seating surface 32w and the receiving surface 51z, movement and tilting of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the top-to-bottom direction (Y direction) of the product are also restricted. In other words, the restricting portions 52, 53, and 54 are primarily provided for stability during assembly. For example, by using a jig during assembly, it is possible to omit the restricting portions 52, 53, and 54 and use only the support portion 51. The center of gravity 20g described above is located in the area surrounded by the support surface 51z and the receiving surfaces 52z and 53z, allowing for stable assembly. Furthermore, since the shield 24 is provided closer to the end surface 21b, the center of gravity 20g is located closer to the end surface 21b that faces the end surface 21d that is closer to the second antenna 22b. Therefore, the receiving surface 53z can be positioned away from the second antenna 22b, preventing it from interfering with communication. As described above, by appropriately supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20 at a location away from the antenna 22, an image forming apparatus with good communication performance can be provided.

[0044] Example 4 FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a color laser beam printer, which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The exterior of the image forming apparatus 1 is made up of multiple covers 10 made of resin. Of these, a left front cover 17 and a left rear cover 18 are side covers (exterior covers) that cover at least a portion of the left side of the image forming apparatus. The front side of the image forming apparatus is covered by a front door 14 and a cassette cover 15. The front door 14 is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the image forming apparatus main body, allowing for the replacement of consumables such as toner cartridges. The cassette cover 15 is fixed to a cassette (not shown) and supported so as to be insertable and removable relative to the image forming apparatus main body, allowing the user to replace paper by pulling out the cassette.

[0045] 18 is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, with the top cover 11, left front cover 17, and left rear cover 18 not shown. The control board 30 is supported by a frame 2 that forms the skeleton of the image forming apparatus 1. The wireless LAN communication module 20 is connected to the control board 30 by an FFC 31 and is supported by the left front cover 17. A drive unit 6 is provided on the opposite side of the frame 2 to the control board 30, and a fixing and ejection unit 9 for fixing an image on paper and ejecting the paper, and a laser scanner 5 for creating a latent image are provided between the frame 2.

[0046] Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a wireless LAN communication module 20 having an antenna for wireless LAN communication according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 19(a) is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Fig. 19(b) is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the mounting surface side of the substrate 21. Fig. 19(c) is a plan view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the surface opposite to the mounting surface of the substrate 21. Fig. 19(d) is a perspective view of the wireless LAN communication module 20 showing the configuration of the surface opposite to the mounting surface of the substrate 21.

[0047] The wireless LAN communication module 20 mainly comprises a substrate 21 having an electronic circuit, a first antenna 22a, a second antenna 22b, electronic elements (not shown), a shield 24 covering the electronic elements, and a connector 23 for wired connection to the control substrate 30. The substrate 21 has a rectangular outer shape and a hole 21e. The surface of the substrate 21 closest to the left front cover 17 is referred to as a front surface 21z, and the opposite surface is referred to as a back surface 21w. The first antenna 22a is provided near an end surface 21a of the substrate, and the second antenna 22b is provided near an end surface 21d of the substrate. The connector 23 is provided near an end surface 21c that faces the first antenna 22a across the shield 24. The hole 21e is provided at the corner where the end surfaces 21c and 21b, which are closest to the connector 23 and the shield 24, respectively, intersect. The main weight of the wireless LAN communication module 20 is accounted for by the shield 24, the connector 23, and the substrate 21. When viewed from a plane horizontal to the plane of the substrate 21, the center of gravity 20g of the wireless LAN communication module 20 is closest to the corner of the substrate 21 where the end face 21b intersects with the end face 21c.

[0048] Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a support portion of the wireless LAN communication module 20 of the left front cover 17 according to Example 4. Fig. 20(a) is a plan view, Fig. 20(b) is a perspective view, Fig. 20(c) is a CC cross-sectional view of Fig. 20(a), Fig. 20(d) is a DD cross-sectional view of Fig. 20(a), Fig. 20(e) is an FF cross-sectional view of Fig. 20(a), Fig. 20(f) is an EE cross-sectional view of Fig. 20(a), and Fig. 20(g) is a GG cross-sectional view of Fig. 20(a).

[0049] The left front cover 17 has a support portion 51 for supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20, and restricting portions 52 and 54. The support portion 51 has a screw hole 51a, restricting surfaces 51x and 51y, and a receiving surface 51z. The screw hole 51a is configured so that a screw 32 can be fastened therein. The restricting portion 52 has restricting surfaces 52x and 52y, and a receiving surface 52z. The restricting portion 54 has a restricting surface 54x, a receiving surface 54z, and a hook surface 54w.

[0050] Fig. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a wireless LAN communication module 20 according to the fourth embodiment is held to a left front cover 17 with screws 32, and Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the wireless LAN communication module 20 according to the fourth embodiment as seen from inside the image forming apparatus. Fig. 21(a) is a plan view, Fig. 21(b) is a perspective view, Fig. 21(c) is a CC cross-sectional view of Fig. 21(a), Fig. 21(d) is a DD cross-sectional view of Fig. 21(a), Fig. 21(e) is an FF cross-sectional view of Fig. 21(a), Fig. 21(f) is an EE cross-sectional view of Fig. 21(a), and Fig. 21(g) is a GG cross-sectional view of Fig. 21(a).

[0051] The restricting surfaces 51x and 54x restrict the end surface 21b of the board 21, and the restricting surface 52x restricts the end surface 21d of the board 21, thereby restricting rotation and movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the product's up-and-down direction (Y direction). The restricting surfaces 51y and 52y restrict the end surface 21c of the board 21, thereby restricting movement of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the product's rear direction (+Z direction). Furthermore, the receiving surfaces 51z, 52z, and 54z restrict the front surface 21z of the board 21, and the bearing surface 32w of the screw 32 and the hook surface 54w of the restricting portion 54 restrict the back surface 21w of the board 21. In this manner, the wireless LAN communication module 20 is supported by the left front cover 17.

[0052] The restricting portion 51 plays a major role in supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20 on the left front cover 17. Specifically, the bearing surface 32w of the screw 32 and the receiving surface 51 By clamping the substrate 21 between the seating surface 32w and the back surface 21w of the substrate 21 and between the receiving surface 51z and the front surface 21z of the substrate 21, frictional forces are generated between the seating surface 32w and the back surface 21w of the substrate 21, and between the receiving surface 51z and the front surface 21z of the substrate 21. This frictional force restricts the horizontal rotation of the wireless LAN communication module 20 and movement in the front-to-back direction of the product (Z direction) and up-to-down direction (Y direction). In addition, by clamping the substrate 21 between the seating surface 32w and the receiving surface 51z, movement and tilting of the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the width direction of the product (X direction) are also restricted.

[0053] Finally, a method for assembling the wireless LAN communication module 20 in the fourth embodiment will be described. The left front cover 17 and the wireless LAN communication module 20 are first fixed, and the left front cover 17 with the wireless LAN communication module 20 attached is then attached to the image forming apparatus body. After that, the FFC 31 is connected to the wireless LAN communication module 20 and the control unit 30, and finally, the cover is attached to the left rear cover 18. This configuration makes it possible to attach the wireless LAN communication module 20 to the cover on the same side as the control unit 30. As described above, by suitably supporting the wireless LAN communication module 20 at a location away from the antenna 22, an image forming apparatus with good communication properties can be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 2: Frame, 11: Upper cover, 20: Wireless LAN communication module, 21: Board, 21e: Hole, 22: Antenna, 32: Screw, 51a: Screw hole,

Claims

[Claim 1] A device frame; an exterior cover that covers the device frame; a wireless communication module including an antenna for wireless communication and a substrate on which the antenna is mounted, the wireless communication module being provided between the device frame and the exterior cover; a fixing means for fixing the wireless communication module to the exterior cover, the fixing means including a screw hole provided in the exterior cover, a hole portion provided in the board, and a screw that is threaded into the screw hole through the hole portion; In an image forming apparatus having An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the substrate is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface on which the antenna is mounted, the antenna and the hole are located between a first side that forms part of the outline of the substrate and a second side that faces the first side, the antenna is located closer to the first side than the second side, and the hole is located closer to the second side than the first side.

Images