Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image formation device for performing radio communication which secures rigidity of the device and can secure good communication property.SOLUTION: An image formation device has an image formation part for forming an image on a recording material, a first metal side plate 21 and a second metal side plate which are oppositely provided so as to sandwich the image formation part, an antenna 30a for communicating with an external device, and a housing provided with a discharge port 80 for discharging a recording material where an image is formed by the image formation part, wherein the housing includes a top cover 11 provided above the first metal side plate 21 in a vertical direction; in a region on the downstream side of the antenna 30a in a discharge direction of discharging the recording material from the discharge port, an upper end of the first metal side plate 21 is positioned below the antenna 30a in the vertical direction; and the region on the downstream side is provided with a resin-made support part 11c which supports the top cover 11 and is connected to the first metal side plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

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, image forming devices such as laser printers have become equipped with wireless communication units, allowing users to wirelessly instruct the image forming device to perform various operations, such as printing and settings, using external devices. The wireless communication unit includes a wireless communication board (wireless module) equipped with an antenna, which is provided separately from the control board. The control board and the wireless communication board are connected, and instructions from the external device are transmitted from the wireless communication board to the control board. In this case, the communication performance of the wireless communication is affected by the placement of the wireless communication board within the image forming device and the components around the wireless communication board.

[0003] As a configuration for ensuring good wireless communication, Patent Document 1 discloses a device in which a control board and a wireless communication board are directly connected and a recess is provided in the side plate of the frame so that the antenna does not overlap with the surface of the side plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-230567 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the metal frame is located on the front side of the device relative to the wireless communication board, which can reduce wireless communication to the front of the device. In an image forming device where the operation panel and paper output stacking section are located on the front side of the device and the user is expected to use the device from the front, wireless communication with external devices is also often performed from the front side of the device, so reducing wireless communication to the front of the device is particularly undesirable. On the other hand, if the wireless communication board is located on the front side of the device to improve wireless communication to the front of the device, the distance between the control board located on the rear side of the device and the wireless communication board becomes longer, which increases the length of the wired connection section and makes the device more susceptible to noise, potentially degrading wireless communication. Furthermore, providing recesses or other notches in the frame can also reduce the rigidity of the device.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the current situation, and aims to provide an image forming apparatus that performs wireless communication, which can ensure the rigidity of the apparatus and ensure good communication performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Forming an image on a recording material It was configured as an image forming unit; a first metal side plate and a second metal side plate that are provided opposite each other so as to sandwich the image forming unit; Communicating with external devices It was configured as antenna wireless communication board including and, the image forming unit Equipped with The housing and In an image forming apparatus having The housing has a top cover provided above the first metal side plate in the vertical direction. a top cover that contacts the first metal side plate and the second metal side plate; Including, The aforementioned Image forming device From the outlet An image is formed by the image forming unit In an area downstream of the antenna in the discharge direction in which the recording material is discharged, the upper end of the first metal side plate is located vertically below the antenna, and in this area, a metal support supporting the top cover is provided. To do so A resin support portion connected to the first metal side plate is provided.、 The wireless communication board is held by the top cover. It is characterized by the fact that The image forming apparatus of the present invention further comprises: Forming an image on a recording material It was configured as an image forming unit; a first metal side plate and a second metal side plate that are provided opposite each other so as to sandwich the image forming unit; Communicating with external devices It was configured as antenna wireless communication board including and, a housing having the image forming unit therein; Stores recording materials before image formation configured to a feeding cassette that can be inserted into and removed from the housing; In an image forming apparatus having The housing has a top cover provided above the first metal side plate in the vertical direction. a top cover that contacts the first metal side plate and the second metal side plate; Including, before Direction of feeding cassette than the antenna In the downstream region, the upper end of the first metal side plate is located vertically lower than the antenna, and in this region, a metal support supporting the top cover is provided. To do so A resin support portion connected to the first metal side plate is provided. 、 The wireless communication board is held by the top cover. It is characterized by the fact that The image forming apparatus of the present invention further comprises: Forming an image on a recording material It was configured as an image forming unit; a first metal side plate and a second metal side plate that are provided opposite each other so as to sandwich the image forming unit; Communicating with external devices It was configured as antenna wireless communication board including and, User By operation configured to be An operation unit; a housing having the image forming unit therein; In an image forming apparatus having the first metal side plate has a surface facing the second metal side plate; The housing has a top cover provided above the first metal side plate in the vertical direction. a top cover that contacts the first metal side plate and the second metal side plate; Including, When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the first metal side plate, the antenna and the operation unit are aligned in the horizontal direction, and the side on which the operation unit is provided is opposite to the antenna in the horizontal direction. In this region, the upper end of the first metal side plate is positioned vertically lower than the antenna, and the region includes a metal support supporting the top cover. To do so A resin support portion connected to the first metal side plate is provided. 、 The wireless communication board is held by the top cover. It is characterized by 。 [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the inside of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of the inside of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a top view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a left side view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a top view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a top view of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a left side view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a left side view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a top view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a top view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a left side view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a top view of the inside of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth 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] <First Example> In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a color laser beam printer that employs a tandem (four-drum) system and is capable of forming 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 who uses image forming apparatus 100. In other words, the front (front, near side) side of image forming apparatus 100 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 image forming apparatus 100 when viewed from the front side is referred to as "left," and the right side as "right."

[0013] (1) General Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100 FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 using electrophotographic recording technology according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left side. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit and a fixing unit supported by a metal frame 20. The image forming apparatus 100 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 station 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. 1. 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 51 provided at the bottom of the image forming apparatus 100, are separated and fed one by one from the feed cassette 51 by a feed roller 52, and fed to a pair of registration rollers 53. The pair of registration rollers 53 sends the fed recording materials P to a transfer nip portion between an intermediate transfer belt 57 and a secondary transfer roller 54. The secondary transfer roller 54 is disposed so as to face a drive roller 55 with the intermediate transfer belt 57 therebetween. A bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 54 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 transported to a fixing section (image heating section). The fixing section includes a heating unit 70 having a heater mounted inside a flexible cylindrical film, and a pressure roller 71 disposed opposite the heating unit 70. The recording material P is heated and pressed into a fixing nip formed by the heating unit 70 and the pressure roller 71, thereby fixing the toner image carried on the recording material P. The recording material P is then discharged by a paper discharge roller 72 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1). In this embodiment, since the device is configured so that a user operates the device from the front side, the recording material P is discharged from a discharge port 80 disposed at the rear side of the device to a discharged paper stacking section 11e disposed at the front side of the device. In other words, the discharge direction of the recording material is synonymous with the front-to-rear direction of the device, and the downstream side of the discharge direction corresponds to the front side, and the opposite upstream side corresponds to the rear side. The recording material P is discharged from the discharge outlet 80 at the rear side of the device and loaded onto the discharged paper stacking section 11e located at the front side of the device below the discharge outlet 80, making it easy for a user operating the device from the front side to collect the recording material P.

[0018] FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the front side of the apparatus, and FIG. 2(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100 as seen from the rear side. The image forming apparatus 100 is covered with a cover 10, which serves as a housing composed of multiple components made of resin. In this embodiment, the cover 10 is composed of an upper cover 11, a paper output cover 12, a left cover 13, a right cover 14, a front door 15, a cassette cover 16, and a rear door 17. The upper cover (top cover) 11 covers the top side of the apparatus, and printed recording materials are stacked on the paper output stacking section 11e of the upper cover 11 through an output outlet 80 covered by the paper output cover 12. Also provided on the upper cover 11 is an operation instruction section 3, which includes buttons that a user operates to instruct the printer's operation and a monitor that displays the operating status of the apparatus. In this embodiment, the device is configured so that the user operates it from the front side, and so the operation instruction unit 3 is provided on the front side of the device, and the displayed characters and button layout are also configured on the assumption that the user will operate the operation instruction unit 3 from the front side of the device. The front side of the device is covered by a front door 15 and a cassette cover 16.

[0019] The front door 15 is supported on the image forming apparatus 100 so that it can be opened and closed, allowing for the replacement of consumables such as toner cartridges. The cassette cover 16 is fixed to a paper feed cassette 51, which stores paper, and is supported integrally with the feed cassette 51 so that it can be inserted and removed from the image forming apparatus body. A user can replace or replenish recording materials P by pulling the feed cassette 51 out of the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the user operates the apparatus from the front, so the feed cassette 51 can be pulled out toward the front of the apparatus. That is, the insertion and removal direction of the feed cassette 51 is synonymous with the front-to-rear direction of the apparatus, and the downstream side of the pull-out direction of the feed cassette 51 corresponds to the front of the apparatus. The left cover 13 covers the left side of the image forming apparatus 100 and has an external connector 13a on the rear side of the apparatus to which external communication lines, such as USB or wireless LAN, can be connected. In this embodiment, the external connector 13a includes a USB connector and a LAN connector, but it may also be composed of other connectors. The right cover 14 covers the right side of the image forming apparatus 100 and has a power connector 14a on the rear side of the apparatus. The rear door 17 is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the image forming apparatus 100, allowing for the removal of paper jams and the replacement of consumables. The cover 10 is made up of more components. The second electrode 12 may be configured as a single electrode, or may be an integrally formed part.

[0020] (2) Arrangement of the Wireless LAN Module 30 Next, the positional relationship between the metal frame 20, wireless LAN module 30, and control board 31 according to the first embodiment will be described using FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, showing only the main components excluding the cover 10. The frame 20 includes a pair of vertically disposed, opposing side plates: a left frame (first metal side plate) 21 and a right frame (second metal side plate) 22. The frame 20 further includes a front frame 23, a rear frame 24, and a lower frame 25, which are disposed between the left frame 21 and the right frame 22. The front frame 23, the rear frame 24, and the lower frame 25 extend in a direction perpendicular to the surfaces of the left frame 21 and the right frame 22, connecting the left frame 21 and the right frame 22. The left frame 21 and the right frame 22 extend horizontally from one end (front) of the device to the other end (rear) of the device, with the front-to-rear direction of the device as their extension direction, and are provided opposite each other so as to sandwich an image forming section that forms images and a discharge port 80 for discharging recording material P to the outside. Note that, in order to achieve the effects of the present invention, the frame configuration is not limited to this configuration, and various modifications are possible.

[0021] A control board 31 for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is attached to the left frame 21. The control board 31 may be directly attached to the left frame 21, or a metal mounting plate may be provided between the left frame 21 and the control board 31. A wireless LAN module 30 serving as a wireless communication board includes an antenna 30a and is supported by the top cover 11. The wireless LAN module 30 receives predetermined instructions, such as printing and settings, from an external device via wireless LAN communication. The instructions received by the wireless LAN module 30 are transmitted to the control board 31 via a flat cable 32 connected to a connector 31a. The control board 31 processes external information received by the wireless LAN module 30 and transmits the external information to a transmission unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The control board 31 also includes an external connection connector 31b. A Wi-Fi module, for example, can be used as the wireless LAN module. The layout of the wireless LAN module 30, which is a characteristic feature of the present invention, relative to other components will be described in detail below.

[0022] 4 is a left side view showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, showing only the main components excluding the cover 10. The left frame 21 is formed so that the rear side of the apparatus, where the discharge outlet 80 is provided, is positioned higher than the front side of the apparatus, where the discharge stacking section 11e is provided, so that recording material P discharged from the rear side of the apparatus to the front side of the apparatus can be stacked on the discharge stacking section 11e. That is, the front side of the left frame 21 extends at an angle so that its height gradually decreases from the front side to the rear side, and the rear side is vertically higher than the upper end of the inclined portion of the front side and extends horizontally, positioned rearward in the horizontal direction. The right frame 22 is also formed in the same manner as the left frame 21.

[0023] The positional relationship between the wireless LAN module 30 and the frame 20 according to this embodiment will now be described in detail. The wireless LAN module 30 is held by the upper cover 11. The wireless LAN module 30 is positioned so that the upper end of the left frame 21 in the area toward the front of the device is positioned vertically lower than the wireless LAN module 30. Other components constituting the frame 20, such as the right frame 22 and the front frame 23, are also positioned below the wireless LAN module 30 in the area toward the front of the device, similar to the left frame 21. That is, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4 , the area of ​​the frame 20 toward the front of the device is positioned vertically lower than the wireless LAN module 30. This positioning prevents the metal frame 20 from degrading the communication performance of the wireless LAN module 30 at the front of the device, ensuring good wireless communication performance. This configuration is particularly effective in an image forming apparatus such as this embodiment, which is designed to allow a user to operate and communicate wirelessly from the front of the device. Furthermore, since the wireless LAN module 30 is arranged with the surface of the board facing vertically, the height of the device does not increase unnecessarily. Therefore, this configuration does not require the device to be large.

[0024] Next, the positional relationship between the WLAN module 30 and the control board 31 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. The control board 31 is attached near the upper end of the rear side of the left frame 21 and is connected to the WLAN module 30 via a flat cable 32 connected to a connector 31a. The control board 31 is positioned so that it overlaps the metal left frame 21, improving noise stability. The WLAN module 30 of this embodiment is positioned closer to the rear end of the left frame 21 than the front end of the device, so that it can be positioned closer to the control board 31. Furthermore, the rear side of the left frame 21 of this embodiment is higher than the front side, so the control board 31 can be positioned closer to the WLAN module 30 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the control board 31 and the WLAN module 30 can be connected with a short flat cable 32 as a wired connection, which improves workability during connection. Furthermore, a shorter flat cable 32 is more resistant to noise, resulting in excellent wireless communication performance.

[0025] As described above, in order to ensure good wireless communication performance of the antenna 30a provided in the wireless LAN module 30, the left frame 21 is positioned below the wireless LAN module 30 in the area on the front side of the device relative to the wireless LAN module 30. In addition, the rear side of the device of the left frame 21 is formed to be positioned higher than the front side of the device, and by locating the control board 31 provided on the rear side of the device on the upper side, the wireless LAN module 30 and the control board 31 can be positioned close to each other. This configuration makes it possible to prevent not only degradation of wireless communication performance due to metal parts, but also degradation of wireless communication performance due to longer wired connections.

[0026] (3) Support portion of upper cover 11 The support portion of the top cover 11 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a top view showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, showing only the main components excluding the cover 10. To support the resin top cover 11, the left frame 21 has a support surface 21a and a fixing portion 21b, and the front frame 23 has a support surface 23b. The right frame 22 is also provided with a support surface similar to that of the left frame 21. The support surface 21a is located rearward of the wireless LAN module 30, and the fixing portion 21b and the support surface 23b are located forward of the wireless LAN module 30.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a top view of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 6, showing only the main components of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The upper cover 11 holds the wireless LAN module 30 at the wireless LAN module holding portion 11d. The upper cover 11 has resin support portions 11a, 11b, and 11c that extend downward from the apparatus, and is supported by the frame 20 at the support portions 11a, 11b, and 11c. In this embodiment, the support portions 11a, 11b, and 11c are formed integrally with the upper cover 11, but they may also be configured to be separate members that are fixed to the upper cover 11. The support portion 11a is located in an area toward the rear of the apparatus relative to the wireless LAN module holding portion 11d, and contacts the support surface 21a of the left frame. Furthermore, a resin support member 26 having a fixing portion 26a and a support surface 26b is fixed to the left frame 21 by the fixing portion 21b, and the support portion 11b, which is provided on the front side of the device from the wireless LAN module holding portion 11d, contacts the support surface 26b. The support member 26 has an opening through which the flat cable passes, and engages with the left frame 21 to support the top cover 11 and also contributes to holding part of the flat cable. Furthermore, the left frame 21 is connected to the front frame 23 by a connecting portion 21c, and the support portion 11c contacts the support surface 23b of the front frame 23. This configuration is similar to that on the right side of the device. In other words, the top cover 11 is connected directly or is supported by the left frame 21 and the right frame 22 via other members. By supporting the upper cover 11 on the frame 20 at multiple support sections, the load is distributed and stable support is possible.

[0028] In the area forward of the wireless LAN module 30, the fixing portion 21b and the support surface 23b are located lower than the wireless LAN module 30, and the frame 20 supports the upper cover 11 via the support portions. The support portions 11a, 11b, and 11c of the upper cover 11 and the support member 26 are made of resin, which can suppress degradation of wireless communication compared to when a metal frame is located at the same height as the antenna 30a. In other words, the fixing portion 21b and the support surface 23b, which are located forward of the wireless LAN module 30, are both located lower than the wireless LAN module 30, so that the communication performance of the device can be maintained favorably. With this configuration, the upper cover 11 can be supported by a metal frame while maintaining favorable wireless communication performance.

[0029] In this embodiment, the front side of the device is synonymous with the downstream side in the discharge direction of the recording material P, the pull-out side in the insertion / removal direction of the feed cassette 51, and the side (other end side) where the operation instruction unit 3 is provided in the horizontal extension direction of the left frame 21. Also, the rear side of the device is synonymous with the side (one end side) where the control board 31 is provided in the horizontal extension direction of the left frame 21. In other words, the device is configured on the assumption that the user will perform each operation, such as collecting the recording material P, pulling out the feed cassette 51, and operating the operation instruction unit 3, while facing the front side of the device. On the other hand, parts that are not normally operated, such as the control board 31 having the external connection connector 31b, are provided on the rear side of the device.

[0030] If wireless communication is the only consideration, for example, a configuration in which the entire frame is made of resin can suppress degradation of wireless communication. However, compared to a case in which a metal frame is used, this configuration is inferior in rigidity, leaving concerns about supporting the image forming unit and discharge port 80. On the other hand, the configuration of the present invention is significant in that it prevents wireless communication from being degraded by metal components while maintaining the rigidity of the device using a metal frame, thereby ensuring good wireless communication. In other words, by configuring the upper end of the frame 20 to be lower than the wireless LAN module 30 in the area forward of the device, it is possible to provide an image forming device that ensures good wireless communication while maintaining the rigidity of the device.

[0031] <Second Example> Next, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. Note that the same members as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0032] FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the front side of the apparatus, and FIG. 8(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 200 as seen from the rear side. The image forming apparatus 200 is covered by a cover 210, which functions as a housing and is composed of an upper cover 211, a paper output cover 12, a left cover 13, a right cover 14, a front door 15, a cassette cover 16, and a rear door 17. A document reading unit 18 is provided above the upper cover 211. The document reading unit 18 enables the image forming apparatus to read images of documents prepared by the user. The read images can be printed or imported as electronic data. The upper cover 211 covers the top side of the apparatus, and printed recording materials are loaded onto the discharged paper stacking unit 211e of the upper cover 211 through an outlet 80 covered by the paper output cover 12. The upper cover 211 further includes reading unit support units 211f and 211g on the left and right sides, which support both ends of the document reading unit 18.

[0033] 9 and 10, a metal frame 20 and a wireless LAN module according to the second embodiment will be described. 9 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment, showing only the main components and excluding the cover 210. The frame 20 is composed of a left frame 21, a right frame 22, a front frame 23, a rear frame 24, and a lower frame 25, as in the first embodiment, and the left frame 21 and the right frame 22 are connected by the front frame 23, the lower frame 25, and the rear frame 24. The wireless LAN module 30 is held by the upper cover 211, and is connected to the control board 31 attached to the left frame 21 via a flat cable 32.

[0034] The positional relationship between the wireless LAN module 30 and the frame 20 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 10 is a left side view showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 200 according to a second embodiment, excluding the cover 210 and showing only the main components. The wireless LAN module 30 is held by an upper cover 211. The wireless LAN module 30 is positioned so that the upper end of the left frame 21 in the area toward the front of the device is positioned vertically lower than the wireless LAN module 30. Other components constituting the frame 20, such as the right frame 22 and the front frame 23, are also positioned below the wireless LAN module 30 in the area toward the front of the device, similar to the left frame 21. That is, as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 10 , the frame 20 in the area toward the front of the device is positioned vertically lower than the wireless LAN module 30. This positioning prevents the metal frame 20 from degrading the communication performance of the wireless LAN module 30 in the front of the device, ensuring good wireless communication performance. This configuration is particularly effective in an image forming apparatus such as this embodiment, which is designed to allow a user to operate the apparatus and perform wireless communication from the front side. Furthermore, to prevent interference between the wireless LAN module 30 and the reader support portion 211f, the wireless LAN module 30 according to this embodiment is positioned so that the surface of its circuit board is parallel to the surface of the left frame 21. In other words, the wireless LAN module 30 is positioned adjacent to the reader support portion 211f of the upper cover 211, and various components are positioned so as not to unnecessarily increase the size of the apparatus. Therefore, this configuration does not require an increase in the size of the apparatus.

[0035] Next, the positional relationship between the wireless LAN module 30 and the control board 31 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. In this embodiment as well, the control board 31 is provided near the upper end of the rear side of the left frame 21, and is connected to the wireless LAN module 30 via a flat cable 32 connected to a connector 31a. Therefore, the control board 31 and the wireless LAN module 30 can be connected with a short flat cable 32, which improves the workability when connecting the wired connection section. Furthermore, a shorter wired connection section is more resistant to noise, which also improves wireless communication performance.

[0036] Next, the support portion of the upper cover 211 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. Figure 11 is a top view showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment, showing only the main components excluding the cover 210. To support the upper cover 211, the left frame 21 has a support surface 21a and a fixing portion 21b, and the front frame 23 has a support surface 23b. The right frame 22 is also provided with a support surface similar to that of the left frame 21. The support surface 21a is located rearward of the wireless LAN module 30, and the fixing portion 21b and the support surface 23b are located forward of the wireless LAN module 30.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a top view of an image forming apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a BB cross-sectional view of FIG. 12, showing only the main components of the image forming apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment. The upper cover 211 holds the wireless LAN module 30 at a wireless LAN module holding portion 211d. As in the first embodiment, the upper cover 211 has resin support portions 211a, 211b, and 211c that extend downward from the apparatus, and is supported by the frame 20 at the support portions 211a, 211b, and 211c. In other words, the upper cover 211 is supported directly or by a support member 26 or the like. The upper cover 211 in this embodiment is configured to be supported by the left frame 21 and the right frame 22 via other members. In this embodiment, the support portions 211a, 211b, and 211c are formed integrally with the upper cover 211, but they may be configured to be separate members fixed to the upper cover 211. Furthermore, the upper cover 211 in this embodiment is provided with reading unit support portions 211f and 211g, and supports the document reading unit 18 arranged above.

[0038] In this embodiment, too, in the area forward of the wireless LAN module 30, the fixing portion 21b and the support surface 23b are provided lower than the wireless LAN module 30, and the frame 20 supports the upper cover 211 via the support portions. The support portions 211a, 211b, and 211c of the upper cover 211 and the support member 26 are made of resin, which can suppress degradation of wireless communication compared to when a metal frame is provided at the same height as the antenna 30a. In other words, the fixing portion 21b and the support surface 23b, which are located forward of the wireless LAN module 30, are both provided at a lower position than the wireless LAN module 30, thereby maintaining good communication performance of the device. With this configuration, good wireless communication performance can be ensured while the upper cover 211 is supported by a metal frame.

[0039] With the above-described configuration, even in this embodiment in which the document reading unit 18 is provided, the upper end of the frame 20 can be positioned below the wireless LAN module 30 in the area in front of the device relative to the wireless LAN module 30. In other words, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that ensures good wireless communication while maintaining the rigidity of the device.

[0040] <Third Example> Next, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 19. Note that the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] FIG. 14(a) is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the front side of the apparatus, and FIG. 14(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 300 as seen from the rear side. The image forming apparatus 300 is covered by a cover 310, which functions as a housing and is composed of an upper cover 311, a paper output cover 12, a left cover 13, a right cover 14, a front door 15, a cassette cover 16, and a rear door 17. The upper cover 311 covers the top side of the apparatus, and printed recording materials pass through an output outlet 80 covered by the paper output cover 12 and are loaded onto an output paper stacking section 311e of the upper cover 311. The upper cover 311 has a horizontal surface 311f and a sloped surface 311g. The sloped surface 311g, located on the front side of the apparatus, is provided with a power switch 2 and an operation instruction section 3 as operation sections. A user turns the power of the apparatus on and off using the power switch 2 (switch section) and operates the printer using the operation instruction section 3, which has operation buttons for instructing the operation of the printer and a monitor that displays the operating status of the apparatus.

[0042] The positional relationships among the frame 20, wireless LAN module 30, control board 31, power switch 2, and operation instruction unit 3 according to the third embodiment will be described using FIGS. 15 to 17. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment, showing only the main components excluding the cover 310. Similar to the first embodiment, the frame 20 is composed of a left frame 21, a right frame 22, a front frame 23, a rear frame 24, and a lower frame 25. The left frame 21 and the right frame 22 are connected by the front frame 23, the lower frame 25, and the rear frame 24. The wireless LAN module 30 is held by an upper cover 211 and connected to the control board 31 attached to the left frame 21 via a flat cable 32. In this embodiment, in addition to the control board 31, an intermediate control board 40 is attached to the left frame 21. The intermediate control board 40 is connected to the control board 31 via a flat cable 41, to the power switch 2 via a flat cable 42, and to the operation instruction unit 3 via a flat cable 43. The types and paths of the connection lines are not limited to this configuration, and various modifications are possible.

[0043] The positional relationship between the wireless LAN module 30 and the frame 20 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 16 is a left side view showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 300 according to a third embodiment, excluding the cover 310 and showing only the main components, including the wireless LAN module 30 and the power switch 2. The wireless LAN module 30 is held by the upper cover 311. The wireless LAN module 30 is positioned so that the upper end of the left frame 21 in the area toward the front of the device is positioned vertically lower than the wireless LAN module 30. Other components constituting the frame 20, such as the right frame 22 and the front frame 23, are also positioned below the wireless LAN module 30 in the area toward the front of the device, similar to the left frame 21. That is, as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 16, the frame 20 in the area toward the front of the device is positioned vertically lower than the wireless LAN module 30. This positioning prevents the metal frame 20 from degrading the communication performance of the wireless LAN module 30 in the front of the device, ensuring good wireless communication performance. Such a configuration is particularly effective in an image forming apparatus such as this embodiment, which is designed to allow a user to operate the apparatus from the front side and perform wireless communication.

[0044] Next, the positional relationship between the wireless LAN module 30 and the power switch 2 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the power switch 2 is provided in an area closer to the front of the device than the wireless LAN module 30, and is positioned vertically lower than the wireless LAN module 30. In other words, the power switch 2, which includes metal components, prevents the communication performance of the wireless LAN module 30 at the front of the product from being reduced. The power switch 2 is composed of components such as a switch press portion 2a, a switch board 2b, a switch holder 2c, and a switch connector 2d. Because at least the switch board 2b and the switch connector 2d contain metal, it is particularly important that these components are positioned lower than the wireless LAN module 30.

[0045] Next, the positional relationship between the wireless LAN module 30 and the operation instruction unit 3 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 17 is a left side view showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 300 according to a third embodiment, excluding the cover 310 and showing only the main components, and showing the wireless LAN module 30 and the operation instruction unit 3. In this embodiment, the operation instruction unit 3 is provided in an area closer to the front of the device than the wireless LAN module 30 and is located vertically below the wireless LAN module 30. In other words, the operation instruction unit 3, which includes metal parts, prevents the communication performance of the wireless LAN module 30 at the front of the product from being reduced. Furthermore, the flat cable 43 connecting the operation instruction unit 3 and the control board 31 is also arranged so as to be located below the wireless LAN module 30, preventing a reduction in wireless communication performance at the front of the device.

[0046] Next, the positional relationship between the wireless LAN module 30 and the control board 31 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the control board 31 is also provided near the upper end of the rear side of the left frame 21, and is connected to the wireless LAN module 30 via a flat cable 32 connected to the connector 31a. Therefore, the control board 31 and the wireless LAN module 30 can be connected with a short flat cable 32, which improves the workability when connecting the wired connection portion. Furthermore, a shorter wired connection portion is more resistant to noise, which allows for an arrangement configuration that is also excellent in wireless communication properties.

[0047] Next, the support portion of the upper cover 311 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 18 to 20. Fig. 18 is a top view showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment, showing only the main components excluding the cover 310. To support the upper cover 311, the left frame 21 has a support surface 21a and a fixing portion 21b, and the front frame 23 has a support surface 23b. The right frame 22 is also provided with a support surface similar to that of the left frame 21. Support surface 21a is located on the rear side of the device relative to the wireless LAN module 30, and fixing portion 21b and support surface 23b are located on the front side of the device relative to the wireless LAN module 30.

[0048] FIG. 19 is a top view of an image forming apparatus 300 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 19 , showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment, showing only the main components including the top cover 311. The top cover 311 holds the wireless LAN module 30 at a wireless LAN module holding portion 311d. As in the first embodiment, the top cover 311 includes resin support portions 311a and 311b that extend downward from the apparatus, and is supported by the frame 20 at the support portions 311a and 311b. In other words, the top cover 311 is configured to be supported by the left frame 21 and the right frame 22 directly or via other members such as the support member 26.

[0049] In this embodiment, too, in the area forward of the wireless LAN module 30, the fixing portion 21b and the support surface 23b are positioned lower than the wireless LAN module 30, and the frame 20 supports the upper cover 311 via the support portions. The support portions 311a, 311b and the support member 26 of the upper cover 311 are made of resin, which can suppress degradation of wireless communication compared to when a metal frame is provided at the same height as the antenna 30a. In other words, the fixing portion 21b and the support surface 23b, which are positioned forward of the wireless LAN module 30, are both positioned lower than the wireless LAN module 30, so that the communication performance of the device can be maintained favorably. With this configuration, favorable wireless communication can be ensured while the upper cover 311 is supported by a metal frame.

[0050] With the above-described configuration, the frame 20, the power switch 2, and the operation instruction unit 3 can be positioned below the wireless LAN module 30 in the area in front of the device relative to the wireless LAN module 30. In other words, it is possible to provide an image forming device that ensures good wireless communication while maintaining the rigidity of the device.

[0051] <Fourth Example> Next, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0052] In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a monochrome laser beam printer capable of forming monochrome images using an electrophotographic method. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be applied to printers using a color tandem recording method as in the previous embodiment, or copiers and printers using an electrostatic recording method or an inkjet recording method.

[0053] In this embodiment, directions are also defined based on the user who uses image forming apparatus 400. That is, the front (front, near side) side of image forming apparatus 400 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 image forming apparatus 400 when viewed from the front side is referred to as "left," and the right side as "right."

[0054] (1) General Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 400 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the left side. The image forming apparatus 400 includes an image forming unit and a fixing unit supported by a metal frame 20, and forms monochrome images.

[0055] The image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum 462 as an image carrier, a charging roller 463, and a developing roller 464. 64 and a toner container 465. The image forming unit may be configured as a process cartridge that is detachable from the apparatus as a whole. When image information is received and the image forming operation is started, the photosensitive drum 462 rotates. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 462 is first uniformly charged by the charging roller 63, and the charged surface is exposed to laser light from the laser scanner 405 according to the image information, forming an electrostatic latent image. The latent image is visualized by the developing roller 464, forming a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. Sheet-like recording materials P before image formation, stored in a feed cassette 451 provided at the bottom of the image forming apparatus 400, are separated and fed one by one from the feed cassette 451 by a feed roller 452 and fed to a pair of registration rollers 453. The pair of registration rollers 453 sends the fed recording materials P to a transfer nip between a transfer roller 455 and the photosensitive drum 462. When the recording material P passes through the transfer nip portion, a bias is applied to the transfer roller 455 from the electric unit 408. As a result, a monochrome toner image is transferred from the surface of the photosensitive drum 462 onto the recording material P passing through the transfer nip portion.

[0056] The recording material P carrying the toner is transported to a fixing section (image heating section). The fixing section includes a heating unit 470 having a heater mounted inside a flexible cylindrical film, and a pressure roller 471 disposed opposite the heating unit 470. The recording material P transported to a fixing nip formed by the heating unit 470 and the pressure roller 471 is heated and pressed, thereby fixing the toner image carried on the recording material P to the recording material P. Then, the recording material P is ejected by a paper ejection roller 472 through an ejection port 480 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 400 (in the direction of arrow R in FIG. 21 ) onto an ejection tray 419.

[0057] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus 400 according to this embodiment, as seen from the front side of the apparatus. The image forming apparatus 400 is covered with a cover 410, which serves as a housing made up of multiple members formed of resin. In this embodiment, the cover 410 is made up of an upper cover 411, a left cover 413, a right cover 414, a front cover 412, a cassette cover 416, a rear door 415, an inner cover 418, and a paper output tray 419. The upper cover (top cover) 411 covers at least a portion of the top side of the apparatus, and an operation instruction unit 403 is provided on the cassette cover 416 as an operation unit, allowing the user to instruct the printer to operate. The operation instruction unit 403, located on the front side of the image forming apparatus 400, includes operation buttons 403a that the user operates to instruct the printer to operate, and a monitor 403b that displays the operating status of the apparatus.

[0058] (2) Arrangement of the Wireless LAN Module 430 The positional relationships among the frame 420, wireless LAN module 430, control board 431, and operation instruction unit 403 according to the fourth embodiment will be described using FIGS. 23 to 25. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of image forming apparatus 400 according to the fourth embodiment, showing only the main components excluding cover 410, FIG. 24 is a left side view thereof, and FIG. 25 is a top view thereof. The frame 420 includes a pair of vertically disposed, opposing side plates, a left frame 421 and a right frame 422. The frame 420 further includes a front frame 423, a rear frame 424, and a lower frame 425, which are disposed between the left frame 421 and the right frame 422. The front frame 423, the rear frame 424, and the lower frame 425 extend in a direction perpendicular to the surfaces of the left frame 421 and the right frame 422, connecting the left frame 421 and the right frame 422. Furthermore, the frame 420 includes a lower-left frame 426 and a lower-right frame 427 made of resin, with the lower-left frame 426 supporting the left frame 421 and the lower-right frame 427 supporting the right frame 422. In this embodiment, the right frame 421 is formed so that a rear upper surface 422a located on the rear side is higher than a front upper surface 422b located on the front side in the front-to-rear direction. In other words, by increasing the height of the frame 420 on the rear side, where communication performance is less important than on the front side, the distance to the upper cover 411 is shortened, allowing for more solid support of the upper cover 411. Furthermore, the upper surface 421a, which is the upper end of the left frame 421, is located further below the front upper surface 422b of the right frame 422.

[0059] Image forming apparatus 400 according to this embodiment further includes a resin support member 428 that supports wireless LAN module 430 and maintains the rigidity of the image forming apparatus. Support member 428 is fixed to an upper surface 421a of left frame 421. Wireless LAN module 430 is supported by support member 428 and connected to a control board 431 attached to left frame 421 via a flat cable 432. Support member 428 is supported above left frame 421. That is, upper surface 421a of left frame 421 is positioned vertically lower than wireless LAN module 430. In addition, front upper surface 422b of right frame 422, which is positioned closer to the front of the apparatus than wireless LAN module 430, is also positioned vertically lower than wireless LAN module 430. In other words, in the area in front of the wireless LAN module 430, the upper surface 421a of the left frame 421 and the upper rear surface 422a of the right frame 422 are both located below the wireless LAN module 430, so that the communication performance of the device can be maintained well.

[0060] Operation instruction unit 403 is provided on cassette cover 416 located on the front and lower side of the device, and is connected to control board 431 via flat cable 443. In other words, operation instruction unit 403, which is located closer to the front of the device than wireless LAN module 430, is provided at a lower position than wireless LAN module 430. Note that the types and paths of the above-mentioned connection lines and the configuration of the frame are not limited to this configuration, and various modifications are possible.

[0061] (3) Support portion of the upper cover 411 Next, the support portion of the top cover 411 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 26. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 400 according to the fourth embodiment, showing only the main components excluding the cover 410 other than the top cover 411. A support member 428 provided near the left end of the image forming apparatus 400 contacts the top cover 411 at a rear support portion 428a, a middle support portion 428b, and a front support portion 428c, and the left frame 421 supports the top cover 411 via the support member 428. Near the right end of the apparatus, a support portion (not shown) extending downward from the top cover 411 contacts the front upper surface 422b and the rear upper surface 422a of the right frame 422. The top cover 411 is made of resin, and its support portion is naturally also made of resin. Therefore, the top cover 411 is supported by the left frame 421 and the right frame 422 via the resin support portion.

[0062] In this embodiment as well, in an area closer to the front of the device than the wireless LAN module 430, the metal frame 420 is provided at a lower position than the wireless LAN module 430, and the frame 420 supports the upper cover 411 via a support member 428. The upper cover 411 and the support member 428 are made of resin, and degradation of wireless communication performance can be suppressed compared to when the metal frame is provided at the same height as the antenna 430a. In other words, because the frame 420, which is located closer to the front of the device than the wireless LAN module 430, is provided at a lower position than the wireless LAN module 430, good communication performance of the device can be maintained. With this configuration, good wireless communication performance can be ensured while the metal frame supports the upper cover 411.

[0063] With the above-described configuration, even in this embodiment in which the support member 428 is provided, the frame 420 and the operation instruction unit 403 can be disposed so as to be positioned below the wireless LAN module 430 in an area on the front side of the device relative to the wireless LAN module 430. In other words, it is possible to provide an image forming device that ensures good wireless communication while maintaining the rigidity of the device.

[0064] In the above embodiment, a wireless LAN module, particularly a WiFi module, is used as an example of the wireless communication board. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The wireless communication board may be any other type of wireless LAN module, such as an NFC (Near Field Communication) or a Bluetooth Modules of other communication methods may also be applied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10...Cover (housing), 11...Upper cover (top cover), 21...Left frame (first metal side plate), 22...Right frame (second metal side plate), 30a...Antenna, 80...Discharge port, 100...Image forming apparatus

Claims

1. an image forming section configured to form an image on a recording material; a first metal side plate and a second metal side plate disposed opposite each other so as to sandwich the image forming unit; a wireless communication board including an antenna configured to communicate with an external device; a housing having the image forming unit therein; In an image forming apparatus having the housing includes a top cover provided above the first metal side plate in the vertical direction and in contact with the first metal side plate and the second metal side plate; an upper end of the first metal side plate is located vertically below the antenna in an area downstream of the antenna in a discharge direction in which a recording material on which an image is formed by the image forming unit is discharged from a discharge port of the image forming device, and a resin support portion connected to the first metal side plate is provided in the area so as to support the top cover; The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the wireless communication board is held by the top cover.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control board located upstream of the antenna in the ejection direction, the control board controlling the operation of the apparatus in accordance with instructions transmitted from the wireless communication board.

3. The upper end of the first metal side plate in the region upstream of the antenna in the discharge direction is located vertically higher than the upper end of the first metal side plate in the region downstream of the antenna in the discharge direction, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an upper end of the control board is positioned vertically higher than an upper end of the first metal side plate in the downstream region.

4. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the control board is provided with an external connector for wired connection to the outside.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the external connector includes at least a USB connector or a LAN connector.

6. The control board includes a connector for wired connection to the wireless communication board, 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the connector is positioned vertically above an upper end of the first metal side plate in the region.

7. In a region downstream of the antenna in the discharge direction, an upper end of the second metal side plate is located vertically below the antenna, The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a resin support portion that supports the top cover and is connected to the second metal side plate is provided in the area.

8. an image forming section configured to form an image on a recording material; a first metal side plate and a second metal side plate disposed opposite each other so as to sandwich the image forming unit; a wireless communication board including an antenna configured to communicate with an external device; a housing having the image forming unit therein; a feeding cassette configured to store recording materials before image formation and removable from the housing; In an image forming apparatus having the housing includes a top cover provided above the first metal side plate in the vertical direction and in contact with the first metal side plate and the second metal side plate; an upper end of the first metal side plate is located vertically lower than the antenna in a region downstream of the antenna in the pull-out direction of the feeding cassette, and a resin support portion connected to the first metal side plate is provided in the region so as to support the top cover; The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the wireless communication board is held by the top cover.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a control board located upstream of the antenna in the drawing direction, the control board controlling the operation of the apparatus in accordance with instructions transmitted from the wireless communication board.

10. The upper end of the first metal side plate in the region upstream of the antenna in the pull-out direction is located vertically higher than the upper end of the first metal side plate in the region downstream of the antenna in the pull-out direction, 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein an upper end of the control board is positioned vertically higher than an upper end of the first metal side plate in the downstream region.

11. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the control board is provided with an external connector for wired connection to the outside.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the external connector includes at least a USB connector or a LAN connector.

13. The control board includes a connector for wired connection to the wireless communication board, 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the connector is positioned vertically above an upper end of the first metal side plate in the region.

14. In the region downstream of the antenna in the drawing direction, The upper end is located vertically below the antenna, The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that a resin support portion that supports the top cover and is connected to the second metal side plate is provided in the area.

15. an image forming section configured to form an image on a recording material; a first metal side plate and a second metal side plate disposed opposite each other so as to sandwich the image forming unit; a wireless communication board including an antenna configured to communicate with an external device; an operation unit configured to be operated by a user; a housing having the image forming unit therein; In an image forming apparatus having the first metal side plate has a surface facing the second metal side plate; the housing includes a top cover provided above the first metal side plate in the vertical direction and in contact with the first metal side plate and the second metal side plate; When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the first metal side plate, the antenna and the operation unit are aligned in a horizontal direction, and in an area on the side where the operation unit is provided via the antenna in the horizontal direction, an upper end of the first metal side plate is positioned lower in a vertical direction than the antenna, and a resin support unit connected to the first metal side plate so as to support the top cover is provided in the area, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the wireless communication board is held by the top cover.

16. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the operation unit includes at least a switch unit for turning on and off the power supply of the apparatus, or an operation instruction unit for instructing an operation.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising a control board located in an area opposite to the side where the operation unit is provided via the antenna in the horizontal direction, and controlling the operation of the apparatus in accordance with instructions transmitted from the wireless communication board.

18. The upper end of the first metal side plate in the region opposite to the side where the operating unit is provided via the antenna in the horizontal direction is located higher in the vertical direction than the upper end of the first metal side plate in the region where the operating unit is provided via the antenna, 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the upper end of the control board is located vertically above the upper end of the first metal side plate in the region on the side where the operation unit is provided via the antenna.

19. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resin support portion is formed integrally with the top cover.

20. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is located closer to the first metal side plate than to the second metal side plate.

21. An image forming apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the antenna is provided in an area upstream of the center of the first metal side plate in the discharge direction.

Images