Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image forming device which performs wireless communication, comprises a wireless communication substrate, secures satisfactory communication performance, furthermore enables the wireless communication substrate to be tightly protected.SOLUTION: An image forming device comprises: an image forming unit which forms an image on a recording member; a first metal side plate 21 and a second metal side plate which are provided in such a way that they oppose to each other with the image forming unit interposed between them; an antenna 42 for communicating with an external instrument; and a housing in which the image forming unit is provided and which has a top cover 11 covering upper portion of the first metal plate 21 and of the second metal side plate in a vertical direction and has a side cover covering a region at the opposite side of a side at which the image forming unit is provided with respect to the first metal side plate 21, wherein the image forming device further comprises a support member 28 which is provided on the first metal side plate and which comprises: a housing support portion 28a supporting at least either of the top cover 11 and the side cover of the housing; and an antenna support portion 28c supporting the antenna.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, or a facsimile machine that uses an electrophotographic or electrostatic recording method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, to improve user convenience, image forming devices such as laser printers have generally been 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 is typically installed in the image forming device as a wireless communication board (wireless module) separate from the control board, and the control board is connected to the wireless communication board to control it. Because wireless communication performance is affected by the placement of the wireless communication board within the image forming device and the components surrounding the wireless communication board, it is preferable to position the wireless communication board as close to the outside as possible within the device and with as few obstructing components near the wireless communication board as possible. To ensure good communication performance, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the wireless communication board is biased against an exterior cover to position the wireless communication board as close to the outside as possible within the image forming device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6300605 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in a configuration in which the wireless communication board is supported directly or indirectly by the exterior cover as disclosed in Patent Document 1, any external impact that the exterior cover receives is directly transmitted to the wireless communication board. In particular, when the image forming apparatus is transported, the exterior cover is likely to be subjected to external force, which increases the risk of the wireless communication board breaking down.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the current situation, and aims to provide an image forming apparatus that performs wireless communication and can more robustly protect the wireless communication board while ensuring good communication performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises: an image forming section for forming an image on a recording material; 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; an antenna for communicating with an external device; a communication module including a substrate on which the antenna is provided; a housing including the image forming unit therein, a top cover that covers above the first metal side plate and the second metal side plate in the vertical direction, and a side cover that covers an area on the opposite side of the first metal side plate from the side on which the image forming unit is provided; a support member fixed to the first metal side plate, the support member supporting the board so that the communication module is positioned higher than the first metal side plate in the vertical direction; and a support member fixed to the first metal side plate, the support member supporting the board so that the communication module is positioned higher than the first metal side plate in the vertical direction ... The top cover - Support First for Housing support part and ,of Preparation R Support member and, With It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that performs wireless communication and can more reliably protect the wireless communication board while ensuring good communication performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [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] 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a front view of an opening / closing member according to a first embodiment in an open state; [Figure 4]1A and 1B are a perspective view and a left side view showing a frame and a support member according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram showing a wireless communication board and peripheral members according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a wireless communication board and peripheral members according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a frame, a support member, an upper cover, and a lower cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration for supporting an upper cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship of each cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a front cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of a cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a front view of an opening / closing member according to a second embodiment in an open state; [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a wireless communication board and peripheral members according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a wireless communication board and peripheral members according to a third embodiment. [Figure 22]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a wireless communication board and a left cover according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 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.

[0010] <First Example> In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a monochrome laser beam printer that can form 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 copying machines, printers, etc. that use electrostatic recording methods, inkjet recording methods, or color tandem recording methods.

[0011] 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, when viewed from the front side of image forming apparatus 100, the left side of image forming apparatus 100 is referred to as "left," and the right side as "right."

[0012] (1) General Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100 First, the general configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 using electrophotographic recording technology according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the left side. The image forming apparatus 100 comprises an image forming section 60 and a fixing section 70 supported by a metal frame 20, and forms monochrome images. Details of the frame 20 will be described later. The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a drive unit 9 having a motor 9a for operating a moving body such as a roller.

[0013] The image forming unit 60 includes a photosensitive drum 62 as an image carrier, a charging roller 63, a developing roller 64, and a toner container 65. The image forming unit may be configured as a process cartridge that can be detachably mounted to the device. When image information is received and image formation begins, the photosensitive drum 62 rotates. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62 is first uniformly charged by the charging roller 63. The charged surface is then exposed to laser light from the laser scanner 5 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. Sheets of recording material P before image formation, stored in a feed cassette 51 located 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 a separation unit 53, and then fed to a pair of registration rollers 54. The pair of registration rollers 54 delivers the fed recording material P to a transfer nip between a transfer roller 55 and the photosensitive drum 62. When the recording material P passes through the transfer nip portion, a bias is applied to the transfer roller 55 from the high-voltage power supply 83 of the electric unit 8 through a metal wire 84. As a result, in the image forming unit 60, a monochrome toner image is transferred from the surface of the photosensitive drum 62 onto the recording material P passing through the transfer nip portion.

[0014] The recording material P carrying the toner is transported to a fixing section (image heating section) 70. The fixing section 70 includes a heating unit 71 having a heater mounted inside a flexible cylindrical film, a pressure roller 72 disposed opposite the heating unit 71, and a fixing frame 73 composed of multiple frames. The fixing frame 73 includes a left metal plate 73a, a right metal plate 73b, and a rear metal plate. The recording material P transported to the fixing nip formed by the heating unit 71 and the pressure roller 72 is heated and pressed, thereby fixing the carried toner image to the recording material P. Then, in the case of single-sided printing, the recording material P is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 (in the direction of arrow R1 in FIG. 1) by a paper discharge reversal roller 74. The path taken at this time is referred to as a single-sided conveyance path R1.

[0015] When double-sided printing is performed, the leading edge of the recording material P protrudes from the discharge port 75 by the discharge reversal rollers 74, and after the trailing edge passes through the fixing nip of the fixing unit 70, the discharge reversal rollers 74 rotate in reverse while the recording material P is sandwiched in the discharge nip formed by the discharge reversal rollers 74. The reverse rotation of the discharge reversal rollers 74 transports the recording material P in the direction opposite to the discharge direction, and passes through a double-sided transport path R2 formed by a double-sided transport guide provided on the rear door and a guide provided in the image forming unit 60. The recording material P is then transported again to the image forming unit 60, where transfer and fixing are performed on the side of the recording material P opposite to the side printed on one side, in the same manner as in the single-sided printing process, and the recording material P is then discharged.

[0016] In this embodiment, since the user operates the device from the front side, the recording material P is discharged from a discharge outlet 75 provided on the rear side of the device to a discharge stacking section 19a of a discharge tray 19 provided on the front side of the device. That is, in this embodiment, the discharge direction of the recording material is synonymous with the front-to-rear direction of the device, with the downstream side of the discharge direction being the front side and the upstream side being the rear side. In the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the recording material P is discharged from the discharge outlet 75 on the rear side of the device and stacked on a discharge stacking section 19a located on the front side of the device below the discharge outlet 75, so that the user operating the device from the front side can easily collect the recording material P.

[0017] (2) Appearance of the image forming apparatus 100 Next, the components that make up the exterior of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment as seen from the front side of the apparatus, and Fig. 2(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment as seen from the rear side of the apparatus. The image forming apparatus 100 is covered with a cover 10 that is made up of multiple components made of resin. In this embodiment, The cover 10 as a housing is composed of an upper cover (top cover) 11, a left cover (side cover) 13, a right cover 14, a front cover 12, a cassette cover 16, a rear door 17, an inner cover 18, and a paper discharge tray 19. The upper cover 11 covers at least a portion of the top side of the device, and printed recording materials pass through a discharge outlet 75 covered by an inner front wall 11a of the upper cover 11 and a standing wall 18a of the inner cover 18 and are loaded onto a paper discharge stacking portion 19a of the paper discharge tray 19. The upper cover 11 is located above the inner cover 18, and the inner front wall 11a and the standing wall 18a are arranged so as to be connected in the up-down direction (vertical direction). The paper discharge stacking portion 19a is sandwiched between an inner wall 11b of the upper cover 11 and a side wall 18b of the inner cover 18 in the left-right direction.

[0018] An operation instruction unit 3 is provided on the top surface 16a of the cassette cover 16 located on the front side of the image forming device 100, and includes an operation button 3a that the user operates to instruct the printer's operation, and a monitor 3b that displays the operating status of the device.

[0019] The front cover 12 is also provided with a consumables-related display 12a as a display screen that visually displays predetermined information such as the status of consumables. The consumables-related display 12a is located near the top end of the front cover 12 and to the left of the paper output tray 19, allowing the user to see the display with good visibility.

[0020] In this embodiment, the operation instruction unit 3 and consumables-related display 12a are provided on the front side of the device so that the user can operate the device from the front side. In other words, the displayed characters and buttons are arranged 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 cover 12 and a cassette cover 16.

[0021] The left cover 13 covers the left side of the image forming apparatus 100 and has an external connector 13a at the rear of the apparatus to which an external communication line such as a USB or wireless LAN can be connected, and an inlet 90 which is a power connector for supplying power from an external source. In this embodiment, the external connector 13a includes a USB connector and a LAN connector, but may also be composed of other connectors. On the other hand, the right cover 14 covers the right side of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0022] Rear door 17 is supported so as to be able to open and close relative to image forming apparatus 100, making it possible to clear paper jams. Note that rear door 17 may be configured to allow replacement of consumable units and replenishment of consumables. Cover 10 may also be configured to be made up of more components, or may be a single, integrally formed part.

[0023] (3) Opening and closing the cover 10 Next, the openable and closable discharge tray 19 and cassette cover 16 of the cover 10 will be described. Fig. 3(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, as seen from the front side of the apparatus, when the discharge tray 19 and cassette cover 16 are in the open state. Fig. 3(b) is a front view of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, as seen from the front side of the apparatus, when the discharge tray 19 and cassette cover 16 are in the open state.

[0024] The paper output tray 19 is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the image forming apparatus main body, and a user can open the paper output tray 19 and insert consumables such as toner through an insertion slot 18c provided in the inner cover 18. The insertion slot 18c is located on the left side of the inner cover 18, near the consumables-related indicator 12a described above. In other words, the consumables-related indicator 12a and the insertion slot 18c are located close to each other so that the user can easily insert consumables into the insertion slot 18c while checking the consumables-related indicator 12a. Note that, although the inner cover 18 is configured to be fixed to the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment, the inner cover 18 may be configured to be openable and closable, and both the paper output tray 19 and the inner cover 18 may be opened to allow replacement of consumables such as toner cartridges.

[0025] The cassette cover 16 is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the image forming apparatus main body, allowing for replenishment and replacement of recording materials P. The feed cassette 51 is supported so as to be insertable and removable relative to the image forming apparatus main body. A user can also replace or replenish recording materials P by pulling the feed cassette 51 out of the image forming apparatus 100, separate from the cassette cover 16. In this embodiment, the user operates the apparatus from the front side, 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 in this embodiment 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 side of the apparatus.

[0026] The image forming apparatus can issue print instructions without using the operation instruction unit 3 through cable communication or wireless communication on the rear side. Therefore, although the operation instruction unit 3 is provided on the top surface 16a of the cassette cover 16, printing is possible even when the cassette cover 16 is open, i.e., when the operation instruction unit 3 is difficult for the user to see. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the consumables-related indicators 12a are positioned so as not to overlap with the open cassette cover 16 when viewed from the front. This positioning allows the user to refer to the consumables-related indicators 12a when printing with the cassette cover 16 open, for example, when the remaining amount of consumables becomes very low, and encourage the user to add or replace consumables. Because cassette covers are typically slightly larger than the paper passage area, for example, the overlap can be reduced by positioning the consumables-related indicators 12a on the front cover 12 laterally outboard of the paper passage area. 3(b), the image forming apparatus 100 is configured so that the upper end of the opening / closing area through which the cassette cover 16 passes when the cassette cover 16 is opened or closed is positioned lower than the consumables-related indicator 12a. The opening / closing area can be prevented from overlapping with the cassette cover 16 by setting a low maximum opening / closing angle of the cassette cover 16 or by shortening the front-to-rear lengths of the cassette cover 16 and the feed cassette 51.

[0027] (4) Frame 20 Configuration Next, a description will be given of the frame 20 and peripheral components that support the image forming unit 60 and the fixing unit 70. Fig. 4(a) is a perspective view showing the frame 20 according to this embodiment, and Fig. 4(b) is a left side view showing the frame 20 according to this embodiment.

[0028] (Frame 20) 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 respective frames are fixed with screws, welding, caulking, or the like, and are also electrically connected. The left frame 21 and the right frame 22 extend horizontally, with the front-to-rear direction of the device as their extension direction. They are disposed opposite each other, sandwiching an image forming section that forms an image and a discharge port 75 for discharging the recording material P to the outside. In the extension direction of the left frame 21, the recording material P is discharged from one end (rear side) of the image forming apparatus to the other end (front side).

[0029] Furthermore, the frame 20 includes a lower left frame 26 and a lower right frame 27 made of resin. The lower left frame 26 is positioned lower than the left frame 21, and supports the left frame 21 at multiple support points 26a, 26b. The lower right frame 27 is positioned lower than the right frame 22, and supports the right frame 22 at support points (not shown), and also supports the lower frame 25 at support point 27a located further forward than the right frame 22. An opening 21e is provided in the main flat surface of the left frame 21, and cables for electrical connection and the like can be inserted between the outside and inside of the left frame 21. The lower left frame 26 and the lower right frame 27 protrude forward from the metal frame portion, allowing components that need to be kept away from metal to be placed forward while maintaining the rigidity of the device. In this embodiment, the upper end of the left frame 21 is located lower than the upper end of the right frame 22.

[0030] (support member 28) The support member 28 is fixed to the left frame 21 and is a structure that supports various components such as the wireless communication board and housing, and maintains the rigidity of the image forming apparatus 100. The support member 28 has a front support portion 28a and a rear support portion 28b that support the top cover 11, a board support portion 28c that supports the control board unit 30 (described later), and a cable holder portion 28d that holds the cables. The support member 28 also has a display screen support portion 28e that supports the consumables-related display 12a. The support member 28 also has a hook 28f that engages with the top surface 21a of the left frame 21 and is fixed to the top surface 21a of the left frame 21 with the hook 28f and a screw 29. The left frame 21 has a front surface 21b and a rear surface 21c that extend in the vertical direction, and its cross section, viewed from above, is U-shaped, providing sufficient rigidity against vertical loads. In other words, when an external force is applied from above the image forming apparatus, the force transmitted from the support member 28 is received particularly by the flat surface 21d and the front surface 21b, thereby making it possible to maintain rigidity in the vertical direction. Further details of the configuration in which the support member 28 supports the wireless communication board and the housing, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described later.

[0031] It should be noted that the configuration of the frame and support members is not limited to the above configuration and various modifications are possible to achieve the effects of the present invention. For example, the frame may be made up of more members or may be a single, integrally formed part.

[0032] (5) Internal structure of image forming apparatus 100 Next, the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment when the cover 10 is not shown. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment as seen from the left side. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control board unit 30 for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, and a wireless LAN module 40 as a wireless communication board that receives predetermined instructions such as printing and settings from external devices via wireless LAN communication. Details of the control board unit 30 and the wireless LAN module 40 will be described later.

[0033] (Laser Scanner 5) A laser scanner 5 for creating a latent image is provided between the left frame 21 and the right frame 22 of the frame 20. The laser scanner 5 according to this embodiment is provided so as to be located below the upper end of the right frame 22 and the wireless LAN module 40. By adopting such an arrangement, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise from the laser scanner 5 on wireless communication.

[0034] (Drive unit 9) A drive unit 9 is attached to the right frame 22 and includes a motor 9a for operating moving bodies such as rollers of the image forming apparatus 100. The motor 9a is disposed below the wireless LAN module 40, and is disposed on the opposite side of the right frame 22 from the wireless LAN module 40. This arrangement reduces the influence of noise from the drive unit 9, particularly the motor 9a, on wireless communication.

[0035] (Electrical Unit 8) The electric unit 8, which has multiple functions such as converting voltage and supplying signals and electricity to each part, is provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100, closer to the front frame 23 than the rear frame 24 in the front-rear direction. The electric unit 8 mainly comprises a substrate 81, a substrate support metal plate 82, and an electric The electrical unit 8 is composed of elements and connectors. The electrical unit 8 has control functions and voltage conversion functions, and the circuits mounted on the board are roughly divided by voltage into a primary voltage section 81a whose voltage is the same as the outside, a secondary high-voltage section 81b whose voltage is higher than the outside, and a secondary low-voltage section 81c whose voltage is lower than the outside. The board 81 is supported by a board support metal plate 82, a right support member 86, and a left support member 87, with the board support metal plate 82 fixed to the lower frame 25, the right support member 86 fixed to the right frame 22, and the left support member 87 fixed to the left frame 21. This allows the board 81 to be positioned at a certain distance from the front frame 23, left frame 21, and right frame 22, which are made of metal, preventing unintended leakage.

[0036] The electric unit 8 receives electricity as a primary voltage from the outside via an inlet 90 and a cable 91, and converts it into a secondary low-voltage current and a secondary high-voltage current within the electric unit. Then, various controls are performed by further exchanging the primary voltage current and the secondary voltage current with each part within the image forming apparatus 100.

[0037] The electrical connections between the electric unit 8 and each component will now be described in more detail. The primary voltage unit 81a and the heating unit of the fixing unit 70 are connected via a primary power supply, a cable 76, and a connector 77 provided on the fixing unit, and electricity for fixing and heating is supplied. The primary voltage unit 81a and the connector 77 are provided on the left side of the main body in the left-right direction. Because they are located close to each other, even if the electric unit 8 is placed forward of the frame 20, the lengths of the cables 91 and 76 can be kept as short as possible, leading to cost reduction, noise reduction, and improved wireless communication. Furthermore, the cable 76 is supported by a resin support member 28, and the cable 91 is supported by a resin lower-left frame 26. Each cable is maintained at a certain distance from the metal left frame 21, preventing unintended leakage.

[0038] The secondary low-voltage section 81c is connected to the laser scanner 5 via cable 5a, and is connected to the control board unit 30 via an FFC (flexible flat cable) 34 that passes through the opening 21e of the left frame 21. The secondary low-voltage section 81c is also connected to other sensors (not shown) via an FFC 93 or other cables (not shown) that pass through the opening 21e of the left frame 21. The secondary low-voltage section 81c is also connected to a sensor (not shown) of the fixing unit via an FFC (not shown), and to the motor 9a of the drive unit 9 and other sensors (not shown) via cables (not shown). The secondary low-voltage section 81c is positioned to face the laser scanner 5 and motor 9a, allowing the lengths of cable 5a and the motor cable (not shown) to be as short as possible. This configuration reduces costs, noise, and improves wireless communication performance of the image forming apparatus.

[0039] The secondary high voltage section 81b is connected to the image forming section 60 and the consumable units by conductive metal wires 84. Most of the metal wires 84 are provided in the area sandwiched between the left frame 21 and the right frame 22, on the right side of the image forming apparatus 100 in the left-right direction, near the right frame 22. In other words, the metal wires 84 are provided at a position away from the wireless LAN module 40 and the control board unit 30 provided near the left frame 21, thereby realizing noise reduction in the image forming apparatus and improved wireless communication performance.

[0040] (Control board unit 30) The control board unit 30 mainly comprises a board 31, elements and circuits (not shown), an external connector 32, and multiple internal connectors 33. The control board unit 30 is supported by fixing the board 31 to the frame 20 that forms the skeleton of the image forming apparatus 100. The board 31 may be directly attached to the left frame 21, or a metal attachment may be provided between the board 31 and the left frame 21. Furthermore, noise stability is improved by arranging the control board unit 30 so that it overlaps the metal left frame 21.

[0041] The control board unit 30 is connected to the electric unit 8 via an FFC 34, to the wireless LAN module 40 via an FFC 45, to the operation instruction unit 3 via an FFC 35, and to the consumables-related display unit 95 via an FFC 96. When a user inputs an instruction from the external connection connector 32, the wireless LAN module 40, or the operation instruction unit 3, the input signal is processed in the control board unit 30 and causes the image forming apparatus 100 to execute the operation instructed by the user via the electric unit 8. In addition, when the sensors of the image forming apparatus 100 detect a jam or other abnormality, signal information from within the image forming apparatus 100 is transmitted to the control board unit 30 via the electric unit 8 in the reverse order to the above. The signal information can then be notified to the user via the external connection connector 32, the wireless LAN module 40, or the operation instruction unit 3.

[0042] (6) Configuration and Position of Wireless LAN Module 40 Next, the position where the wireless LAN module 40 is provided and the supporting method thereof, which are characteristic of the present invention, will be described. Fig. 7(a) is a perspective view showing the wireless LAN module 40, frame 20, and control board unit 30 according to this embodiment, Fig. 7(b) is a top view thereof, and Fig. 7(c) is a left side view thereof.

[0043] (Wireless LAN module 40) The wireless LAN module 40, which serves as a wireless communication board, includes a board 41, an antenna 42 provided on the board 41, a wireless communication module 43, and a connector 44. The board 41 includes elements and circuits (not shown), as well as an attachment portion 41a that enables the wireless LAN module 40 to be attached to a device. The wireless LAN module 40 receives wireless signals via the antenna 42 and processes the signals with the wireless communication module 43, elements, and circuits, thereby receiving predetermined instructions, such as printing and settings, from an external device. The instructions received by the wireless LAN module 40 are transmitted to the control board unit 30 via an FFC 45 connected to the connector 44. In other words, it is particularly important that the antenna 42, which receives wireless signals, is positioned so as not to degrade wireless communication performance and is securely protected.

[0044] The following describes a configuration in which support member 28, a characteristic feature of the present invention, supports Wireless LAN module 40 at board support portion 28c, which is an antenna support portion. Wireless LAN module 40, which has antenna 42, is stably supported by support member 28 by supporting each portion of board 41 at board support portion 28c of support member 28 and fastening with screws 46. Support member 28 is provided on left frame 21 (on the metal side plate) and above top surface 21a, which is the upper end of left frame 21. Therefore, Wireless LAN module 40 is also located higher than top surface 21a of left frame 21. Meanwhile, top surface 22a, which is the upper end of right frame 22, is located higher than Wireless LAN module 40. However, because right frame 22 and Wireless LAN module 40 are provided at separate positions within the device, at both ends in the left-right direction, right frame 22 has less of an effect on wireless communication than left frame 21. In this embodiment, the left frame 21 is set lower than the wireless LAN module 40, and furthermore, the operation instruction unit 3, which is a user access unit, the external connector, the inlet, etc. are arranged on the left side of the image forming apparatus. With this configuration, the direction in which the image forming apparatus is easy to operate and the direction in which wireless communication is easy to use coincide with each other, making the image forming apparatus easy to use for the user, and therefore application of the present invention is particularly effective.

[0045] In recent years, when using medium-range wireless LAN communication such as Wi-Fi, which has become mainstream as a wireless communication method, the frequency band (for example, 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) is more susceptible to the influence of obstacles than short-range wireless communication such as NFC, and the location of the communication destination is also uncertain. Therefore, by arranging in this manner, it is possible to prevent the communication performance of the wireless LAN module 40 from being reduced by the metal frame 20, and good wireless communication performance can be ensured. Furthermore, since the wireless LAN module 40 is arranged so that the surface of the substrate 41 faces vertically, there is no significant difference in the vertical direction. This configuration does not require a large space and does not increase the height of the device unnecessarily, so there is no need to increase the size of the device.

[0046] Furthermore, the wireless LAN module 40 is located behind and above the electric unit 8, above the cables 76 and 91, in front of and above the control board unit 30, above the laser scanner 5, and behind the consumables-related display 12a. Each of these arrangements contributes to noise reduction and good wireless communication performance of the image forming apparatus.

[0047] (7) Positional relationship between the wireless LAN module 40 and the upper cover 11 Next, a detailed description will be given of the positional relationship between the wireless LAN module 40 and the upper cover 11. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the frame 20, upper cover 11, wireless LAN module 40, and control board unit 30 according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the left side.

[0048] The support member 28 supports the upper cover 11 with a front support portion 28a and a rear support portion 28b, which serve as housing support portions. The support member 28 may either fix the upper cover 11 or be configured to be separable with a small gap between them, so that when pressure is applied from above, the upper cover 11 bends and the support portions of the support member 28 come into contact with each other to support the upper cover. In either configuration, the front support portion 28a and the rear support portion 28b stably maintain the relative position of the support member 28 and the upper cover 11. The wireless LAN module 40 is fixed to the support member 28 as described above. That is, the relative position of the wireless LAN module 40 and the upper cover 11 is stably maintained, similar to the relationship between the support member 28 and the upper cover 11. Furthermore, the wireless LAN module 40 is supported in the front-rear direction by a board support portion 28c located between the front support portion 28a and the rear support portion 28b. That is, in support member 28, board support portion 28c, which serves as an antenna support portion, is provided between front support portion 28a and rear support portion 28b, which serve as housing support portions. With this configuration, the distance between wireless LAN module 40 and upper cover 11 is stably maintained even if upper cover 11 or the device is temporarily deformed by an external force or the like.

[0049] Furthermore, the support member 28 is a relatively robust component of the image forming apparatus, supporting the top cover 11. Therefore, deformation caused by vibrations and shocks applied to the entire apparatus during transportation is smaller than that of typical components, reducing the risk of the top cover 11 interfering with the wireless LAN module 40. Furthermore, the support shape for the wireless LAN module 40 can be configured with a relatively simple shape, providing a high degree of flexibility. This avoids shapes that would impede wireless communication, and the support member 28 can be manufactured at a relatively low cost. For these reasons, even if the wireless LAN module 40 supported by the support member 28 and the top cover 11 are positioned closely together, the risk of them colliding with each other is significantly reduced. In other words, the wireless LAN module 40 can be positioned as far up as possible in the image forming apparatus 100 without the need for a dedicated component.

[0050] Because the wireless LAN module 40 is located on the left side, it is preferable that the left frame 21 be as small and short as possible to minimize the impact of the metal frame on communication performance. Therefore, the front-to-rear length L21 of the left frame 21 is set to 2 / 3 or less of the front-to-rear length L100 of the image forming apparatus, and is even shorter than the front-to-rear length L22 of the right frame. Instead, the front-to-rear length L28 of the support member 28 located on the front side of the apparatus is set to be greater than the front-to-rear length Lb of the region of the image forming apparatus 100 rearward of the left frame 21. In other words, the left frame 21 is positioned closer to the rear than the center of the apparatus in the front-to-rear direction. In other words, by positioning the left frame 21 closer to one end (rear end) of the image forming apparatus 100 than the other end (front end) of the apparatus in the front-to-rear direction, the volume of the portion of the left frame 21 located on the other end (front end) of the image forming apparatus 100 relative to the wireless LAN module 40 is reduced. By arranging the device in this manner, when an external device that communicates wirelessly with the wireless LAN module 40 is located in front of the device and vertically below it, the influence of the left frame 21, which is a metal member, on the reduced communication performance can be suppressed.

[0051] The cables, FFCs, and metal wires described above may be of different types than those used in the description, or may be other types as long as they are wired connections that can conduct electricity. While the wireless connection is primarily assumed to be Wi-Fi communication, other frequency bands and standards, such as NFC and Bluetooth, can also be applied as long as the effects of the present invention can be obtained. Furthermore, the connections using the connectors described above may also be made by directly connecting the cable to the board using solder or the like.

[0052] (8) Relationship between the cover 10 and surrounding components Next, the configuration of the cover 10, which is the exterior of the image forming apparatus 100, and the peripheral members that support the cover 10 will be described in detail. As mentioned above, the frame 20 is disposed toward the rear of the apparatus. However, the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment uses members other than the frame to provide rigidity even on the front side of the apparatus where the frame 20 is not provided. This will be described in detail in particular.

[0053] First, a detailed configuration for supporting the upper cover 11 will be described. Fig. 9(a) is a perspective view showing the frame 20, support member 28, upper cover 11, and lower cover 15 according to this embodiment, Fig. 9(b) is a left side view thereof, and Fig. 9(c) is a top view thereof. Fig. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 9(b) as viewed from the front, Fig. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 9(c) as viewed from the left, and Fig. 10(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 9(c) as viewed from the right. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the frame 20, support member 28, upper cover 11, right cover 14, left cover 13, and lower cover 15 according to this embodiment.

[0054] The upper cover 11 has a right front support portion 11c at the front right, a right center support portion 11d at the center right, a right rear support portion 11e at the rear right, a left front support portion 11f at the front left, a left center support portion 11g at the center left, and a left rear support portion 11h at the rear left. Each support portion extends downward from the underside of the upper cover 11. The right front support portion 11c contacts the support portion 14b of the right cover 14, the right center support portion 11d contacts the front side of the top surface of the right frame 22, and the right rear support portion 11e contacts the rear side of the top surface of the right frame 22. The left front support portion 11f contacts the display screen support portion 28e that supports the consumables-related display 12a of the support member 28, the left center support portion 11g contacts the front support portion 28a of the support member 28, and the left rear support portion 11h contacts the rear support portion 28b of the support member 28. How each support portion exerts its support function against external forces will be described in detail later.

[0055] A lower cover 15 is provided on the front and lower side of image forming apparatus 100 to isolate the inside and outside of the apparatus when feed cassette 51 is attached to or detached from the apparatus body. Lower cover 15 has an upper wall 15a, a right wall 15b, and a left wall 15c. Furthermore, lower cover 15 not only protects the inside of the apparatus but also functions as a support member for supporting other members, with right wall 15b functioning as right front support portion 15e and left wall 15c functioning as left front support portion 15f.

[0056] The right cover 14 has a support portion 14b that is arranged between the right front support portion 11c of the upper cover 11 and the right front support portion 15e of the lower cover 15. The support portion 14b is arranged between the left front support portion 11f and the right front support portion 15e and is in contact with each of them, thereby increasing the rigidity against external forces in the vertical direction on the right front side of the device. Similarly, the left cover 13 has a support portion 13b that is arranged between the left front support portion 11f of the upper cover 11 and the left front support portion 15f of the lower cover 15. Furthermore, on the left front side of the device, a display screen support portion 28e of the support member 28 is arranged between the left front support portion 11f and support portion 13b. In other words, on the left front side of the device, the left front support portion 11f, the display screen support portion 28e, support portion 13b, and left front support portion 15f increase the rigidity against external forces in the vertical direction. It enhances sexuality.

[0057] 12 is a perspective view of the front cover 12 according to this embodiment, seen from the rear side. The front cover 12 has a display hole 12b for providing a consumables-related display 12a and a support portion 12c for combining with other components to ensure rigidity against external forces. In this embodiment, the support portion 12c is a frame-shaped protrusion that protrudes rearward from the inner surface 12d facing rearward, but the shape can be changed appropriately to suit other components.

[0058] Next, we will explain how forces act on each component when an external force is applied to the image forming apparatus 100. Fig. 13(a) is a perspective view of the present embodiment, with the front cover 12 added to Fig. 11. Fig. 13(b) is a left side view, and Fig. 13(c) is a top view. Fig. 14(a) is a DD cross-sectional view of Fig. 13(b) as seen from the front, Fig. 14(b) is an EE cross-sectional view of Fig. 13(c) as seen from the left, and Fig. 14(c) is an FF cross-sectional view of Fig. 13(c) as seen from the right. The forces acting on each component when external forces are applied to the image forming apparatus 100 in the up-down, left-right, and front-rear directions are indicated by dotted arrows in Figs. 14(a) to 14(c), and will be described below as examples.

[0059] When an external force acts in the vertical direction on the right front side of the device, right front support portion 11c of upper cover 11 receives load 11VR, support portion 14b of right cover 14 receives load 14V, and right front support portion 15e of lower cover 15 receives load 15VR. In other words, on the right front side of the device, the support portions of each member are arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction from the top to the bottom of image forming apparatus 100, which provides high rigidity against external forces in the vertical direction.

[0060] When an external force acts in the vertical direction on the left front side of the device, left front support portion 11f of upper cover 11 receives load 11VL, and display screen support portion 28e of support member 28 receives load 28V. Furthermore, support portion 13b of left cover 13 receives load 13V, and left front support portion 15f of lower cover 15 receives load 15VL. In other words, even on the left front side of the device, the support portions of each member are arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction from the top to the bottom of image forming apparatus 100, so that the device has high rigidity against external forces in the vertical direction.

[0061] When an external force acts in the left-right direction on the front side of the device, support portion 14b of right cover 14 receives load 14H, support portion 12c of front cover 12 receives load 12H, and support portion 13b of left cover 13 receives load 13H. In other words, on the front side of the device, the members are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction from the right end to the left end of image forming apparatus 100, which provides high rigidity against external forces in the left-right direction.

[0062] When an external force acts in the front-to-rear direction on the lower left side of the device, lower left frame 26 receives load 26H, and left front support portion 15f of lower cover 15 receives load 15HL. In other words, by arranging the various components adjacent to each other in the front-to-rear direction from the front end to the rear end of image forming apparatus 100 on the lower left side of the device, the device has high rigidity against external forces in the front-to-rear direction.

[0063] When an external force acts in the front-to-rear direction on the lower right side of the device, the lower right frame 27 receives a load 27H, and the front right support portion 15e of the lower cover 15 receives a load 15HR. In other words, even on the lower right side of the device, the components are arranged adjacent to each other in the front-to-rear direction from the front end to the rear end of the image forming apparatus 100, so that the device has high rigidity against external forces in the front-to-rear direction.

[0064] The aforementioned support parts may be configured to always be in contact with each other, or they may be arranged with gaps between each member when in an unloaded state where no external force is applied, and when a load is applied, the members will bend and come into contact with each other, thereby providing the support function.

[0065] As described above, according to the present invention, a wireless communication board including an antenna is installed in an image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus, the support member that supports the wireless communication board at a position close to the outside also supports the housing, so the wireless communication board can be firmly protected while maintaining good communication performance. That is, by supporting the wireless communication board with the support member that supports the upper cover and appropriately arranging each component, the rigidity of the device can be ensured, and an image forming apparatus can be provided that can ensure good communication performance while firmly protecting the wireless communication board. Furthermore, instead of providing a dedicated component for supporting the wireless communication board, the support function can be shared by the support member that supports the housing including the cover, thereby avoiding unnecessary increases in manufacturing costs.

[0066] <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 15 to 19. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. In the second embodiment, a document reading device 101 is added to the top of the image forming apparatus shown in the first embodiment, and other internal configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0067] First, the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 will be described. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 200, seen from the left side, which uses electrophotographic recording technology according to this embodiment and has an original reading device 101 mounted on top. FIG. 16(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 200 according to this embodiment, seen from the front side of the apparatus, and FIG. 16(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 200 according to this embodiment, seen from the rear side of the apparatus. The original reading device 101, which is provided on the top of the image forming apparatus 200, is mainly composed of an original table 102, a cover 103 that covers the original table 102, a housing 104 that covers the entire original reading device 101 and forms a framework, and an operation instruction unit 106. The original reading device 101 is positioned relative to the upper cover 11 and the like by a rotation support part 105 that rotatably supports the original reading device 101 to open and close it. 15, 16(a), and 16(b) show the document reading device 101 in a closed state against the upper cover 11. The document reading device 101 is also provided with a recess 108, and printed paper is stacked in the hollow space between the recess 108 and the upper cover 11. Furthermore, by providing the document reading device 101 with the recess 108 to have a hollow space, it is also possible to radiate heat generated in the fixing unit 70 to the rear side of the image forming apparatus 200. In the image forming apparatus 200 of this embodiment, the operation instruction unit 3 is provided on the cassette cover 16, and further, an operation instruction unit 106 having an operation instruction unit 106a for sending instructions to the document reading device 101 is provided on the document reading device 101. Note that the operation instruction unit may be unified into one and disposed on only one side.

[0068] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the document reading device 101 and the discharge tray 19 of the image forming apparatus 200 according to this embodiment in an open state with the document reading device 101 and the discharge tray 19 both lifted upward. The discharge tray 19 and the document reading device 101 of this embodiment are supported openably and closably relative to the image forming apparatus body. When the discharge tray 19 and the document reading device 101 are open, consumables such as toner can be inserted through an insertion slot 18c provided in the inner cover 18. The insertion slot 18c is located on the left side of the inner cover 18, close to the consumables-related display 12a, the operation instruction unit 106a, and the operation instruction unit 3. In other words, the display units, the instruction units, and the insertion slot 18c are located close to each other so that the user can easily recognize their relationship. A link mechanism may be used to open the document reading device 101 in conjunction with the operation of opening the discharge tray 19, or the document reading device 101 in conjunction with the operation of opening the discharge tray 19, allowing the user to access the insertion slot 18c with a single operation.

[0069] The rotation support part 105 is disposed on the rear side of the device near the back surface so that the document reading device 101 can be opened wide toward the front. When the document reading device 101 is in the closed state, the document reading device 101 is supported by the rotation support part 105 at the rear and by the right support part 104a and the left support part 104b of the housing 104 of the document reading device 101 contacting the top surface of the upper cover 11.

[0070] Next, the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 will be described. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 200 as seen from the left side. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the frame 20, upper cover 11, wireless LAN module 40, control board unit 30, and document reading device 101 according to this embodiment as seen from the left side. An operation instruction section 106a provided on the top side of the operation instruction unit 106 is connected to the control board unit 30 by an FFC 107 that passes through the housing 104 and the upper cover 11.

[0071] In this embodiment as well, the support member 28 supports the wireless LAN module 40 so that the wireless LAN module 40 is positioned above the metal left frame 21, and also supports the upper cover 11. Furthermore, components that may cause a decrease in communication performance, such as metal components, are positioned away from the wireless LAN module 40, ensuring good communication performance. Furthermore, by providing the support portions of each component, such as the frame and cover, adjacent to each other, the image forming apparatus has high rigidity against external forces.

[0072] As described above, according to the present invention, even when a document reading device is provided on the upper part, the support member that supports the housing can support the wireless communication board including the antenna at a position close to the outside within the image forming apparatus. As a result, the wireless communication board can be firmly protected while ensuring good communication performance. In other words, by supporting the wireless communication board with the support member that supports the upper cover and appropriately arranging each component, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that ensures the rigidity of the apparatus and ensures good communication performance.

[0073] <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 20 to 22. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the substrate 41 of the wireless LAN module 40 faces the left side instead of the upper side, and that the support member supports the left frame in addition to the upper frame. The appearance of the image forming apparatus 300 according to this embodiment is similar to that of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 300 according to this embodiment, with the cover 10 not shown. Fig. 21(a) is a perspective view showing the wireless LAN module 40, frame 20, and control board unit 30 according to this embodiment, Fig. 21(b) is a top view thereof, and Fig. 21(c) is a left side view thereof. Fig. 22 is a top view showing the wireless LAN module 40, frame 20, control board unit 30, and left cover 13 according to this embodiment.

[0075] The support member 328 is fixed to the left frame 21 and is a structure that supports various components as in the first embodiment and maintains the rigidity of the image forming apparatus 100. The support member 328 has a front support portion 328a and a rear support portion 328b that support the top cover 11 and the left cover 13. The support member 328 further has a board support portion 328c that supports the wireless LAN module 40, a cable holder 328d that holds the cables, and a display screen support portion 328e that supports the consumables-related display 12a. The support member 328 also has hooks that engage with the top surface 21a of the left frame 21 and is fixed to the top surface 21a of the left frame 21 with the hooks and screws 29.

[0076] When an external force is applied to the left cover 13 in the right direction, the load in the right direction received by the support member 328 is transmitted to the left frame 21 via the left cover 13 because the support member 328 is fixed to the left frame 21. The left frame 21, which receives the load in the right direction, is supported by the front frame 23 and the rear frame 24, which have high rigidity in the left-right direction, and therefore the image forming apparatus 300 as a whole has high rigidity against external forces in the left-right direction. The upper cover 11 and the left cover 13 may be fixed to the support member 28, or they may be configured to be separable with a small gap between them so that each cover comes into contact with the support member 28 only when pressure is applied. In either configuration, the relative positions of the support member 28, the upper cover 11, and the left cover 13 are stably maintained by the two engaging portions, the front support portion 28a and the rear support portion 28b. The wireless LAN module 40 is fixed to the support member 328 as described above. That is, the relative positions of the wireless LAN module 40, the upper cover 11, and the left cover 13 are also stably maintained. Furthermore, the wireless LAN module 40 is supported in the front-rear direction by a board support portion 328c located between the front support portion 328a and the rear support portion 328b. That is, in the support member 328, the board support portion 328c, which serves as an antenna support portion, is provided between the front support portion 328a and the rear support portion 328b, which serve as a housing support portion. With this configuration, even if the top cover 11, left cover 13, or device is temporarily deformed by an external force, the distance between the wireless LAN module 40 and the top cover 11 and left cover 13 is stably maintained.

[0077] Furthermore, the support member 328 is a relatively robust member among the components constituting the image forming apparatus, supporting the top cover 11 and the left cover 13. Therefore, deformation caused by vibrations and shocks applied to the entire apparatus during transportation is smaller than that of typical components, and there is little risk of the top cover 11 and the left cover 13 interfering with the wireless LAN module 40. Furthermore, the support shape for supporting the wireless LAN module 40 can be configured with a relatively simple shape, allowing for a high degree of freedom. This avoids shapes that would impede wireless communication, and the support member 328 can be manufactured at a relatively low cost. For these reasons, even if the wireless LAN module 40 supported by the support member 328 is positioned closely to the top cover 11 and the left cover 13, the risk of collision between them is significantly reduced. In other words, the wireless LAN module 40 can be positioned as far up and to the left of the image forming apparatus 100 as possible without the need for dedicated components.

[0078] As described above, according to the present invention, even when the wireless communication board is positioned so that it faces the side, the support member that supports the housing can support the wireless communication board, including the antenna, at a position close to the outside within the image forming apparatus. Consequently, the wireless communication board can be securely protected while maintaining good communication performance. In other words, by supporting the wireless communication board with the support members that support the top cover and left cover and appropriately positioning each component, an image forming apparatus can be provided that can securely protect the wireless communication board while maintaining good communication performance.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the support member supports both the top cover and the left cover, but the present invention is not limited to this. The support member may support only the left cover without supporting the top cover. Here, the state in which the support member does not support the top cover means that the support member is not in contact with the top cover, there is a sufficient gap between the support member and the top cover, and the support member will not come into contact with the top cover even if an external force is applied to the top cover from above.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the cover is made up of multiple parts such as an upper cover and a left cover, but it may be an inseparable, integrally formed cover. Even in such a cover, by configuring the surface close to the wireless communication board to be supported by a support member, it is possible to firmly protect the wireless communication board while ensuring good communication performance.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the wireless communication board is a wireless LAN module 40, particularly a WiFi module. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and other communication method modules such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth may be used as the wireless communication board. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10...Cover (housing), 11...Upper cover (top cover), 13...Left cover (side cover), 21...Left frame (first metal side plate), 23...Right frame (second metal side plate), 28...Support member, 28a...Front support portion (housing support portion), 28b...Rear support portion (housing support portion), 28c...Substrate support portion (antenna support portion), 42...Antenna, 60...Image forming portion, 100...Image forming apparatus, P...Recording material

Claims

1. an image forming section for forming 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 communication module including an antenna for communicating with an external device and a substrate on which the antenna is provided; a housing including: a top cover that vertically covers the first metal side plate and the second metal side plate from above, and a side cover that covers an area on the opposite side of the first metal side plate from the side on which the image forming unit is provided; and a support member fixed to the first metal side plate, the support member including: a board support portion that supports the board so that the communication module is positioned higher than the first metal side plate in the vertical direction; and a first housing support portion that supports the top cover so as to restrict contact of the top cover with the communication module; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The support member has a second housing support portion for supporting the top cover of the housing so as to restrict contact of the top cover with the communication module; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the board support portion supports the board so that the antenna is positioned between the first housing support portion and the second housing support portion.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first housing support portion and the second housing support portion are configured to support the side cover so as to restrict contact of the side cover with the communication module.

4. An image forming apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the substrate support portion is arranged in a position that does not overlap with the first housing support portion when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the first metal side plate facing the second metal side plate.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member is made of resin.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing is made of resin.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing is made up of a plurality of members.

8. An image forming apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the extension direction in which the surface of the first metal side plate facing the second metal side plate extends horizontally, the length of the first metal side plate is shorter than the length of the second metal side plate.

9. a discharge port is formed in the housing through which the recording material on which the image is formed by the image forming unit is discharged from one end side of the image forming device in the extension direction toward the other end side opposite to the one end, 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first metal side plate is disposed closer to the one end than to the other end of the image forming apparatus in the extending direction.

10. a feeding cassette that stores recording materials before image formation and is insertable into and removable from the housing; the feeding cassette can be pulled out from one end of the image forming apparatus in the extension direction toward the other end opposite to the one end, 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first metal side plate is disposed closer to the one end than to the other end of the image forming apparatus in the extending direction.

11. further comprising an operation unit for a user to operate; the operation unit is provided on the other end side of the image forming device opposite to the one end in the extension direction, 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first metal side plate is disposed closer to the one end than to the other end of the image forming apparatus in the extending direction.

12. The device further has a display screen that visibly displays predetermined information, the display screen is provided on the other end side opposite to the one end of the housing in the extension direction, 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first metal side plate is disposed closer to the one end than to the other end of the image forming apparatus in the extending direction.

13. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the support member further comprises a display screen support portion that supports the display screen.

14. Further comprising a lower cover having a lower support portion, the side cover has a side support portion disposed between the lower support portion and the top cover, and a portion of the support member is disposed between the top cover and the side support portion; the portion of the support member, the side support portion, and the lower support portion are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction so that when the top cover receives a load in the vertical direction, the load is received by the lower support portion via the portion of the support member and the side support portion; 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

15. The housing is provided with an outlet through which a recording material on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit is discharged in a discharge direction, 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the portion of the support member protrudes from the first metal side plate in the ejection direction, and the lower support portion protrudes from the first metal side plate in the ejection direction.

16. Further comprising a display screen unit for displaying predetermined information, The portion of the support member is configured to support the display screen unit.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

Images