JP2007158127A - Substrate mounting device and image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a substrate mounting device and an image formation apparatus for solving the failure of connector connection. <P>SOLUTION: This substrate mounting device 100 is provided with a plurality of substrates 4 and 5, and configured to electrically connect those substrates 4 and 5 according to the connection of connectors 4a and 5a installed in those respective substrates 4 and 5. This substrate mounting device 100 is provided with mounting members 1, 2 and 3 accessory to the substrate 4. When the connectors 4a and 5a are connected, the connection of mounting members 1, 2 and 3 is strengthened by connection reinforcing parts 1a, 2a and 3a installed in the mounting members 1, 2 and 3. This image formation apparatus is provided with the substrate mounting device 100. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a board mounting apparatus for mounting a board on which a predetermined circuit is formed, and image formation such as a copier, a facsimile machine, a printer, and a multi-function machine combining some of them, including the board mounting apparatus. Relates to the device.

In general, various electric devices have a circuit board on which a predetermined circuit is formed, and connector coupling is often used as an electrical connection between the circuit board and the apparatus main body.
For example, a circuit board is formed by previously forming a circuit pattern by printed wiring on the surface of the board, and by installing various electrical components at a predetermined location of the wiring pattern and connecting the components installed at the location, A predetermined circuit or a group of circuits is formed on the substrate by surface mounting some electrical components, and the circuit and the connector provided on the substrate are appropriately connected by wiring, and the substrate is externally connected via this connector. As appropriate, it can be electrically connected.

  Further, in an image forming apparatus provided with an optical scanning system as a kind of electric device, circuits related to the optical scanning system and image formation are mounted substantially integrally on the electrical board, and the substrate is connected to the apparatus main body. A connector comprising a terminal row as a contact terminal portion as an electrical connection means for providing signal transmission with an external circuit and supplying power to one end of the electrical board is provided with an electrical connection means for connecting wiring with the mounting. Provided with a reinforcing bracket made of a bent piece at the end of the electrical board opposite to the connection terminal, and when the electrical board is mounted inside the image forming apparatus main body, the reinforcing bracket is screwed to the electrical board. There is known an image forming apparatus in which positioning is performed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, according to this image forming apparatus, since the reinforcing bracket is fastened and fixed to the immovable part on the image forming apparatus main body side, rigidity for preventing deformation of the electrical board can be provided.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-111824 (pages 3 to 4, FIGS. 1 and 3)

However, in the above-described conventional configuration, there is a problem that even if the board is mounted in a predetermined manner and the connector is joined, the electrical connection failure of the connector cannot be solved sufficiently.
That is, in the image forming apparatus provided with the optical scanning system described above, even if the deformation of the electrical board can be prevented, this does not necessarily eliminate the connection failure between the connectors. The possibility of occurring could not be excluded.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a board mounting apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can solve the problems of the conventional apparatus as described above and can eliminate a defective connector connection.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 includes a plurality of substrates, and the substrate mounting for electrically connecting the plurality of substrates by coupling of connectors provided on each substrate. The apparatus includes a mounting member attached to the board, and when the connector is coupled, the coupling between the mounting members is reinforced by a coupling reinforcing portion provided on the mounting member. Features.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the coupling reinforcing portion provided on each mounting member is a coupling reinforcing portion having a hook shape.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the joint reinforcing portion provided in each of the mounting members is provided with a joint reinforcing portion having a hook shape on one mounting member, and the hooks on the other board mounting member. A hole for inserting the shape was provided.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the coupling reinforcing portion provided on each of the mounting members is provided in the vicinity of both ends of the connector that couples the substrates.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes the substrate mounting apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, when coupling the connectors, the coupling reinforcement portion provided on the mounting member of the board is used to strengthen the coupling between the predetermined mounting members. It is possible to prevent a predetermined substrate or mounting member from being deformed or deformed during the coupling, thereby avoiding a poor connector coupling. That is, it is possible to avoid a poor connection of the connector caused by the deflection of the board or the mounting member, and to perform reliable and stable communication between the boards via the connector.

  First, the problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above, but further supplemented are as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, when the connectors 54a and 55a provided on the substrates 54 and 55 are coupled to each other, the substrate mounting in which two substrates are assembled in advance in association with the substrate 55. Similarly, the connector 56 is assisted by the member 56 and the substrate mounting members 51, 52, 53 that are similarly attached to the substrate 54 and assembled in advance. 56, in the vicinity of the connectors 54a and 55a for connecting the substrates 54 and 55 of the substrate mounting member so that they can be electrically connected to each other, the substrate 54 and the substrate mounting member 51, No means for eliminating the deflection of 52 and 53 is provided. That is, members and means related to connector coupling other than the connectors 54a and 55a are not provided in the vicinity indicated by C and C in FIG.

  In particular, in this conventional configuration, the so-called substrate 55 is lined with the substrate mounting member 56 to increase its rigidity, so that the connector 55a of the substrate 55 is securely coupled to the connector 54a of the substrate 54. When the integrated substrate 55 and the substrate mounting member 56 are moved, the substrate 54 and the substrate mounting members 51, 52, 53 are bent in the moving direction, and the connector 55a itself is deformed or the connectors 54a, 55a are mutually connected. As a result of distorting the positional relationship of these, the poor contact between the terminals in both connectors tends to result, resulting in poor electrical connection. In addition, when the board 54 is a circuit board with high functionality, a larger number of signal lines for connecting to the outside and communicating with each other are required, resulting in a large connector or a terminal in the connector. As the number increases, the force required for connector connection also increases, and the tendency of poor connection due to the various factors described above may be promoted and promoted.

  Therefore, the present invention solves the problems of the conventional ones as described above, and even when the above-described board mounting member is used, the connector is connected due to a large connector or a large number of terminals in the connector. An object of the present invention is to provide a substrate mounting apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can eliminate an electrical connection failure at the time of connector connection even if the force required for the connection, that is, the force against the connection of the connector itself is increased.

Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 mainly shows two boards mounted in an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus (not shown) which is an electric apparatus of this embodiment and a board mounting apparatus composed of board mounting members attached to each board. ) Is a perspective view showing a schematic overall configuration in a state where two substrates are assembled, (b) is a perspective view showing an exploded state before the two substrates are assembled, and (c) is attached to one substrate. FIG. 2 (d) is an exploded perspective view showing a state immediately before the assembly, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the state shown in FIG. 1 (a). FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 are perspective views showing each part in an enlarged manner, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a part in an enlarged manner.
Examples of the image forming apparatus include a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, and a multi-function machine combining some of them. These all have an image forming function as a main function or a partial function thereof. Since the circuit having at least all or a part of the image forming function is formed on the substrate and the substrate is mounted in the apparatus main body, the following embodiments will be described as follows. The description will be focused on the board and the board mounting member directly related to the board, and the other specific configuration conforms to the configuration of each apparatus and will not be described.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C and FIG. 2, the substrate mounting structure 100 which is the substrate mounting apparatus of the first embodiment included in the image forming apparatus mounts each substrate. A board mounting base bracket 1 to be coupled, a motherboard 4 having a connector 4a, motherboard mounting brackets 2 and 3 for mounting the board, an image processing board 5 having a connector 5a, and an image processing board for mounting the same. It is comprised with the bracket 6 for mounting. Hereinafter, the board mounting base bracket 1 and the motherboard mounting brackets 2 and 3 are simply referred to as the base bracket 1 and the brackets 2 and 3, respectively, and the image processing board mounting bracket 6 is simply the image board bracket. 6 may also be referred to.

  More specifically, the image forming apparatus has at least an image processing board 5 and a mother board 4 as circuit boards to be mounted in the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the image processing board 5 and the mother board 4 are provided on the respective board surfaces. The connectors 4a and 5a provided at predetermined positions on the image processing board 5 and the mother board 4 are mounted at predetermined positions in the apparatus main body in a vertical posture as a vertical plane and at least before the mounting. Are coupled to each other through the connectors 4a and 5a to electrically connect the image processing board 5 and the mother board 4 so as to receive power supply from the mother board 4 side, and to transmit electric signals in both directions. Secure a predetermined number of lines that can be transmitted, You have to be able to communicate contact the direction.

  The image forming apparatus has a board mounting structure 100 for maintaining and securing the connector coupling between the mother board 4 and the image processing board 5, which are two circuit boards that are electrically connected to each other via a connector. That is, the position of the image processing board 5 that is the other circuit board of the two circuit boards that are connector-coupled with respect to the mother board 4 that is one of the circuit boards is defined in a predetermined manner, and the motherboard 4 and the image processing board 5 Board mounting structure 100 for fixing the mutual position between the board 4 and the board mounting structure 100. The board mounting structure 100 is mounted on the mother board 4 in a predetermined assembly before the boards 4 and 5 are connected to the connector. Same as base bracket 1 and motherboard mounting brackets 2 and 3 To, and is mainly composed of an image board bracket 6 attached in advance to the image processing board 5.

The image processing board 5 is formed in a substantially rectangular long plate shape, and is mounted with a circuit group for forming various image processing functions related to image formation, for example. In other words, the image processing board 5 is mounted on the surface by installing an image processing chip or other electrical component, which is a dedicated IC, at each predetermined location on the printed wiring surface, When the original image data, a command indicating an instruction of processing contents, and various parameters related to the processing contents are received from the motherboard 4, predetermined processing is performed on the original image data based on the instructions and parameters. The processed image data is transmitted to the mother board 4 side.
The motherboard 4 is electrically connected to the power supply unit at least in the apparatus main body and receives power supply. For example, the motherboard 4 forms other appropriate functions other than the image processing function mounted on the image processing board 5. A circuit group is mounted, or various sensors or image forming apparatuses arranged in each part of the image forming apparatus are wired to the operation input section that the image forming apparatus has in advance to detect detection signals from the sensors and various setting values related to image formation. The set signal shown is input.

  That is, when the image processing board 5 is assembled to the mother board 4, a single connector 5a is provided at the one side periphery of the image processing board 5 positioned at the front end side that advances in the insertion direction and substantially at the center of the one side periphery. is set up. The connector 5a is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is arranged in a direction in which the connection surface or the connection opening faces the insertion direction in the length direction along the peripheral edge of the one side. A plurality of connection terminals arranged in a predetermined manner are arranged, and these connection terminals are connected to a circuit group on the board 5 by predetermined wiring. The motherboard 4 is provided with a connector 4a, which is configured in a substantially similar manner, at a predetermined position on one surface thereof, with the connector connection surface or connection opening directed in a direction perpendicular to the board surface. It is connected to the electrical configuration provided above. Therefore, when the connector 5a configured in this manner is appropriately coupled to the connector 4a configured in a similar manner to the mother board 4, the connection terminals in the corresponding connectors are in physical contact with each other, An electrical connection is established, power is supplied from the motherboard 4 to supply drive current for circuit operation to the circuit group on the board 5, and data input / output between the circuit group and the motherboard 4 is performed by electrical signals. I can do it.

As shown in FIG. 3, the board mounting base bracket 1 includes a coupling reinforcing hook-shaped portion (hereinafter simply referred to as a hook-shaped reinforcing portion) 1a having a hook shape subjected to step bending corresponding to the plate thickness. As shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the motherboard mounting brackets 2 and 3 have a hook shape for joint reinforcement having a hook shape that is similarly bent by a plate thickness. Parts (hereinafter referred to as hook-shaped coupling reinforcing parts) 2a and 3a.
In the first embodiment, the thicknesses of the brackets 1, 2, and 3 are the same. However, the thicknesses of the brackets 1, 2, and 3 are different from each other, and the step bending difference between the hook-shaped coupling reinforcing portions 1a, 2a, and 3a is changed accordingly. However, it goes without saying that the same effect can be achieved. That is, by changing the plate thickness of a certain bracket, the thickness due to the step bending difference corresponding to the plate thickness set to the appropriate hook-shaped coupling reinforcing portions 1a, 2a, 3a corresponding to this is reduced or increased. .

  In other words, in the first embodiment, in order to eliminate the connector coupling failure, a mounting member is provided in association with the pair of substrates having the connector to be coupled, and each of the pair of mounting members is engaged. A structure in which a pair of engagement claws are engaged with each other so that the other engagement claw is prevented from being displaced in a predetermined direction that causes a coupling failure with respect to one engagement claw. It is said.

More specifically, the image board bracket 6 is formed in a substantially long plate shape at least as large as the image processing board 5, and the processing board 5 is used for the image board so as to secure parallel surfaces to each other. It is designed to be assembled by screwing and coupling through a protrusion integrally provided on the bracket 6 or a spacer of another member, etc., and as this screwing coupling location, there are four locations that are four rectangular corners, There are set 8 locations consisting of 4 locations which are appropriate intermediate locations on the long and short sides of the rectangle. Therefore, the image processing board 5 can be fixed to the image board bracket 6 at eight points.
As described above, the image processing board 5 is assembled by screwing the outer peripheral edge of the image processing board 5 to the metal image board bracket 6 at substantially equal intervals. In addition to a simple bending rigidity strength, the rigidity strength against torsion and the like increases, and the board surface can sufficiently secure the ability to maintain flatness against an external force. For this reason, even if the image processing board 5 is installed in the apparatus body in a vertical posture and mounted, the deformation of the board 5 can be prevented, so that a large amount of electrical components can be mounted on the board 5, This also makes the board highly functional. That is, even if a large amount of electrical components are mounted in this manner, the peripheral edge of the image processing board 5 is restrained by the image board bracket 6 with eight points and is not deformed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid applying unnecessary stress to the connection part of the electrical component to the board and the electrical component itself.
Further, the image board bracket 6 is integrally formed with a flange portion for screwing and coupling the image board bracket 6 to the bracket 1 on the peripheral edge opposite to the peripheral edge facing the connector 5a. The flange portion bulges outward in a predetermined direction, and a predetermined step bending difference is set in the plate thickness direction.

  The base bracket 1 for board mounting is mainly composed of a mounting surface with which the surface of the image processing board 5, that is, the image board bracket 6 is in contact, and flange portions 1 d and 1 d formed with surfaces orthogonal to the mounting surface are shown in the figure. 1 (d), they are integrally formed at the corners that are the upper and lower ends in this figure, and these flange portions 1d and 1d are used as mounting surfaces for the brackets 2 and 3 for mounting the motherboard. The brackets 2 and 3 are fixed by screws, and the brackets 2 and 3 fixed by screws are used as mounting surfaces for the mother board 4 to fix the mother board 4 by screws.

  On the surface of the base bracket 1, hook reinforcing portions 1 a and 1 a for coupling reinforcement are provided at locations corresponding to the vicinity of both ends of the connector 4 a, while corresponding to the hook reinforcing portions 1 a and 1 a, respectively. Are connected to the mother board mounting brackets 2 and 3 so as to have hook-like reinforcing portions 2a and 3a for coupling reinforcement.

  That is, the coupling reinforcing hook-shaped reinforcing portions 1a and 1a are extended to substantially the center of the peripheral edge on the side corresponding to the connector 4a on the base bracket 1 so as to face outward of the base bracket 1, respectively. The extension portion is formed integrally with the bracket 1 while ensuring the above-mentioned step bending difference. That is, the upper hook-shaped reinforcing portion 1a is directed upward, and the lower hook-shaped reinforcing portion 1a is directed downward. Further, these hook-shaped reinforcing portions 1a and 1a are formed by punching or the like into a shape in which a corresponding portion of the bracket 1 is developed into a flat shape without a step as the shape of the hook-shaped reinforcing portion, for example. The developed shape is step-bent using a press molding process or the like to form hook-shaped reinforcing portions 1a and 1a, which are integrally formed with the bracket 1. In other words, two portions on the peripheral edge of the base bracket 1 are cut out into a predetermined shape to leave a base portion continuous to the bracket 1 and two projecting portions respectively extending in the vertical direction from the base portion. The hook-shaped reinforcing portions 1a and 1a are formed by bending the appropriate approximate middle of the portions.

  The hook-shaped reinforcing portion 2a for coupling reinforcement provided on the motherboard mounting bracket 2 corresponding to the upper hook-shaped reinforcing portion 1a extends from the bracket 2 in a predetermined manner and is formed with its tip portion facing downward. ing. That is, the hook-shaped reinforcing portion 2a is formed on a surface orthogonal to the surface of the bracket 2 parallel to the surface of the mother board 4, and temporarily reverses a predetermined length from the substantially lower end portion of the bracket 2 with respect to the insertion direction. The step bending difference is ensured at a predetermined midpoint in the downwardly extending portion. The predetermined length in the opposite direction is set to a length just exceeding the hook-shaped reinforcing portion 1a when the bracket 1 and the bracket 2 are assembled. Therefore, when this hook-shaped reinforcing portion 2a is engaged with the hook-shaped reinforcing portion 1a located on the upper side of the bracket 1, both peripheral edges that are lateral to the extending direction in the downwardly extending portion. One of the peripheral edges close to the surface of the bracket 2 is in contact with one peripheral edge far from the surface of the bracket 2 of both peripheral edges that are lateral to the extending direction of the hook-shaped reinforcing portion 1a. ing.

  On the other hand, a hook-shaped reinforcing portion 3a for coupling reinforcement provided on the motherboard mounting bracket 3 corresponding to the lower hook-shaped reinforcing portion 1a is extended from the bracket 3 with its tip portion facing upward. Is formed. That is, the hook-shaped reinforcing portion 3 a is formed on a surface orthogonal to the surface of the bracket 3 parallel to the surface of the mother board 4, and the hook-shaped reinforcing portion is temporarily extended from the substantially upper end portion of the bracket 3 to the insertion direction. The same length as the portion 2a extends in the opposite direction and then extends upward, and the above-mentioned step bending difference is secured at a predetermined midpoint in the upwardly extending portion. Therefore, when the hook-shaped reinforcing portion 3a is engaged with the hook-shaped reinforcing portion 1a located on the lower side of the bracket 1, both sides that are lateral to the extending direction in the upwardly extending portion are provided. One of the peripheral edges close to the surface of the bracket 2 is in contact with one peripheral edge far from the surface of the bracket 2 of both peripheral edges that are lateral to the extending direction of the hook-shaped reinforcing portion 1a. I am doing so.

  When the hook-shaped reinforcing portions 2a and 3a for coupling reinforcement of the brackets 2 and 3 are thus engaged with the corresponding hook-shaped reinforcing portions 1a and 1a, at least in the insertion direction in which the connectors are coupled, The hook-shaped reinforcing portions 2a and 3a are hooked and locked to the peripheral edge on the rear end side of the portions 1a and 1a. The hook-shaped reinforcing portions 2a and 3a are hooked to the hook-shaped reinforcing portion 1a in the insertion direction. It can prevent moving away from the position locked by 1a.

Next, a procedure for connector connection will be described.
That is, when the board mounting base bracket 1 and the motherboard mounting brackets 2 and 3 are assembled, the coupling reinforcing hook-shaped reinforcing portions 1a and 1a and the coupling reinforcing hook-shaped reinforcing portions 2a and 3a are connected as shown in FIGS. Assemble. The assembly in which the three brackets 1, 2, 3 are screwed together is a base bracket assembly (hereinafter referred to as base bracket assembly: assembly 7) shown in FIG.
Then, after assembling the motherboard 4 to the base bracket ASSY 7, as shown in FIG. 1B, the image processing board ASSY in which the image processing board 5 is assembled to the image board bracket 6 is assembled to the base bracket ASSY 7. At that time, the connectors 4a and the connector 5a are coupled to each other and assembled. When the connector 4a and the connector 5a are connected, the bending of the mother board 4 and the motherboard mounting brackets 2 and 3 in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. Can be suppressed. Therefore, the connector 4a and the connector 5a can be securely fitted to each other, and the coupling reinforcing hook-shaped reinforcing portions 1a, 2a and 3a are provided in the vicinity of both ends of the connectors 4a and 5a. Uniform fitting can be realized on the entire surface.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 1C again, the three brackets 1, 2, and 3 are assembled in a predetermined manner to form the base bracket ASSY7. When assembling, the hook-shaped reinforcing portions 1a, 2a, and 3a are engaged and assembled, and the brackets 1, 2, and 3 are fixed to each other by screwing or the like to maintain and secure the assembled state. . That is, the bracket 2 is fixed to the upper flange portion 1d of the bracket 1 and the bracket 3 is fixed to the lower flange portion 1d using at least two screws. Next, the mother board 4 is assembled to the base bracket ASSY 7. In other words, in addition to the four places where the brackets 2 and 3 are screwed to the bracket 1 using appropriate protrusions provided at predetermined positions of the brackets 2 and 3 as spacers, the screws are screwed at a total of nine other places. Then, the mother board 4 is fixed to the brackets 2 and 3.
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1B again, the image processing board 5 is assembled to the image board bracket 6 to form the image processing board ASSY. That is, the image processing board 5 is assembled to the image board bracket 6 and fixed to each other by screws or the like, and the assembled state is maintained and secured.
Then, the connector 5a is coupled to the connector 4a, and the image processing board ASSY is assembled to the base bracket ASSY 7 and fixed to each other by screw fastening or the like, and the assembled state is maintained and secured.
Therefore, when the image board ASSY is assembled to the base bracket ASSY 7 with the connectors connected in this manner, the brackets for mounting the motherboard are respectively attached to the hook-like reinforcing portions 1a and 1a fixedly arranged on the surface of the so-called base bracket 1. The hook-shaped reinforcing portions 2 a and 3 a are locked, and the brackets 2 and 3 are firmly screwed to the flange portions 1 d and 1 d of the bracket 1, and the mother board 4 is firmly screwed to the brackets 2 and 3. Since it is fixed, the brackets 2 and 3 and the mother board 4 fixed to the brackets 2 and 3 are bent from the normal positions before assembly in the arrow direction A in FIG. This prevents the connector 4a of the motherboard 4 from moving to its proper position. It can be securely held. In other words, even if the image processing board 5 protrudes from the peripheral edge of the connector 4a with respect to the surface of the motherboard 4, that is, the connector 4a provided on the surface, the motherboard 4 is curved at least. The flatness of the surface can be maintained without bending. For this reason, the connector 4a and the connector 5a can be strongly fitted. In addition, since the base ends of the hook-shaped reinforcing portions 1a and 1a are located in the vicinity of both ends of the connector 4a, the orientation of the connection surface of the connector 4a can be accurately held in the direction facing the connection surface of the connector 5a. . Therefore, the connectors 4a and 5a can be uniformly fitted over the entire length region of the connectors 4a and 5a. On the other hand, as clearly shown in FIG. 6, the hooked reinforcing portions 1 a, 2 a and the hooked reinforcing portions 1 a, 3 a are engaged with each other at a predetermined plate thickness at a substantially intermediate position between the extending portions. Since step bending is performed so as to protrude slightly from the surface of the base bracket 1 to the thickness of the base bracket 1, the space required for the connection reinforcing means can be reduced and the space can be saved. For this reason, it is not necessary to constrain the arrangement of the other members without pressing the other members in the vicinity, and the degree of freedom of the arrangement can be improved.
In particular, when the image processing board ASSY with the image board bracket 6 attached to the image processing board 5 is assembled with a connector, that is, when the connector is assembled with a rigidity higher than that of the image processing board 5 alone. Naturally, a stronger force can be used to fit the connectors 4a and 5a to each other. However, even when the connectors are fitted using such a stronger force, the above-mentioned action can be obtained and appropriate. In addition, the connector can be coupled by firmly fitting.
Then, as shown in FIG. 1A, the fixing of the image processing board 5 is fixed in a state in which the fixing is completed. While the connector is coupled, the flange portion of the image board bracket 6 with the rear end of the board 5 as the rear end is screwed to the base bracket 1 at two points by screwing or the like, so that both boards 4 and 5 are The mutual position cannot be changed and is firmly fixed. In FIG. 1 (a), the portions where the hook-shaped reinforcing portions 1a, 2a, 3a are engaged are slightly protruded from the surface of the bracket 1 and both ends of the connected connectors 4a, 5a in the connector length direction. It is located in the vicinity of the portion, does not interfere with other members, and is covered with the image processing board ASSY, so it is hidden in the figure.
In particular, when assembled in this manner, the lower surface of the image board bracket 6 in FIG. 2 is in surface contact with the upper surface of the substrate mounting base bracket 1 as shown in FIG. The relationship between each bracket surface and the board surface of the board 5 can be easily secured as a parallel surface relationship, and can be stably maintained.

In this way, the connectors can be reliably fitted to each other and can be uniformly fitted to the entire surface of the connector. That is, even if the terminal in the connector is large and the connector itself is large, or the number of terminals in the connector is increased, the force required for connector coupling, that is, the force against the connector itself is increased, The connection terminals arranged in a predetermined arrangement in one connector can be reliably and stably brought into contact with the connection terminals arranged in the other connector corresponding to the terminals. It is possible to establish an electrical connection so that they can be reliably transmitted to each other. Thereby, communication between the mother board 4 and the image processing board 5 can be stabilized, and an image forming apparatus with extremely few communication problems can be provided.
On the other hand, even when various electrical components are mounted on the image processing board 5 with high density to achieve high functionality, the high reliability between the board 5 side and the motherboard 4 side as the apparatus main body side is ensured. Secured and stable large-capacity data communication becomes possible. That is, a large amount of data can be communicated at high speed between the boards connected with the connector, and for example, image data necessary for high-definition image formation and color image data expressing delicate colors can be transferred quickly and easily. For this reason, even if the image processing board 5 is mounted in the apparatus main body as a highly functional circuit board for image forming processing, the high functions of the board 5 can be exhibited sufficiently stably. As a result, the image forming performance of the image forming apparatus can be improved.
In particular, even if the connector is a large connector having a longer overall connector length along the board surface than in the prior art, reliable connector coupling is possible as described above. In other words, the number of connectors provided on the board can be kept to the minimum one. Therefore, the number of parts constituting the board can be reduced, and at least the cost related to the board alone can be reduced.

  Moreover, by having the hook-shaped reinforcing portions 1a, 2a, 3a for coupling reinforcement in the brackets 1, 2, 3, it is possible to realize coupling strengthening between the mounting members without using means such as screw fastening, welding, or caulking, As a result, the effects of space saving, improved processability, and cost reduction can be obtained. That is, various means such as the above-described caulking require a predetermined process using a predetermined tool or equipment, whereas a hook-like reinforcement for coupling reinforcement that can be handled with one touch without using any tool or equipment. The parts 1a, 2a, 3a can be engaged with each other to strengthen the connection. On the other hand, the engagement can be similarly released with a single touch, and the resolvability in the case of collecting and finally discarding the image forming apparatus whose service life has expired, that is, the recyclability in a broad sense, can be improved.

  Furthermore, even in a connector configuration in which connectors are coupled with a strong fitting force, as described above, even when such a connector is coupled, it is not necessary to cause an electrical connection failure. Even if external forces that fluctuate, such as vibration, are transmitted to the board and peripheral members of the board, or the posture of the image forming apparatus itself changes, the board mounting apparatus can be connected via a connector even under these operating conditions. -Regarding the electrical signal transmission between the terminals, the transmitted signal quality can be highly guaranteed and high reliability can be ensured.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as said 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified. That is, although not specifically described, the configuration not described in the second embodiment or the configuration not illustrated, that is, the configuration of the image forming apparatus, the board or the bracket as the mounting member, and the assembly procedure are the same as those in the first embodiment. It is the same as the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the joint reinforcing portion of the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the joint reinforcing portion shown in FIG.

  The second embodiment has a simplified structure in a structure reinforced so as to avoid poor connector coupling. In other words, the second embodiment is not a structure in which a pair of engagement claws provided on a predetermined member are engaged with each other as in the first embodiment, but one engagement claw is engaged. Instead of the mating recess, the one engaging recess is engaged with the other engaging claw.

  That is, of a pair of board mounting members to be coupled in a predetermined manner, each of the board mounting brackets 2 and 3 which are one board mounting member has a joint reinforcing hook shape portion (hereinafter simply referred to as a hook-shaped reinforcing portion). 2b and 3b are formed, and hook-shaped reinforcing portion insertion holes 1b and 1b are respectively formed at two predetermined positions of the base bracket 1 which is the other board mounting member, and the hook-shaped reinforcing portions 2b and 3b The tip is inserted into the corresponding holes 1b, 1b so that it can be locked to the inner periphery of the inserted hole 1b.

  Therefore, when the motherboard mounting brackets 2 and 3 are assembled to the board mounting base bracket 1, the coupling reinforcing hook-shaped reinforcement portions 2b and 3b are inserted into the hook-shaped insertion holes 1b and 1b, respectively. Assemble like 8. As described above, at least the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained by coupling the hook-shaped reinforcing portions 2b, 3b for coupling reinforcement and the holes 1b, 1b for inserting the hook-shaped reinforcing portions.

  More specifically, as a hook-shaped insertion hole 1b, a pair of predetermined positions on the board mounting base bracket 1 corresponding to the connector 4a of the mother board 4 has a pair of penetrations having a substantially slit-like opening shape. Holes are formed, and a place on the base bracket 1 located near both ends of the connector 4a is selected as a pair of predetermined places for forming the holes 1b and 1b. Further, the hook-shaped reinforcing portions 2b and 3b for joint reinforcement are formed by deforming a part of the motherboard mounting brackets 2 and 3 using a bending process or the like, and are integrally formed with the brackets 2 and 3, respectively. The base ends are joined to the motherboard mounting brackets 2 and 3, and the hook-shaped surface is extended in a predetermined direction so as to be parallel to the surface of the base bracket 1. Is bent so as to protrude toward the base bracket 1. Therefore, when the motherboard mounting brackets 2 and 3 are assembled to the board mounting base bracket 1, the tips of the coupling reinforcing hook-shaped reinforcing portions 2b and 3b are inserted into the corresponding holes 1b and 1b and locked. The For this reason, at the time of the connector coupling described above, the deflection of the predetermined member can be eliminated in the same manner as described above, and at least a connector connection failure can be avoided and the connector can be properly coupled.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, so-called engagement claws are not engaged with each other, but one engagement claw is engaged with the other engagement hole. Instead, even when the connector connection is released, an effect of fixing and restricting the relative positions of the two members so as not to change can be obtained, whereby the connector connection can be released easily and smoothly. That is, in the former first embodiment, the hook-shaped reinforcing portions 2a, 3a of the brackets 2, 3 are locked to the hook-shaped reinforcing portions 1a, 1a that are hook-shaped reinforcing portions on the base bracket 1. In contrast, the second type of the latter can prevent the hook-shaped reinforcing portions 2a and 3a from moving away from the engaged locking position so as to move in the insertion direction. In this embodiment, since the hook-shaped reinforcing portions 2b and 3b are locked in the holes 1b and 1b on the bracket 1, the hook-shaped reinforcing portions 2b and 3b are inserted in the insertion direction in addition to the position restriction in one direction. Proceeding in the reverse direction, that is, moving in the reverse direction can be prevented, and the position can be regulated in both directions. In other words, strictly speaking, even in the holes 1b and 1b, the peripheral edge on the opposite side of the peripheral edge where the hook-shaped reinforcing portions 2b and 3b are in contact so far is slightly moved so as to contact the inner peripheral edge of the holes 1b and 1b. Even so, since the amount of movement is extremely small, it is possible to restrict the brackets 2 and 3 sufficiently to prevent the backward movement of the bracket. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, when the connector connection is released, the brackets 2 and 3 and the mother board 4 fixed to the brackets 2 and 3 bend in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. Even if the connector is coupled with a strong fitting force, the connector coupling can be easily and smoothly released. For this reason, it is easy to attach and remove the board 5 for checking the failure of the image processing board 5 and replacing the new one while ensuring high reliability of connector connection. For this reason, the repairability and maintainability of the board 5 can be improved. As a result, the function of the board 5 can be made permanent, and it is optimal for a high-function board.

  In particular, the base bracket 1, which is the other board mounting member, does not have a hook shape having a predetermined shape, and it is only necessary to form a hook shape insertion hole. The processing required for providing one locking structure on 1 is further facilitated, and the cost can be reduced. At the same time, it is not necessary to arrange a member protruding from the surface of the bracket 1, so that the handleability of the base bracket 1 alone can be improved.

  In each of the above embodiments, a configuration in which a so-called one sub-board is connected to one motherboard with a connector has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of sub-boards are appropriately provided on one motherboard. In addition, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which connectors are coupled, and according to the number of sub boards, an appropriate number of mounting members for each sub board and coupling reinforcing portions on the mounting members are provided.

In each of the embodiments, an example in which the image forming apparatus is a copier, a facsimile machine, a printer, and a composite machine combining some of them has been described, but not only such an image forming apparatus, The present invention may be applied to an appropriate device configuration on which a circuit board is mounted, and the above-described effects can be obtained with each device configuration. That is, as a configuration to be mounted in the apparatus main body including the image forming apparatus, the so-called first circuit board having appropriate functions other than the functions related to image formation is connected via the connector coupling. As long as it is configured to be electrically connected to the second circuit board, it may be widely applied as appropriate.
In particular, as described above, even when adopting a connector configuration in which connectors are coupled with a strong fitting force, it is possible to reliably and appropriately connect the connectors without causing an electrical connection failure. As described above, the present invention is optimal not only for a fixedly installed device but also for a device that moves in some form. For example, the configuration is optimal for electric devices and portable devices mounted on various vehicles.

  Next, a characteristic effect of the invention described in claim 2 and the following claims will be described. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the coupling reinforcing portions are coupled reinforcing portions each having a hook shape, so that the mounting members can be coupled to each other without using means such as screw fastening, welding, or caulking. Strengthening can be realized, and as a result, it is possible to save space, improve the ease of processing (assembly), and reduce costs.

According to the invention described in claim 3, by providing a hook shape in one board mounting member and providing a hole for inserting the hook shape in the other board mounting member, an effect equivalent to that of claim 2 is obtained. can get. That is, even by this, it is possible to realize the strengthening of the coupling between the mounting members without using means such as screw fastening, welding, or caulking. As a result, space saving, improvement in ease of processing (assembly), and further improvement Cost reduction effect can be obtained.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by providing the coupling reinforcing portion according to any one of the first to third aspects in the vicinity of both ends of the connector for coupling the substrates, uniform fitting is realized on the entire surface of the connector. it can.
According to the invention described in claim 5, since the image forming apparatus includes the substrate mounting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the operational effect described in the first embodiment, that is, mounting. As a result, it is possible to obtain at least effects such as space saving, easy processing (assembly), and further cost reduction.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention and a schematic overall configuration in a state in which two substrates are assembled. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the first embodiment and showing an exploded state before two substrates are assembled. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the first embodiment, and showing an assembly in which only a plurality of board mounting members attached to a mother board which is one board are assembled. FIG. 5 is a diffusion exploded perspective view showing the first embodiment and showing only a plurality of board mounting members attached to a mother board which is one board in a state before assembling. It is this 1st Embodiment and is a cross-sectional view of the II-II arrow direction in the cross-section indicator line in Fig.1 (a). It is a partial expansion perspective view which shows this 1st Embodiment and shows the hook-shaped reinforcement part which is a joint reinforcement part provided in the base bracket. This 1st Embodiment is shown, (a) shows the hook-shaped joint reinforcement part vicinity provided in the upper bracket of a pair of brackets assembled | attached to a base bracket, (b) is lower side. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of a hook-shaped coupling reinforcing portion provided on a bracket. It is a partial expansion perspective view which shows this 1st Embodiment, and shows the engagement state of the hook-shaped reinforcement parts which are two sets of joint reinforcement parts engaged and locked together. It is a partial expanded sectional view which shows this 1st Embodiment, and shows the engagement state centering only on hook-shaped reinforcement parts which are a pair of connection reinforcement parts engaged and latched mutually. FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and shows a part of the engagement state mainly composed of hook-shaped reinforcing portions which are a pair of joint reinforcing portions engaged and locked with each other. It is an expansion perspective view. This 2nd Embodiment is shown, and the engagement state is mainly shown by cutting off a horizontal plane with only hook-like reinforcement portions as a pair of joint reinforcement portions engaged and locked to each other. FIG. It is a partially expanded perspective view which shows the structure around the conventional connector.

Explanation of symbols

1 PCB mounting base brackets 1a, 1a Coupling reinforcement hook-shaped part (hook-shaped coupling reinforcing part)
1b, 1b Hook-shaped part insertion hole (hole-shaped joint reinforcing part)
1d, 1d flange (mounting surface for each bracket)
2 Motherboard mounting bracket (One of the pair of motherboard mounting members arranged on the upper side)
2a Hook-shaped part for coupling reinforcement (hook-shaped coupling reinforcement part)
2b Coupling reinforcing hook-shaped part (joining reinforcing hook-shaped reinforcing part for insertion locking with respect to the hole)
3 Motherboard mounting bracket (the other motherboard mounting member of the pair placed on the lower side)
3a Hook-shaped part for coupling reinforcement (hook-shaped coupling reinforcement part)
3b Coupling reinforcing hook-shaped part (joining reinforcing hook-shaped reinforcing part inserted into the hole)
4 Motherboard (board) 4a Connector (motherboard side)
5 Image processing board (board) 5a Connector (image board side)
6 Bracket for mounting image processing board (Mounting member for image processing board)

Claims (5)

A board mounting apparatus for having a plurality of boards and electrically connecting the plurality of boards by coupling of connectors provided on each board,
A mounting board having a mounting member attached to the board, wherein when the connector is coupled, the coupling between the mounting members is reinforced by a coupling reinforcing portion provided on the mounting member. apparatus.   The board mounting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coupling reinforcing portion provided in each mounting member is a coupling reinforcing portion having a hook shape.   The coupling reinforcing portion provided on each mounting member is provided with a coupling reinforcing portion having a hook shape on one mounting member and a hole for inserting the hook shape on the other substrate mounting member. The board mounting apparatus described.   4. The board mounting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coupling reinforcing portion provided in each mounting member is provided in the vicinity of both ends of a connector that couples the boards to each other. 5.   An image forming apparatus comprising the substrate mounting apparatus according to claim 1.

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