Joint structure, image forming apparatus, and finisher

Abstract

To enhance stability of jointing strength.SOLUTION: A joint structure is formed by jointing a plate-like first member having a first surface, and a plate-like second member having a second surface that faces the first surface in a thickness direction of the first member. The first member has a plurality of first joint portions provided on the first surface. The second member has a plurality of second joint portions provided on the second surface, and to be jointed to the plurality of first joint portions. Each of the plurality of first joint portions has at least one first rib that protrudes to a side of the second surface with respect to the first surface in the thickness direction. Each of the plurality of second joint portions has a second rib being at least one second rib that protrudes to a side of the first surface with respect to the second surface in the thickness direction, and intersecting the first rib when viewed in the thickness direction. The first rib and the second rib are jointed at an intersection of the first rib and the second rib when viewed in the thickness direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a joined structure in which two or more members are joined, and an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material.

Background Art

[0002] As joining methods for joining two or more members, in addition to ultrasonic welding shown in Patent Document 1, welding by a solvent or heat, adhesion using an adhesive, etc. are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In industrial products such as image forming apparatuses, in order to secure the rigidity of a plate-like unit such as an exterior cover unit while enabling miniaturization of the product, it is conceivable to use a joined structure in which the plate-like unit is formed by joining previously prepared plate-like members. In this case, the joining portions dispersed and arranged on the mutually facing surfaces of the plate-like members are joined by ultrasonic welding or other joining methods.

[0005] However, if the relative positions of the joining portions shift, the joining strength may decrease at some joining locations, and it may be impossible to obtain sufficient rigidity and mechanical strength as a joined structure. For example, even if a positioning portion for determining the relative positions of the plate-like members is provided, when the distances from the positioning portion are different among a plurality of joining portions, the relative positions of the joining portions may shift due to manufacturing tolerances of the plate-like members or the like.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a joined structure and an image forming apparatus capable of improving the stability of the joining strength.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a joint structure in which a plate-shaped first member having a first surface and a plate-shaped second member having a second surface facing the first surface in the thickness direction of the first member are joined, wherein the first member has a plurality of first joint portions provided on the first surface and a positioning portion, and the second member has a plurality of second joint portions provided on the second surface and joined to the plurality of first joint portions, and a positioning portion configured to engage with the positioning portion so that the second member is positioned relative to the first member in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, and in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction The joint structure is characterized in that the distance from the positioning portion differs among the plurality of first joints, each of the plurality of first joints has at least one first rib that protrudes toward the second surface relative to the first surface in the thickness direction, and each of the plurality of second joints has at least one second rib that protrudes toward the first surface relative to the second surface in the thickness direction, and the second rib intersects with the first rib when viewed in the thickness direction, and the first rib and the second rib are joined at the intersection of the first rib and the second rib when viewed in the thickness direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bonding structure and an image forming apparatus that can improve the stability of bonding strength. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A perspective view (a) and a schematic diagram (b) of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Exploded view of the exterior cover unit according to Example 1. [Figure 3] Figures (a-c) show the rib shape of the joint according to Example 1. [Figure 4] Figures (a, b) show the rib-shaped contact surface according to Example 1. [Figure 5]Perspective view (a) of the exterior cover unit according to Example 2 and perspective view (b) showing the inner surface of the outer cover. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view showing the welding process of the exterior cover unit according to Example 2. [Figure 7] Figures (a-c) show modified examples of the rib shape according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Using Figures 1(a, b), an image forming apparatus 100 will be described as an example of a device into which the joining structure (joining member, joining unit) 1 according to this disclosure is incorporated. Figure 1(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100, and Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1(a, b), the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading device 103, an image forming apparatus body (hereinafter referred to as the printer body 101), and a finisher 150 that processes the recording material on which the image has been formed. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on the recording material by an electrophotographic process based on image data read from a document by the image reading device 103 or image data received from an external source, and processes the recording material according to the user's request and outputs it.

[0013] The term "image forming apparatus" includes single-function printers that form images on recording material based on image data received from an external source, copiers that form images on recording material based on image data read from an original document, and multifunction devices with multiple functions. The image forming apparatus may also be a system that includes a main unit equipped with an image forming function, such as the printer body 101, and auxiliary equipment (optional feeders, stackers, finishers, etc.) connected to the main unit. As recording material, a variety of sheet materials of different sizes and materials can be used, such as plain paper and cardboard, plastic film, cloth, sheet materials with surface treatments such as coated paper, and sheet materials with special shapes such as envelopes and index paper.

[0014] The image reading device 103 includes a document tray 118 on which documents are placed, a transport unit that feeds documents one by one from the document tray 118, reading sensors 116 and 119 that optically scan the transported documents to read image data, and an output tray 120 on which documents are discharged. The image reading device 103 can also read image data from a stationary document placed on the document glass while moving the reading sensor 116 in the sub-scanning direction using a drive unit 117.

[0015] The printer body 101 includes a direct transfer type image forming unit 101B. The image forming unit 101B includes a photosensitive drum 109 as an image carrier and a cartridge 108 equipped with a process means that acts on the photosensitive drum 109, a laser scanner unit 115 as an exposure means, and a transfer roller 110 as a transfer means. The printer body 101 also has a fixing device 111 as a fixing means for fixing the toner image onto the recording material. The image forming unit 101B and the fixing device 111 are arranged inside the housing (frame and exterior) of the printer body 101.

[0016] When performing an image forming operation, the charger charges the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 109, and the laser scanner unit 115 as an exposure means exposes the photosensitive drum 109 based on image data to write an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 109. The developing device develops the electrostatic latent image using a developer containing toner and visualizes it as a toner image (hereinafter simply referred to as an image).

[0017] In parallel with the creation of an image by the image forming unit 101B, recording materials are fed one by one from the storage 106 provided at the lower part of the printer main body 101. After the recording materials are subjected to skew correction by the registration roller pair 107, they are conveyed to the nip portion (transfer portion) between the photosensitive drum 109 and the transfer roller 110. In the transfer portion, the transfer roller 110 transfers the image from the photosensitive drum 109 to the recording material. The recording material that has passed through the transfer portion is subjected to heat treatment in the fixing device 111, and the image is fixed to the recording material.

[0018] When forming an image on one side of the recording material, the recording material is discharged from the printer main body 101 to the finisher 150 through the discharge path. When forming an image on both sides of the recording material, the recording material with an image formed on the first side is reversely conveyed (switchback) in the reversing unit 112 and conveyed again toward the transfer portion through the duplex conveyance unit 113. Then, the recording material with an image formed on the second side by passing through the transfer portion and the fixing device 111 is discharged from the printer main body 101 to the finisher 150 through the discharge path.

[0019] The image forming unit 101B described above is an example of an image forming means, and an intermediate transfer type electrophotographic unit that transfers the toner image formed on the photoreceptor to the sheet through an intermediate transfer member may be used. Also, an inkjet type or offset printing type printing unit may be used as the image forming means.

[0020] The finisher 150 has a housing 151 (frame and exterior), a processing unit 152 housed inside the housing 151, and a loading part 153 exposed outside the housing 151. The processing unit 152 is, for example, a stapler that binds a plurality of recording materials, a puncher that makes holes at predetermined positions of the recording material, or a folder that folds the recording material by a method such as double folding or Z-folding. The finisher 150 may have a plurality of processing units 152 that perform predetermined processing on the recording material respectively.

[0021] Based on a request from the user, the finisher 150 processes (or does not process) the recording material received from the printer main body 101 and discharges it as a finished product to the loading part 153. The control unit of the finisher 150 monitors the loading amount of the finished products on the loading part 153 by a sensor (not shown) and controls the lifting and lowering of the loading part 153 so that the upper surface of the uppermost finished product is maintained at a predetermined height. A plurality of loading parts 153 may be provided in the finisher 150 so that the discharge destination of the finished product can be changed according to the presence or absence of processing or the type of processing.

[0022] (Exterior cover unit) The image forming apparatus 100 has an exterior cover unit 1 as an example of a joined structure. In the example shown in Fig. 1(a), the exterior cover unit 1 constitutes the side surface on the front side of the finisher 150. Also, the exterior cover unit 1 is supported by the housing 151 of the finisher 150 via a hinge so as to be rotatable. The exterior cover unit 1 is an example of an opening / closing unit that can be opened / closed (moved) between a closed position that covers the opening 154 of the housing 151 and an open position that exposes the opening 154. The user or the service staff can move the exterior cover unit 1 from the closed position to the open position to remove the recording material jammed inside the finisher 150 and perform maintenance (inspection and replacement) of the processing unit 152 and other members.

[0023] The exterior cover unit 1 is a joined structure in which a plurality of plate-like members (plate-like parts) are joined together to form a single body. Hereinafter, a configuration example of the exterior cover unit 1 as a joined structure will be described.

Example

[0024] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the exterior cover unit 1 according to Embodiment 1. The exterior cover unit 1 of this embodiment includes a first outer cover 2, a second outer cover 3, a first inner cover 4, and a second inner cover 5. The exterior cover unit 1 is a jointed structure formed by joining these cover parts (2 to 5) together. The first outer cover 2 is the first member of this embodiment, the first inner cover 4 is the second member of this embodiment, the second outer cover 3 is the third member of this embodiment, and the second inner cover 5 is the fourth member of this embodiment.

[0025] The first outer cover 2 (upper outer cover) constitutes the upper part of the front side (external surface) of the device (finisher 150 in this embodiment) into which the exterior cover unit 1 is incorporated. The second outer cover 3 (lower outer cover) constitutes the lower part of the front side (external surface) of the device (finisher 150) into which the exterior cover unit 1 is incorporated. In other words, both the first outer cover 2 and the second outer cover 3 constitute the exterior of the housing of the device into which the exterior cover unit 1 is incorporated. The external surface of the device refers to the surface that can be seen from the outside in the normal operating state of the device. The external surface of the image forming apparatus includes the top surface, front, back and both sides.

[0026] The first inner cover 4 (upper inner cover) constitutes the upper back surface of the front side (exterior surface) of the device (finisher 150) into which the exterior cover unit 1 is incorporated. The second inner cover 5 (lower inner cover) constitutes the lower back surface of the front side (exterior surface) of the device (finisher 150) into which the exterior cover unit 1 is incorporated. In other words, both the first inner cover 4 and the second inner cover 5 constitute the inner surface (back surface of the exterior) of the housing of the device into which the exterior cover unit 1 is incorporated.

[0027] Each cover component (2-5) is a plate-shaped member. That is, each cover component (2-5) has two main surfaces that are larger in area than the other sides. When integrated as the exterior cover unit 1, the thickness direction (normal direction of the main surface) of each cover component (2-5) is substantially parallel.

[0028] In describing the shape of each cover component (2-5) below, the thickness direction of the exterior cover unit 1 when it is integrated as an exterior cover unit 1 will simply be referred to as the thickness direction D1. The vertical direction when the exterior cover unit 1 is assembled to the finisher 150 will be referred to as the height direction D2 of each cover component (2-5). The horizontal direction when the exterior cover unit 1 is assembled to the finisher 150 will be referred to as the width direction D3 of each cover component (2-5). The thickness direction D1, height direction D2, and width direction D3 are orthogonal to each other.

[0029] (1. First outer cover) The first outer cover 2 has an outer surface 2a, an inner surface 2b opposite to the outer surface 2a, first positioning bosses 6 and 7, third positioning holes 14 and 15, and a plurality of first joint portions 16 (joint shape, rib portion).

[0030] The outer surface 2a is the external surface of the finisher 150 when the exterior cover unit 1 is assembled to the finisher 150. The inner surface 2b is the surface (joint surface, first surface) that faces the first inner cover 4 in the thickness direction D1. In this embodiment, both the outer surface 2a and the inner surface 2b extend planarly in the height direction D2 and the width direction D3.

[0031] The first positioning bosses 6 and 7 are positioning parts for determining the relative positions of the first outer cover 2 and the first inner cover 4. In this embodiment, the first positioning bosses 6 and 7 are located at one side (upper end) of the inner surface 2b in the height direction D2 and at both corners in the width direction D3. Each of the first positioning bosses 6 and 7 protrudes from the inner surface 2b in the thickness direction D1.

[0032] The third positioning holes 14 and 15 are positioning parts for determining the relative positions of the first outer cover 2 and the second outer cover 3. The third positioning holes 14 and 15 are provided in positions corresponding to the second positioning bosses 8 and 9 (positioning parts) of the second outer cover 3, which will be described later, when viewed in the thickness direction D1. In this embodiment, each of the third positioning holes 14 and 15 is a hole that penetrates from the outer surface 2a to the inner surface 2b.

[0033] Multiple first joints 16 are distributed and arranged on the inner surface 2b. Therefore, the distance from the first positioning bosses 6 and 7, which act as positioning parts, differs between the multiple first joints 16 in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction D1. In other words, the distance (shortest distance) from the first positioning bosses 6 and 7 differs between at least two of the first joints 16.

[0034] Preferably, at least some of the multiple first joints 16 are arranged in a grid pattern on the inner surface 2b such that the spacing between them is substantially constant. This allows the first outer cover 2 and the first inner cover 4 to be joined with substantially uniform joint strength across the entire inner surface 2b. The grid pattern is not limited to a hexagonal grid, but may be a square grid, for example. Furthermore, the density of the joints may be increased in areas where particularly high strength is required. The shape of the first joints 16 will be described later.

[0035] In this embodiment, the number of first joints 16 of the first outer cover 2 is greater than the number of second joints 17 of the first inner cover 4. As shown in Figure 2, the inner surface 2b of the first outer cover 2 has a region that overlaps with the first inner cover 4 when viewed in the thickness direction D1, as well as a region that overlaps with the second inner cover 5 when viewed in the thickness direction D1 (hereinafter referred to as overlap region A2). The first joints 16 located in the overlap region A2 of the first outer cover 2 are joined to the fourth joints 17' of the overlap region A5 of the second inner cover 5, which will be described later. Preferably, two or more first joints 16 are located in the overlap region A2.

[0036] (2. First inner cover) The first inner cover 4 has an outer surface 4a, an inner surface 4b opposite to the outer surface 4a, first positioning holes 10, 11, and a plurality of second joint portions 17 (joint shape, rib portion).

[0037] The outer surface 4a is the surface (joining surface, second surface) that faces the first outer cover 2 in the thickness direction D1. The inner surface 4b is the inner surface of the finisher 150 housing when the exterior cover unit 1 is assembled to the finisher 150. In this embodiment, both the outer surface 4a and the inner surface 4b extend planarly in the height direction D2 and the width direction D3.

[0038] The first positioning holes 10 and 11 are the parts to be positioned, which are fitted into the first positioning bosses 6 and 7. One of the first positioning holes 10 is positioned to correspond with one of the first positioning bosses 6 when viewed in the thickness direction D1, and the other first positioning hole 11 is positioned to correspond with the other first positioning boss 7 when viewed in the thickness direction D1. Each of the first positioning holes 10 and 11 is a hole that penetrates from the outer surface 4a to the inner surface 4b.

[0039] The multiple second joints 17 are the parts that are joined to the multiple first joints 16. The multiple second joints 17 are distributed and arranged on the outer surface 3a. Therefore, the distance from the first positioning holes 10, 11, which are the parts to be positioned, differs among the multiple second joints 17 in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction D1. In other words, the distance (shortest distance) from the first positioning holes 10, 11 differs among at least two of the second joints 17. The multiple second joints 17 are arranged at multiple positions corresponding to the multiple first joints 16 when viewed in the thickness direction D1. The shape of the second joints 17 will be described later.

[0040] (3. Second outer cover) The second outer cover 3 has an outer surface 3a, an inner surface 3b opposite to the outer surface 3a, second positioning bosses 8 and 9, and a plurality of third joint portions 16' (joint shape, rib portion).

[0041] The outer surface 3a is the external surface of the finisher 150 when the exterior cover unit 1 is assembled to the finisher 150. The inner surface 3b is the surface (joint surface, third surface) that faces the second inner cover 5 in the thickness direction D1. In this embodiment, both the outer surface 3a and the inner surface 3b extend planarly in the height direction D2 and the width direction D3.

[0042] The second positioning bosses 8 and 9 are positioning parts for determining the relative positions of the first outer cover 2 and the second outer cover 3. In this embodiment, the second positioning bosses 8 and 9 are positioned at one side (upper end) of the inner surface 3b in the height direction D2 and at both corners in the width direction D3. Each of the second positioning bosses 8 and 9 protrudes from the inner surface 3b in the thickness direction D1.

[0043] Multiple third joints 16' are distributed and arranged on the inner surface 3b. Therefore, the distance from the second positioning bosses 8, 9, which act as positioning parts, differs among the multiple first joints 16' in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction D1. In other words, the distance (shortest distance) from the second positioning bosses 8, 9 differs among at least two third joints 16'.

[0044] Preferably, at least some of the multiple third joints 16' are arranged in a grid pattern on the inner surface 2b such that the spacing between them is substantially constant. Furthermore, the density of the joints may be increased in areas where particularly high strength is required. The shape of the third joints 16' can be the same as that of the first joints 16.

[0045] (4. Second inner cover) The second inner cover 5 has an outer surface 5a, an inner surface 5b opposite to the outer surface 5a, second positioning holes 12 and 13, and a plurality of fourth joint portions 17' (joint shape, rib portion).

[0046] The outer surface 5a is the surface (joint surface, fourth surface) that faces the second outer cover 3 in the thickness direction D1. The inner surface 5b is the inner surface of the finisher 150 housing when the outer cover unit 1 is assembled to the finisher 150. In this embodiment, both the outer surface 5a and the inner surface 5b extend planarly in the height direction D2 and the width direction D3.

[0047] The second positioning holes 12 and 13 are the parts to be positioned, which are fitted into the second positioning bosses 8 and 9. One of the second positioning holes 12 is positioned to correspond with one of the second positioning bosses 8 when viewed in the thickness direction D1, and the other second positioning hole 13 is positioned to correspond with the other second positioning boss 9 when viewed in the thickness direction D1. Each of the second positioning holes 12 and 13 is a hole that penetrates from the outer surface 5a to the inner surface 5b.

[0048] The multiple fourth joints 17' are the parts that are joined to the multiple third joints 16'. The multiple fourth joints 17' are distributed and arranged on the outer surface 5a. Therefore, the distance from the second positioning holes 12, 13, which are the parts to be positioned, differs among the multiple fourth joints 17' in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction D1. In other words, the distance (shortest distance) from the second positioning holes 12, 13 differs among at least two of the fourth joints 17'. The multiple fourth joints 17' are arranged at multiple positions corresponding to the multiple third joints 16' when viewed in the thickness direction D1. The shape of the fourth joints 17' can be the same as that of the second joints 17.

[0049] In this embodiment, the number of fourth joints 17' of the second inner cover 5 is greater than the number of third joints 16' of the second outer cover 3. As shown in Figure 2, the outer surface 5a of the second inner cover 5 has an overlapping region A5 that overlaps with the first outer cover 2 in the thickness direction D1, in addition to the region that overlaps with the second outer cover 3 when viewed in the thickness direction D1. The fourth joints 17' located in the overlapping region A5 of the second inner cover 5 are positioned in a location corresponding to the first joints 16 located in the overlapping region A2 of the first outer cover 2 when viewed in the thickness direction D1.

[0050] (5. Assembly method for the exterior cover unit) The four cover components (2-5) constituting the exterior cover unit 1 have their relative positions restricted in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction D1 by the engagement of positioning parts and positioned parts. Specifically, the first positioning bosses 6 and 7 of the first outer cover 2 fit into the first positioning holes 10 and 11 of the first inner cover 4, thereby restricting the relative position and rotational displacement of the first outer cover 2 and the first inner cover 4 in the height direction D2 and the width direction D3. Furthermore, the second positioning bosses 8 and 9 of the second outer cover 3 fit into the second positioning holes 12 and 13 of the second inner cover 5, thereby restricting the relative position and rotational displacement of the second outer cover 3 and the second inner cover 5 in the height direction D2 and the width direction D3. In addition, the second positioning bosses 8 and 9 of the second outer cover 3 fit into the third positioning holes 14 and 15 of the first outer cover 2, thereby restricting the relative position and rotational displacement of the first outer cover 2 and the second outer cover 3 in the height direction D2 and the width direction D3. As a result, the relative positions of all four cover components (2-5) are restricted.

[0051] For example, determine the relative positions of each cover component (2-5) using the following procedure. (a) The first outer cover 2 and the second outer cover 3 are placed on a support base (not shown) with their outer surfaces (outer surfaces 2a, 3a) facing the support base. At this time, the second positioning bosses 8, 9 are fitted into the third positioning holes 14, 15. (b) Place the first inner cover 4 on top of the first outer cover 2, and place the second inner cover 5 on top of the second outer cover 3. At this time, fit the first positioning bosses 6 and 7 into the first positioning holes 10 and 11, and fit the second positioning bosses 8 and 9 into the second positioning holes 12 and 13.

[0052] Then, the joints provided on the joining surfaces of the opposing covers are joined by ultrasonic welding or other joining methods, thereby integrating the four cover components (2-5) and forming the exterior cover unit 1 as a joined structure. Specifically, the first outer cover 2 and the first inner cover 4 are integrated by joining the multiple first joints 16 provided on the inner surface 2b of the first outer cover 2 and the multiple second joints 17 provided on the outer surface 4a of the first inner cover 4. The second outer cover 3 and the second inner cover 5 are integrated by joining the multiple third joints 16' provided on the inner surface 3b of the second outer cover 3 and the multiple fourth joints 17' provided on the outer surface 5a of the second inner cover 5. Furthermore, the first outer cover 2 and the second inner cover 5 are integrated by joining the first joints 16 and the fourth joints 17' provided in the overlapping regions A2 and A5 of the first outer cover 2 and the second inner cover 5.

[0053] When ultrasonic welding is used as the joining method, each cover component (2-5) is molded from resin material, and the joining process is carried out as follows. (c) With each cover component (2-5) positioned on the support stand according to steps (a) and (b) above, the ultrasonic welding horn is applied to the second joint 17 and the fourth joint 17' from above, that is, from the inner surfaces 4b and 5b of the first inner cover 4 and the second inner cover 5.

[0054] The ultrasonically welded horn used is a small horn, for example, with a tip diameter of 10 mm, to match the shape of the second joint 17 and the fourth joint 17'. Furthermore, it is preferable that the second joint 17 and the fourth joint 17' be recesses (for example, bottomed cylindrical recesses; see also Figure 6) that are recessed in the thickness direction D1 from the inner surfaces 4b and 5b to form a space for receiving the small horn.

[0055] In step (c), a horn is applied to the back side of the second joint 17 and the fourth joint 17' and the horn is made to oscillate while applying pressure. As a result, the energy directors (second rib 17a, described later) of the second joint 17 and the fourth joint 17' instantly melt at the position where they come into contact with the rib shape of the first joint 16 and the third joint 16'. This joins the second joint 17 and the fourth joint 17' and the first joint 16 and the third joint 16', and the cover parts (2-5) are joined together and integrated.

[0056] When welding multiple joints sequentially using ultrasonic welding, it is preferable to perform the welding in an order that gradually moves away from the vicinity of the positioning bosses (6-9). This reduces the effect of strain caused by the difference in height between parts before and after welding.

[0057] Furthermore, when using adhesive bonding as the joining method, apply adhesive to at least one of the opposing joining parts before overlapping the covers as described in (b) above. Also, in the case of bonding, the first joining part 16 and the second joining part 17 may be made of a material other than resin (for example, metal).

[0058] (6. Details of the joint shape) Next, the shape of the joint according to Embodiment 1 and its advantages will be described. In this embodiment, the third joint 16' has the same rib shape as the rib shape (first rib 16a) of the first joint 16 described below. Also, the fourth joint 17' has the same rib shape as the rib shape (second rib 17a) of the second joint 17 described below. Furthermore, although the following description will focus on one of the multiple first joints 16 and one of the multiple second joints 17, the other first joints 16 and second joints 17 have the same configuration.

[0059] Figure 3(a) is a perspective view showing the shape of the first rib 16a of the first joint 16. Figure 3(b) is a perspective view showing the shape of the second rib 17a of the second joint 17. Figure 3(c) is a perspective view showing the first joint 16 and the second joint 17 joined together.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3(a), the first joint 16 of this embodiment has a plurality of first ribs 16a. The plurality of first ribs 16a extend radially from a predetermined reference point (a nominal joint position with the second joint 17) when viewed in the thickness direction D1. In the illustrated example, the first joint 16 is composed of six first ribs 16a that extend radially at an angle of 60° to each other. Each first rib 16a protrudes from the inner surface 2b of the first outer cover 2 toward the first inner cover 4 in the thickness direction D1. That is, the first rib 16a protrudes toward the outer surface 4a (second surface) of the first inner cover 4 in the thickness direction D1 toward the inner surface 2b (first surface) of the first outer cover 2.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3(b), the second joint 17 of this embodiment has a second rib 17a that forms a closed curve surrounding a predetermined point (a nominal joint position with the first joint 16) when viewed in the thickness direction D1. In the illustrated example, the second rib 17a has a circular rib shape centered on a predetermined reference point. The second rib 17a is provided on the bottom surface of a bottomed cylindrical protrusion that projects from the outer surface 4a of the first inner cover 4 toward the first outer cover 2 in the thickness direction D1. That is, the second rib 17a projects toward the inner surface 2b (first surface) of the first outer cover 2 toward the outer surface 4a (second surface) of the first inner cover 4 in the thickness direction D1.

[0062] When viewed in the thickness direction D1, the inner ends of multiple first ribs 16a are located on a circumference with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second rib 17a, and the inner ends of multiple first ribs 16a are located on a circumference with a diameter larger than the diameter of the second rib 17a. That is, when viewed in the thickness direction D1, the multiple first ribs 16a extend from the outside to the inside of the second rib 17a, intersecting the second rib 17a which forms a closed curve.

[0063] Figure 4(a, b) shows the positional relationship between the first rib 16a and the second rib 17a in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction D1 when the first outer cover 2 and the first inner cover 4 are stacked during assembly. The colored area in the figure indicates the intersection 18, which is the part where the first rib 16a and the second rib 17a substantially contact each other (the area that becomes fixed when joined by ultrasonic welding, etc.). The sum of the areas of the overlapping regions (colored areas) of the first rib 16a and the second rib 17a when viewed in the thickness direction D1 is defined as the joining area of ​​the first joint 16 and the second joint 17.

[0064] As an example, the width of each first rib 16a is 1 mm, and the outer diameter of the second rib 17a is 9 mm, with a width of 1 mm. Here, the second rib 17a in this embodiment is a triangular cross-section rib suitable for an energy director in ultrasonic welding. The outer diameter is the diameter of the circle traced by the root of the outer diameter side of the second rib 17a, and the width is the width at the root of the second rib 17a.

[0065] Figure 4(a) shows the case where there is no displacement in the relative positions (positions in the height direction D2 and width direction D3) between the first joint 16 and the second joint 17. As described above, since the second rib 17a is a closed curve and the first rib 16a extends radially from the inside to the outside of the second rib 17a, the first rib 16a and the second rib 17a intersect at six intersection points 18 when viewed in the thickness direction D1. Therefore, when a horn is applied to the back surface of the second joint 17 and pressure and oscillation are applied, the second rib 17a melts at each intersection point 18 and becomes one with the first rib 16a. Also, when bonding is performed, the second rib 17a is bonded to the first rib 16a at each intersection point 18.

[0066] Figure 4(b) shows the case where there is a displacement in the relative position between the first joint 16 and the second joint 17. Here, the reference point of the second joint 17 is assumed to be shifted by 1 mm in the height direction D2 and the width direction D3 (i.e., √2 mm in the lower right direction in the figure) relative to the reference point of the first joint 16.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4(b), according to this embodiment, even if a displacement occurs in the relative position between the first joint 16 and the second joint 17, the first rib 16a and the second rib 17a intersect at six intersection points 18 when viewed in the thickness direction D1.

[0068] Furthermore, the total overlapping area (joint area) of the first rib 16a and the second rib 17a when viewed in the thickness direction D1 is very small compared to the case in Figure 4(a) where there is no relative positional displacement. This is because the second rib 17a is shaped like a closed curve, and the first rib 16a is positioned to extend radially from the inside to the outside of the second rib 17a.

[0069] As a result, even if there is a certain degree of misalignment in the relative positions of the first joint 16 and the second joint 17, the first joint 16 and the second joint 17 can be joined with stable joint strength. In particular, since the second rib 17a is circular in shape, while the first rib 16a is arranged in a radial pattern with rotational symmetry (6-fold symmetry), the change in the joining area of ​​the first rib 16a and the second rib 17a with respect to the positional misalignment of the first joint 16 and the second joint 17 can be made very small.

[0070] In the example described above, the outer diameter of the second rib 17a was set to 9 mm, assuming a maximum displacement of √2 mm between the first joint 16 and the second joint 17. If the expected displacement is large, the diameter of the second rib 17a can be increased, and the length of each first rib 16a can be changed as appropriate.

[0071] As shown in Figure 4(a), with no misalignment between the first joint 16 and the second joint 17, let x1 be the length that the first rib 16a protrudes inward from the second rib 17a, and let x2 be the length that the first rib 16a protrudes outward from the second rib 17a. In this case, if the relative misalignment of the first joint 16 and the second joint 17 is less than or equal to the smaller of x1 and x2, the joint area of ​​the first joint 16 and the second joint 17 will not change significantly. In other words, the larger the minimum values ​​of lengths x1 and x2, the less the joint strength will be impaired even if the first joint 16 and the second joint 17 are significantly misaligned (the larger the allowable misalignment). In the above example, both x1 and x2 are greater than √2 mm. Lengths x1 and x2 are, for example, larger than the rib width of the first rib 16a and the second rib 17a. This prevents a decrease in joint strength even if the relative positions of the first joint 16 and the second joint 17 are misaligned by the width of the rib.

[0072] When plate-shaped members are joined together to form a single unit, as in the exterior cover unit 1, variations in the dimensional tolerances and shape, such as warping, of each plate-shaped member typically result in some degree of misalignment between the relative positions of the joints. For example, warping may occur when the covers (2-5) are molded by injection molding. If the joining is performed with insufficient joining area between the first joint 16 and the second joint 17 due to such variations in shape, the joining area will be insufficient at some of the joining positions between multiple first joints 16 and multiple second joints, resulting in reduced joint strength. According to the inventor's studies, in the case of joining circular ribs with an outer diameter of 9 mm, a rib width of 1 mm, and a positional accuracy of 0.5 mm, a relative positional misalignment of 1 mm can reduce the joining area to approximately 20% of the area without misalignment. As a result, the joint strength may be reduced in some parts of the exterior cover unit 1, which is the joined structure, and the intended rigidity and strength may not be achieved.

[0073] On the other hand, according to this embodiment, multiple first joints 16 and multiple second joints 17 can be joined with stable joint strength even when there is some misalignment in their relative positions, and the exterior cover unit 1 can be given the desired rigidity and strength. In other words, in a configuration in which the distance from the positioning parts (first positioning bosses 6, 7) differs among multiple first joints 16, the amount of misalignment between one first joint 16 and its corresponding second joint 17 may differ depending on the location due to manufacturing tolerances of the covers (2, 3), etc. Even in such cases, multiple first joints 16 and multiple second joints 17 can be joined with stable joint strength. For example, even when joining relatively large cover parts in which the distance from the positioning parts exceeds 30 cm for some of the multiple joints, each joint can be joined with stable joint strength.

[0074] According to this embodiment, even if the relative positions of the first joint 16 and the second joint 17 are shifted due to variations in the shape of the covers (2-5), they can be joined at the same number of joint points (intersections 18) as in the case where there is no positional shift. Furthermore, even if the relative positions of the first joint 16 and the second joint 17 are shifted due to variations in the shape of the covers (2-5), approximately the same joining area as in the case where there is no positional shift can be secured. In addition, since the rib shape of one first joint 16 and the rib shape of one second joint 17 intersect at multiple joint points (intersections 18), a pair of first joints 16 and second joints 17 can be joined with more stable joining strength.

[0075] In particular, when ultrasonic welding is performed between the six radial ribs and the circular rib, as in this embodiment, six welding points are formed on the circumference, resulting in a joint strength that is not significantly different from the joint strength obtained when welding is performed over the entire circumference of the circular ribs.

[0076] In this embodiment, the outer cover and inner cover are joined at a total of 28 joint points on the exterior cover unit 1. By joining the joints that are dispersed on the joint surface of the plate-like members (multi-point joining), it is possible to obtain rigidity close to that of when the entire unit is molded as a single piece.

[0077] In this embodiment, the upper part of the vertically elongated exterior cover unit 1 is composed of a first outer cover 2 and a first inner cover 4, and the lower part is composed of a second outer cover 3 and a second inner cover 5, with a portion of the first outer cover 2 and a portion of the second inner cover 5 overlapping. Then, in the overlapping regions A2, A5 (Figure 2) of the first outer cover 2 and the second inner cover 5, the first joint portion 16 of the first outer cover 2 and the fourth joint portion 17' of the second inner cover 5 are joined. This reduces costs by eliminating the need to use special molding machines or large molds compared to preparing the first outer cover 2 and the second outer cover 3 as a pre-molded integral product. In addition, the joining process for joining the outer cover and the inner cover also serves as the process for integrating the upper (2,4) and lower (3,5) parts of the exterior cover unit 1, thus avoiding an increase in manufacturing man-hours.

[0078] (modified version) In Example 1, we mainly described a case where cover parts are joined together by ultrasonic welding, but the joining method is not limited to ultrasonic welding. Similarly, stable joint strength unaffected by misalignment can be obtained by welding with solvents or heat, or by bonding through a joining medium. In Example 1, the second rib 17a was used as an energy director (triangular cross-section) for ultrasonic welding, but if bonding is used as the joining method, for example, the end face of the second rib 17a may be a flat surface suitable for applying adhesive.

[0079] Furthermore, in Example 1, the second rib 17a was used as the energy director for ultrasonic welding, but for example, the first rib 16a could be made triangular in cross-section and used as the energy director. [Examples]

[0080] Next, the exterior cover unit 1 according to Example 2 will be described with reference to Figures 5(a, b) and 6. In Example 1, an exterior cover unit 1 with a flat surface was illustrated, but by using the joining method of this disclosure, a more stable joining effect can be obtained even for parts with irregularities, for example, which were previously difficult to join stably using ultrasonic welding. In this example, a configuration in which the technology of this disclosure is applied to an exterior cover unit 1 with an irregular surface will be described. Hereinafter, elements with reference numerals common to Example 1 will have substantially the same configuration and function as those described in Example 1, and the differences from Example 1 will be mainly described.

[0081] Figure 5(a) is a perspective view of the exterior cover unit 20 according to Embodiment 2. The exterior cover unit 20 includes a first outer cover 22, a second outer cover 23, a first inner cover 4, and a second inner cover 5. The exterior cover unit 20 is a jointed structure formed by joining these covers together. The first outer cover 22 is the first member of this embodiment, the first inner cover 4 is the second member of this embodiment, the second outer cover 23 is the third member of this embodiment, and the second inner cover 5 is the fourth member of this embodiment.

[0082] The first outer cover 22 (upper outer cover) constitutes the upper part of the front side (external surface) of the device (finisher 150) into which the exterior cover unit 20 is incorporated. The second outer cover 23 (lower outer cover) constitutes the lower part of the front side (external surface) of the device (finisher 150) into which the exterior cover unit 20 is incorporated. In other words, both the first outer cover 22 and the second outer cover 23 constitute the exterior of the housing of the device into which the exterior cover unit 20 is incorporated. Similar to the exterior cover unit 1 in Embodiment 1, the exterior cover unit 20 is rotatably supported on the housing of the finisher 150 via a pivot shaft (not shown) and is provided to be openable and closable.

[0083] The first outer cover 22 and the second outer cover 23 have a corrugated shape that provides design irregularities to the exterior surface of the finisher 150. Specifically, the outer surface 22a of the first outer cover 22 has a corrugated cross-section in which convex portions 22a1 that are convex outward and concave portions 22a2 that are concave inward are arranged alternately. Similarly, the outer surface 23a of the second outer cover 23 has a corrugated cross-section in which convex portions 23a1 that are convex outward and concave portions 23a2 that are concave inward are arranged alternately.

[0084] Figure 5(b) is a perspective view of the first outer cover 22 in the thickness direction D1, viewed from the inside (the side where it joins with the first inner cover 4). Multiple first joint portions 26 are arranged on the inner surface 22b (joint surface, first surface) of the first outer cover 22. The first joint portion 26 is composed of four first ribs 26a arranged in a cross shape when viewed in the thickness direction D1. The four first ribs 26a are arranged in a radial pattern at 90° intervals (four rotational symmetries). The rib shape of the second joint portion 17 of the first inner cover 4, which is joined to the first joint portion 26, can be the same as in Embodiment 1 (a circular second rib 17a). Therefore, when viewed in the thickness direction D1, each of the four first ribs 26a intersects the second rib 17a approximately perpendicularly. Furthermore, the second outer cover 23 also has a plurality of third joints (not shown) that have a rib shape similar to the first joint 26, and is joined to the fourth joint 17' (Figure 2) of the second inner cover 5.

[0085] The assembly method for the four cover parts (22, 23, 4, 5) is substantially the same as that described in Example 1.

[0086] The effect of surface irregularities on ultrasonic welding will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the process of joining the first outer cover 22 and the first inner cover 4 by ultrasonic welding.

[0087] When ultrasonic welding is performed, the first outer cover 22 is placed on the support base 25 so that its outer surface 22a, which is the visible surface, is in contact with the support base 25. In this state, a horn 27 is applied from the back side of the second joint 17 and the horn 27 is made to oscillate while applying pressure. As a result, the second rib 17a, which is an energy director, melts instantaneously at the contact point with the first rib 26a and becomes one with the first rib 26a. Then, the multiple first joints 26 are welded to the multiple second joints 17, and the first outer cover 22 is integrated with the first inner cover 4. Similar welding is performed between the third joint of the second outer cover 23 and the fourth joint of the second inner cover 5, and between the first joint 26 of the first outer cover 22 and the fourth joint of the second inner cover 5, so that the four cover parts are integrated as an exterior cover unit 20.

[0088] Here, as shown in Figure 6, it is preferable to position the first joint portion 26 so as to overlap with the convex portion 22a1 (concave portion of the inner surface 22b) on the outer surface 22a when viewed in the thickness direction D1. This reduces the loss of pressurizing force due to the deflection of the first outer cover 22 when the horn 27 is brought into contact with the back surface of the second joint portion 17 and pressurized, making it easier to secure the pressurizing force between the first rib 26a and the second rib 17a. Furthermore, since the second rib 17a is circular and the first rib 26a is radial, for the same reasons as in Embodiment 1, even if the relative positions of the first joint portion 26 and the second joint portion 17 are misaligned, the number of intersection points where the first rib 26a and the second rib 17a intersect and the joint area are less likely to decrease.

[0089] Therefore, according to this embodiment, when ultrasonically welding a cover part having irregularities on its surface, the ultrasonic energy can be efficiently concentrated on the energy director (second rib 17a), and the first rib 26a and the second rib 17a can be joined with stable bonding strength.

[0090] In this embodiment, we have illustrated examples of irregularities provided for design reasons, but this technology is also applicable when irregularities are provided for functional purposes. Furthermore, this embodiment is useful not only when irregularities are provided on the entire exterior surface of the exterior cover unit, as shown in Figure 5(a), but also when irregularities are provided on only a part of the exterior surface.

[0091] (Other examples) Examples 1 and 2 illustrate a configuration in which the rib shape of one joint (first rib 16a, 26a) and the rib shape of the other joint (second rib 17a) of the parts to be joined are perpendicular to each other when viewed in the thickness direction D1. However, if the extension directions of the rib shapes are different when viewed in the thickness direction D1, and the joining is performed at the intersection of the rib shapes, a stable joint strength can be obtained, similar to Examples 1 and 2. Modifications of the rib shape will be described below.

[0092] Figures 7(a-c) show modified rib shapes (corresponding to Figure 4(a) of Example 1). Specifically, Figures 7(a-c) all show the positional relationship between the first rib 16a and the second rib 17a in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction D1 when the first outer cover 2 and the first inner cover 4 are stacked during assembly.

[0093] In the modified example shown in Figure 7(a), the first ribs 16a constituting the first joint 16 are ribs that each extend in a first direction (e.g., the width direction) and are arranged in a rib shape with three ribs aligned in a second direction (e.g., the height direction). The first and second directions intersect when viewed in the thickness direction D1, preferably perpendicularly. The second ribs 17a constituting the second joint 17 are ribs that each extend in a second direction and are arranged in a rib shape with three ribs aligned in the first direction. This modified example is an example of a configuration in which neither the first joint 16 nor the second joint 17 has closed curve ribs.

[0094] With this configuration, even if the relative positions of the first joint 16 and the second joint 17 are slightly misaligned, the first rib 16a and the second rib 17a remain intersected at nine points, and the joint area (colored region) remains approximately constant.

[0095] In the modified example shown in Figure 7(b), the first rib 16a constituting the first joint 16 traces a rectangular (for example, square) closed curve, and the second rib 17a constituting the second joint 17 is arranged in a cross shape so as to be perpendicular to each side of the rectangle.

[0096] With this configuration, even if the relative positions of the first joint 16 and the second joint 17 are slightly misaligned, the first rib 16a and the second rib 17a maintain their intersection at four points, and the joint area (colored region) remains approximately constant. Alternatively, a radial rib, such as the first rib 16a in Example 1 or this modified example, may be placed on the first inner cover 4 side to serve as an energy director, and a closed curve-shaped second rib 17a may be placed on the first outer cover 2 side.

[0097] In the modified form shown in Figure 7(c), both the first rib 16a constituting the first joint 16 and the second rib 17a constituting the second joint 17 form closed curves. Here, the first rib 16a is an equilateral triangle, and the second rib 16a is an inverted equilateral triangle (the shape obtained by rotating the first rib 16a by 180 degrees). This modified form is an example of a configuration in which both the first joint 16 and the second joint 17 are ribs in the shape of closed curves.

[0098] With this configuration, even if the relative positions of the first joint 16 and the second joint 17 are slightly misaligned, the first rib 16a and the second rib 17a will maintain their intersection at six points, and the joint area (colored region) will remain approximately constant. This is not limited to this configuration; polygons other than triangles may be used, and ellipses with different major axes may also be used.

[0099] (Other embodiments) In the embodiment described above, the present technology was applied to the exterior cover unit 1 on the front side of the finisher 150 in the image forming apparatus 100. However, the present technology may also be applied to exterior cover units other than the front of the finisher 150, or to exterior cover units on each side of the printer body 101.

[0100] This disclosure includes the following components: (Composition 1) A jointed structure comprising a plate-shaped first member having a first surface and a plate-shaped second member having a second surface facing the first surface in the thickness direction of the first member, The first member has a plurality of first joint portions provided on the first surface and a positioning portion, The second member has a plurality of second joining portions provided on the second surface and joined to the plurality of first joining portions, and a positioning portion configured to engage with the positioning portion so that the second member is positioned relative to the first member in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, The distance from the positioning portion in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction differs among the plurality of first joint portions. Each of the plurality of first joints has at least one first rib that protrudes toward the second surface relative to the first surface in the thickness direction, Each of the plurality of second joints has at least one second rib that protrudes toward the first surface relative to the second surface in the thickness direction, and has a second rib that intersects the first rib when viewed in the thickness direction. At the intersection of the first rib and the second rib when viewed in the thickness direction, the first rib and the second rib are joined together. A joint structure characterized by the following features.

[0101] (Configuration 2) When viewed in the thickness direction, the first rib and the second rib intersect perpendicularly. The joining structure according to configuration 1, characterized by the above.

[0102] (Composition 3) When viewed in the thickness direction, the first rib of one of the first joints and the second rib of one of the second joints intersect at a plurality of intersection points, and the first rib and the second rib are joined at each of the plurality of intersection points. A joining structure according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

[0103] (Composition 4) Either the first rib or the second rib is a closed curved rib when viewed in the thickness direction, The other of the first rib and the second rib is a plurality of ribs that extend from the inside to the outside of the closed curve when viewed in the thickness direction. A joining structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

[0104] (Composition 5) The aforementioned closed curve is circular, The aforementioned multiple ribs are arranged in a radial pattern having rotational symmetry. The joining structure according to configuration 4, characterized by the features described above.

[0105] (Composition 6) The aforementioned closed curve is rectangular, The aforementioned multiple ribs are arranged in a cross shape so as to be perpendicular to each side of the rectangle. The joining structure according to configuration 4, characterized by the features described above.

[0106] (Composition 7) The first joint has a plurality of first ribs, each extending in a first direction when viewed in the thickness direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second joint has a plurality of second ribs, each extending in the second direction and aligned in the first direction when viewed in the thickness direction. A joining structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

[0107] (Composition 8) Each of the first rib and the second rib is in the shape of a closed curve. A joining structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

[0108] (Composition 9) A third member having a third surface and a plurality of third joints provided on the third surface, A fourth member having a third surface and a fourth surface facing the thickness direction, and a plurality of fourth joints provided on the third surface and joined to the plurality of third joints, It further possesses, When viewed in the thickness direction, there exists a region where a part of the first surface and a part of the fourth surface overlap. In the aforementioned region, the first member, the second member, the third member, and the fourth member are integrated by joining a portion of the plurality of fourth joints with a portion of the plurality of first joints. A joint structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 8.

[0109] (Composition 10) Each of the plurality of third joints has a rib having the same shape as the rib of the first joint, Each of the plurality of fourth joints has a rib having the same shape as the rib of the second joint. The joining structure according to configuration 9, characterized by the features described herein.

[0110] (Composition 11) The first member and the second member are each formed of a resin material, At the aforementioned intersection, the first joint and the second joint are welded together. A joining structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized by the features described above.

[0111] (Composition 12) The first rib or the second rib is an energy director for ultrasonic welding. The joining structure according to configuration 11, characterized by the features described above.

[0112] (Composition 13) The surface of the first member opposite to the first surface is the external surface of the device into which the joint structure is incorporated. The aforementioned external surface has irregularities in the thickness direction, The first rib is positioned so as to overlap with the protrusion on the outer surface when viewed in the thickness direction. The second rib is an energy director for ultrasonic welding. A joining structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, characterized by the features described above.

[0113] (Composition 14) At the aforementioned intersection, the first joint and the second joint are bonded together via an adhesive. A joining structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized by the features described above.

[0114] (Composition 15) The surface of the first member opposite to the first surface is the external surface of the device into which the joint structure is incorporated. A joining structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, characterized by the features described herein.

[0115] (Composition 16) The aforementioned external surface has irregularities in the thickness direction, The joining structure according to configuration 15, characterized by the features described above.

[0116] (Composition 17) The joining structure constitutes at least a portion of one of the sides of the device into which the joining structure is incorporated, and is an opening / closing unit that can be opened and closed between a closed position that covers an opening provided on the side of the device and an open position that exposes the opening. A joining structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, characterized by the features described herein.

[0117] (Composition 18) A device body having an image forming means for forming an image on a recording material, A joining structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 17, which constitutes at least a part of one of the sides of the main body of the device, Having, An image forming apparatus characterized by the following:

[0118] (Composition 19) The joining structure is configured to be able to open and close between a closed position that covers an opening provided in the main body of the device and an open position that exposes the opening. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 18, characterized by the features described above. [Industrial applicability]

[0119] The technology disclosed herein is not limited to image forming apparatus, but is applicable to bonding structures that constitute part of electronic equipment or other industrial products, and is applicable to plate-shaped units such as exterior cover units. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1, 20…Joint structure (exterior cover unit) / 2…First member (first outer cover) / 2b…First surface (inner surface) / 3…Third member (second outer cover) / 4…Second member (first inner cover) / 4a…Second surface (outer surface) / 5…Fourth member (second inner cover) / 16…First joint / 16a…First rib / 17…Second joint / 17a…Second rib / 6, 7…Positioning part (first positioning boss) / 10, 11…Positioned part (first positioning hole)

Claims

1. A joint structure, A plate-like first member having a first surface, a plurality of first bonding portions provided on the first surface, and a positioning portion; a plate-like second member joined to the first member, the second member having a second surface facing the first surface in a thickness direction of the first member, a plurality of second joint portions provided on the second surface and joined to the plurality of first joint portions, and a positioned portion configured to engage with the positioning portion so that the second member is positioned relative to the first member in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction; having a distance from the positioning portion in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction differs among the first joint portions; Each of the plurality of first joints has a first rib protruding toward the second surface side relative to the first surface in the thickness direction, Each of the plurality of second joints includes a second rib that protrudes toward the first surface side relative to the second surface in the thickness direction and intersects with the first rib when viewed in the thickness direction, The first rib and the second rib are joined to each other at an intersection of the first rib and the second rib when viewed in the thickness direction, One of the first rib and the second rib is a rib having a closed curve shape when viewed in the thickness direction, the other of the first rib and the second rib is one of a plurality of ribs extending from the inside to the outside of the closed curve when viewed in the thickness direction; A bonded structure characterized by:

2. When viewed in the thickness direction, the first rib and the second rib intersect perpendicularly. The bonded structure according to claim 1 .

3. A joint structure, A plate-like first member having a first surface, a plurality of first bonding portions provided on the first surface, and a positioning portion; a plate-like second member joined to the first member, the second member having a second surface facing the first surface in a thickness direction of the first member, a plurality of second joint portions provided on the second surface and joined to the plurality of first joint portions, and a positioned portion configured to engage with the positioning portion so that the second member is positioned relative to the first member in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction; having a distance from the positioning portion in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction differs among the first joint portions; Each of the plurality of first joints has a first rib protruding toward the second surface side relative to the first surface in the thickness direction, Each of the plurality of second joints includes a second rib that protrudes toward the first surface side relative to the second surface in the thickness direction and intersects with the first rib when viewed in the thickness direction, The first rib and the second rib are joined to each other at an intersection of the first rib and the second rib when viewed in the thickness direction, When viewed in the thickness direction, the first rib of one of the first joints and the second rib of one of the second joints intersect at a plurality of intersections, and the first rib and the second rib are joined at each of the plurality of intersections. A bonded structure characterized by:

4. the closed curve is circular, The plurality of ribs are arranged in a radial pattern having rotational symmetry. The bonded structure according to claim 1 .

5. the closed curve is a rectangle, The plurality of ribs are arranged in a cross shape so as to be perpendicular to each side of the rectangle. The bonded structure according to claim 1 .

6. A joint structure, A plate-like first member having a first surface, a plurality of first bonding portions provided on the first surface, and a positioning portion; a plate-like second member joined to the first member, the second member having a second surface facing the first surface in a thickness direction of the first member, a plurality of second joint portions provided on the second surface and joined to the plurality of first joint portions, and a positioned portion configured to engage with the positioning portion so that the second member is positioned relative to the first member in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction; having a distance from the positioning portion in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction differs among the first joint portions; Each of the plurality of first joints has a first rib protruding toward the second surface side relative to the first surface in the thickness direction, Each of the plurality of second joints includes a second rib that protrudes toward the first surface side relative to the second surface in the thickness direction and intersects with the first rib when viewed in the thickness direction, The first rib and the second rib are joined to each other at an intersection of the first rib and the second rib when viewed in the thickness direction, Each of the first joints has a plurality of the first ribs each extending in a first direction when viewed in the thickness direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, Each of the second joints has a plurality of second ribs each extending in the second direction and aligned in the first direction when viewed in the thickness direction. A bonded structure characterized by:

7. A joint structure, A plate-like first member having a first surface, a plurality of first bonding portions provided on the first surface, and a positioning portion; a plate-like second member joined to the first member, the second member having a second surface facing the first surface in a thickness direction of the first member, a plurality of second joint portions provided on the second surface and joined to the plurality of first joint portions, and a positioned portion configured to engage with the positioning portion so that the second member is positioned relative to the first member in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction; having a distance from the positioning portion in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction differs among the first joint portions; Each of the plurality of first joints has a first rib protruding toward the second surface side relative to the first surface in the thickness direction, Each of the plurality of second joints includes a second rib that protrudes toward the first surface side relative to the second surface in the thickness direction and intersects with the first rib when viewed in the thickness direction, The first rib and the second rib are joined to each other at an intersection of the first rib and the second rib when viewed in the thickness direction, The first rib has a first closed curve shape, The second rib has a second closed curve shape that intersects with the first closed curve at a plurality of intersection points when viewed in the thickness direction. A bonded structure characterized by:

8. A joint structure, A plate-like first member having a first surface, a plurality of first bonding portions provided on the first surface, and a positioning portion; a plate-like second member joined to the first member, the second member having a second surface facing the first surface in a thickness direction of the first member, a plurality of second joint portions provided on the second surface and joined to the plurality of first joint portions, and a positioned portion configured to engage with the positioning portion so that the second member is positioned relative to the first member in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction; a third member having a third surface and a plurality of third bonding portions provided on the third surface; a fourth member including a fourth surface facing the third surface in the thickness direction, and a plurality of fourth joint portions provided on the third surface and joined to the plurality of third joint portions; having a distance from the positioning portion in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction differs among the first joint portions; Each of the plurality of first joints has a first rib protruding toward the second surface side relative to the first surface in the thickness direction, Each of the plurality of second joints includes a second rib that protrudes toward the first surface side relative to the second surface in the thickness direction and intersects with the first rib when viewed in the thickness direction, The first rib and the second rib are joined to each other at an intersection of the first rib and the second rib when viewed in the thickness direction, When viewed in the thickness direction, there is a region in which a part of the first surface and a part of the fourth surface overlap each other, In the region, a part of the plurality of fourth joint portions and a part of the plurality of first joint portions are joined to each other, thereby integrating the first member, the second member, the third member, and the fourth member. A bonded structure characterized by:

9. Each of the third joints has a rib having the same shape as a rib of each of the first joints, Each of the plurality of fourth joints has a rib having the same shape as a rib that each of the plurality of second joints has. The bonded structure according to claim 8 .

10. The first member and the second member are each formed of a resin material, The first rib and the second rib are welded to each other at the intersection. The bonded structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. one of the first rib and the second rib is an energy director ultrasonically welded to the other of the first rib or the second rib; The bonded structure according to claim 10 .

12. a surface of the first member opposite to the first surface is an exterior surface of a device in which the joint structure is incorporated; The appearance surface has irregularities in the thickness direction, The first rib is disposed at a position overlapping with a convex portion of the appearance surface when viewed in the thickness direction, the second rib is an energy director ultrasonically welded to the first rib; The bonded structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

13. The first rib and the second rib are bonded to each other at the intersections by an adhesive. The bonded structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

14. The surface of the first member opposite to the first surface is configured to be an exterior surface of a device in which the joining structure is incorporated. The bonded structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

15. The appearance surface has irregularities in the thickness direction. The bonded structure according to claim 14 .

16. The joining structure is an opening / closing unit that constitutes at least a part of any side surface of an apparatus in which the joining structure is incorporated, and that can be opened and closed between a closed position that covers an opening provided on the side surface of the apparatus and an open position that exposes the opening. The bonded structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

17. an apparatus main body having an image forming means for forming an image on a recording material; The joint structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which constitutes at least a part of any side surface of the device body.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

18. The joining structure is configured to be openable and closable between a closed position that covers an opening provided in the device body and an open position that exposes the opening.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17.

19. A finisher comprising: a processing unit for processing a recording material; A housing that houses the processing unit; The joint structure according to claim 1 , which is supported by the housing; and A finisher comprising:

Images