Bonding structure, image forming apparatus, and bonding method

Abstract

The present disclosure aims to provide a joining structure, an image forming apparatus, and a joining method that simplify the manufacturing process when joining multiple members by welding, compared to joining by welds alone. [Solution] The joining structure 100 comprises a first member 120 having a first plate-like portion 122, a second member 150 having a second plate-like portion 152 that overlaps the first plate-like portion 122 in the thickness direction of each other, a restricting portion 130 provided on the first member 120 that contacts the second member 150 from the side of the first plate-like portion 122 relative to the second plate-like portion 152 in the thickness direction and restricts the second plate-like portion 152 from moving away from the first plate-like portion 122 in the thickness direction, and a welded portion 102 provided within a predetermined range from the restricting portion 130, to which the first member 120 and the second member 150 are welded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a joining structure, an image forming apparatus, and a joining method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in Patent Document 1, there is a laser welding method for lap welding metal plates including at least a zinc-based plated steel sheet. In at least one metal plate, the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the weld line is a crank shape with a recess on the mating surface side. The minimum depth: Xa (mm), the maximum depth: Xb (mm), the thickness of the thinner metal plate: Ya (mm), the thickness of the metal plate on the irradiation surface side: Yb (mm), and the total zinc adhesion amount of the overlapping surface: Z (g / m

[0005] ) When, Xa ≧ Z / (4800×Ya) Xb ≦ 0.35×Yb And a laser welding method of a metal plate in which the bend at the periphery of the crank shape is an angle convex on the mating surface side, and a metal plate and a welded structure used therefor are disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a joining structure, an image forming apparatus, and a joining method that simplify the manufacturing process compared to a case where a plurality of members are joined only by welding.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The joint structure of the first embodiment comprises a first member having a first plate-like portion, a second member having a second plate-like portion superimposed on the first plate-like portion in the thickness direction of each other, a restricting portion provided on the first member that contacts the second member from the side of the plate thickness direction opposite to the side of the first plate-like portion relative to the second plate-like portion, and restricts the second plate-like portion from separating from the first plate-like portion in the thickness direction, and a welded portion provided within a predetermined range from the restricting portion, to which the first member and the second member are welded.

[0006] The second embodiment of the joining structure is the joining structure described in the first embodiment, wherein the restricting portion presses the second plate-shaped portion of the second member toward the first plate-shaped portion.

[0007] The third embodiment of the joining structure is the joining structure described in the second embodiment, having a connecting portion that connects the first member and the restricting portion, and the second plate-shaped portion of the second member is positioned so that its end face abuts against the connecting portion.

[0008] The fourth aspect of the joining structure is the joining structure described in any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the restricting portion is passed through a hole made in the second plate-shaped portion of the second member.

[0009] The fifth aspect of the joining structure is the joining structure described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the first member or the second member has a projection that protrudes on the overlapping side in the thickness direction within the range in which the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion are overlapped.

[0010] The joint structure of the sixth embodiment is the joint structure of the fifth embodiment, wherein the welded portion is provided between the restricting portion and the projection.

[0011] The seventh embodiment of the image forming apparatus comprises a frame formed including a bonding structure described in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, and an image recording unit supported by the frame for forming an image on a recording medium.

[0012] The joining method of the eighth embodiment comprises: preparing a first member having a restricting portion formed thereon, which is positioned away from the first plate-like portion in the plate thickness direction; restricting the second plate-like portion of the second member from separating from the first plate-like portion of the first member in the plate thickness direction with the restricting portion; and welding the first plate-like portion and the second plate-like portion by irradiating the second plate-like portion with laser light within a predetermined range from the restricting portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the first embodiment of the joining structure, the manufacturing process is simplified compared to a structure that is joined only by welds.

[0014] According to the second embodiment of the joining structure, the quality of the welded joint can be improved compared to the case where the restricting part merely hooks onto the second plate-shaped portion.

[0015] According to the third embodiment of the joining structure, the dimensional accuracy of the welding can be improved compared to the case where the second plate-shaped portion of the second member is separated from the regulating portion.

[0016] According to the fourth embodiment of the joint structure, the welding work becomes simpler compared to when the restricting portion is not passed through the hole.

[0017] According to the fifth embodiment of the joining structure, the joining quality of the welded joint can be improved compared to the case where the first plate-shaped portion of the first member and the second plate-shaped portion of the second member are overlapped at a flat location.

[0018] According to the joint structure of the sixth embodiment, since the second member is temporarily fixed by the projection and the restricting portion, the joining quality of the weld can be improved compared to the case where the weld is located outside the space between the projection and the restricting portion.

[0019] According to the image forming apparatus of the seventh embodiment, the manufacturing process is simplified compared to one in which the frame is joined only by welds.

[0020] According to the joining method according to the eighth aspect, the welding operation becomes easier compared to the case where only the welded portion is joined.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a joining structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a first member included in the joining structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a plan view showing a first member included in the joining structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view showing a first member included in the joining structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the 4A-4A direction in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a plan view showing a second member included in the joining structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing a second member included in the joining structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the 6A-6A direction in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing a state where a first member and a second member are combined in the joining method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a plan view showing a state where a first member and a second member are combined in the joining method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a first member and a second member are combined in the joining method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the 9A-9A direction in FIG. 9.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0023] Furthermore, the X, Y, and Z directions indicated by the arrows in each drawing represent orthogonal directions. In particular, the X, Y, and Z directions shown in Figures 3 to 10 indicate the respective directions of each member of the joint structure shown in Figure 2. Note that the X, Y, and Z directions may represent any direction in the image forming apparatus.

[0024] [Embodiment] (composition) Figure 1 shows an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure comprises an image forming unit 14, a document reading unit 18, an apparatus housing 12, and a user interface 50.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus housing 12 has a frame 20 and an outer casing 22. The frame 20 is a member that supports each component of the image forming apparatus 10. As will be described later, the frame 20 is formed by joining together a framework made of sheet metal, for example. The outer casing 22 is a member that covers the frame 20 from the outside and is a member that forms the design surface of the image forming apparatus 10. The outer casing 22 may be formed from any material that does not deform easily, but as an example, it is a member formed from artificial resin.

[0026] The image forming unit 14 is a component that functions as a laser printer, printing images onto recording paper using a laser method, and is located on the lower side of the image forming apparatus 10, as shown in Figure 1. The image forming unit 14 includes a toner image forming unit (not shown), a transfer unit that transfers the toner image formed by the toner image forming unit onto the recording paper, and a fixing device that fixes the transferred toner image onto the recording paper. Each component of the image forming unit 14 is housed inside the apparatus housing 12 and is controlled by a control unit (not shown) based on a print job input by the user. The recording paper on which the toner image has been fixed by the image forming unit 14 is discharged from the paper discharge unit 16 to the outside of the apparatus housing 12.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the document reading unit 18 is located on the upper side of the image forming apparatus 10. The document reading unit 18 has an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) that automatically feeds the document (recording paper on which an image has been formed), and has the function of reading the image formed on each document and creating electronic data.

[0028] The user interface 50 is a device located on the front (the front side in the drawing in Figure 1) of the image forming apparatus 10, and is provided for use by users of the image forming apparatus 10. The user interface 50 includes, as an example, a touch panel.

[0029] Next, the joint structure 100 of the frame 20 in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 10.

[0030] (Frame 20 and connecting structure 100) Figure 2 shows a portion of the frame 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment. The frame 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment has the joining structure 100 of this disclosure. The joining structure 100 is formed by laser welding a first member 120 and a second member 150. More specifically, the first member 120 and the second member 150 are overlapped in the plate thickness direction (arrow Z direction in each drawing). Then, since a portion of the overlapping area of ​​the first member 120 and the second member 150 is laser welded, the joining structure 100 is joined at the welded portion 102.

[0031] (First member 120) As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first member 120 is a sheet metal member having a first plate-like portion 122 and a restricting portion 130. Also as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first plate-like portion 122 has a joining target portion 124 that is welded to the second member 150. In this embodiment, the material of the first member 120 is set as appropriate, but as an example, galvanized steel sheet is used. The galvanized steel sheet may be made by electro-galvanizing or by hot-dip galvanizing. The zinc plated on the steel sheet may be a zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloy. Furthermore, it is not limited to galvanized steel sheet, and a steel sheet with a painted surface may be used.

[0032] The first plate-like portion 122 is a plate-like portion of the sheet metal that is joined to the second member 150. The thickness of the first plate-like portion 122 is set as appropriate, but as an example, it is preferably 0.6 mm or more and less than 2.0 mm.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the restricting portion 130 is a portion that is cut and bent toward the side that overlaps with the second member 150, that is, toward one side in the direction of arrow Z. More specifically, the restricting portion 130 is a portion that is cut and bent by cutting three sides of a roughly rectangular shape and bending the remaining side in the direction of the plate thickness. The portion of the restricting portion 130 that connects to the first plate-like portion 122 is the connecting portion 132 that connects to the clamping portion 134, which will be described later.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the restricting portion 130 extends in a direction that approaches the surface of the first plate-like portion 122 from the connecting portion 132. More specifically, the restricting portion 130 is closer to the surface of the first plate-like portion 122 than the projection 136 when viewed from the cross section of the first plate-like portion 122, and has a clamping portion 134 that clamps the second plate-like portion 152, which will be described later. Also, as shown in Figure 5, the end of the clamping portion 134 opposite to the connecting portion 132 is an insertion portion 138 that is further away from the surface of the first plate-like portion 122 than the thickness of the second plate-like portion 152, which will be described later.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first plate-like portion 122 has a projection 136. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the projection 136 protrudes toward one side, the side that overlaps with the second member 150, and in the same direction as the regulating portion 130.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the projections 136 are shaped to extend parallel to each other on both sides of the restricting portion 130. More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the projections 136 protrude from the restricting portion 130 at a predetermined distance. The size of the projections 136 that protrude from the plate surface of the first plate-like portion 122 is set as appropriate, but as an example, it is preferably 0.1 mm or more and less than 0.4 mm.

[0037] As will be described later, in this embodiment, the first plate-like portion 122 is configured such that the area between the restricting portion 130 and the projection 136 is a joining target portion 124 that is joined to the second member 150. More specifically, the joining target portion 124 is provided within a predetermined range from the restricting portion 130. This "predetermined range" will be described later.

[0038] The shape of the first plate-like portion 122 is not particularly limited, except for the portion to be joined with the regulating portion 130 and the joining target portion 124 which is joined with the second member 150. For example, as shown in Figures 2 to 5, the first member 120 may be subjected to other processing (e.g., bending, drawing, punching, etc.) in a location different from the first plate-like portion 122.

[0039] (Second member 150) As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second member 150 is a sheet metal member having a second plate-like portion 152. Also as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second plate-like portion 152 has a joining target portion 124 that is welded to the first member 120. In this embodiment, the material of the second member 150 is set as appropriate, but as an example, a galvanized steel sheet similar to that of the first member 120 is used.

[0040] The second plate-like portion 152 is a plate-like portion in the sheet metal that is joined to the first member 120. The thickness of the second plate-like portion 152 is set as appropriate, but as an example, it is preferably 0.6 mm or more and less than 2.0 mm.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second plate-like portion 152 has a hole 154 formed in the thickness direction. The hole 154 is sized to allow the restricting portion 130 of the first member 120 to be inserted and passed through. The width of the hole 154 is narrower than the distance between the two protrusions 136.

[0042] As will be described later, in this embodiment, the second plate-like portion 152 has joining target portions 158 on both sides of the hole 154 that are joined to the first member 120. More specifically, the joining target portions 158 are provided within a predetermined range from the hole 154.

[0043] The "predetermined range" in which the joining target portion 124 in the first plate-like portion 122 and the joining target portion 158 in the second plate-like portion 152 are provided refers to the area in which the first plate-like portion 122 and the second plate-like portion 152 are close enough to be weldable by the restricting portion 130. In other words, the "predetermined range" is any area in which laser welding can be performed when joining the first plate-like portion 122 and the second plate-like portion 152, as shown in Figures 8 to 10 described later. For example, the "predetermined range" is an area in which the first plate-like portion 122 and the second plate-like portion 152 overlap within a radius of 50 mm from the clamping portion 134, preferably an area in which the first plate-like portion 122 and the second plate-like portion 152 overlap within a radius of 30 mm from the clamping portion 134, and even more preferably an area in which the first plate-like portion 122 and the second plate-like portion 152 overlap within a radius of 10 mm from the clamping portion 134. Furthermore, for example, the "predetermined range" is a range in which, when the first plate-like portion 122 and the second plate-like portion 152 are overlapped, the gap 160 is 0.10 mm or more and less than 0.30 mm, preferably a range in which the gap 160 is 0.15 mm or more and less than 0.25 mm, and even more preferably a range in which the gap 160 is 0.18 mm or more and less than 0.22 mm.

[0044] Next, the joining method in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10.

[0045] (Joining method and temporary fastening) Figure 8 shows the first member 120 and the second member 150 being temporarily fastened together as a joining method in this embodiment. In this joining method, first, the restricting portion 130 of the first member 120 is inserted into the hole 154 of the second member 150. Then, the second plate-shaped portion 152 of the second member 150 is inserted from the insertion portion 138 of the restricting portion 130 of the first member 120, expanding the clamping portion 134.

[0046] Here, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the restricting portion 130, which passes through the hole 154 of the second member 150, contacts the plate surface of the second plate-like portion 152. More specifically, the clamping portion 134 of the restricting portion 130 contacts the plate surface of the second plate-like portion 152 and presses the second plate-like portion 152 toward the first plate-like portion 122. As a result, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, the second member 150 is restricted from separating from the first member 120 in the thickness direction, i.e., in the direction of arrow Z. In other words, the state shown in Figures 8 to 10 is a temporary fixing state in which the separation of the first member 120 and the second member 150 is temporarily restricted. In this disclosure, "joining" includes the temporary fixing state in which the separation of the first member 120 and the second member 150 is temporarily restricted.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the first member 120 has a projection 136. Therefore, the second plate-like portion 152 is temporarily fixed at a position away from the surface of the first plate-like portion 122 by the height of the projection 136. In other words, the first plate-like portion 122 is temporarily fixed with a gap 160 between it and the second plate-like portion 152.

[0048] Furthermore, in the joining method of this embodiment, the end face 156 of the hole 154 of the second member 150 abuts against the connecting portion 132 of the restricting portion 130, as shown in Figure 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, the position of the second member 150 relative to the first member 120 is determined by the abutment of the end face 156 of the hole 154 of the second member 150 against the connecting portion 132. In other words, the second member 150 is positioned and temporarily fixed to the first member 120.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the joining portion 124 and joining portion 158 are welded while the first member 120 and the second member 150 are temporarily fixed together. Specifically, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, in the temporarily fixed state, the joining portion 124 of the first member 120 and the joining portion 158 of the second member 150 overlap in the thickness direction. Then, laser light is incident on the second member 150, and the first member 120 and the second member 150 are welded together by laser welding. As a result, the first member 120 and the second member 150 are joined together, and the joining structure 100 shown in Figure 2 is formed.

[0050] According to the joining structure 100, image forming apparatus 10, and joining method of this embodiment, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0051] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) The joint structure 100 according to this embodiment includes a restricting portion 130 that restricts the movement of the first plate-shaped portion 122 of the first member 120 in the thickness direction relative to the direction of expansion. Furthermore, in the temporarily fixed state, the second member 150 is restricted by the restricting portion 130 from separating the second plate-shaped portion 152 in the thickness direction. The second plate-shaped portion 152 is welded to the first plate-shaped portion 122 within a predetermined range from the restricting portion 130.

[0052] Therefore, according to the joining structure 100 in this embodiment, the second member 150 can be temporarily fixed by the restricting portion 130 and welding work can be performed. In other words, the joining structure 100 in this embodiment simplifies the manufacturing process compared to one that is joined only by the welded portion 102.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the joining structure 100, the restricting portion 130 presses the second plate-shaped portion 152 of the second member 150 toward the first plate-shaped portion 122. Therefore, with this embodiment of the joining structure 100, the second member 150 is less likely to shift relative to the first member 120. In other words, with this embodiment of the joining structure 100, the quality of the welded joint can be improved compared to the case where the restricting portion 130 merely hooks onto the second plate-shaped portion 152.

[0054] Furthermore, in the joining structure 100 according to this embodiment, the end face 156 of the second plate-shaped portion 152 of the second member 150 abuts against the connecting portion 132 of the restricting portion 130. Therefore, according to the joining structure 100 according to this embodiment, the second member 150 can be positioned with respect to the first member 120 by the restricting portion 130. In other words, according to the joining structure 100 according to this embodiment, the dimensional accuracy of the welding can be improved compared to the case where the second plate-shaped portion 152 of the second member 150 is separated from the restricting portion 130.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the joint structure 100, the restricting portion 130 is passed through a hole 154 made in the second plate-shaped portion 152 of the second member 150. With this embodiment of the joint structure 100, the restricting portion 130 catches on the hole 154, making it difficult to pull out of the hole 154. For this reason, with this embodiment of the joint structure 100, welding work becomes easier compared to when the restricting portion 130 is not passed through the hole 154.

[0056] Furthermore, the joining structure 100 according to this embodiment has a projection 136 on the first member 120 that protrudes toward the overlapping side in the thickness direction. Therefore, with the joining structure 100 according to this embodiment, a gap 160 can be created between the second plate-like portion 152 and the first plate-like portion 122. With the joining structure 100 according to this embodiment, gases containing impurities that cause welding defects are more easily excluded from the gap 160. For example, if the first member 120 and the second member 150 are galvanized steel sheets, with the joining structure 100 according to this embodiment, zinc vapor evaporated by the heat of welding is more easily discharged from the gap 160.

[0057] Therefore, according to the joining structure 100 in this embodiment, the first plate-shaped portion 122 and the second plate-shaped portion 152 are easier to weld. In other words, according to the joining structure 100 in this embodiment, the joining quality of the welded portion 102 can be improved compared to the case where the first plate-shaped portion 122 of the first member 120 and the second plate-shaped portion 152 of the second member 150 are overlapped at a flat location.

[0058] Furthermore, in the joining structure 100 according to this embodiment, the welded portion 102 welds the first plate-shaped portion 122 and the second plate-shaped portion 152 between the restricting portion 130 and the projection 136. Therefore, according to the joining structure 100 according to this embodiment, the second member 150 is temporarily fixed between the projection 136 and the restricting portion 130. Therefore, according to the joining structure 100 according to this embodiment, the joining quality of the welded portion 102 can be improved compared to the case where the welded portion 102 is located outside the space between the projection 136 and the restricting portion 130.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the joint structure 100, the welded portion 102 welds the first plate-shaped portion 122 and the second plate-shaped portion 152 between two protrusions 136. Therefore, with this embodiment of the joint structure 100, the gap 160 between the first plate-shaped portion 122 and the second plate-shaped portion 152 is easily determined by the two protrusions 136. In other words, with this embodiment of the joint structure 100, the joining quality of the welded portion 102 can be improved compared to the case where the welded portion 102 is located outside the space between the two protrusions 136.

[0060] Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the image forming apparatus 10, the manufacturing process is simplified compared to one in which the frame 20 is joined only by the welded joint 102.

[0061] Furthermore, the joining method according to this embodiment includes preparing a first member on which a restricting portion 130 is formed, which is positioned away from the first plate-shaped portion 122, and restricting the second plate-shaped portion 152 of the second member 150 from moving away in the thickness direction with the restricting portion 130. The first member 120 and the second member 150 are then welded to the first plate-shaped portion 122, with the second plate-shaped portion 152 within a predetermined range from the restricting portion 130.

[0062] Therefore, according to the joining method of this embodiment, the second member 150 can be temporarily fixed to the first member 120 by the restricting portion 130 and then the welding work can be performed. In other words, according to the joining method of this embodiment, the welding work is simpler compared to a method in which the members are joined only by the weld portion 102.

[0063] (modified version) In the above description, the joint was assumed to be between the restricting portion 130 and the projection 136, but the joining method in this disclosure is not limited to this. The joint can be any region where laser welding is possible when joining the first plate-like portion 122 and the second plate-like portion 152 as described above. That is, the joining target portion 124 of the first plate-like portion 122 and the joining target portion 158 of the second plate-like portion 152 may be on the opposite side of the projection 136 from the restricting portion 130. Also, the joining target portion 124 of the first plate-like portion 122 and the joining target portion 158 of the second plate-like portion 152 may be at the end in the direction in which the restricting portion 130 extends.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above description, a projection 136 is formed on the first plate-like portion 122 that protrudes in a direction toward contact with the second plate-like portion 152, but the joining method in this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a projection 136 may be formed on the second plate-like portion 152 that protrudes in a direction toward contact with the first plate-like portion 122.

[0065] Furthermore, the configuration for creating a gap 160 between the first plate-like portion 122 and the second plate-like portion 152 while the first member 120 and the second member 150 are temporarily fixed together is not limited to the projection 136. Another member having the same height as the projection 136 (for example, a thin material such as a piece of paper that does not affect the quality of the welding) may be provided between the first plate-like portion 122 and the second plate-like portion 152. In other words, as long as the configuration is such that a gap 160 is created while the first member 120 and the second member 150 are temporarily fixed together, the configuration for creating the gap 160 is not limited to the projection 136.

[0066] Furthermore, although a hole 154 was made in the second plate-like portion 152 in the above description, the joining method in this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first member 120 and the second member 150 may be temporarily fixed by inserting the end face 156 of the plate surface of the second plate-like portion 152 into the restricting portion 130 of the first member 120.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above description, the second member 150 was positioned by abutting the end face 156 of the second plate-like portion 152 against the connecting portion 132 of the first member 120. The joining method in this disclosure is not limited to this, and the end face 156 of the second plate-like portion 152 does not need to abut the connecting portion 132 of the first member 120, as long as it is possible to temporarily fasten the first member 120 and the second member 150.

[0068] For example, the second plate-shaped portion 152 may have a recess into which the clamping portion 134 of the restricting portion 130 can catch, and the first member 120 and the second member 150 may be positioned so that the clamping portion 134 fits into the recess. Alternatively, instead of a recess, the second plate-shaped portion 152 may have a hole 154 that penetrates in the thickness direction. In other words, as long as the restricting portion 130 is capable of temporarily fixing the first member 120 and the second member 150, the restricting portion 130 may not press the second plate-shaped portion 152 toward the first plate-shaped portion 122.

[0069] These modified examples also yield the same effects and benefits as described above.

[0070] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it is clear that any person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs could conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these too are naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0071] Further preferred embodiments of this disclosure are shown below.

[0072] (((1))) A first member having a first plate-like portion, A second member having the first plate-like portion and a second plate-like portion that overlaps each other in the thickness direction, A restricting portion is provided on the first member, which contacts the second member from the side opposite to the first plate-shaped portion in the thickness direction relative to the second plate-shaped portion, and restricts the second plate-shaped portion from separating from the first plate-shaped portion in the thickness direction, A welded portion is provided within a predetermined range from the aforementioned restricting portion, and the first member and the second member are welded together. A joint structure that includes the following features.

[0073] (((2))) The restricting portion presses the second plate-shaped portion of the second member toward the first plate-shaped portion. The joint structure of (((1))).

[0074] (((3))) It has a connecting portion that connects the first member and the restricting portion, The second plate-shaped portion of the second member is positioned such that its end face abuts against the connecting portion. The joint structure of (((2))).

[0075] (((4))) The regulating portion is passed through a hole made in the second plate-shaped portion of the second member. A joint structure, one of (((1))) through (((3))).

[0076] (((5))) The first member or the second member has a projection that protrudes from the overlapping side in the thickness direction within the range in which the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion are overlapped. A joint structure, one of (((1))) through (((4))).

[0077] (((6))) The welded portion is provided between the restricting portion and the projection. (((5))) Joint structure.

[0078] (((7))) A frame formed including any one of the joining structures from (((1))) to (((6))), An image recording unit that forms an image on a recording medium, supported by the aforementioned frame, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

[0079] (((8))) Prepare a first member having a restricting portion formed thereon, which is positioned away from the first plate-like portion in the thickness direction, The restricting portion restricts the separation of the second plate-shaped portion of the second member from the first plate-shaped portion of the first member in the thickness direction, The first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion are welded together by irradiating a laser beam from the regulating portion of the second plate-shaped portion within a predetermined range, A joining method comprising the following features.

[0080] The joining structure described in (((1))) simplifies the manufacturing process compared to a structure joined only by welds. According to the joining structure of (((2))), the quality of the welded joint can be improved compared to the case where the restricting part is merely hooked onto the second plate-shaped part. According to the joining structure described in (((3))), the dimensional accuracy of the welding can be improved compared to the case where the second plate-like portion of the second member is separated from the regulating portion. According to the joining structure of (((4))), the welding work becomes simpler compared to when the restricting portion is not passed through the hole. According to the joining structure of (((5))), the joining quality of the welded joint can be improved compared to the case where the first plate-shaped portion of the first member and the second plate-shaped portion of the second member are overlapped at a flat location. According to the joining structure of (((6))), the joining quality of the weld can be improved compared to the case where the weld is located outside the space between the projection and the restricting portion. According to the image forming apparatus described in (((7))), the manufacturing process is simplified compared to one in which the frame is joined only by welds. According to the joining method described in (((8))), the welding work becomes simpler compared to joining by welds alone. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10 Image forming apparatus 14 Image forming unit 18 Manuscript Reading Section 12. Device housing 50 User Interfaces 22 Exterior 20 frames 100 joint structure 102 Welded section 120 First component 122 First plate-like portion 124 Part to be joined 130 Regulatory Department 132 Connecting part 134 Clamping part 136 Protrusion 138 Insertion part 150 Second component 152 Second plate-like portion 154 holes 156 End face 158 Part to be joined 160 gap

Claims

1. A first member having a first plate-like portion, A second member having the first plate-like portion and a second plate-like portion that overlaps each other in the thickness direction, A restricting portion is provided on the first member, which contacts the second member from the side opposite to the first plate-shaped portion in the thickness direction relative to the second plate-shaped portion, and restricts the second plate-shaped portion from separating from the first plate-shaped portion in the thickness direction, A welded portion is provided within a predetermined range from the aforementioned restricting portion, and the first member and the second member are welded together. A joint structure that includes the following features.

2. The restricting portion presses the second plate-shaped portion of the second member toward the first plate-shaped portion. The joining structure according to claim 1.

3. It has a connecting portion that connects the first member and the restricting portion, The second plate-shaped portion of the second member is positioned such that its end face abuts against the connecting portion. The joining structure according to claim 2.

4. The regulating portion is passed through a hole made in the second plate-shaped portion of the second member. A joining structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first member or the second member has a projection that protrudes from the overlapping side in the thickness direction within the range in which the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion are overlapped. The joining structure according to claim 1.

6. The welded portion is provided between the restricting portion and the projection. The joining structure according to claim 5.

7. A frame formed including the joint structure described in any one of claims 1 to 6, An image recording unit that forms an image on a recording medium, supported by the aforementioned frame, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

8. Prepare a first member in which a restricting portion is formed that is positioned away from the first plate-like portion in the thickness direction, The restricting portion restricts the separation of the second plate-shaped portion of the second member from the first plate-shaped portion of the first member in the thickness direction, The first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion are welded together by irradiating a laser beam from the regulating portion of the second plate-shaped portion within a predetermined range, A joining method comprising the following features.

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