JP2003295359A - Sealing device and image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sealing device and an image reader for preventing paper powder, dust and dirt, etc., from entering through a gap between a contact glass, a slit glass and other members, and also, whose assemblage work is facilitated and which is suitable to recycle the materials. <P>SOLUTION: The image reader is provided with the contact glass 9 coming into contact with an original to be read above a reading part 32, an original vertical scale 46 and an original horizontal scale 48 for sealing the gap between the contact glass 9 and a supporting member for supporting the contact glass 9, and an elastomer member (including sealing members 99a and 99b) coming into contact with the original contact surface of the contact glass 9 and a two-color molded scale member to join the sealing member 99a and 99b with a prescribed joining force are arranged on the scale 46 and the scale 48. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is applied to an image reading apparatus and / or a fixed reading method for fixing and reading an original and a sheet-through reading method for reading the original while conveying the original. The present invention relates to a sealing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a reading device such as a scanner, dust (paper dust, dust, dust, etc.) stains an internal mirror and glass and causes vertical lines, stains, and uneven density on an image. . Therefore, in the factory before shipment, the reading device is assembled in a clean room or the like, and great care is taken with respect to dust. However, in the market after shipping, the reading device is used in a harsh condition, and in particular, paper dust or dust causes a defect in an image.

FIG. 8 shows the structure of a scanner section (image reading apparatus) in a conventional image forming apparatus. A document scale (including a document vertical scale 6 and a document horizontal scale 8) together with the components 2, 5, 11, and 12 are attached to the main body of the scanner unit on the two sides of the contact glass 9 orthogonal to each other with screws 7 or the like. To be The document scale serves as a reference when the document is abutted on the contact glass 9 to read an image. Since the copy originals are abutted against the corners of the original scale, paper powder and dust are likely to collect, and further, the paper powder and dust enter the inside of the scanner through the gap between the original scale and the contact glass 9 to adversely affect the image. May affect. Further, FIG. 9 shows a configuration of a document feeder (document feeder: ADF) mounted on a conventional image forming apparatus. The original document transport section includes an original document mounting table 14, a front cover 18, and other components 1 and 15, and is rotatably attached to the upper portion of the main body of the image forming apparatus. In the ADF mode in which the document is carried at the reading position on the slit glass 17 while the document is transported by the document transport unit, the document guide 16 guides the document on the slit glass 17. Further, in the pressure plate mode in which the pressure plate formed on the bottom surface of the document transport section presses the document on the contact glass 9 to read the document, the document guide 16 moves the contact glass 9
It is used for guiding the original document and positioning it. When the document feeding section having the configuration shown in FIG. 9 is attached to the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to replace the document vertical scale 6 shown in FIG. 8 with the document guide 16 and the slit glass 17. The original horizontal scale 8 is used as it is without being rearranged. When this configuration is changed, paper dust and dust enter the inside of the scanner not only from the gap between the document horizontal scale 8 and the contact glass 9 but also from the gap between the document guide 16 and the slit glass 17, which adversely affects the image. May be caused.

Therefore, various sealing devices have been proposed for eliminating the gap between the original scale and the contact glass 9 or the slit glass 17. This type of sealing device is provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus, and includes a contact glass joined to a plastic document guide member, and a sealing member made of an elastic body disposed on a side portion of the contact glass, One end of this seal member is embedded in a groove provided in the document guide member, and the other end is pressed against the side surface of the contact glass (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-333449). Here, one end of the seal member and the document guide member are bonded with an adhesive. Further, as a device related to this type, there is JP-A-7-203133.

[0005]

However, in such a conventional sealing device, since the sealing member made of an elastic material and the original guide member made of plastic are adhered to each other, the assembly work is troublesome. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform material recycling in which the seal member and the document guide member are separated and recycled into a plurality of materials when they are discarded.

The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and prevents paper dust, dust, and the like from entering through the gap between the contact glass or slit glass and other members, and the assembling work can be performed. The present invention provides a sealing device and an image reading device that are easy and suitable for material recycling.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sealing device including a transparent plate member which is in contact with a document to be read above a reading unit for reading the document, and a support member which supports the transparent plate member. Is provided with a seal member for sealing the gap between the elastic plate and the elastic material part in contact with the original contact surface of the transparent plate member, and the two-color molded plastic material is joined to the elastic material part with a predetermined joining force. And a material section.

With this structure, the elastic material portion such as an elastomer containing synthetic rubber is always in contact with the transparent plate member (including contact glass and slit glass) to prevent foreign matter from entering. Even in the usage environment, it becomes difficult for paper powder and dust to enter the reading unit. Further, when the elastic material portion and the plastic material portion such as a plastomer containing plastic are two-color molded so as to have an appropriate joining force, the assembly work is easy because they are integrally molded, In addition, separation at the time of disposal becomes easy and material recycling is promoted.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the seal device of the present invention, the manuscript scale, which is in contact with the manuscript to be read along a plurality of sides of the contact glass surface, is in contact with the contact glass surface, and the elastomer portion is in contact with the contact glass surface. A two-color molded plastomer portion is provided so as to be joined with a predetermined joining force, and the elastomer portion seals a gap between the contact glass and a casing supporting the contact glass.

With this structure, the elastomer portion such as synthetic rubber is constantly in contact with the contact glass surface to prevent foreign matter from entering, so that the airtightness is improved and paper dust or dust enters the reading portion even in a harsh operating environment. It will be difficult. Also, when the above-mentioned elastomer part and the plastomer part such as plastic are molded in two colors so as to have an appropriate joining force, the assembly work is easy because they are integrally molded, and separation at the time of disposal This facilitates material recycling and promotes material recycling.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the seal device of the second aspect, the original scale is divided.
One of the divided document scale portions adjacent to each other is provided with an elastomer portion for joining the document scale portions to each other.

With this configuration, for example, when the original scale is divided into the original vertical scale and the original horizontal scale, the gap between the original scales can be sealed by the elastomer portion to block paper dust, dust, and the like. Becomes

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the seal device of the present invention, a document guide provided with a slit glass used in a sheet-through reading method for reading a document while being transported is in contact with the entire side surface of the slit glass. An elastomer part and a first plastomer part which is two-color molded so as to be bonded to the first elastomer part with a predetermined bonding force are provided, and a contact glass surface used in a fixed reading method in which a document is fixed and read. A second elastomer portion, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the original scale and is in contact with the contact glass surface, is joined to the original scale that is in contact with one side, and is joined to the second elastomer portion with a predetermined joining force. Two
The second plastomer portion formed by color molding is provided.

With this configuration, when the document feeding device is optionally installed in the image reading device, it is possible to prevent paper dust, dust, and the like from entering the reading unit through the gap between the slit glass and the document guide in the elastomer portion. Becomes In the prior art, when the document feeder is installed as an option, the document guide was attached to the slit glass with double-sided tape (registered trademark) to prevent paper dust from entering, so periodic cleaning is required. The work was not easy, and there was a risk that dust and dirt adhering to the double-sided tape (registered trademark) would fall onto the reading unit. On the other hand, with the configuration described above, the slit glass can be kept clean at all times because the gap between the slit glass and the document guide can be sealed without using double-sided tape, and regular cleaning work is facilitated. Therefore, the reliability of the image reading apparatus is improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the sealing device according to the second or third aspect, wherein a concave portion provided on the bottom surface of the second plastomer portion facing the contact glass surface extends in the longitudinal direction of the original scale. It has a configuration in which a second elastomer portion formed in a curtain shape is provided.

With this configuration, since the second elastomer portion formed in the shape of a curtain or a wiper is in soft contact with the contact glass, the gap between the original scale and the contact glass is sealed in the longitudinal direction of the original scale. It will be possible. Further, since the entire second elastomer portion is accommodated in the concave portion provided on the bottom surface of the original scale, the dimensions of the outer peripheral portion of the original scale and the surface of the contact glass can be easily controlled, and problems due to dimensional variation can be suppressed. Will be done.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the sealing device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the second elastomer portion is formed in plural in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the original scale.

With this structure, since a plurality of curtain-shaped elastomer portions are arranged, the airtightness is further improved and it becomes difficult for paper dust, dust, and the like to enter.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sealing device of the second aspect, the elastomer portion and the plastomer portion have the same color.

With this structure, the elastomer portion has the same color as the plastomer portion such as the plastic resin material forming the original scale or the original guide, so that the aesthetic appearance of the design is not spoiled.

The image reading apparatus of the present invention according to claim 8 is
A sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided.

With this configuration, as described above, the gap between the original scale and the contact glass and the gap between the original guide and the slit glass are hermetically closed, and paper dust, dust, and the like fall on the reading unit, which adversely affects the image. Can be avoided. Further, when the elastomer portion and the plastomer portion are two-color molded so as to have an appropriate joining force as described above, the elastomer portion can be peeled off with a finger, for example, when the original scale or the original guide is discarded. Moreover, the material can be recycled by separating it into a plurality of materials. In addition, in the conventional technique, since a plurality of materials are present in the two-color molded part, the load on the environment is large both when discarding and when recycling the material.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows the arrangement of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This image forming apparatus forms an image by a known electrophotographic method.

In FIG. 1, a document feeder (hereinafter referred to as AD
29 is also attached as an optional unit, and is openably and closably connected to the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus by a connecting member such as a hinge. In the ADF mode, an original placed on the original tray is attached. Is conveyed to the reading position one by one. Further, depending on the model of the ADF 29, the contact glass 9 is provided on the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus.
Can be selected, or the structure in which the contact glass 9 and the slit glass 17 (shown in FIG. 4) are mounted can be selected. The reading unit (scanner) 32 includes an exposure lamp, a first mirror, a lens, an image sensor, and the like. Further, the reading unit 32
Applies a fixed reading method in which an original is fixed and read when the pressure plate mode is set. That is, ADF
While the document is pressed against the contact glass 9 by the lower surface 29, the exposure lamp, the first mirror, etc. are moved below the contact glass 9 in the horizontal direction in the figure to read the document. In addition, the reading unit 32 applies a sheet through method of reading an original while conveying the original when the automatic conveyance mode is set. That is, with respect to the document conveyed to the reading position on the contact glass 9, the exposure lamp, the first mirror, etc. are stopped below the contact glass 9 to read the document. The paper feeding unit 21 is a unit that supplies a printing paper for printing the image read by the reading unit 32 from a paper feeding cassette. The printing section optical system 22 forms a latent image on the photoconductor of the photoconductor unit 24 with a laser. The manual feed unit 23 is a unit that can be optionally installed to manually feed a special printing paper such as thick paper. The duplexer 25 is composed of a reversing roller or the like, and reverses the printing paper after one-sided printing. The fixing unit 26 is a unit that heats and pressurizes the printing paper sent from the printing unit to fix the toner image on the printing paper. The paper discharge separating unit 27 switches the conveying direction of the print paper after printing and fixing to change the duplexer 2
5 or to the upper discharge bin 8 or the relay unit 30 one by one. The relay unit 30 is a unit including a transport roller and the like, and transports the print paper after printing and fixing from the paper discharge separation unit 27 to the finisher 31.

With this configuration, the image read by the reading unit 32 is printed on the printing paper fed by the paper feeding unit 31. In the printing process, in the printing unit optical system 22, a latent image is formed on the photoconductor of the photoconductor unit 24 by the laser and visualized in the developing unit, the visualized toner image is transferred to the printing paper, and the fixing unit is used. Printing paper (one side) by 26
Fix it on. After that, when printing is performed on the other surface of the printing paper (double-sided printing), the paper ejection separation unit 27 switches the transportation direction and the paper is transported to the duplexer 25. In the case of single-sided printing, the paper discharge separation unit 27 switches the carrying direction of the print paper after the single-sided printing, and the paper is carried to the upper paper discharge bin 28 and discharged. Further, when ejecting the printing paper after double-sided printing, the ejection separating unit 27 switches the conveyance direction to pass through the relay unit 30 and conveys it to the finisher 31 and ejects it.

Further, the structure of the original scale of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 shows a state in which the original scale is mounted, and FIG.
3B shows a cross section in the -B direction, and FIG. 3B shows a cross section in the DD direction.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the document vertical scale 46 and the document horizontal scale 48 are joined at one end in the longitudinal direction at right angles, and the contact glass 9 provided on the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus is at a right angle. It is used for pressing the sides and aligning the originals in the pressure plate mode. Further, the original vertical scale 46 and the original horizontal scale 48 include a scale member and a seal member 99b which is more elastic than the scale member. The seal member 99b is in contact with the contact glass 9 on the bottom surface of the original vertical scale 46 and the original horizontal scale 48.
Each is provided in the longitudinal direction. further,
One of the manuscript vertical scale 46 and the manuscript horizontal scale 48 includes a seal member 99a having a higher elasticity than the scale member described above.

The scale member and the seal member included in the original vertical scale 46 and the original horizontal scale 48 are
They are integrally molded parts (so-called two-color molded parts) that are simultaneously molded by the injection molding process, and have the same color. The scale member is made of a plastic high molecular compound (plastomer) such as plastic, and the seal member is made of a highly elastic polymeric compound (elastomer) such as synthetic rubber.

Here, the above-mentioned sealing members 99a and 99b
The material and forming method of the scale member will be described. As materials for the seal members 99a and 99b, styrene elastomer (for example, trade name: Lavalon), olefin elastomer (for example, trade name: Thermoran), urethane elastomer (for example, trade name: Resamine), polyester elastomer (for example, , A trade name: Primalloy), and a polyamide-based elastomer (for example, trade name: Pebax) are used, the material of the scale member which is two-color molded is either plastic (PA resin, PC resin, POM resin, PET resin, PB
T resin, PPE resin, PPS resin, ABS resin, PS resin, PP resin, etc.) is used. When the above-mentioned elastomer and the plastic resin material are combined, a combination is selected in which it is difficult to bond the two due to the soft and hard compatibility of the materials. Furthermore, when using a combination that facilitates the bonding of both due to the performance of various materials (mechanical strength, permanent strain, low temperature characteristics, high temperature characteristics, weather resistance, oil resistance, warm water resistance, heat resistance, price, workability, etc.) Appropriately changes the molding conditions so that the two are hard to join (for example, when the recommended molding temperature is 180 ° C., the molding temperature is set to 160 ° C.). By doing so, regardless of the combination of the resin material and the elastomer material, it is possible to mold the resin material and the elastomer material so that they are difficult to bond. Here, when the original vertical scale 46 and the original horizontal scale 48 are assembled or when the image forming apparatus is used, the above-mentioned scale member and the seal members 99a and 99b are not separated or dropped, and the original vertical scale 46 and the original horizontal scale are used. 48
When discarding the
The molding conditions described above are set so as to have a joining force (predetermined joining force) such that the a and 99b can be peeled off with a finger or the like and separated.

As described above, the seal device (original vertical scale 46, original horizontal scale 48) of the image reading device (including the ADF 29 and the reading portion 32) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Includes a contact glass 9 (included in the transparent plate member) that is in contact with the original to be read above the reading unit 32 that reads the original, and a supporting member that supports the contact glass 9 (includes the reading unit 32). A manuscript vertical scale 46 and a manuscript horizontal scale 48 (included in the seal member) are provided to seal the gap between the manuscript vertical scale 46 and the manuscript horizontal scale 48, and a seal member 99a that contacts the manuscript contact surface of the contact glass 9 99b (included in the elastic material portion) and a scale member (included in the plastic material portion) formed in two colors so as to be joined to the seal members 99a and 99b with a predetermined joining force are provided. The elastomer member is brought into contact with all the portions where the vertical scale 46, the original horizontal scale 48 and the contact glass 9 are in contact with each other. It is possible to prevent the ingress of dust and paper powder lost.

Further, in the sticker device of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the manuscript scale (including the manuscript vertical scale 46 and the manuscript horizontal scale 48) is divided, and the manuscript vertical scale 46 or the manuscript vertical scale is included. Since the horizontal scale 48 (included in any of the adjacent original scale portions) is provided with the seal member 99a (included in the elastomer portion) that joins the divided original scale portions, the original vertical scale is provided. The elastomer member comes into contact with all the portions where 46 and the document horizontal scale 48 are in contact with each other, so that it is possible to prevent the entry of dust and paper dust by eliminating the gap.

Further, in the seal device of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the seal members 99a and 99b are provided.
(Included in the elastomer part) and the manuscript vertical scale 46
Since the scale member of the document horizontal scale 48 (included in the plastomer part) has the same color, the aesthetic appearance of the document scale is not spoiled.

Further, in the sealing device of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the elastomer portion and the plastomer portion described above are joined with a predetermined joining force by selecting an appropriate material and setting molding conditions. Since the two-color molding is performed as described above, the above-mentioned elastomer portion can be easily peeled off with a finger, and when discarding the original scale, the resin portion and the elastomer portion can be separately separated and discarded.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
3 shows a configuration of a DF document scale (hereinafter, also referred to as a document guide) according to the embodiment. The present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment except for the slit glass 17 and the document guide 56, and thus FIG. Is added and the description is omitted.

The image reading apparatus according to this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the document guide 56 is further provided with the slit glass 17 used in the sheet-through reading method.
In addition, a seal member 99c (included in the first elastomer portion) that is in contact with the entire circumference of the side surface of the slit glass 17 and a guide member (first color member) formed by two colors so as to be joined to the seal member 99c with a predetermined joining force. (Included in the plastomer part of the)) is different. According to this configuration,
When the ADF 29 is optionally installed in an image reading apparatus or an image forming apparatus, an elastomer member is disposed at a portion where the document guide 56 and the slit glass 17 are in contact with each other, and the elastomer member contacts the entire outer peripheral side surface of the slit glass 17. Therefore, there is an effect that the gap between the document guide 56 and the slit glass 17 can be eliminated to prevent dust and paper dust from entering.

Although not shown in detail, the contact glass 9 is used along one side of the surface of the contact glass 9 used in the fixed reading method (method of fixing and reading an original).
The manuscript scale (corresponding to the manuscript horizontal scale 48 of the first embodiment) that is in contact with the surface is the second elastomer portion that extends in the longitudinal direction of this manuscript scale and that is in contact with the surface of the contact glass 9 (first embodiment). (Corresponding to the sealing member 99b of the first embodiment) and a second plastomer portion formed by two-color molding so as to be joined to the second elastomer portion with a predetermined joining force (corresponding to the scale member of the first embodiment). And are provided.

In FIG. 4, in the center of the document guide 56, a rectangular window-shaped hole is formed so as to penetrate the reading unit 32 for reading a document conveyed in the ADF mode. A slit glass (DF original glass) 17 is attached. The document guide 56 guides the document conveyed in the ADF mode to the reading position on the slit glass 17. The AA cross section of FIG. 4 is as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5, a wiper-shaped (or curtain-shaped) seal member 99c is provided on the inner periphery of the hole of the document guide 56 so as to contact the entire outer peripheral side surface of the slit glass 17.
Are integrally formed. That is, the document guide 56 includes a guide member that comes into contact with the conveyed document and a seal member 99c that is more elastic than the guide member. The side of the wiper-shaped seal member 99c that contacts the slit glass 17 faces in a direction in which paper dust and dust are unlikely to enter the gap between the slit glass 17 and the document guide 56. That is, the wiper-shaped seal member 99c
Has an inclined surface downward from the glass surface so that the paper dust and dust falling in the slit glass 17 shape can easily move from the glass surface.

The guide member and the seal member 99c included in the document guide 56 are integrally molded parts (so-called two-color molded parts) simultaneously molded by an injection molding process and have the same color. It is a part. The above-mentioned guide member is made of a plastic high molecular compound (plastomer), for example, and the seal member 99c is made of a highly elastic polymeric compound (elastomer) such as synthetic rubber.

Here, the materials and forming method of the above-mentioned seal member 99c and guide member will be described. Sealing member 99
Examples of the material of c include styrene-based elastomer (for example, trade name: Lavalon), olefin-based elastomer (for example, trade name: Thermolan), urethane-based elastomer (for example, trade name: Resamine), polyester-based elastomer (for example, trade name: In the case of using a primalloy) or a polyamide-based elastomer (for example, trade name: Pebax), as a material for the guide member which is two-color molded with either of these, plastic (PA resin, PC resin,
POM resin, PET resin, PBT resin, PPE resin, P
A plastic resin material including PS resin, ABS resin, PS resin, PP resin, etc. is used. When the above-mentioned elastomer and the plastic resin material are combined, a combination is selected in which it is difficult to bond the two due to the soft and hard compatibility of the materials. Furthermore, when using a combination that facilitates the bonding of both due to the performance of various materials (mechanical strength, permanent strain, low temperature characteristics, high temperature characteristics, weather resistance, oil resistance, warm water resistance, heat resistance, price, workability, etc.) Appropriately changes the molding conditions so that the two are hard to join (for example, when the recommended molding temperature is 180 ° C., the molding temperature is set to 160 ° C.).
By doing so, regardless of the combination of the resin material and the elastomer material, it is possible to mold the resin material and the elastomer material so that they are difficult to bond. Here, when the document guide 56 is assembled or the image forming apparatus is used, the above-mentioned guide member and the seal member 99c do not separate and drop, and when the document guide 56 is discarded, the above-mentioned guide member and the seal member 99c. The molding conditions described above are set so as to have a joining force (predetermined joining force) that can be peeled off with a finger or the like and separated.

As described above, the seal device 99c of the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes the seal member 99c.
Since the scale member (included in the elastomer portion) and the scale member (included in the plastomer portion) of the document guide 56 have the same color, the aesthetic appearance of the document guide 56 and the like is not spoiled.

Further, in the sealing device of the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned elastomer portion and the plastomer portion are joined with a predetermined joining force by selecting an appropriate material and setting molding conditions. Since the two-color molding is performed as described above, the above-mentioned elastomer portion can be easily peeled off with a finger, and when discarding the original scale, the resin portion and the elastomer portion can be separately separated and discarded.

In the above embodiment, the document guide 56 is used.
The case where the elastomer member (including the seal member 99c) is used as the means for eliminating the gap between the slit glass 17 and the slit glass 17 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as the means for eliminating the gap between the document guide 56 and the contact glass 9. Even if an elastomer member is used, the same effect can be obtained. For example, the seal member 99b shown in the first embodiment or the seal members 99d to 99g shown in the third embodiment to be described later is provided on the bottom surface (the surface facing the contact glass 9) of the inclined portion 56a of the document guide 56. You may apply.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
3 shows a configuration of a document scale according to the embodiment of FIG. It should be noted that this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment except for the document vertical scale 66 and the document horizontal scale 58. The same name is given and the description is omitted.

The image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided on the bottom surface of the scale member (included in the second plastomer portion) of the document vertical scale 66 that faces the surface of the contact glass 9 as compared with the first embodiment. The difference is that a seal member 99d (included in the second elastomer portion) formed in a curtain shape over the longitudinal direction of the document vertical scale 66 is provided in the concave portion. According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain the effect that whether or not the seal member is formed is less affected by the thickness of the document vertical scale 66, as compared with the case where a cylindrical seal member is provided on the bottom surface of the document scale, for example.

In FIG. 6, the longitudinal manuscript scale 66 and the lateral manuscript scale 58 are joined at one end in the longitudinal direction at right angles, and the two sides of the contact glass 9 provided on the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus are orthogonal to each other. It is used not only for pressing but also for document alignment in the pressure plate mode. Also,
The manuscript vertical scale 66 includes a scale member and a plurality of seal members 99d which are more elastic than the scale member and have a plurality of wiper shapes. This seal member 99
d is the bottom surface of the document vertical scale 66 (contact glass 9
Contact glass 9 in the recess formed on the surface facing the
Is provided over the longitudinal direction so as to be in contact with at an angle. By forming the recessed portion in this manner, the wiper-shaped portion enters the recessed portion, so that the document vertical scale 6
Even if 6 does not have a sufficient thickness, it is easier to implement than the case where the wiper shape is formed directly on the bottom surface of the document vertical scale 66. Here, the document vertical scale 66
The two convex portions extending in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the are in the wiper shape. Further, one of the document vertical scale 66 and the document horizontal scale 58 includes a seal member 99a which is more elastic than the scale member described above.

The scale member and the seal member 99d included in the document vertical scale 66 are integrally molded parts (so-called 2) which are simultaneously molded by an injection molding process.
It shows a color molded part) and is a part of the same color.
The scale member is made of a plastic high molecular compound (plastomer) such as plastic, and the seal member is made of a highly elastic polymeric compound (elastomer) such as synthetic rubber.

7 (b), 7 (c) and 7
The seal member 99a described above is shown in (d) (shown in FIG. 7 (a)).
The seal members 99e, 99f, and 99g having different shapes are shown. The seal member 99e is different from the seal member 99a in the inclination direction of the convex portion having the wiper shape. Also in this configuration, the seal member 99e and the contact glass 9
Since the and are in contact with each other, it is possible to prevent paper dust and dust from entering through the gap between the contact glass 9 and the document vertical scale 66 and dropping into the reading unit 32. In the seal member 99f, since the two convex portions having the wiper shape are formed on the common supporting portion, the strength of the wiper shape is improved. In the seal member 99g, the two convex portions having a wiper shape are bent and contact the surface of the contact glass 9, so that the elasticity of the seal member 99g improves the pressure contact force against the surface of the contact glass 9.

Here, the seal members 99d to 99 described above are used.
The material and forming method of g and the scale member will be described. Examples of materials for the sealing members 99d to 99g include styrene-based elastomers (for example, trade name: Lavalon), olefin-based elastomers (for example, trade name: Thermolan), urethane-based elastomers (for example, trade name: Resamine), polyester-based elastomers (for example, , A trade name: Primalloy), and a polyamide-based elastomer (for example, trade name: Pebax) are used, the material of the scale member which is two-color molded is either plastic (PA resin, PC resin, POM resin, PET resin, PB
T resin, PPE resin, PPS resin, ABS resin, PS resin, PP resin, etc.) is used. When the above-mentioned elastomer and the plastic resin material are combined, a combination is selected in which it is difficult to bond the two due to the soft and hard compatibility of the materials. Furthermore, when using a combination that facilitates the bonding of both due to the performance of various materials (mechanical strength, permanent strain, low temperature characteristics, high temperature characteristics, weather resistance, oil resistance, warm water resistance, heat resistance, price, workability, etc.) Appropriately changes the molding conditions so that the two are hard to join (for example, when the recommended molding temperature is 180 ° C., the molding temperature is set to 160 ° C.). By doing so, regardless of the combination of the resin material and the elastomer material, it is possible to mold the resin material and the elastomer material so that they are difficult to bond. Here, the scale member and the seal members 99d to 99g are not separated or dropped when the document scale 66 is assembled or the image forming apparatus is used, and the document vertical scale 66 is used.
When disposing of, the scale member and seal member 99d described above
The above-mentioned molding conditions are set so as to have a joining force (predetermined joining force) of such a degree that it can be peeled off with a finger or the like. Further, when the document vertical scale 66 or the document horizontal scale 58 is assembled or the image forming apparatus is used, the above-mentioned scale member and the seal member 99a are not separated or dropped, and the document vertical scale 66 or the document horizontal scale 58 is discarded. At times, the above-mentioned molding conditions are set so that the scale member and the seal member 99a are peeled off with a finger or the like, and the joining force (predetermined joining force) is such that they can be separated.

As described above, in the image reading apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, all the elastomer members (including the seal members 99a, 99d to 99g) are provided at the portions where the document vertical scale 66 and the contact glass 9 are in contact with each other. Since this is provided, the elastomer member comes into contact with the surface of the contact glass 9, and the gap between the document vertical scale 66 and the contact glass 9 can be eliminated to prevent dust and paper dust from entering. Furthermore, since the elastomer member has a plurality of convex portions having a wiper shape (or a curtain shape), the hermeticity is further improved as compared with the case of a single piece. Further, since the concave portion is formed on the bottom surface of the document vertical scale 66 and the wiper shape is formed in this concave portion, as described above, whether or not the wiper shape can be implemented is not easily influenced by the thickness of the document vertical scale 66. .

Further, in the seal device of the image reading apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the scale member (included in the plastomer portion) and the seal members 99a, 99d to 99g (included in the elastomer portion) are used. Have the same color, the document vertical scale 66 and the document horizontal scale 58
And have the same color, and they do not spoil the beauty.

Further, in the sealing device of the image reading apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the elastomer portion and the plastomer portion described above are joined with a predetermined joining force by selecting an appropriate material and setting molding conditions. Since the two-color molding is performed so that the above-mentioned elastomer portion (sealing members 99a, 99
(including d to 99 g) can be easily peeled off with a finger, and when discarding the original scale, the resin portion and the elastomer portion can be separately separated and discarded.

In this embodiment, the contact glass 9
As a means for eliminating a gap between the document vertical scale 66 and the document vertical scale 66, an elastomer member (seal members 99d to 9d
However, in the present invention, the same effect can be obtained by providing an elastomer member on the original horizontal scale 58 in addition to the above. For example, the seal members 99d to 99g described above or the seal member 99b described in the first embodiment may be applied to the bottom surface (the surface facing the contact glass 9) of the document horizontal scale 58.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the manuscript scale or the manuscript guide and the elastomer member are integrally molded has been described. However, the present invention additionally includes the manuscript scale or the manuscript guide and the elastomer member. The members may be different from each other, and the members may be bonded with a double-sided tape (trade name). Alternatively,
The parts to be joined may have a nested structure.

[0055]

As described above, according to the present invention, an elastomer portion (including a seal member) which comes into contact with the original contact surface of the contact glass or slit glass, and two colors so as to join the elastomer portion with a predetermined joining force. By forming a manuscript scale and manuscript guide with the molded plastomer part (including scale member and guide member),
(EN) It is possible to provide a sealing device and an image reading device which have an excellent effect that the sealing property of the reading unit is improved, the members can be easily separated at the time of disposal, and the material recycling is promoted.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a document scale according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a document scale according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a document guide according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a document guide according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a document scale according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a document scale according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view showing a configuration of a conventional scanner unit.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view showing a configuration of a conventional document feeder (ADF).

[Explanation of symbols]

9 Contact glass 17 slit glass 29 Document feeder (ADF) 32 Reader 46, 66 Original vertical scale 48, 58 Original horizontal scale 56 Document guide 99a-99g Seal member

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2H012 CA04 CA30                 2H076 BA04 BA05                 5C062 AA02 AA05 AB00 AB17 AD06                       BA00                 5C072 AA01 BA02 LA02 LA18 LA20

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A seal member for sealing a gap between a transparent plate member in contact with a document to be read above a reading unit for reading the document and a support member for supporting the transparent plate member. A sealing device comprising: an elastic material portion that comes into contact with a document contact surface of a transparent plate member; and a two-color molded plastic material portion that is joined to the elastic material portion with a predetermined joining force. 2. A manuscript scale in contact with the contact glass surface along a plurality of sides of the contact glass surface in contact with the manuscript to be read, an elastomer portion in contact with the contact glass surface, and a predetermined joining force with the elastomer portion. A two-color molded plastomer portion is provided so as to be joined, and a gap between the contact glass surface and the original scale is sealed by the elastomer portion. 3. The manuscript scale is divided, and an elastomer part for joining the manuscript scale parts to each other is provided in any of the manuscript scale parts which are divided and are adjacent to each other. Sealing device. 4. A document guide provided with a slit glass used in a sheet-through reading system, a first elastomer portion in contact with the entire side surface of the slit glass, and a predetermined joining force with the first elastomer portion. A two-color molded first plastomer portion is provided so as to be joined to the original scale which is in contact with the contact glass surface along one side of the contact glass surface used in the fixed reading method, and the longitudinal direction of the original scale is provided. A second elastomer portion that extends and contacts the contact glass surface, and a second plastomer portion that is two-color molded so as to be joined to the second elastomer portion with a predetermined joining force are provided. And seal device. 5. A second elastomer portion formed in a curtain shape over the longitudinal direction of the original scale is provided in a recess provided in the bottom surface of the second plastomer portion facing the contact glass surface. The sealing device according to claim 2 or 3. 6. The sealing device according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of the second elastomer portions are formed in parallel with each other in the longitudinal direction of the original scale. 7. The seal device according to claim 2, wherein the elastomer portion and the plastomer portion have the same color. 8. An image reading apparatus provided with the sealing device according to claim 1.