Coupling structure of members

Abstract

To solve the problem in which it is difficult to separate a fixed resin member and a terminal and thus replacement of members and the like is difficult.SOLUTION: A coupling structure of members comprises: a first member having a base and a protrusion formed on the base; and a second member made of sheet metal and having a main portion with an opening formed therein and a claw portion projecting into the opening from an edge of the opening as a starting point. The protrusion is inserted into the opening and the claw portion contacts the protrusion, so that the protrusion and the opening are fitted. In the fitted state of the protrusion and the opening, an outer edge of a contact surface where the base and the main portion contact each other is positioned between the protrusion and the starting point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a joining structure of members. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, a joining structure of a member is known in which a pin is fitted into a fitting hole, and the claw portion is bent in the opposite direction to the fitting and pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the pin, thereby fixing a resin member and a terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-231876 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the member coupling structure described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to separate the fixed resin member from the terminal, which makes it difficult to replace the member or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The joining structure of the members comprises a first member having a base and a protrusion formed on the base, and a second member made of sheet metal and having a main member with an opening formed therein and a claw portion that protrudes from an end of the opening toward the inside of the opening, wherein when the protrusion is inserted into the opening, the claw portion comes into contact with the protrusion, thereby fitting the protrusion and the opening together, and when the protrusion and the opening are fitted together, the outer edge of the contact surface where the base and the main member come into contact with each other is located between the protrusion and the starting point. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 2]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a partial configuration of a carriage. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing part A in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing part A in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of line BB in Figure 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the opening and the protrusion are fitted together. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 1 includes a printing unit 3 and a control unit 13. The printing unit 3 performs printing by depositing ink on a medium 2. The control unit 13 is a controller that controls the printing device 1. The printing device 1 is an inkjet printer that prints images such as text and photographs on a medium 2, such as paper, by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto the medium 2 as it is transported. The printing unit 3 is a serial type that performs printing while moving back and forth across the width of the medium 2. The printing unit 3 may also be configured as a line type that is provided across the width of the medium 2.

[0008] FIG. 1 is labeled with an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are coordinate axes that are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are also labeled as necessary in the following figures. In this case, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis in each figure correspond to the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the printing device 1 is placed on an XY plane defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis. In this embodiment, the state in which the printing device 1 is placed on the XY plane with the XY plane aligned with a horizontal plane is the usage state of the printing device 1. The orientation of the printing device 1 when the printing device 1 is placed on the XY plane aligned with a horizontal plane is referred to as the usage orientation of the printing device 1.

[0009] Hereinafter, when the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are indicated in diagrams or descriptions showing components and units of the printing device 1, they refer to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis when the components and units are installed in the printing device 1. Furthermore, the orientation of each component or unit in the usage orientation of the printing device 1 is referred to as the usage orientation of that component or unit. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, descriptions of the printing device 1 and its components, units, etc. will be given in the respective usage orientations.

[0010] In actual use of the printing apparatus 1, the horizontal plane may be any plane that is substantially horizontal. Substantially horizontal includes, for example, tilts within the allowable tilt range for the surface on which the printing apparatus 1 is placed when in use. For this reason, the substantially horizontal plane is not limited to a surface such as a highly precisely formed surface plate. Substantially horizontal planes include various surfaces, such as a desk, stand, shelf, or floor on which the printing apparatus 1 is placed when in use. Furthermore, the vertical direction is not limited to a direction strictly aligned with the direction of gravity, but also includes a direction perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane. Therefore, when the substantially horizontal plane is, for example, the surface of a desk, stand, shelf, or floor, the vertical direction refers to the direction perpendicular to these surfaces.

[0011] The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are each marked with an arrow. For each of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, the direction of the arrow indicates the + (positive) direction, and the direction opposite to the arrow indicates the - (negative) direction. The Z-axis is an axis perpendicular to the XY plane. When the printing device 1 is in use, the +Z direction is the vertically upward direction. When the printing device 1 is in use, in Figure 1, the -Z direction is the vertically downward direction. The printing unit 3 moves back and forth along the X-axis. For this reason, the X-axis is defined as the direction in which the printing unit 3 moves back and forth.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 1 includes a printing unit 3, a payout spindle 5, an upstream support unit 6, an upstream transport unit 7, a platen 8, a downstream transport unit 9, a downstream support unit 10, a winding spindle 12, and a control unit 13. The upstream support unit 6, the upstream transport unit 7, the platen 8, the downstream transport unit 9, and the downstream support unit 10 are located along the transport path along which the medium 2 is transported. The payout spindle 5 is a rod-shaped member extending along the X axis, and is supported at both ends in the ±X directions by a frame or the like (not shown). The payout spindle 5 rotatably supports a roll 15 on which the long medium 2 is wound and stacked in a cylindrical shape. By rotating, the payout spindle 5 pays out the medium 2 from the roll 15 toward the upstream support unit 6. The payout spindle 5 is an example of a payout unit.

[0013] The upstream support unit 6, platen 8, and downstream support unit 10 are members that support the long medium 2 transported in the transport direction. The medium 2 is transported along the surfaces of the upstream support unit 6, platen 8, and downstream support unit 10. The direction along the surfaces of the upstream support unit 6, platen 8, and downstream support unit 10 is the transport direction of the medium 2. The transport direction intersects with the X-axis. The upstream support unit 6, platen 8, and downstream support unit 10 are fixed to a frame (not shown) or the like that supports the entire printing device 1.

[0014] The upstream support unit 6 supports a portion of the medium 2 that is upstream in the transport direction from a portion facing the printing unit 3. The upstream support unit 6 often supports a portion of the medium 2 before printing by the printing unit 3. The platen 8 is located downstream in the transport direction from the upstream support unit 6. The medium 2 supported by the upstream support unit 6 is transported to the platen 8 by the upstream transport unit 7. The upstream transport unit 7 is located downstream in the transport direction from the upstream support unit 6. The upstream transport unit 7 is also located upstream in the transport direction from the platen 8.

[0015] The upstream transport unit 7 has a first roller 71 and a second roller 72. The first roller 71 and the second roller 72 each extend along the X-axis. The upstream transport unit 7 has a motor (not shown). Power from the motor is transmitted to the second roller 72. The second roller 72 can be rotated by the power from the motor. The medium 2 is sandwiched between the first roller 71 and the second roller 72. The medium 2 can be transported by rotating the second roller 72 while the medium 2 is sandwiched between the first roller 71 and the second roller 72. The upstream transport unit 7 transports the medium 2 toward the platen 8.

[0016] In the printing device 1, the second roller 72 is a drive roller, and the first roller 71 is a driven roller. The drive roller is driven to rotate by power from a motor. The driven roller is driven by the rotation of the drive roller. However, either the first roller 71 or the second roller 72 may be the drive roller or the driven roller.

[0017] The platen 8 is located in the -Z direction of the printing unit 3. The platen 8 faces the printing unit 3 across the transport path. The platen 8 supports the portion of the medium 2 that is printed on by the printing unit 3. The support surface 8A of the platen 8, which faces the +Z direction, is the surface that supports the medium 2. The support surface 8A is approximately horizontal. The platen 8 can apply a suction force to the medium 2. The surface of the platen 8 that faces the printing unit 3 is flat. The support surface 8A of the platen 8 extends over a range where printing by the printing unit 3 is possible. A suction fan may be used to suck air through multiple suction holes formed in the support surface 8A of the platen 8, and the medium 2 may be sucked onto the support surface 8A of the platen 8.

[0018] The printing unit 3 includes a discharge head 25, a carriage 26, a guide shaft 27, and a carriage cover 29. The discharge head 25 is formed with multiple nozzles 28 that discharge ink. The multiple nozzles 28 are open on a nozzle surface 25A of the discharge head 25. The guide shaft 27 is a rod-shaped member extending along the X axis and is supported at both ends in the ±X directions by a frame or the like (not shown). The guide shaft 27 guides the movement of the carriage 26. The carriage 26 holds the discharge head 25 and, driven by a drive mechanism (not shown), moves the discharge head 25 back and forth in the ±X directions along the guide shaft 27. The discharge head 25 prints on the medium 2 by discharging ink toward the medium 2 as it moves. In the printing device 1, printing is performed by discharging ink from the discharge head 25 toward an area of ​​the medium 2 that overlaps the platen 8. The carriage cover 29 is removably attached to the carriage 26 by screws or the like. The ejection head 25 is covered by a carriage cover 29 attached to the carriage 26. A closed space is formed between the carriage 26 and the carriage cover 29.

[0019] Note that the platen 8 facing the printing unit 3 refers to a state in which the support surface 8A of the platen 8 faces the nozzle surface 25A of the ejection head 25. The state in which the support surface 8A faces the nozzle surface 25A is not limited to a state in which the support surface 8A and the nozzle surface 25A face each other parallel to each other. When the nozzle surface 25A is projected onto the support surface 8A along the direction in which ink is ejected from the nozzles 28, if there is an area in which the nozzle surface 25A and the support surface 8A overlap each other, this state is considered to be a state in which the support surface 8A faces the nozzle surface 25A. Furthermore, if the support surface 8A and the nozzle surface 25A face each other while the carriage 26 holds the ejection head 25 and moves back and forth along the guide shaft 27 in the ±X directions, this state is considered to be a state in which the support surface 8A of the platen 8 faces the nozzle surface 25A of the ejection head 25.

[0020] The medium 2 supported by the platen 8 is transported to the downstream support unit 10 by the downstream transport unit 9. The medium 2 is transported in the +Y direction while being supported on the support surface 8A of the platen 8. The downstream transport unit 9 is located downstream of the platen 8 in the transport direction. The downstream transport unit 9 is also located upstream of the downstream support unit 10 in the transport direction.

[0021] The downstream transport unit 9 has a third roller 91 and a fourth roller 92. The third roller 91 and the fourth roller 92 each extend along the X-axis. The downstream transport unit 9 has a motor (not shown). Power from the motor is transmitted to the fourth roller 92. The fourth roller 92 can be rotated by the power from the motor. The medium 2 is sandwiched between the third roller 91 and the fourth roller 92. The downstream transport unit 9 can transport the medium 2 by rotating the fourth roller 92 with the medium 2 sandwiched between the third roller 91 and the fourth roller 92. The downstream transport unit 9 transports the medium 2 toward the downstream support unit 10.

[0022] The downstream support section 10 is located downstream in the transport direction from the platen 8. The downstream support section 10 supports a portion of the medium 2 that is downstream in the transport direction from a portion that faces the printing section 3. The downstream support section 10 often supports a portion of the medium 2 after printing by the printing section 3.

[0023] The winding shaft 12 is located downstream of the printing unit 3 in the transport direction. The winding shaft 12 winds up the transported medium 2. The winding shaft 12 is located downstream of the downstream support unit 10 in the transport direction. After the medium 2 is transported along the downstream support unit 10, it is wound up by the winding shaft 12. The winding shaft 12 is an example of a winding unit.

[0024] The printing device 1 further includes an upstream heating section 40, a printing heating section 41, and a downstream heating section 42. The upstream heating section 40 is provided in the upstream support section 6. The upstream heating section 40 heats the medium 2 supported on the upstream support surface 6A via the upstream support section 6. The printing heating section 41 is provided in the platen 8. The printing heating section 41 heats the medium 2 supported on the support surface 8A via the platen 8. The downstream heating section 42 is provided in the downstream support section 10. The downstream heating section 42 heats the medium 2 supported on the downstream support surface 10A via the downstream support section 10.

[0025] The upstream heating section 40, the print heating section 41, and the downstream heating section 42 may each be implemented by a tube heater, a rubber heater, or the like.

[0026] The following describes, with reference to the drawings, the connection structure of the members included in the printing device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0027] The case 26A has a bottom plate 26A1. The bottom plate 26A1 is a plate-like portion extending along the XY plane. The case 26A supports the ejection head 25 and the electronic unit 14. In this embodiment, the case 26A is formed of modified PPE (polyphenylene ether) resin. The case 26A may be made of a thermoplastic resin such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) resin or PE (polyethylene) resin, or a metal material. The case 26A is an example of a first member. The ejection head 25 and the electronic unit 14 are supported by the bottom plate 26A1 of the case 26A. The bottom plate 26A1 may include irregularities. An opening or the like may be formed in the bottom plate 26A1. Even if the bottom plate 26A1 has irregularities or openings, the bottom plate 26A1 is substantially plate-shaped.

[0028] The electronic unit 14 is provided adjacent to the ejection head 25. The electronic unit 14 has built-in electronic components such as a temperature sensor. The electronic unit 14 is electrically connected to the control unit 13. The electronic unit 14 transmits information such as the temperature in the vicinity of the ejection head 25 to the control unit 13.

[0029] The fixing plate 31 is made of sheet metal and holds the electronic unit 14. In this embodiment, the fixing plate 31 is made of aluminum. Alternatively, the fixing plate 31 may be made of an elastic material such as nickel alloy, phosphor bronze, stainless steel, or resin. The fixing plate 31 is fixed to the bottom plate 26A1 of the case 26A while holding the electronic unit 14. The electronic unit 14 is supported by the case 26A via the fixing plate 31. The fixing plate 31 is an example of a second member.

[0030] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the case 26A at portion A in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the case 26A includes a base 26B and a protrusion 26C. The base 26B is formed on a bottom plate 26A1. The base 26B protrudes from the bottom plate 26A1 in the +Z direction. The base 26B has a first surface 26D. The first surface 26D faces the +Z direction. In this embodiment, a step 26E is formed between the bottom plate 26A1 and the first surface 26D. The protrusion 26C is formed on the base 26B. The protrusion 26C protrudes from the first surface 26D of the base 26B in the +Z direction. The protrusion 26C is formed in a cylindrical shape. A chamfer is formed at the tip of the protrusion 26C. A bottom plate opening 26F is formed in the bottom plate 26A1 of the case 26A. The electronic unit 14 shown in FIG. 2 is accommodated in the bottom plate opening 26F. The electronic unit 14 is supported by the fixed plate 31 and accommodated in the bottom plate opening 26F.

[0031] 4 is an enlarged view of the fixed plate 31 at part A in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the fixed plate 31 includes a main portion 31A, an opening 31B, and a claw portion 31D. The main portion 31A extends along the XY plane. The opening 31B is formed in the main portion 31A. The opening 31B is formed by press working. The opening 31B is formed so as to be able to fit with the protrusion 26C shown in FIG. 3.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 4, the fixing plate 31 is provided with a plurality of engagement holes 31F. Each of the plurality of engagement holes 31F faces in the ±Y direction and is formed by press working. In this embodiment, four engagement holes 31F are formed in the fixing plate 31. On the surface of the electronic unit 14 shown in Fig. 2 facing the ±Y direction, protrusions (not shown) are provided corresponding to each of the four engagement holes 31F.

[0033] Four protrusions on the electronic unit 14 engage with four engagement holes 31F formed in the fixing plate 31, thereby holding the electronic unit 14 on the fixing plate 31. With the electronic unit 14 held on the fixing plate 31, the protrusion 26C shown in Fig. 3 engages with the opening 31B shown in Fig. 4, thereby fixing the electronic unit 14 to the case 26A via the fixing plate 31.

[0034] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main portion 31A taken along line BB in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the main portion 31A includes an opening 31B, a second surface 31C, and a claw portion 31D. The opening 31B has a first end 31B1 and a second end 31B2. The first end 31B1 is a portion that serves as a starting point 31X where the claw portion 31D is formed. The second end 31B2 is a portion that faces the first end 31B1 along the X-axis. The second surface 31C is a surface of the main portion 31A that faces the -Z direction.

[0035] The claw portion 31D protrudes toward the inside of the opening 31B from the first end 31B1 of the opening 31B as a starting point 31X. The claw portion 31D is bent relative to the main portion 31A by press working. The claw portion 31D is bent in the +Z direction relative to the main portion 31A. The claw portion 31D has a claw tip portion 31E. The distance along the X axis between the claw tip portion 31E and the second end portion 31B2 is defined as L1. Alternatively, the claw portion 31D may be formed in the planar direction of the second surface 31C without being bent in the +Z direction relative to the main portion 31A, and when the opening 31B and the protrusion 26C are fitted together, the claw portion 31D is pushed by the protrusion 26C and bent in the anti-fitting direction.

[0036] According to this joining structure of the members, opening 31B and protrusion 26C are fitted together first, so that opening 31B can be easily positioned relative to protrusion 26C. Following this positioning, case 26A and fixing plate 31 can be fitted together by bringing claw portion 31D into contact with protrusion 26C.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the state in which the opening 31B and the protrusion 26C are fitted together. As shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 26C has an outer diameter D. When the protrusion 26C is inserted into the opening 31B, the claw portion 31D comes into contact with the protrusion 26C, thereby fitting the protrusion 26C into the opening 31B. The outer diameter D of the protrusion 26C is greater than the distance L1 shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, when the protrusion 26C is inserted into the opening 31B shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 26C is clamped between the claw end portion 31E and the second end portion 31B2.

[0038] When protrusion 26C is inserted into opening 31B, first surface 26D and second surface 31C shown in FIG. 5 come into contact with each other, and this surface is contact surface 32. Outer edge 26X is formed on the edge of contact surface 32. Outer edge 26X is the edge of contact surface 32. In FIG. 6, contact surface 32 is hatched to clearly show the configuration.

[0039] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the distance along the X axis between the claw end 31E in contact with the protrusion 26C and the outer edge 26X is defined as distance L2. The distance along the X axis between the claw end 31E and the starting point 31X is defined as distance L3. In this embodiment, distance L2 is smaller than distance L3. When the protrusion 26C and the opening 31B are fitted together, the outer edge 26X of the contact surface 32, where the base 26B and the main portion 31A come into contact with each other, is located between the protrusion 26C and the starting point 31X.

[0040] A step 26E is interposed between the bottom plate 26A1 and the first surface 26D of the base 26B shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the step 26E is formed on the outer edge 26X, which is located between the protrusion 26C and the starting point 31X, on the opposite side of the protrusion 26C. The main portion 31A has a pressing portion 31A1. The pressing portion 31A1 is a part of the main portion 31A that is flush with the second surface 31C shown in FIG. 5, and is located on the opposite side of the claw end portion 31E of the main portion 31A from the part located on the outer edge 26X when the protrusion 26C is engaged with the opening 31B. As shown in FIG. 7, a space corresponding to the height of the step 26E is interposed between the pressing portion 31A1 and the bottom plate 26A1. Furthermore, if a space corresponding to the height of the step 26E is provided between the pressing portion 31A1 and the bottom plate 26A1, the step 26E may be configured with a slope extending in the +X direction from the outer edge 26X toward the bottom plate 26A1.

[0041] This joining structure of the member allows the main portion 31A to be deformed using the outer edge 26X of the contact surface 32 as a fulcrum. Because the outer edge 26X of the contact surface 32 is located between the protrusion 26C and the starting point 31X, the claw portion 31D is easily displaced away from the protrusion 26C when the main portion 31A is deformed. This facilitates the release of contact between the protrusion 26C and the claw portion 31D. Releasing the contact between the protrusion 26C and the claw portion 31D facilitates the separation of the protrusion 26C from the claw portion 31D. Because the protrusion 26C and the claw portion 31D are easily separated, the protrusion 26C is less likely to be damaged, such as scratched, when the fixing plate 31 is removed from the case 26A. Therefore, for example, when replacing the electronic unit 14, the undamaged case 26A can be reused. This joining structure of the member thus facilitates the replacement of the member. Furthermore, this joining structure of the member facilitates the deformation of the main portion 31A at the step 26E or slope.

[0042] When pressing portion 31A1 is pressed within a space corresponding to the height of step 26E, main portion 31A can be bent around outer edge 26X, which is located between protrusion 26C and starting point 31X, as a fulcrum. Fixing plate 31 may be made of a material with low elasticity. In this case, main portion 31A can be bent around outer edge 26X, which is located between protrusion 26C and starting point 31X, as a fulcrum. This joining structure of the members facilitates separation of case 26A and fixing plate 31.

[0043] If the elasticity of the fixing plate 31 is high, the bent main portion 31A returns to its original shape, making it possible to reuse the fixing plate 31. If the elasticity of the fixing plate 31 is low, the bent main portion 31A does not return to its original shape and remains bent, thereby maintaining the release of contact between the protrusion 26C and the claw portion 31D.

[0044] For example, if the electronic unit 14 breaks down, the protrusion 26C and the claw 31D are kept out of contact by pressing the pushing portion 31A1 toward the bottom plate 26A1. This allows the electronic unit 14 to be easily removed together with the fixing plate 31. Thereafter, the fixing plate 31 holding the good electronic unit 14 is fitted into the case 26A, allowing the electronic unit 14 to be easily attached via the fixing plate 31. In particular, in a small space such as the inside of the carriage 26, this joining structure of components allows for easy replacement of components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1...printing device, 2...medium, 3...printing unit, 5...feeding spindle, 6...upstream support unit, 6A...upstream support surface, 7...upstream conveying unit, 71...first roller, 72...second roller, 8...platen, 8A...support surface, 9...downstream conveying unit, 91...third roller, 92...fourth roller, 10...downstream support unit, 10A...downstream support surface, 12...winding spindle, 13...control unit, 15...roll, 25...ejection head, 25A...nozzle surface, 26...carriage, 26A...case, 26A1...bottom plate, 26B...base, 26C...protrusion, 26D...first surface, 26E...step, 26F...bottom plate opening, 26X...outer edge, 27...guide shaft, 28...nozzle, 29...carriage cover, 31...fixing plate, 31A...main part, 31A1...pushing part, 31B...opening, 31B1...first end, 31B2...second end, 31C...second surface, 31D...claw part, 31E...claw end, 31F...engagement hole, 31X...starting point, 32...contact surface, 40...upstream heating part, 41...printing heating part, 42...downstream heating part, D...outer diameter, L1, L2, L3...distance.

Claims

1. a first member having a base and a protrusion formed on the base; a second member made of sheet metal and having a main portion in which an opening is formed and a claw portion that projects from an end of the opening toward the inside of the opening; Equipped with When the protrusion is inserted into the opening, the claw portion comes into contact with the protrusion, thereby fitting the protrusion into the opening; When the protrusion and the opening are fitted together, an outer edge of a contact surface where the base portion and the main portion come into contact with each other is located between the protrusion and the starting point. The connection structure of components.

2. a step or a slope is formed on the outer edge located between the protrusion and the starting point on the opposite side to the protrusion; The structure of claim 1 .

3. The main portion can be bent or folded using the outer edge located between the protrusion and the starting point as a fulcrum. The joining structure of members according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first member is formed of a resin. The structure of claim 1 .

5. The claw portion is bent up relative to the main portion. The structure of claim 1 .

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