Liquid dispensing head, liquid dispensing unit, liquid dispensing device and functional components

Abstract

The joint strength is increased so that the connection does not break even when external force is applied to the frame members or cover members. [Solution] A liquid dispensing head (100) comprising a head portion (101) for dispensing liquid and a cover member (102) attached to a frame member (170) of the head portion (101), wherein the frame member (170) and the cover member (102) are joined by snap-fit ​​engagement and adhesive bonding, and the adhesive bonding location (200) is on the inner circumference of the cover member (102) and is located away from the snap-fit ​​engagement location (221a) towards the back of the interior of the cover member (102).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection head, a liquid ejection unit, a liquid ejection device, and functional components.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a liquid ejection head including a head portion that ejects a liquid and a cover member attached to a frame member of the head portion has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a liquid ejection head in which a frame member and a cover member are joined with an adhesive.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] There is a demand to increase the bonding strength so that the bonding is not released even when an external force is applied to the frame member or the cover member. This demand exists not only for the liquid ejection head but also for functional components including a functional member for exerting a function and an exterior member covering the functional member, where both are joined.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In order to solve the above-described problems, a liquid ejection head of the present invention is a liquid ejection head including a head portion that ejects a liquid and a cover member attached to a frame member of the head portion, wherein the frame member and the cover member are coupled by snap-fit engagement and adhesive bonding, and the location of the adhesive bonding is an inner peripheral portion of the cover member, which is a location away from the inside of the cover member from the location of the snap-fit engagement toward the inner back side of the cover member.

Effects of the Invention

[0005] According to the liquid ejection head of the present invention, the bonding strength between the frame member and the cover member can be increased.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] A front view illustrating the external appearance of the liquid dispensing head of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] External side view diagram of the liquid dispensing head. [Figure 3] Side cross-sectional diagram of the liquid discharge head. [Figure 4] An enlarged diagram illustrating the main cross-sectional view of the liquid discharge head. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the joint. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing the snap-fit ​​connection of the liquid dispensing head. [Figure 7] Diagram illustrating the frame component of the liquid dispensing head. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram of the cover component of the liquid dispensing head. [Figure 9] An explanatory diagram of the inner surface of the cover member of the liquid dispensing head. [Figure 10] Diagram illustrating the shape of the snap-fit ​​claws. [Figure 11] A diagram illustrating the relationship between the thickness of each part of the snap-fit ​​claw and its susceptibility to deformation. [Figure 12] Diagram illustrating the liquid dispensing head of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] Diagram illustrating the liquid dispensing head. [Figure 14] Diagram illustrating the liquid dispensing head of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] A diagram illustrating the structure of the liquid dispensing head and the comparative example. [Figure 16] A diagram illustrating the comparison of bonding strength and other properties between the liquid dispensing head and a comparative example. [Figure 17] Diagram illustrating the liquid dispensing head of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] Diagram illustrating a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 19] Side view diagram of the main part of the device. [Figure 20] Plan view illustrating the main components of the liquid dispensing unit. [Figure 21] Front view diagram of another liquid dispensing unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a liquid ejection head of an inkjet recording apparatus as an image forming apparatus which is a liquid ejection apparatus will be described. FIG. 1 is a front external view explanatory diagram of the liquid ejection head of the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side external view explanatory diagram of the liquid ejection head, FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional explanatory diagram of the liquid ejection head, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of a main part of the side cross-section.

[0008] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid ejection head 100 includes a head part 101 that ejects liquid, a cover member 102 that is an exterior cover attached to the frame member 170 of the head part 101, a heat sink 103 as a heat dissipation member attached to the cover member 102, and the like.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 4, the head part 101 includes a nozzle plate 110, a flow path plate 120, an actuator substrate 106 including a diaphragm member 130 and a piezoelectric element 140, and a frame member 170. A plurality of nozzles 111 for ejecting liquid are formed on the nozzle plate 110. In the illustrated example, it has four nozzle rows in which a plurality of nozzles 111 are arranged.

[0010] The flow path plate 120 forms flow paths such as a pressure chamber 121 that communicates with the nozzle 111. The diaphragm member 130 forms a wall surface of the pressure chamber 121 that can be restored and deformed. The piezoelectric element 140 is fixed to a base member 141, and the tip end portion is joined and fixed to the surface of the diaphragm member 130 on the side opposite to the pressure chamber 121.

[0011] The frame member 170 is a housing part that also serves as a common flow path member, and forms a common flow path 171 that communicates with the pressure chamber 121. The frame member 170 is formed of, for example, SUS304. A PCB substrate 180 serving as an electrical and electronic part including a control mechanism for ejecting liquid is provided on the frame member 170. The frame member 170 of this head part 101 is attached to a cover member 102 that covers the PCB substrate 180 and the piezoelectric element 140. The cover member 102 can be formed of, for example, PPT resin.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 3, a relay board 1811 is disposed inside the cover member 102, and a relay portion 182 provided on the relay board 181 and the PCB board 180 are connected via a wiring member 183. Further, the relay board 181 and each piezoelectric element 140 are connected via a wiring member 142 such as a flexible wiring board, and the PCB board 180 and each piezoelectric element 140 are connected.

[0013] A heat sink 103 as a heat dissipation member is attached to the cover member 102. The heat sink 103 can be formed of a resin such as a metal member or a polycarbonate resin with high thermal conductivity.

[0014] Next, the joining of the frame member 170, which is a main part in this embodiment, and the cover member 102 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the frame member 170 and the cover member 102 are joined with an adhesive 200. The adhesive 200 is applied to the frame member 170 with a dispenser. The adhesive to be used is preferably an ink-resistant adhesive, and examples thereof include an epoxy resin.

[0015] In addition to the adhesive bonding, a snap fit engagement is also achieved by a snap fit claw 210 as an engaging cover portion provided on the cover member 102 and an engaging concave portion 221 as an engaging frame portion with which it engages. The shape of the engaging frame portion may be a through-hole shape instead of a concave portion. The location of the adhesive bonding (hereinafter, the location is also indicated by the symbol 200 as the location with respect to the adhesive 200) is an inner peripheral portion of the cover member 102, which is a location away from the snap fit engagement location 221a to the inner back side of the cover member 102.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a portion related to the joining in FIG. 4. The frame member 170 has a convex portion 220 that extends along the outer peripheral shape line 170a inside (i.e., narrower) than the outer peripheral shape line 170a at a location facing the cover member 102. This convex portion 220 has an engaging concave portion 221 at a location away from the convex portion tip surface 220a on the outer peripheral side surface.

[0017] The cover member 102 has a snap-fit ​​claw 210 as an engaging cover portion that snap-fits with the engaging recess 221, and an adhesive contact portion 230 that abuts against the tip surface 220a of the protrusion when snap-fit ​​engaged with the frame member 170 and is adhesively bonded. The outer cover is provided with at least two or more opposing snap-fits.

[0018] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the snap-fit ​​connection process. When joining the cover member 102 and the frame member 170, they are brought relatively close together as indicated by arrow 6A. When the snap-fit ​​claws 210 come into contact with the frame member 170, the snap-fit ​​claws 210 open while elastically deforming as indicated by arrow 6B, and the pushing continues in this state. Then, when the snap-fit ​​claws 210 fit into the engagement recess 221 of the frame member 170, the snap-fit ​​claws 210 close and lock as indicated by arrow 6C.

[0019] Figures 7 and 8 are used to explain the adhesive application area and the formation locations of the shaped parts for snap-fit ​​joining. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the frame member 170, where Figure 7(a) is a front explanatory view when the side of the frame member 170 facing the cover member 102 is facing forward, Figure 7(b) is a bottom explanatory view at the same time, and Figure 7(c) is a right side explanatory view at the same time. Reference numeral 170a indicates the outer circumference shape line when the frame member 170 is viewed from the relative movement direction during joining.

[0020] The protrusion 220 extends around the circumference along the outer peripheral shape line 170a, and adhesive is applied to the entire surface of the tip surface 220a of the protrusion. The protrusion 220 may be partially omitted or the adhesive may be applied only to parts of it, but applying it around the entire circumference is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing the entry of ink mist and the like. The engaging recesses 221 are formed on each of the four sides at locations where the long sides face each other and the short sides face each other.

[0021] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the cover member 102, where Figure 8(a) is a front explanatory diagram with the side wall of the cover member 102 facing forward, Figure 8(b) is a bottom explanatory diagram in the same case, and Figure 8(c) is a right side explanatory diagram in the same case. Snap-fit ​​claws 210 are integrally molded with the cover so as to protrude downward from the lower end of the cover member 102. The claws are formed at four locations corresponding to the engagement recesses 221 of the frame member 170.

[0022] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the inner surface of the cover member 102. Figure 9(a) is an explanatory diagram of the inner surface of the side wall, and Figure 9(b) is an explanatory diagram of the inner surface of the end wall. In each case, an adhesive contact portion 230 is formed on the inner wall surface, which abuts against the tip surface 220a of the protrusion of the frame member 170. It is preferable to form the protrusion 220 all the way around, and to form the adhesive contact portion 230 all the way around so that it can abut over the entire circumference.

[0023] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape of the snap-fit ​​claw 210 depending on whether the engaging mating part is concave or through-hole shaped. When the part of the frame member 170's convex portion 220 into which the snap-fit ​​claw 210 fits is an engaging recess 221, the shape of the snap-fit ​​claw 210 is preferably a tapered claw shape as shown in Figure 10(a), while in the case of a through-hole, a U-shape or a shape with a barb as shown in Figures 10(b) and 10(c) is preferable.

[0024] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the thickness of each part of the snap-fit ​​claw 210 and its susceptibility to deformation. As shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), when the thickness is reduced to T1 and T2, the directions in which deformation is easily facilitated are indicated by arrows 11A and 11B. It is preferable to reduce the thickness of the appropriate parts according to the direction in which deformation is facilitated.

[0025] As described above, with the liquid discharge head of the first embodiment, the frame member 170 and the cover member 102 are joined by snap-fit ​​engagement and adhesive bonding, so the bonding strength can be increased compared to when bonding is done by adhesive bonding alone. Moreover, the location of the adhesive bonding is on the inner circumference of the cover member 102, and is located far enough away from the snap-fit ​​engagement location 221a to the back of the interior of the cover member 102, so the adhesive at the adhesive bonding location is less likely to be destroyed by liquid or its mist. Even if liquid mist such as ink adheres to the snap-fit ​​engagement location and travels along the surface, attempting to enter the inside of the cover through the gap between the frame member 170 and the cover member 102, the path along the inner surface of the cover member 102 is long, and there is also space on the inner surface, making it difficult for the liquid to spread and enter the adhesive bonding location. Even if it spreads on the inner surface of the cover, the distance allows for suppression of entry.

[0026] Furthermore, since the protrusion at the tip, which serves as the bonding point, is located inside the outer periphery line 170a of the frame member 170, the space resulting from the dimensional difference between the outer periphery line 220b of the protrusion 220 and the outer periphery line 170a of the frame member 170 can be used to accommodate the thickness of the snap-fit ​​claws 210 and the wall of the cover member 102, thereby enabling a miniaturization of the cover member 102's external dimensions.

[0027] Furthermore, the extension of the protrusion inside the outer peripheral shape line 170a at the point facing the cover member 102 may be all the way around or only in part. If only in part, it is preferable to extend the protrusion to a pair of points facing each other across the center. The claw portion is formed on the cover member, but it may be formed on the frame member instead, in which case the claw engagement portion is formed on the cover member.

[0028] Next, the liquid discharge head of the second embodiment will be described using Figures 12 and 13. Figures 12(a), (b), (c), and (d) are explanatory diagrams corresponding to Figures 7(a), (b), (c), and 8(b) for the liquid discharge head of the first embodiment. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram corresponding to Figure 6 for the liquid discharge head of the first embodiment.

[0029] The liquid discharge head 100 of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that, instead of the protrusion 220 of the frame member 170, it uses a two-stage protrusion, the inner one having a larger protrusion. The outer, first-stage protrusion 220, which has a smaller protrusion, has an engaging recess 221 on its outer peripheral side surface, and the tip surface 240a of the inner, second-stage protrusion 240, which has a larger protrusion, contacts the adhesive contact portion 230 of the cover member 102. The adhesive contact portion 230 of the cover member 102 is formed at a position that contacts the tip surface 240a of the inner, second-stage protrusion 240. Other aspects are the same as the liquid discharge head 100 of the first embodiment.

[0030] By setting the width between the outer edges of the tip surfaces of the two opposing second-stage protrusions to be smaller than the distance between the tips of the corresponding pair of snap-fit ​​claws 210, the snap-fit ​​claws 210 can be prevented from contacting the adhesive on the tip surface of the protrusions of the frame member 170 when joining the cover member 102 and the frame member 170. The two-stage protrusion structure allows the snap-fit ​​claws 210 to avoid contacting the adhesive-coated portion (second stage of protrusion) on the upper surface of the frame protrusion when joining the cover member 102 and the frame member 170, and the snap-fit ​​claws 210 to contact the first stage of protrusion where no adhesive is applied, enabling easy joining.

[0031] Even if the frame member 170 has a single protrusion at the location opposite the cover member 102, as in the first embodiment, or if it is made to a uniform height without forming a protrusion, setting the width of the adhesive application area to be smaller than the distance between the tips of the pair of claws will prevent the snap-fit ​​claws 210 from coming into contact with the adhesive. However, this increases the difficulty of adjusting the application width, so it is preferable to have two or three or more stages, as in this embodiment.

[0032] Next, the liquid dispensing head of the third embodiment will be described using Figures 14 to 16. Figures 14(a), (b), and (c) are explanatory diagrams corresponding to Figures 12(a), (d), and 13 for the liquid dispensing head of the second embodiment. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram comparing the joint location between a comparative example in which the frame member 170 and the cover member 102 are joined only by adhesive bonding and the liquid dispensing head of the third embodiment. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram comparing the joint strength, etc., between the comparative example and the liquid dispensing head of the third embodiment.

[0033] The liquid dispensing head 100 of the third embodiment differs from that of the second embodiment in that the cover member 102 has a portion 250 that extends beyond the tip of the snap-fit ​​claw 210 towards the frame member 170 (see Figure 14(c)), and this extended portion 250 is also adhesively bonded to the frame member 170. The adhesive 200 is also applied to the opposing portion of the frame member 170 that the tip surface 250a of this extended portion 250 (see Figure 14(b)) abuts against. The area where the adhesive 200 is applied is hatched in Figure 14(a) (as is the case in the first and second embodiments). Other aspects are the same as the liquid dispensing head 100 of the second embodiment.

[0034] As shown in Figure 15, compared to the comparative example, there are two adhesive joints, and snap-fit ​​joints are also used. This further enhances the effect of preventing liquids and mist from entering the cover member 102 and strengthens the joint strength.

[0035] Figure 16(a) shows the liquid dispensing head of the comparative example in Figure 15(a), and Figure 16(b) shows the performance of the liquid dispensing head of the third embodiment. In the head of the comparative example, the cover member 102 and the frame member 170 are joined only by adhesive bonding, and the adhesive joint 17a is exposed. Therefore, when ink droplets 300 come into contact with the adhesive joint 17a, the adhesive is destroyed and the bonding strength decreases, and when an external force 17b is applied, the cover peels off.

[0036] In the liquid ejection head 100 of this third embodiment, the cover member 102 will not come off even if ink comes into contact with the adhesive joint due to the presence of snap-fit ​​claws 210. Furthermore, an adhesive joint 17c is provided inside the cover member 102, and there is a distance and space on the inner surface between the snap-fit ​​claws 210 and the adhesive joint 17c. As a result, the spreading of ink can be suppressed, and even if ink enters the cover member 102, it is difficult for the ink to reach the adhesive joint 17c, thus preventing the loss of the sealing function. Therefore, even if ink droplets 300 come into contact, it is possible to prevent head failure, which is superior to the comparative example.

[0037] Next, the liquid discharge head of the fourth embodiment will be described using Figure 17. Figures 17(a), (b), and (c) are explanatory diagrams corresponding to Figures 12(a), (b), and (c) for the liquid discharge head of the second embodiment. Figures 17(d) and (e) are explanatory diagrams of the inner surface of the cover member 102. Figure 17(d) is an explanatory diagram of the inner surface of the side wall, and Figure 17(e) is an explanatory diagram of the inner surface of the end wall. Figure 17(f) is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the main part.

[0038] The liquid dispensing head 100 of the fourth embodiment differs from that of the second embodiment in that the cover member 102 has portions (250, 270) that extend beyond the tip of the snap-fit ​​claw 210 towards the frame member 170 (see Figures 17(d), (e)). The tip portion 270 of the extending portion (250, 270) is fitted into a recess 260 formed in the frame member 170 (see Figure 17(f)). By housing the outer circumference of the cover member 102 within the recess 260 of the frame member 170, the joint strength is improved as it becomes more resistant to rotational forces. Furthermore, ink intrusion can be further prevented by fixing the outer circumference of the cover that is housed in the recess with adhesive.

[0039] Furthermore, the liquid dispensing heads of each of the above embodiments also have the following advantages. Specifically, adhesive bonding has a bonding strength that depends on the performance of the adhesive, and due to curing by heat, there is variation in strength depending on the curing state, and the strength is weaker than mechanical bonding. On the other hand, mechanical bonding such as bolt bonding has a bonding strength that varies depending on the torque value during bolt bonding, and there is a high risk of foreign matter generation. In addition, it is necessary to provide space for bolt bonding, which increases the size. In each embodiment of the present invention, these problems can be solved by cleverly combining adhesive bonding and snap-fit ​​bonding.

[0040] Next, an example of a liquid dispensing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. Figure 18 is a plan view illustrating the main part of the device, and Figure 19 is a side view illustrating the main part of the device.

[0041] This device is a serial type device, and the carriage 403 reciprocates in the main scanning direction by the main scanning movement mechanism 493. The main scanning movement mechanism 493 includes a guide member 401, a main scanning motor 405, a timing belt 408, etc. The guide member 401 is stretched across the left and right side plates 491A and 491B and holds the carriage 403 in a movable position. The carriage 403 is then reciprocated in the main scanning direction by the main scanning motor 405 via the timing belt 408 stretched between the drive pulley 406 and the driven pulley 407.

[0042] This carriage 403 is equipped with a liquid discharge unit 440 that integrates the liquid discharge head 100 and head tank 441 according to the present invention. The liquid discharge head 100 of the liquid discharge unit 440 discharges liquids of various colors, such as yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K). The liquid discharge head 100 is also mounted with a nozzle row consisting of multiple nozzles arranged in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and with the discharge direction facing downward.

[0043] A supply mechanism 494 for supplying liquid stored outside the liquid discharge head 100 to the liquid discharge head 100 supplies the head tank 441 with liquid stored in the liquid cartridge 450.

[0044] The supply mechanism 494 consists of a cartridge holder 451, which is a filling section for mounting the liquid cartridge 450, a tube 456, a liquid delivery unit 452 including a liquid delivery pump, and the like. The liquid cartridge 450 is detachably mounted in the cartridge holder 451. Liquid is delivered from the liquid cartridge 450 to the head tank 441 via the tube 456 by the liquid delivery unit 452.

[0045] This device includes a transport mechanism 495 for transporting paper 410. The transport mechanism 495 includes a transport belt 412, which is a transport means, and a sub-scanning motor 416 for driving the transport belt 412.

[0046] The conveyor belt 412 attracts the paper 410 and transports it to a position opposite the liquid discharge head 100. This conveyor belt 412 is an endless belt and is stretched between the conveyor roller 413 and the tension roller 414. Attraction can be performed by electrostatic attraction or air suction.

[0047] Then, the conveyor belt 412 moves in a circular motion in the sub-scanning direction as the conveyor rollers 413 are rotationally driven by the sub-scanning motor 416 via the timing belt 417 and timing pulley 418.

[0048] Furthermore, a maintenance and recovery mechanism 420 for maintaining and recovering the liquid discharge head 100 is positioned on one side of the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction, next to the conveyor belt 412.

[0049] The maintenance and recovery mechanism 420 consists of, for example, a cap member 421 that caps the nozzle surface (the surface on which the nozzle is formed) of the liquid discharge head 100, and a wiper member 422 that wipes the nozzle surface.

[0050] The main scanning movement mechanism 493, the supply mechanism 494, the maintenance and recovery mechanism 420, and the transport mechanism 495 are mounted on a housing that includes side plates 491A, 491B, and a back plate 491C.

[0051] In this configured device, the paper 410 is fed onto the transport belt 412 and picked up, and the paper 410 is transported in the sub-scanning direction by the circumferential movement of the transport belt 412.

[0052] Therefore, by moving the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction and driving the liquid ejection head 100 in accordance with the image signal, liquid is ejected onto the stationary paper 410 to form an image.

[0053] Thus, since this device is equipped with a liquid discharge head according to the present invention, it can stably form high-resolution images.

[0054] Next, another example of the liquid dispensing unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 20. Figure 20 is a plan view illustrating the main parts of the unit.

[0055] This liquid discharge unit consists of a housing portion comprising side plates 491A, 491B and a back plate 491C, a main scanning movement mechanism 493, a carriage 403, and a liquid discharge head 100, which are components of the device that discharges the liquid.

[0056] Furthermore, a liquid dispensing unit can also be configured by further attaching, for example, the side plate 491B of this liquid dispensing unit to at least one of the aforementioned maintenance and recovery mechanism 420 and supply mechanism 494.

[0057] Next, yet another example of the liquid dispensing unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 21. Figure 21 is a front view of the unit.

[0058] This liquid dispensing unit consists of a liquid dispensing head 100 and a tube 456 connected to the liquid supply section 444 of the liquid dispensing head 100.

[0059] Reference numeral 442 in Figure 21 indicates an outer cover 442. The liquid supply unit 444 may also include a head tank 441. Reference numeral 443 in Figure 21 indicates a connector that electrically connects to the electrical circuit board.

[0060] In this application, "liquid dispensing device" refers to a device that includes a liquid dispensing head or liquid dispensing unit and drives the liquid dispensing head to dispense liquid. A liquid dispensing device includes not only devices that can dispense liquid onto objects to which liquid can adhere, but also devices that dispense liquid into air or into liquid.

[0061] This "liquid dispensing device" may also include means for feeding, transporting, and dispensing paper onto materials to which liquid can adhere, as well as pre-treatment devices, post-treatment devices, etc.

[0062] For example, "devices that dispense liquids" include image forming machines, which dispense ink to form images on paper, and three-dimensional molding machines, which dispense molding liquid into a powder layer formed in layers to create three-dimensional objects.

[0063] Furthermore, the term "liquid dispensing device" is not limited to devices that visualize meaningful images such as letters or figures through the dispensed liquid. For example, it also includes devices that form patterns that do not have meaning in themselves, or devices that create three-dimensional images.

[0064] The term "material to which liquid can adhere" refers to any material to which liquid can adhere, at least temporarily, including materials that adhere and solidify, or materials that adhere and penetrate. Specific examples include recording media such as paper, recording paper, film, and cloth; electronic components such as electronic circuit boards and piezoelectric elements; powder layers; organ models; and inspection cells. Unless otherwise specified, it includes all materials to which liquid can adhere.

[0065] The materials referred to as "materials to which liquid can adhere" include paper, thread, fibers, fabrics, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, building materials such as wallpaper and flooring, and textiles for clothing, as long as liquid can adhere to them, even temporarily.

[0066] Furthermore, "liquid" also includes inks, processing solutions, DNA samples, resists, patterning materials, binders, molding fluids, or solutions and dispersions containing amino acids, proteins, calcium, etc.

[0067] Furthermore, "liquid dispensing devices" include devices in which the liquid dispensing head and the surface to which the liquid can adhere move relative to each other, but are not limited to these. Specific examples include serial-type devices in which the liquid dispensing head moves, and line-type devices in which the liquid dispensing head does not move.

[0068] Other examples of "devices that dispense liquids" include processing liquid coating devices that dispense processing liquid onto the surface of paper for purposes such as modifying the surface of the paper, and injection granulation devices that granulate fine particles of raw materials by spraying a composition liquid, in which raw materials are dispersed in a solution, through a nozzle.

[0069] A "liquid dispensing unit" is a collection of components related to liquid dispensing, in which functional parts and mechanisms are integrated with a liquid dispensing head. For example, a "liquid dispensing unit" may include a combination of a liquid dispensing head with at least one of the following components: a head tank, carriage, supply mechanism, maintenance and recovery mechanism, and main scanning and moving mechanism.

[0070] Here, integration includes, for example, cases where the liquid dispensing head and functional components or mechanisms are fixed to each other by fastening, bonding, engaging, etc., or where one is held movably relative to the other. Furthermore, the liquid dispensing head and functional components or mechanisms may be configured to be detachable from each other.

[0071] For example, some liquid dispensing units, such as the liquid dispensing unit 440 shown in Figure 19, have a liquid dispensing head and a head tank integrated into one unit. Others have a liquid dispensing head and head tank integrated into one unit, connected to each other by tubes or similar means. It is also possible to add a unit containing a filter between the head tank and the liquid dispensing head of these liquid dispensing units.

[0072] Additionally, some liquid dispensing units have an integrated liquid dispensing head and carriage.

[0073] Furthermore, some liquid dispensing units integrate the liquid dispensing head and the scanning mechanism by movably holding the liquid dispensing head in a guide member that constitutes part of the scanning mechanism. Additionally, as shown in Figure 20, some liquid dispensing units integrate the liquid dispensing head, carriage, and main scanning mechanism.

[0074] Furthermore, some liquid dispensing units integrate the liquid dispensing head, carriage, and maintenance / recovery mechanism by fixing a cap component, which is part of the maintenance / recovery mechanism, to a carriage to which the liquid dispensing head is attached.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, some liquid dispensing units have a tube connected to the liquid dispensing head, integrating the liquid dispensing head and the supply mechanism.

[0076] The main scanning movement mechanism shall include the guide member alone. The supply mechanism shall also include the tube alone and the loading section alone.

[0077] Furthermore, the "liquid discharge head" is not limited to any particular pressure generating means. For example, in addition to the piezoelectric actuator described in the above embodiment (which may use a multilayer piezoelectric element), a thermal actuator using an electrothermal conversion element such as a heating resistor, or an electrostatic actuator consisting of a diaphragm and a counter electrode may also be used.

[0078] Furthermore, in the terminology used in this application, image formation, recording, printing, copying, printing, and shaping are all considered synonymous.

[0079] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention as described in the claims, unless otherwise specifically limited in the above description. For example, the present invention is not limited to a liquid dispensing head, but also includes a functional member for performing a function and an exterior member covering the functional member, and can be applied to joining other exterior parts that partially cover the functional member, or to joining functional parts that are joined with the functional member as the joining partner. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferred effects arising from the present invention, and the effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0080] The above description is merely an example, and the present invention provides specific effects for each of the following embodiments. In the description of the embodiments, the symbols in parentheses after the component names are examples of corresponding components and are not limited to these examples. (Aspect 1) A liquid dispensing head (100) comprises a liquid dispensing head (101) and a cover member (102) attached to a frame member (170) of the head (101), wherein the frame member (170) and the cover member (102) are joined by snap-fit ​​engagement and adhesive bonding, and the adhesive bonding location (200) is on the inner circumference of the cover member (102) and is located away from the snap-fit ​​engagement location (221a) towards the back of the cover member (102). As described in each embodiment explained with reference to the figures, the bonding strength between the frame member and the cover member can be increased.

[0081] (Aspect 2) In the liquid discharge head (100) described in (Embodiment 1), the frame member (170) has a protrusion (220) extending inward from the outer peripheral shape line (170a) and along the outer peripheral shape line (170a) at a location facing the cover member (102), and an engaging frame portion (221) for the snap-fit ​​engagement formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the protrusion (220) away from the tip surface (220a) of the protrusion, and the cover member (102) has an engaging cover portion (210) that snap-fit ​​engages with the engaging frame portion (221), and an adhesive contact portion (230) that abuts against the tip surfaces (220a, 240a) of the protrusion and is adhesively bonded when in a snap-fit ​​engagement state with the frame member (170). According to this, as described in relation to the first embodiment, the external shape of the cover member (102) can be made smaller.

[0082] (Aspect 3) In the liquid dispensing head (100) described in (Aspect 2), the protrusion (220) is a two-stage protrusion, with the inner protrusion being larger in size. The outer, first-stage protrusion (220), which has a smaller protrusion, has an engaging frame portion (221) on its outer peripheral side surface, and the tip surface (240a) of the inner, second-stage protrusion (240), which has a larger protrusion, contacts the adhesive contact portion (230) of the cover member (102). This makes it possible to avoid the snap-fit ​​claw (210) coming into contact with the adhesive of the mating side during joining, as described in the second embodiment.

[0083] (Aspect 4) In the liquid dispensing head (100) described in any one of (Aspect 1) to (Aspect 3), the location where the adhesive for adhesive bonding is present (200) is in a location within the outer circumference shape line of the frame member (170) and the cover member (102), where the frame member (170) and the cover member (102) have a claw engagement portion (221) that engages with the snap-fit ​​engagement claw portion (210), and where the claw portion (210) cannot come into contact with the other during bonding. This makes it possible to avoid the snap-fit ​​claw (210) coming into contact with the adhesive of the other side during bonding, as described in relation to the second embodiment.

[0084] (Aspect 5) In the liquid dispensing head (100) described in (Aspect 4), the portion that cannot be contacted is characterized in that the tip surfaces (220a, 240a) of the protrusions (220, 240) formed on the opposing portion. With this, as described in relation to the second embodiment, it is possible to avoid the snap-fit ​​claw (210) coming into contact with the adhesive on the mating side during joining, and moreover, it is possible to avoid the difficulty of adjusting the adhesive application range.

[0085] (Aspect 6) In the liquid discharge head (100) described in any one of (Aspect 1) to (Aspect 5), the cover member (102) has a portion (250) that extends toward the frame member (170) beyond the tip of the engaging cover portion (210) for the snap-fit ​​engagement, and the extending portion (250) is also bonded to the frame member (170). This makes it possible to suppress the entry of liquid mist and the like, as described with respect to the third embodiment.

[0086] (Aspect 7) In the liquid discharge head (100) described in any one of (Aspect 1) to (Aspect 6), the cover member (102) has a portion (270) that extends toward the frame member (170) beyond the snap-fit ​​engagement portion, and the tip of the extending portion (270) is fitted into a recess (260) formed in the frame member (170). As described in relation to the fourth embodiment, by housing the outer circumference of the cover member (102) within the recess (260) of the frame member (170), the joint strength is improved and the joint becomes more resistant to rotational forces.

[0087] (Pattern 8) A liquid dispensing unit characterized by including a liquid dispensing head (100) as described in any one of (Aspect 1) to (Aspect 6).

[0088] (Aspect 9) A liquid dispensing device characterized by comprising a liquid dispensing head (100) according to any one of (Aspect 1) to (Aspect 7), or a liquid dispensing unit according to (Aspect 8).

[0089] (Aspect 10) The invention comprises a functional member (101) for performing a function and an exterior member (102) covering the functional member (101), wherein the exterior member (102) is either another exterior part that partially covers the functional member (101), or a functional component (100) joined to the functional member (101), and the joining partner and the exterior member (102) are joined by snap-fit ​​engagement and adhesive bonding, and the adhesive bonding location (200) is on the inner circumference of the exterior member (102) and is located away from the snap-fit ​​engagement location (221a) towards the back of the exterior member (102). This makes it possible to increase the bonding strength and, in particular, to avoid failures due to bond failure of functional components used in environments where liquids that destroy adhesive bonds are present. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 17a: Adhesive joint 17c: Adhesive joint 100: Liquid dispensing head 101: Head part 102: Cover component 103: Heatsink 106: Actuator board 110: Nozzle plate 111: Nozzle 120: Flow channel plate 121: Pressure chamber 130: Diaphragm component 140: Piezoelectric element 141: Base component 142: Wiring components 170: Frame component 170a: Outer perimeter shape line 171: Common channel 180: PCB board 181: Relay board 182: Relay section 183: Wiring components 200: Adhesive 210: Snap-fit ​​claws 220: Convex part 220a: Protruding tip surface 220b: Outer circumference shape line 221: Engagement recess 221a: location 230: Adhesive contact part 240: Convex part 240a: Tip surface 250 :part 250a: Tip surface 260: Recess 270:Tip 300: Ink splatter 401: Guide member 403: Carriage 405: Main scanning motor 406: Drive pulley 407: Driven pulley 408: Timing belt 410: Paper 412: Conveyor belt 413: Conveyor roller 414: Tension Roller 416: Sub-scanning motor 417: Timing belt 418: Timing pulley 420: Maintenance and recovery mechanism 421: Cap component 422: Wiper component 440: Liquid Dispensing Unit 441: Head Tank 442: Exterior cover 444:Liquid supply section 450: Liquid cartridge 451: Cartridge holder 452: Liquid transfer unit 456: Tube 491A: Side panel 491B: Side plate 491C: Back plate 493: Main scanning movement mechanism 494: Supply mechanism 495: Conveying mechanism 1811: Relay board [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0091] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-71822

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing head comprising a head portion for dispensing liquid and a cover member attached to a frame member of the head portion, The frame member and the cover member are joined by snap-fit ​​engagement and adhesive bonding, and the location of the adhesive bonding is on the inner circumference of the cover member, and is located away from the location of the snap-fit ​​engagement towards the back of the cover member.

2. In the liquid discharge head according to claim 1, The frame member has a protrusion extending inward from the outer peripheral shape line and along the outer peripheral shape line at a location facing the cover member, and an engaging frame portion for the snap-fit ​​engagement formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the protrusion, away from the tip surface of the protrusion. The liquid dispensing head is characterized in that the cover member has an engaging cover portion that snap-fit ​​engages with the engaging frame portion, and an adhesive contact portion that abuts against the tip surface of the protrusion and is bonded to it in a snap-fit ​​engagement state with the frame member.

3. In the liquid dispensing head according to claim 2, The liquid dispensing head is characterized in that the protrusion is a two-stage protrusion, with the innermost protrusion being larger in diameter, and the outermost first-stage protrusion, which has a smaller protrusion, has the engagement frame portion on its outer peripheral side surface, while the tip surface of the inner second-stage protrusion, which has a larger protrusion, contacts the adhesive contact portion of the cover member.

4. In the liquid discharge head according to claim 1, The location where the adhesive for the adhesive bonding is present is a location on one of the frame member and the cover member that has a claw engagement portion that engages with the claw portion of the snap-fit ​​engagement, at the opposing location for bonding with the other, inside the outer circumference shape line, where the claw portion cannot come into contact with the other during the approach of the two for bonding.

5. In the liquid discharge head according to claim 4, The liquid dispensing head is characterized in that the area that cannot be contacted is the tip surface of the protrusion formed on the opposing area.

6. In the liquid discharge head according to claim 1, The liquid dispensing head is characterized in that the cover member has a portion that extends toward the frame member beyond the tip of the engaging cover portion for the snap-fit ​​engagement, and the extended portion is also bonded to the frame member.

7. In the liquid discharge head according to claim 1, The liquid dispensing head is characterized in that the cover member has a portion that extends toward the frame member beyond the tip of the engaging cover portion for snap-fit ​​engagement, and the tip of the extending portion is fitted into a recess for fitting formed in the frame member.

8. A liquid dispensing unit characterized by including the liquid dispensing head described in claim 1.

9. A liquid dispensing device characterized by comprising a liquid dispensing head according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or a liquid dispensing unit according to claim 8.

10. A functional member for performing a function and an exterior member covering the functional member, wherein the exterior member is another exterior part that partially covers the functional member, or a functional component joined to the functional member, The joining mating partner and the exterior member are joined by snap-fit ​​engagement and adhesive bonding, and the location of the adhesive bonding is on the inner circumference of the exterior member, and is located away from the location of the snap-fit ​​engagement towards the inner side of the exterior member.

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