Snap-fit ​​structure, liquid dispensing head, and method for assembling the snap-fit ​​structure

Abstract

To provide a snap-fit structure capable of effectively utilizing a space on a side where an engagement part elastically deforms.SOLUTION: A snap-fit structure comprises an attachment component comprising a first engagement part and a second engagement part, and an attached component having an engaged part for engaging the first engagement part and the second engagement part. The second engagement part is not arranged on the same line with respect to a direction in which the first engagement part elastically deforms.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a snap - fit structure , liquid dispensing head, and a method for assembling the snap - fit structure.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique of providing a dimensional maintenance member for maintaining the dimension between snap - fit portions (engagement portions) facing each other within a mounting hole.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique according to Patent Document 1, since the dimensional maintenance member is arranged on the side where the engagement portion elastically deform, the space on the side where the engagement portion elastically deform cannot be effectively utilized.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a snap - fit structure that can effectively utilize the space on the side where the engagement portion elastically deform.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The snap-fit ​​structure of this disclosure comprises a mounting component including an elastically deformable first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, and a mounting component including an engaged portion for inserting and engaging the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. The mounting component has a column portion projecting in the direction for inserting the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion into the opening, and a restraining portion fixed to the upper surface of the column portion and including a flexible film. The second engaging portion is not arranged on the same line with respect to the direction in which the first engaging portion elastically deforms, and when the mounting component is attached to the mounting component, the upper surface of the column portion is located lower than the tip of the first engaging portion, and the restraining portion is located between the tip of the first engaging portion and the back portion of the first engaging portion. department It is characterized by surrounding and applying elastic pressure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The technology disclosed herein provides a snap-fit ​​structure that can effectively utilize the space on the side where the snap-fit ​​portion undergoes elastic deformation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a typical snap-fit ​​structure. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of a typical snap-fit ​​structure viewed from above. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram illustrating how a typical snap-fit ​​structure comes undone. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment, viewed from above. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram of the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment, viewed from above. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram of the first component to be mounted, viewed from above. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram of the first component to be mounted, viewed from above. [Figure 9] Schematic cross-sectional view along the IX-IX line. [Figure 10] Schematic diagram showing the assembly method of the snap-fit structure according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] Schematic diagram of the first attachment part according to this embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 12] Schematic diagram of the first attachment part according to this embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 13] Schematic diagram of the snap-fit structure according to this embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 14] Schematic diagram of the snap-fit structure according to this embodiment as viewed from above [Figure 15] Schematic diagram showing the assembly method of the snap-fit structure according to this embodiment. [Figure 16] Diagram schematically showing a part in which the snap-fit structure of the present disclosure is used. [Figure 17] Enlarged view schematically showing the vicinity of the opening provided in the sub-tank.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, in order to facilitate understanding of the snap-fit structure of the present disclosure, a general snap-fit structure will be described.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a general snap-fit structure. A general snap-fit structure includes a mounting member 10 and a mounting member 20 to which the mounting member 10 is attached. The mounting member 10 includes an engaging portion 11 having elasticity. The mounting member 20 includes a hole portion 21. When the mounting member 10 is attached to the mounting member 20, the engaging portion 11 is elastically deformed and reduced in diameter, and is pushed into the hole portion 21. Then, when the engaging portion 11 passes through the hole portion 21, the engaging portion 11 returns to its original shape by the elastic restoring force. Thereby, the engaging portion 11 can be engaged with the hole portion 21. That is, according to the snap-fit structure, the mounting member 10 can be easily attached to the mounting member 20 simply by pushing the engaging portion 11 into the hole portion 21.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a general snap - fit structure as seen from above. Here, "above" means the +Z direction shown in FIG. 1. As shown by the two - dotted line in FIG. 2, the two engaging portions 11 are arranged such that the surfaces on the side of the direction of elastic deformation are aligned on the same line inside the hole portion 21. That is, inside the hole portion 21, the two engaging portions 11 are back - to - back on the same line with respect to the direction of elastic deformation. Hereinafter, the surface on the side of the direction in which the engaging portion 11 elastically deforms is appropriately referred to as the "back surface". Also, the fact that the back surfaces of the two engaging portions 11 are arranged to face each other is appropriately referred to as "back - to - back".

[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the state when a general snap - fit structure is disengaged. As shown in FIG. 3(a), after the mounting member 10 is attached to the attached member 20, it is assumed that a force is applied in the direction of elastically deforming the engaging portion 11 (the direction of arrow P1). Then, the engaging portion 11 elastically deforms and its diameter shrinks. As shown in FIG. 3(b), when the diameter of the engaging portion 11 shrinks, the engaging portion 11 can no longer engage with the attached member 20. Then, a force is applied in the direction of gravity (the direction of arrow P2), and the mounting member 10 is disengaged from the attached member 20. The above is the description of a general snap - fit structure.

[0013] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the snap - fit structure according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the snap - fit structure according to this embodiment includes a first mounting component 40 and a first attached component 50. The first mounting component 40 includes a snap - fit portion 41 as an engaging portion that engages with the first attached component 50. On the other hand, the first attached component 50 includes an opening 51 as an engaged portion with which the snap - fit portion 41 engages. In this embodiment, the snap - fit portion 41 engages with the opening 51 formed in the first attached component 50. Thereby, the first mounting component 40 can be attached to the first attached component 50.

[0014] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment, viewed from above. As shown in Figure 5, the snap-fit ​​portion 41 includes an elastically deformable first engaging portion 41a and an elastically deformable second engaging portion 41b. The first engaging portion 41a and the second engaging portion 41b are arranged on the same line with respect to the direction of elastic deformation, but not aligned with each other. In other words, the first engaging portion 41a and the second engaging portion 41b are arranged so that they are not back-to-back with each other.

[0015] With this configuration, the space on the back side of the first engaging portion 41a or the space on the back side of the second engaging portion 41b is wider than when the first engaging portion 41a and the second engaging portion 41b are arranged back to back. In other words, with this configuration, at least one of the space on the back side of the first engaging portion 41a or the space on the back side of the second engaging portion 41b can be effectively utilized. For example, the second engaging portion 41b is not located on the back side of the first engaging portion 41a. Therefore, other parts (not shown) can be placed on the back side of the first engaging portion 41a. Thus, with the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment, the space on the side where the snap-fit ​​portion 41 elastically deforms can be effectively utilized.

[0016] <Embodiment 2> Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment, viewed from above. The objective of this embodiment is to provide a snap-fit ​​structure that is less likely to come undone. The snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment differs from the snap-fit ​​structure according to Embodiment 1 in the arrangement of the opening 51 and the inclusion of a film 60. In the following description, components that are the same as or corresponding to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and the differences will be the focus of the description.

[0017] <Overall Structure> As shown in Figure 6, the opening 51 according to this embodiment includes a first opening 51a for engaging the first engaging portion 41a and a second opening 51b for engaging the second engaging portion 41b. That is, the first engaging portion 41a engages with the first opening 51a. On the other hand, the second engaging portion 41b engages with the second opening 51b. The first mountable component 50 according to this embodiment includes a first column portion 52 as a base for bonding (for example, heat welding) the film 60. The first column portion 52 protrudes in the direction of insertion of the snap-fit ​​portion 41 (described later). The first mountable component 50 according to this embodiment also includes a film 60 as a suppressing portion for suppressing the elastic deformation of the snap-fit ​​portion 41.

[0018] ≪First part to be attached 50≫ Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the first mounting component 50 viewed from above. For ease of explanation, the film 60 is not shown in Figure 7. The material of the first mounting component 50 is not limited insofar as it can be used to attach the first mounting component 40. For example, the material of the first mounting component 50 can be resin, metal, ceramic, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, polypropylene is used for the material of the first mounting component 50 and the first column portion 52. This is to ensure that the adhesion between the first column portion 52 and the film 60 is strong. The adhesion of the film 60 will be described later.

[0019] ≪Opening 51≫ The first opening 51a and the second opening 51b are formed at positions that are not aligned on the same line with respect to the direction in which the snap-fit ​​portion 41 elastically deforms. For example, the second opening 51b is not aligned on the same line with respect to the direction in which the first engaging portion 41a elastically deforms.

[0020] ≪First pillar section 52≫ The first mountable component 50 according to this embodiment is provided with a first column portion 52 on its upper surface (the surface on the +Z direction side). The first column portion 52 extends approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 1.0 mm from the first mountable component 50 in the insertion direction of the snap-fit ​​portion 41. In other words, the height of the first column portion 52 is approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 1.0 mm. The first column portion 52 is positioned so as not to hinder the elastic deformation of the snap-fit ​​portion 41. For example, two first column portions 52 are formed at positions that straddle the first opening 51a, along the direction in which the first engaging portion 41a elastically deforms.

[0021] It is possible to heat-weld the film 60 directly to the first mounting part 50 even without the first column portion 52. However, it is better to bond the film 60 via the first column portion 52. For example, suppose the film 60 is directly welded to the first mounting part 50 without going through the first column portion 52. And suppose the first mounting part 50 warps in this case. In this case, the distortion of the first mounting part 50 cannot be relieved, and there is a risk that the film 60 will peel off from the first mounting part 50.

[0022] Furthermore, if the molding accuracy of the upper surface of the first part to be attached 50 is poor, the upper surface of the first part to be attached 50 will have more irregularities compared to when the molding accuracy of the upper surface of the first part to be attached 50 is good. In that case, when the film 60 is heat-sealed to the first part to be attached 50, there is a risk that the air accumulated in the recesses will expand due to the heat. If the air accumulated in the recesses expands due to the heat, the film 60 will peel off from the first part to be attached 50.

[0023] In contrast, when the first column portion 52 and the film 60 are heat-sealed, the thermal expansion described above can be suppressed if at least the upper surface of the first column portion 52 is smooth. In other words, by deliberately providing the first column portion 52, the area requiring high molding precision can be narrowed. For this reason, providing the first column portion 52 makes it easier to mold the first part to be attached 50.

[0024] ≪Film 60≫ Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the first attachment part 50 viewed from above. Figure 8 shows the film 60. The material of the film 60 is not limited as long as it is a material that can suppress the elastic deformation of the snap-fit ​​part 41 using its flexibility. For example, a resin film can be used as the material of the film 60. Specifically, the film 60 may be made of two film layers, with the upper layer being a PET film layer and the lower layer being a CPP layer.

[0025] In this embodiment, the film 60 has the function of pressing down on the snap-fit ​​portion 41 from above. In this embodiment, when the first mounting component 40 is attached to the first component to be mounted 50, the tip portion 92 (described later) of the snap-fit ​​portion 41 comes into contact with the film 60. As a result, the elastic deformation of the snap-fit ​​portion 41 is suppressed, and the snap-fit ​​portion 41 becomes less likely to shrink in diameter. In other words, by the film 60 pressing down on the snap-fit ​​portion 41 from above, the first mounting component 40 becomes less likely to come off the first component to be mounted 50. Therefore, considering the strength required when pressing down on the snap-fit ​​portion 41 using the film 60, it is preferable that the film 60 comprises a resin film with strength (for example, a PET film layer).

[0026] Furthermore, the film 60 may have a CPP layer beneath the PET film. As mentioned above, the material of the first column 52 is polypropylene. Therefore, the CPP layer on the film 60 becomes a compatible layer during heat welding. This allows the film 60 and the first column 52 to be bonded more firmly. Moreover, using a resin film as the material for the film 60 makes it easier to cut the film 60 (described later).

[0027] Furthermore, even if a rigid component (for example, a block) is used instead of the film 60 as the elastic deformation suppressing member placed on the back side of the snap-fit ​​portion 41, the effect of preventing detachment can still be obtained. However, there are cases where it is necessary to place other components on the back side of the snap-fit ​​portion 41. If the snap-fit ​​portion 41 is pressed from above using the film 60, it becomes unnecessary to install a rigid component as an elastic deformation suppressing member on the back side of the snap-fit ​​portion 41. Therefore, other components can be placed on the back side of the snap-fit ​​portion 41.

[0028] Furthermore, regardless of the shape of the tip portion 92 of the snap-fit ​​portion 41, the flexible film 60 can be used to wrap around and hold down the snap-fit ​​portion 41. Also, regardless of where the film 60 comes into contact with the snap-fit ​​portion 41, the flexible film 60 can be used to wrap around and hold down the snap-fit ​​portion 41.

[0029] ≪Snap-fit ​​section 41≫ Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 9, the first engaging portion 41a comprises a back portion 91 which is the side facing the direction of elastic deformation and diameter reduction, and a front portion 92 which extends from the back portion 91 and is located at the furthest forward point with respect to the insertion direction of the snap-fit ​​portion 41. The first engaging portion 41a also comprises a slanted portion 93 which extends from the front portion 92 in the direction of engagement with the first mounting component 50 and downward (i.e., in the -X and -Z directions in the figure). Furthermore, the first engaging portion 41a comprises an engaging surface 94 which extends from the lower end of the slanted portion 93 in the direction of elastic deformation and diameter reduction. When the first engaging portion 41a engages with the first opening 51a, the engaging surface 94 contacts and rides up over the end of the first opening 51a. This stabilizes the engagement of the first opening 51a.

[0030] In this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​portion 41 has a shape that gradually widens from the tip portion 92 downwards to facilitate insertion into the opening 51. The width from the back portion 91 to the lower end of the slanted portion 93 is denoted as width W. The width of the lower end of the snap-fit ​​portion 41 (length in the X direction in the figure) is narrower than width W. Therefore, the elastic deformation of the snap-fit ​​portion 41 is facilitated.

[0031] Furthermore, the first engaging portion 41a is provided with a back portion 91. As described above, the back portions 91 of the two snap-fit ​​portions 41 are arranged so that they do not face each other and are not aligned on the same line. The material of the first mounting part 40 is not limited as long as it can be attached to the part to be mounted 50. For example, in order to facilitate the elastic deformation of the snap-fit ​​portion 41, the material of the first mounting part 40 may be resin, metal, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, polypropylene is used for inexpensive molding.

[0032] ≪Assembly method for snap-fit ​​structure≫ Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the assembly method of the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment. The assembly method of the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment includes the following steps.

[0033] First, when the user attaches the first mounting part 40 to the first mounting part 50, the user pushes the first mounting part 40 in the direction of attachment (insertion) to the first mounting part 50 while bringing the inclined surface 93 into contact with the lower end of the opening 51. As insertion progresses, the snap-fit ​​part 41 elastically deforms and shrinks in diameter as it rubs against the lower end of the opening 51 (Figure 10(a)).

[0034] Next, the user pushes the first mounting part 40 further in the direction of attaching it to the first mounting part 50, while bringing the lower end of the inclined portion 93 into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 51. This causes the tip portion 92 to come into contact with the film 60. The user then pushes the first mounting part 40 further while keeping the tip portion 92 in contact with the film 60. This causes the film 60 to flex in a direction intersecting the direction in which the snap-fit ​​portion 41 contracts. In other words, the film 60 stretches (deforms) in accordance with the force applied by the user to push (insert) the first mounting part 40 (Figure 10(b)). At this time, a force is generated in the stretched film 60 that tries to return it to its original shape. Therefore, the user may feel a repulsive force from the film 60 and find it difficult to push the first mounting part 40 further. However, as mentioned above, the film 60 is made of a resin film with a certain strength. Therefore, the user can push the first mounting part 40 further with a force that does not damage the film 60.

[0035] Next, the user pushes the first mounting part 40 further in the insertion direction until the engaging surface 94 passes through the opening 51. Once the engaging surface 94 passes through the opening 51, the elastically deformed snap-fit ​​part 41 returns to its original shape due to the elastic restoring force (Figure 10(c)). At this time, the presence of the first column part 52 makes it easier to insert the inclined surface part 93 into the gap between the upper surface of the first mounting part 50 and the film 60. If the first column part 52 were not present, the user would have to push the first mounting part 40 with greater force to create a gap between the upper surface of the first mounting part 50 and the film 60.

[0036] Furthermore, by forming the height of the first column portion 52 lower than the height from the engagement surface 94 to the tip portion 92, the snap-fit ​​portion 41 can be reliably held in place using the film 60. In this case, the film 60 contacts the inclined surface portion 93 and the tip portion 92 and the tip side of the back portion 91, with reference to the insertion direction of the snap-fit ​​portion 41. That is, when the first mounting component 40 is attached to the first mounting component 50, at least a portion of the tip side of the back portion 91 is held in place by the film 60, with reference to the insertion direction of the snap-fit ​​portion 41. This suppresses elastic deformation of the snap-fit ​​portion 41 toward the back side.

[0037] Summary In the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment, no other snap-fit ​​parts 41 are located on the same line as the snap-fit ​​part 41 with respect to the direction in which the snap-fit ​​part 41 elastically deforms. As a result, even when it is necessary to place other parts on the back side of the snap-fit ​​part 41, the first mounting part 40 can be attached to the first mounting part 50 in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, in the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment, a part of the back side of the snap-fit ​​part 41 is held down by the film 60. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first mounting part 40 from coming off the first mounting part 50 due to the elastic deformation (decrease in diameter) of the snap-fit ​​part 41.

[0038] <Embodiment 3> This embodiment aims to provide a snap-fit ​​structure in which the film 60 is less likely to peel off. The difference between the snap-fit ​​structure according to Embodiment 2 and the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment is the shape of the column portion. In the following description, components that are the same as or corresponding to those in Embodiment 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and the differences will be the focus of the description.

[0039] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the first mounting component 50 according to this embodiment, viewed from above. For the sake of explanation, the film 60 is not shown. As shown in Figure 11, the second column portion 110 according to this embodiment is a smaller cylindrical shape than the first column portion 52. However, the shape of the second column portion 110 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. As described in Embodiment 2, when bonding the film 60, high molding precision is required to make the bonding surface flatter in order to reduce unevenness on the bonding surface. If the area of ​​the bonding surface is small, as in the case of the second column portion 110, the area requiring high molding precision can be reduced.

[0040] This reduces the area where adhesion to the film 60 may be weakened. Furthermore, since the second column portion 110 is smaller than the first column portion 52, more space can be left for arranging other components. Therefore, according to the second column portion 110 of this embodiment, a snap-fit ​​structure can be provided that is space-saving and makes the film 60 less likely to peel off.

[0041] <Embodiment 4> This embodiment aims to provide a snap-fit ​​structure that is easier to form. The difference between the snap-fit ​​structure according to Embodiment 3 and the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment is that an existing member is used in place of a column portion, and the film 60 is bonded to it. In the following description, components that are the same as or corresponding to those in Embodiment 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and the differences will be the focus of the description.

[0042] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the first mountable component 50 according to this embodiment, viewed from above (i.e., in the +Z direction). For the sake of explanation, the film 60 is not shown. As shown in Figure 12, the first mountable component 50 according to this embodiment includes a flow path 120. The flow path 120 according to this embodiment is surrounded by a wall whose outer circumference is approximately 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm higher than the surrounding area. In other words, the height of the wall around the flow path 120 is approximately the same as the height of the second column portion 110.

[0043] Furthermore, the flow path 120 in Figure 12 penetrates from the back to the front of the drawing. Therefore, the flow path 120 is not yet complete at this stage. By adhering the film 60 to the upper surface of the wall surrounding the flow path 120, the upper part of the wall is sealed. This completes the flow path 120.

[0044] In this embodiment, the second column portion 110 may or may not be present. If the first mountable component 50 according to this embodiment includes the second column portion 110, it is preferable that the height of the second column portion 110 be the same as the height of the wall surrounding the flow path 120. If the height of the second column portion 110 and the height of the wall surrounding the flow path 120 are not the same, the film 60 cannot be applied flat. This is because there is a risk that the film 60 will peel off.

[0045] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment, viewed from above (i.e., in the +Z direction). In Figure 13, the film 60 is shown. In other words, in Figure 13, the aforementioned flow path 120 is completed. By attaching the film 60 to the upper surface of the wall surrounding the flow path 120, the flow path 120 is formed using the inner surface of the wall and the back surface of the film 60 (the depth side surface in the figure). It should be noted that even without the wall surrounding the flow path 120, the film 60 can be adhered to the first mounting component 50. However, the presence of a wall around the flow path 120 allows more liquid to flow by the height of the wall compared to the case where there is no wall around the flow path 120.

[0046] As shown in Figure 13, in this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​structure has the film 60 adhered to the upper surface of the wall surrounding the flow path 120. This allows the film 60 to be adhered to the wall surrounding the flow path 120, even if the second column portion 110 does not exist, by using the wall surrounding the flow path 120 as a substitute for the column. Therefore, even without forming the second column portion 110, the film 60 can be adhered to the first mounting component 50 by using the already existing wall surrounding the flow path 120 as a substitute for the column. Thus, the effort of forming the second column portion 110 is saved, making it easier to form the snap-fit ​​structure. The completed flow path 120 is connected to other flow paths (not shown) located in the direction towards the back in the figure.

[0047] This allows, for example, liquid to flow through the flow path 120 to another flow path (not shown). Therefore, this configuration provides a snap-fit ​​structure that is easier to form.

[0048] <Embodiment 5> This embodiment aims to provide a snap-fit ​​structure that is easier to insert. In this embodiment, the area over which the film 60 presses down on the snap-fit ​​portion 41 is smaller than in Embodiment 4. In the following description, components that are the same as or corresponding to those in Embodiment 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and the differences will be the focus of the description.

[0049] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment, viewed from above. Figure 14(a) is a schematic diagram showing the state before the first mounting part 40 is attached to the first mounting part 50. As shown in Figure 14(a), the second film 140 according to this embodiment has a smaller area than that of embodiment 4. The film 60 according to embodiment 4 covered the entire upper part of the opening 51 (see Figure 13). In contrast, the area of ​​the second film 140 according to this embodiment that covers the upper part of the opening 51 is about half that of embodiment 4. Specifically, two corners of the second film 140 are adhered to the second column 110. The remaining corners of the second film 140 are adhered along the upper surface of the wall surrounding the flow path 120.

[0050] Figure 14(b) is a schematic diagram showing the state after the first mounting part 40 has been attached to the first mounting part 50. In Embodiment 4, the film 60 pressed down on the entire upper part of the snap-fit ​​portion 41 (see Figure 13). In contrast, the area (width) of the second film 140 pressing down on the snap-fit ​​portion 41 in this embodiment is about half that of Embodiment 1. In other words, in Embodiment 2, the entire width W (see Figure 9) was pressed down by the film 60. In this embodiment, the area (width) of the snap-fit ​​portion 41 pressed down by the second film 140 is 1 / 2W (see Figure 14(a)).

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the excess portion of the second film 140 is cut off. The method for cutting the second film 140 is not limited as long as it can cut the second film 140. For example, the second film 140 can be cut using a metal blade (scissors or a cutter, etc.). In this embodiment, the second film 140 was cut using a laser. As for the area to be cut of the second film 140, it is preferable to cut around the second column portion 110 or the flow path 120 to which the film 60 is adhered, following its shape.

[0052] Furthermore, with respect to the area of ​​the second film 140 that covers the area above the opening 51, it is preferable to cut it so that half the width W of the snap-fit ​​portion 41 (1 / 2W) is visible. This is because reducing the area that holds down the snap-fit ​​portion 41 by about half reduces the repulsive force of the second film 140 during insertion. ≪Schematic diagram showing the assembly method of the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment≫ Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the assembly method of the snap-fit ​​structure according to this embodiment.

[0053] First, when the user attaches the first mounting part 40 to the first mounting part 50, they push the first mounting part 40 in the direction of attachment to the first mounting part 50 while bringing the inclined surface 93 into contact with the lower end of the opening 51. As a result, the snap-fit ​​part 41 elastically deforms and shrinks in diameter (Figure 15(a)).

[0054] Next, the user presses the first mounting component 40 further in the direction of attaching it to the first mounting component 50, while bringing the lower end of the slanted portion 93 into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 51. This causes the tip portion 92 to come into contact with the film 60. The user then presses the first mounting component 40 further, bringing the tip portion 92 into contact with the second film 140. This causes the second film 140 to stretch in proportion to the force applied by the user to press the first mounting component 40 (Figure 15(b)). At this time, the stretched film 60 generates a force that tries to return it to its original shape. Therefore, the user may feel a repulsive force from the film 60. However, in this embodiment, the area over which the second film 140 presses against the snap-fit ​​portion 41 is about half (width 1 / 2W) compared to Embodiment 1 (width W). Therefore, the repulsive force from the second film 140 is weaker than in Embodiment 1. For this reason, the user can easily press the first mounting component 40.

[0055] Next, the user further pushes the first mounting part 40 onto the first mounting part 50 until the engaging surface 94 passes through the opening 51. Once the engaging surface 94 passes through the opening 51, the elastically deformed snap-fit ​​part 41 returns to its original shape due to the elastic restoring force (Figure 15(c)). In this embodiment, when the snap-fit ​​part 41 returns to its original shape, it passes through the gap between the cut second film 140 and the edge of the opening 51. This allows the snap-fit ​​part 41 to engage with the opening 51.

[0056] In this case, the second film 140 contacts only the tip end 92 and the tip end of the back end 91, with reference to the insertion direction of the snap-fit ​​portion 41. In other words, the second film 140 does not contact the slanted portion 93.

[0057] In this embodiment, the second film 140 is cut, so it does not press down on the entire upper part of the snap-fit ​​portion 41. However, the second film 140 presses down on the snap-fit ​​portion 41 from a part of the front end 92 to the front end side of the back end 91 (i.e., the elastically deformable side). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the elastic deformation and reduction in diameter of the snap-fit ​​portion 41. This makes it possible to provide a snap-fit ​​structure that is easier to insert and less likely to come off.

[0058] <Examples of application> Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing a component using the snap-fit ​​structure of the present disclosure. For example, the snap-fit ​​structure according to Embodiment 4 is used in a recording device (e.g., a printer). It can be used in the recording head 160 provided by the device. As shown in Figure 16, the main tank 162 of the recording head 160 is equipped with multiple sub-tanks 161 which are smaller than the main tank 162. For the sake of explanation, the film 60 is not shown. Each of the sub-tanks 161 stores ink to be supplied to the main tank 162. For example, the ink inside the sub-tank 161 is supplied to the main tank 162 via the flow path 120. In the illustrated example, the snap-fit ​​part 41 (not shown) is inserted into the opening 51 from the back to the front in the figure. This allows the first mounting part 40 to be attached to the sub-tank 161 as the first mounting part 50.

[0059] Figure 17 is a schematic enlarged view showing the area around the opening 51 of the sub-tank 161. As shown in Figure 17, the sub-tank 161 has two openings 51 so that the two snap-fit ​​portions 41 do not face back to back when the first mounting component 40 is attached. This is because the sub-tank 161 is smaller than the main tank 162, making it difficult to secure space for a block-shaped elastic deformation suppressing member. Specifically, a flow path 120 is formed on the back side of the second opening 51b, leaving no space to place an elastic deformation suppressing member.

[0060] Furthermore, the illustrated recording head 160 is mounted on a printer (not shown). When the printer performs a recording operation, the recording head 160 scans from side to side. Therefore, when the recording head 160 scans, there is a risk that the vibrations of the scanning will be transmitted to the sub-tank 161. Consequently, in a sub-tank 161 without a film 60, these vibrations may cause the snap-fit ​​portion 41 to elastically deform and detach. However, in the illustrated sub-tank 161, the film 60 can be used to wrap around and hold the snap-fit ​​portion 41, thereby suppressing the elastic deformation of the snap-fit ​​portion 41.

[0061] Based on the above, this configuration prevents the first mounting component 40 from coming off the first mounting component 50.

[0062] <Other Embodiments> In Embodiment 1, the first engaging portion 41a and the second engaging portion 41b are arranged so that they are not back-to-back. As another example, the first engaging portion 41a may be engaged near the center of the end of the opening 51, the second engaging portion 41b may be engaged at a corner of the opening 51, and a third engaging portion (not shown) may be engaged at a corner of the opening 51 that is not engaged with the second engaging portion 41b. With this configuration, even if vibration occurs in the first mounted component 50, the risk of the first mounting component 40 coming off is reduced, and the space on the back side of each engaging portion can be effectively utilized. Furthermore, since the second engaging portion 41b and the third engaging portion engage at least two corners of the opening 51, it is possible to prevent the first mounting component 40 from rotating due to vibration (for example, rotating counterclockwise in the example of Figure 5) and coming off the first mounted component 50.

[0063] In Embodiment 2, the first engaging portion 41a and the second engaging portion 41b were arranged so that they were not back-to-back. However, when the snap-fit ​​portion 41 is held in place using the film 60, the first engaging portion 41a and the second engaging portion 41b may be arranged back-to-back.

[0064] Embodiment 2 shows an example in which a single film 60 is used to press down on the first engaging portion 41a and the second engaging portion 41b. Another example is to use two films 60, with the first film 60 used to press down on the first engaging portion 41a and the second film 60 used to press down on the second engaging portion 41b.

[0065] In Embodiment 2, the first mounting component 40 was attached to the first mounting component 50 after the film 60 had already been applied. Another mounting method involves engaging the snap-fit ​​portion 41 with the opening 51 and then applying the film 60. However, the height of the first column portion 52 is lower than the length from the engagement surface 94 to the tip portion 92. Therefore, in this case, the tip portion 92 will be positioned higher than the upper surface of the first column portion 52. Consequently, if the user applies the film 60 after engaging the snap-fit ​​portion 41 with the opening 51, it is necessary to apply the film 60 in a way that does not cause impact to the tip portion 92. In other words, if the film 60 is applied after engaging the snap-fit ​​portion 41 with the opening 51, it is necessary to apply the film 60 in a way that does not interfere with the tip portion 92.

[0066] Embodiment 2 shows an example with two openings 51 (see Figure 6). However, the number of openings 51 can be at least one, and should be equal to or greater than the number of snap-fit ​​portions 41.

[0067] Embodiment 2 shows an example in which the snap-fit ​​portion 41 comprises a first engaging portion 41a and a second engaging portion 41b (see Figure 5). However, it is sufficient to have at least one elastic engaging portion. For example, the first engaging portion 41a may be elastic, while the second engaging portion 42b may not be elastic. In this case, the first mounting component 40 can be attached to the first mounting component 50 by engaging the first engaging portion 41a after engaging the second engaging portion 42b.

[0068] Embodiment 5 shows an example in which the excess portion of the film 60 is cut off and adhered to the second column portion 110. As another example, instead of the film 60, a rubber sheet as an elastic deformation suppressing member is adhered to the first mounting part 50 without going through the second column portion 110. In this case, the rubber sheet and the first mounting part 50 may be molded as a single component made of the same material (for example, silicone rubber). Of course, the material of the first mounting part 50 may be a material other than rubber, as long as the rubber sheet can be adhered to the first mounting part 50. An example is to use polypropylene for the material of the first mounting part 50 and silicone rubber for the material of the rubber sheet. With this configuration, the repulsive force of the rubber sheet when inserting the snap-fit ​​portion 41 is reduced, and the elasticity of the rubber sheet can be used to press down on the tip side of the back portion 91 (i.e., the elastically deformable side) from a part of the tip portion 92. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 40. First mounting part 41 Snap-fit ​​section 50 First part to be attached 51 Opening

Claims

1. A mounting component including an elastically deformable first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, A mounting component including an engaged portion for inserting and engaging the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, A snap-fit ​​structure that includes, The aforementioned mounting component is A column portion that protrudes in the direction for inserting the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion into the engaged portion, A restraining part fixed to the upper surface of the column and including a flexible film, It has, The second engaging portion is not arranged on the same line as the first engaging portion with respect to the direction in which it elastically deforms. In the state in which the mounting part is attached to the part to be mounted, the upper surface of the column portion is located lower than the tip of the first engaging portion, The restraining portion surrounds the tip of the first engaging portion and a part of the back surface of the first engaging portion, and elastically presses against it. A snap-fit ​​structure characterized by this feature.

2. The snap-fit ​​structure according to claim 1, wherein the suppressing portion deforms in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first engaging portion elastically deforms.

3. The snap-fit ​​structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, with reference to the direction in which the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are inserted, the height of the column portion is shorter than the length from the lower end of the inclined portion of the first engaging portion to the tip portion of the first engaging portion.

4. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are elastically deformed in opposite directions. Between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion in the direction of elastic deformation, a component or region having a specific function is provided. The snap-fit ​​structure according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A liquid dispensing head having a snap-fit ​​structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned mounting component is a liquid dispensing head equipped with a flow path.

6. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 5, wherein the component to be attached is a liquid tank, and the head has a plurality of such liquid tanks.

7. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 6, configured to perform a recording operation while scanning.

8. The snap-fit ​​structure engages with the opening of a liquid tank for storing liquid, The opening of the liquid tank is covered by the film. The film functions as part of a channel through which the liquid supplied from the liquid tank passes. The liquid dispensing head according to claim 5.

9. A mounting component including an elastically deformable first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, A mounting component including an engaged portion for inserting and engaging the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, A method for assembling a snap-fit ​​structure, comprising: The aforementioned mounting component is A column portion that protrudes in the direction for inserting the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion into the engaged portion, A restraining part fixed to the upper surface of the column and including a flexible film, It has, The second engaging portion is not arranged on the same line as the first engaging portion with respect to the direction in which it elastically deforms. The steps include inserting the first engaging portion into the engaged portion while elastically deforming it, The steps include: pushing in the mounting component while bringing the tip of the first engaging portion into contact with the restraining portion, with reference to the direction in which the first engaging portion is inserted; The step of pushing the mounting part until the engaging surface of the first engaging part passes the engaged part, Includes, After the mounting component is attached to the component to be mounted, the upper surface of the column portion is positioned lower than the tip of the first engaging portion, The restraining portion surrounds the tip of the first engaging portion and a part of the back surface of the first engaging portion, and elastically presses against it. A method for assembling a snap-fit ​​structure characterized by the following features.

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