JP4432477B2 - Bonded body, manufacturing method of bonded body, and inkjet head - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a structure of a joined body for joining a certain member and another member and a method for manufacturing the joined body. Preferably, the present invention relates to a joined body as a joint member that forms a complicated flow path therein in the field of ink jet printing.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various techniques have been developed and publicly known as a configuration for joining a first member and a second member to form a joined body.

  For example, there is a joined body disclosed in Patent Document 1. This technique relates to a method for producing a synthetic resin hollow molded body, in which a pair of halved members (R1, R2) molded by an injection molding machine are joined, and grooves (g ) Is filled with an injection resin and cured as it is, thereby sealing the joint and forming a hollow molded body.

  Moreover, in the joined body (hollow molded body) disclosed in the seventh embodiment of Patent Document 2, a concave joined surface (90a, 90) is formed on the inner surface, outer surface, or end surface of the joined portion of the molded divided body (90, 91). 91a / 90b, 91b) or a groove-like joining surface (90c, 91c) is formed, and the liquid silicone rubber (B) is interposed therein, so that both molded divided bodies (90, 91) are joined and fixed together. is doing.

  Thus, when joining a 1st member and a 2nd member and forming a joined body, after joining both members, it is checked whether these joining states are appropriate. Inspection is often performed for this purpose.

JP-A-4-55091 (page 2, right column, lines 19 to 23, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7) JP 2002-301738 A (paragraph number 0047, FIG. 10)

  However, in the conventional joined body as shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the strength of the joined portion depends solely on the adhesive strength between the groove and the surface of the joined surface and the interface between the injection resin or the adhesive. Even if the adhesion area is increased, there is a limit to the strength that can be obtained at the joint. In addition, since the bonding strength between the interfaces varies greatly depending on conditions such as the state of the interface, the bonding portion has a large variation in strength, leading to an increase in cost due to a decrease in yield. Moreover, since the inspection for confirming the bonding state between the first member and the second member is complicated, the time required for manufacturing the bonded body is remarkably increased, and this also increases the cost.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving the problem will be described.

In the joined body of the present invention, a first member having a first flow path formed therein, and a second member having a second flow path formed therein, the first flow path and the second flow path Facing each other so as to communicate with each other, and injecting resin into the gap formed in the joint surface between the first member and the second member, the first member and the second member The gap is formed so as to surround the first flow path and the second flow path in the vicinity of the bonding surface, and the bonding surface of the second member is connected to the bonding surface. A convex wall portion is formed so as to contact the inner periphery of the gap and to surround the first flow path and the second flow path as viewed from the direction intersecting the surface, The void has an area in which the cross-sectional area increases as the distance from the bonding surface increases in the direction intersecting the bonding surface. That.

  In the joined body of the present invention, the second flow path may be composed of a larger number of flow paths than the number of the first flow paths.

  In the joined body of the present invention, the gap communicates with the annular part surrounding the first flow path and the second flow path in the vicinity of the joining surface, and toward the outside of the annular part. Two extending portions, one extending to the resin inlet side and the other extending to the resin outlet side, and the first member includes the outlet A hole may be formed to allow any one of the flow path of the resin flowing out from the extended portion on the side and the extended portion on the outlet side to communicate with the external space.

  In the joined body of the present invention, the first member and the second member may be made of resin.

  In the joined body of the present invention, the first member and the second member may be made of a material in which a portion forming the gap is melted by the resin injected into the gap.

  In the joined body of the present invention, the first member and the second member may be made of the same material as the resin injected into the gap.

The method for manufacturing a joined body according to the present invention includes a first step of forming a first member having a first flow path formed therein by injecting resin between first and second dies, and a second and second dies. A second step of forming a second member having a second flow path formed therein by injecting resin therebetween and communicating with the first flow path; and the first member and the second member And injecting resin into the gap formed so as to surround the first flow path and the second flow path in the vicinity of the joint surface, and the first member and the second member In the second step, the first member and the second member face each other on the joint surface of the second member. A convexity that is disposed so as to contact the inner periphery of the gap and surround the first flow path and the second flow path as viewed from the direction intersecting the joint surface. In the first step and the second step, the gap intersects the joining surface in a state where the first member and the second member face each other. The first member and the second member are formed so as to have a region whose cross-sectional area increases as the distance from the joint surface increases .

  In the method for manufacturing a joined body according to the present invention, the first step forms a hole for communicating either the gap or the resin flow path flowing out of the gap with an external space in the first member. And a fourth step of confirming a state of the resin flowing in either the gap or the resin flow path flowing out of the gap from the hole formed in the first member. Furthermore, you may provide.

  In the method for manufacturing a joined body according to the present invention, the gap is formed in the vicinity of the joint surface and surrounds the first flow path and the second flow path, and communicates with the annular part and outside the annular part. And two extending portions extending toward the resin, one of which is the resin inlet side and the other of which is the resin outlet side, and the first step includes: Forming a hole for communicating any one of the flow path of the resin flowing out from the extension part on the outlet side and the extension part on the outlet side to the external space with respect to the first member; Confirming the state of the resin flowing in either the outlet-side extension part or the resin-flow path flowing out of the outlet-side extension part from the hole formed in the first member You may further provide the process.

  An ink jet head according to the present invention includes a head unit having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink to a print surface, an ink supply port communicating with the nozzle, and an ink flow path extending from an ink supply source to the ink supply port. A joint member formed at least in part with an ink supply passage inside, and the joint member is constituted by any one of the joined bodies of the present invention.

  In the inkjet head according to the aspect of the invention, the head unit includes a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of ink supply ports corresponding to the nozzle rows, and the joint member has the second flow path as the first channel. The first member, which is configured by a joined body having a larger number of flow paths than the number of flow paths, and located on the ink supply source side, includes the first flow path and is located on the head unit side. The second member may have a plurality of the second flow paths corresponding to the plurality of ink supply ports.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

Further, a first member having a first flow path formed therein, and a second member having a second flow path formed therein, the first flow path and the second flow path are A joined body that faces each other and injects resin into a gap formed in a joint surface between the first member and the second member to join the first member and the second member. In the above, the gap is formed so as to surround the first flow path and the second flow path in the vicinity of the joint surface, so that the joint surface is sealed by solidifying the injected resin, Even when the liquid flows into the flow path of the joined body, the liquid can be prevented from leaking from the joined surface.
In addition, since the gap has a region in which the cross-sectional area of the gap increases as it moves away from the joint surface in a direction intersecting with the joint surface, it has an effect of preventing liquid leakage, and the injected resin By solidifying in this region, the first member and the second member can be joined stably and firmly.

  In addition, since the second flow path includes a larger number of flow paths than the number of the first flow paths, it has an effect of preventing liquid leakage and is difficult to form by a single injection molding. Even if it is a shape like a flow path, it can be easily formed inside by constituting as a joined body.

  In addition, the gap includes an annular part surrounding the first flow path and the second flow path in the vicinity of the joint surface, and two gaps that communicate with the annular part and extend toward the outside of the annular part. The first member has two extending portions, one of which is the resin inlet side and the other of which is the resin outlet side, and the first member includes the extending portion on the outlet side. And a hole for communicating any one of the flow paths of the resin flowing out from the extending portion on the outlet side to the external space, the first member and the second member are joined, and then the first member The state of the resin flowing into the gap from the hole can be grasped by visual observation, for example. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm whether the first member and the second member are joined properly. As a result, it is not necessary to perform a complicated inspection in order to confirm whether the joining state of the first member and the second member is good or bad.

  Moreover, since the first member and the second member are made of resin, each member can be easily formed by injection molding in a short time. Moreover, since each said member can be formed with sufficient dimensional accuracy if injection molding is used, the variation in the dimension of a joined body can also be reduced.

  In addition, since the first member and the second member are materials in which the portion forming the gap is melted by the resin injected into the gap, the surface of the gap is melted by the resin. The bond strength between the interfaces is improved, and the joined body is further strengthened.

  In addition, since the first member and the second member are made of the same material as the resin injected into the gap, the conformability between the resin and the gap surface is improved, so that the joined body can be more firmly joined. can do.

In addition, a first step of forming a first member in which a resin is injected between the first and second male molds to form a first flow path therein, and a resin is injected between the second male and female molds. A second step of forming a second member having a second flow path communicating with the first flow path, the first member and the second member facing each other, and a joint surface thereof A third step of injecting resin into a gap formed so as to surround the first flow path and the second flow path in the vicinity to join the first member and the second member; Since the resin injected in the third step is solidified, the bonding surface is sealed, and even when liquid flows into the flow path of the bonded body, leakage of liquid from the bonding surface is prevented. can do.
In addition, since the gap has a region in which the cross-sectional area of the gap increases as it moves away from the joint surface in a direction intersecting with the joint surface, it has an effect of preventing liquid leakage, and the injected resin By solidifying in this region, the first member and the second member can be joined stably and firmly.

  In addition, the first step includes a step of forming, in the first member, a hole for communicating any one of the gap and the resin flow channel flowing out of the gap with an external space, Since the method further includes a fourth step of confirming a flow state of the resin in either the gap or the resin flow path flowing out of the gap from the hole formed in the first member. After joining the member and the second member, the state in which the first member and the second member are joined is obtained by, for example, visually observing the state of the resin flowing into the gap from the hole of the first member. Can be separated.

  In addition, the gap includes an annular part surrounding the first flow path and the second flow path in the vicinity of the joint surface, and two gaps that communicate with the annular part and extend toward the outside of the annular part. An extending portion, one of which is an inlet side of the resin and the other is an outlet side of the resin, and the first step is performed with respect to the first member. And forming a hole for communicating any one of the extending portion on the outlet side and the flow path of the resin flowing out from the extending portion on the outlet side with an external space, and is formed in the first member. In addition, since it further includes a fourth step of confirming the flow state of the resin in either the extension portion on the outlet side or the flow path of the resin flowing out from the extension portion on the outlet side from the hole, After joining the first member and the second member, from the hole of the first member into the gap Kicking by grasped by the flow state of resin for example visual observation, it is possible to separate the good things bonding state of the first member and the second member more reliably.

  A head unit having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink to the print surface; an ink supply port communicating with the nozzle; and at least part of an ink flow path from an ink supply source to the ink supply port. In addition, since the joint member is formed of any one of the above-described joints, an ink jet head that reliably prevents ink leakage can be obtained.

  The head unit includes a plurality of rows of nozzles and a plurality of ink supply ports corresponding to the nozzle rows, and the joint member is configured such that the second channel is the first channel. And the first member located on the ink supply source side includes the first flow path and the first member located on the head unit side. Since the member 2 has the plurality of second flow paths corresponding to the plurality of ink supply ports, it has an effect of preventing ink leakage and is difficult to form by one injection molding (for example, branch flow) Even if it has a shape (such as a road), a joint member in which such a flow path shape is formed can be easily obtained by configuring it as a joined body.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an overall configuration of a color ink jet printer using a joint member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

〔overall structure〕
The ink jet head 63 of the color ink jet printer 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a total of four ink jet heads arranged for each color in order to eject ink of four colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black) onto the main body frame 68. The piezoelectric ink jet head unit (hereinafter referred to as “head unit”) 6 is fixed, and a total of four ink cartridges 61 each filled with color ink are detachably attached to the main body frame 68. The main body frame 68 is fixed to a carriage 64 that is reciprocated in a linear direction by a drive mechanism 65. The platen roller 66 for feeding the paper is disposed such that its axis is along the reciprocating direction of the carriage 64 and is opposed to the head unit 6.

  The carriage 64 is slidably supported by a guide shaft 71 and a guide plate 72 that are disposed in parallel with the support shaft of the platen roller 66. Pulleys 73 and 74 are supported near both ends of the guide shaft 71, and an endless belt 75 is stretched between the pulleys 73 and 74. The carriage 64 is fixed to the endless belt 75.

  In such a configuration of the drive mechanism 65, when one pulley 73 is rotated forward and backward by the drive of the motor 76, the carriage 64 is reciprocated in a linear direction along the guide shaft 71 and the guide plate 72. The ink jet head 63 is reciprocated.

  The paper 62 is fed from a paper feed cassette (not shown) provided on the side of the ink jet printer 100, guided to the space between the head unit 6 and the platen roller 66, and ejected from the head unit 6. The paper is discharged after predetermined printing is performed with the ink. In FIG. 1, the paper feed mechanism and paper discharge mechanism for the paper 62 are not shown.

  The purge mechanism 67 is for forcibly sucking and removing defective ink containing bubbles, dust and the like accumulated in the head unit 6. The purge mechanism 67 is provided on the side of the platen roller 66, and the purge mechanism 67 is disposed so as to face the head unit 6 when the ink jet head 63 reaches the reset position by the drive mechanism 65 described above. It has been established. The purge mechanism 67 includes a purge cap 81 and abuts against the lower surface of the head unit 6 so as to cover a large number of nozzles provided on the lower surface of the head unit 6.

  With this configuration, when the ink jet head 63 is at the reset position, the nozzle of the head unit 6 provided on the carriage 64 is covered with the purge cap 81, and defective ink containing bubbles or the like accumulated in the head unit 6 is obtained. The head unit 6 is recovered by sucking the ink 83 by the pump 82 by driving the cam 83 and discarding it in the waste ink reservoir 84. The cap 85 shown in FIG. 1 covers a number of nozzles of the head unit 6 on the carriage 64 that is returned to the reset position after printing, and prevents the ink from drying.

[Configuration of inkjet head]
Next, the inkjet head 63 will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the inkjet head. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the head unit. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a chain line in FIG.

  A sectional view of the inkjet head 63 is shown in FIG. 2, and the main body frame 68 of the inkjet head 63 is formed in a substantially box shape with its upper surface opened as shown in FIG. The mounting portion is configured so that the four ink cartridges 61 can be detachably mounted. As shown in FIG. 3, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 2, four head units 6 described above are arranged on the bottom surface of the bottom plate 5 of the main body frame 68 and fixed with an adhesive.

  A perspective view showing the configuration of the head unit 6 is shown in FIG. The head unit 6 has a cavity plate set 10 having a configuration in which a plurality of thin metal plates are laminated, similar to that described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-246744. A piezoelectric actuator (hereinafter referred to as “actuator”) 20 is bonded and laminated via an adhesive or an adhesive sheet. On the upper surface of the actuator 20, a flexible flat cable 40 for electrical connection with an external device is overlapped and bonded with an adhesive.

  A large number of nozzles 15 are opened on the lower surface of the cavity plate set 10 so that ink is ejected downward from each nozzle 15. In addition, a large number of pressure chambers 16 are arranged side by side on the upper surface of the cavity plate set 10, and the nozzle 15 described above communicates with the corresponding pressure chamber 16 in the cavity plate set 10 (not shown). Are connected to each other.

  Although the detailed configuration of the actuator 20 is not shown, like the one described in the above publication, a drive electrode provided corresponding to each of the pressure chambers 16 formed in the cavity plate set 10 and all the pressure chambers. 16 is a known configuration in which a piezoelectric sheet is sandwiched between common electrodes 16. When a voltage is applied between an arbitrary drive electrode and a common electrode in this configuration, the piezoelectric sheet is deformed, the volume of the pressure chamber 16 at the corresponding position is reduced, and ejection energy is applied to the ink inside the pressure chamber 16. Then, the ink is ejected from the nozzle 15.

  Two common ink chambers 7, 7 for distributing ink to the plurality of pressure chambers 16 are formed inside the cavity plate set 10, and ink supply ports 19, 19 connected to the common ink chambers 7, 7 are formed in the cavity plate. The upper surface of the set 10 is opened. Corresponding to the two ink supply ports 19, 19, two resin or metal cylindrical members 35, 35 are formed on the upper surface of the cavity plate set 10 with an adhesive (for example, epoxy type). Adhered and provided. The cylindrical members 35 are provided so as to protrude toward the main body frame 68, and the internal spaces of the respective cylindrical members 35 are connected to the corresponding ink supply ports 19.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, four through holes 30 corresponding to the respective head units 6 are provided in the vertical direction through the bottom plate 5 in one side portion of the mounting portion of the main body frame 68. A single joint member 31 is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom plate 5 so as to straddle the four through holes 30. As shown in FIG. 5, which is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a chain line in FIG. 3, the joint member 31 includes an upper half portion (first member) 41 and a lower half portion (second member) 42 made of synthetic resin. The ink supply passages 4 are respectively formed corresponding to the respective head units 6 and formed as joined bodies joined together.

  One first flow path 51 is formed in the upper half 41 corresponding to each head unit 6, and two second flow paths 52 are formed in the lower half 42. Has been. With this configuration, the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 are joined to face each other, so that the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 communicate with each other. An ink supply passage 4 branched in a letter shape is formed. The first flow path 51 is connected to an ink supply source (not shown) (specifically, the ink tank in the ink cartridge 61 described above). Further, each of the second flow paths 52 passes through the through hole 30 and extends to the head unit 6 side, and is a cylindrical portion that protrudes from the joint member 31 in a bifurcated shape toward the head unit 6 side. It passes through the inside of 32 and 32, and is opened at the lower end of this cylindrical part 32 and 32, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the tubular member 35 of the head unit 6 and the tubular portion 32 of the joint member 31 are connected by tubes 33 and 33. The tubes 33 and 33 are made of an elastically deformable material (for example, rubber) and are formed in a cylindrical shape. One end of the tube 33 is fitted to the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 32 of the joint member 31, and the other end is fitted to the outer circumference of the cylindrical member 35 fixed to the head unit 6.

  Both the cylindrical member 35 of the head unit 6 and the cylindrical portion 32 of the joint member 31 are set to have an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the tube 33, and while elastically deforming so as to increase the diameter of the tube 33, The tubular member 35 and the tubular portion 32 are fitted. By assembling the tube 33 in this way, the restoring force in the diameter reducing direction of the tube 33 acts as a tightening force for the tubular member 35 or the tubular portion 32, the fitting portion is brought into close contact, and a sealing action is performed, thereby Leakage is prevented. Further, the tubular member 35 is fitted to the tube 33 so that the bending force does not act on the head unit 6 by the tube 33 when the joint member 31 is fixed to the bottom plate 5 of the main body frame.

[Joint structure of joint members]
Next, the joining configuration of the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 of the joint member 31 will be described. As described above, the joint member 31 has a configuration in which the two halves of the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 are faced to each other and bonded together. When the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 are brought into contact with each other (surfaces to be joined, reference numeral 36 in FIG. 5) facing each other, a gap 55 is formed between the two halves 41 and 42. The shape is set as shown. Then, by injecting resin into the gap 55 and pouring and solidifying it, both halves 41 and 42 are joined and fixed so as not to be separated from each other.

  The upper half 41 is manufactured by injection molding, and a resin is injected between a first male and female mold (not shown) to form the first flow path 51 therein, and the joint surface 36 thereof. A recess that constitutes a part of the gap 55 is formed. At this time, a confirmation window 58 (see FIG. 6) is formed in the upper half portion 41 to communicate the resin flow channel flowing out from the gap 55 to the external space (first step). As will be described later, the confirmation window 58 is used to confirm the state of the resin flowing in the gap 55.

  Similarly, the lower half 42 is manufactured by injection molding, and a resin is injected between the second male and female molds (not shown) to form the second flow path 52 therein. A concave portion constituting a part of the gap 55 is formed on the surface 36 (second step). The recess on the lower half 42 side is indicated by reference numeral 56 in FIG.

  In this embodiment, since the method of separately manufacturing the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 by injection molding is adopted in this way, the internal flow paths are respectively provided in the upper half 41 and the lower half 42. (The first channel 51 in the upper half 41 and the second channel 52 in the lower half 42) can be formed separately and independently. Therefore, for example, a channel shape in which the number of the second channels 52 is larger than the number of the first channels 51 as in the present embodiment can be easily formed inside the joint member 31. In addition, by adopting injection molding, both the halves 41 and 42 can be easily manufactured in a short time, the productivity can be improved, and the halves 41 and 42 can be formed with high dimensional accuracy. It is possible to suppress variations in the dimensions of the.

  The detailed shape of the gap 55 formed inside when the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 are joined is represented as a hatched portion in the perspective view of FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the gap 55 includes a track-like loop portion 55L surrounding the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52, an injection path 55I connected to the loop section 55L, and an air escape path. 55O and conical portions 55C formed on the upper and lower surfaces of both end portions of the loop portion 55L. One end of the injection path 55I and the air escape path 55O are connected to the loop portion 55L, while the other end forms an opening in the side portion of the joint member 31.

  The conical portion 55C is formed in both the upper half portion 41 and the lower half portion 42. In both the half portions 41 and 42, the conical portion 55C has one side connected to the loop portion 55L and the other side. Is formed on the surface opposite to the joint surface 36. The conical portion 55 </ b> C is formed in a shape in which a cross-sectional area cut by a plane parallel to the joint surface 36 increases as the distance from the joint surface 36 increases.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), the halves 41 and 42 are faced to each other, the joint surfaces 36 are brought into contact with each other, and the halves 41 and 42 are sandwiched by a pair of molds 60 from the vertical direction. In this state, a fluid resin is injected from the injection path 55I (third step). At this time, since the air in the loop portion 55L is discharged through the air escape path 55O, the loop portion 55L can be filled with resin smoothly. Further, the resin reaches the conical portion 55C via the loop portion 55L. However, since the conical portion 55C has an opening on the side opposite to the joining surface 36 as described above, the air inside the conical portion 55C is resin. And is discharged through the opening. Therefore, the resin can be filled smoothly into the conical portion 55C. A track-like wall portion 57 is formed in a convex shape on the joint surface 36 of the lower half portion 42 so as to contact the inner periphery of the loop portion 55L (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The wall portion 57 acts so that the resin does not flow into the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 when the resin is filled.

  Thereafter, when the resin injected into the gap 55 is solidified, as shown in FIG. 8B, the mold 60 sandwiching both the halves 41 and 42 is removed. Then, the flow of the resin in the gap 55 is confirmed from the confirmation window 58 of the upper half 41 (fourth step). Here, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, the confirmation window 58 is formed on the downstream side of the resin flow direction from the flow path of the resin flowing out from the gap 55, that is, the air escape path 55 O of the upper half 41. It is formed to correspond. Therefore, the resin injected from the injection path 55I passes through the loop portion 55L, reaches the air escape path 55O, and then flows out from the air escape path 55O to a range visible from the confirmation window 58. Thus, based on the state of the flow path of the resin that has flowed out of the gap 55, the flow of the resin in the gap 55 can be estimated.

  Next, how the resin flows in the gap 55 from the confirmation window 58 in the upper half 41 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (c). 9A to 9C show top views of the upper half 41. FIG. Here, in the present embodiment, the upper half 41 and the lower half are based on how the resin is seen from the confirmation window 58 when the flow of the resin in the gap 55 is confirmed from the confirmation window 58. 42 is determined. In FIG. 9, the portion where the resin is present is indicated by hatching.

  Here, the amount of resin injected from the injection path 55I in a state where the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 are sandwiched between the molds 60 is set to a predetermined amount in advance. That is, the amount of resin to be injected into the gap 55 is set in order to appropriately join the upper half 41 and the lower half 42. In the present embodiment, the amount of resin injected from the injection path 55I is such that the resin injected from the injection path 55I is sufficiently injected into the loop part 55L and the conical part 55C and the air escape path 55O. The tip portion of the resin that has passed through (the tip portion of the resin injected from the injection path 55I and flowing into the groove of the lower mold 60 formed on the extended line of the air escape path 55O) can be seen from the confirmation window 58 The amount to reach is set.

  Accordingly, when the mold 60 is removed after the resin is injected into the gap 55, the upper half portion is formed when the front end portion of the resin is confirmed from the confirmation window 58 as shown in FIG. It is determined that the joining state between 41 and the lower half 42 is appropriate. As described above, in this embodiment, since the joining state of the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 is determined based on how the resin is seen from the confirmation window 58, a substantially rectangular confirmation window is obtained. The length X along the resin flow direction 58 (see FIG. 7) is preferably set in consideration of the injection amount of the resin, the bonding state between the upper half 41 and the lower half 42, and the like. That is, the relationship between how the resin is seen from the confirmation window 58 and the flow of the resin in the gap 55 is grasped in advance, and when the resin appears from the confirmation window 58, the upper half 41 and the lower half 41 It is preferable to set the length X of the confirmation window 58 after grasping whether the joining state with the half portion 42 is appropriate.

  FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C illustrate a state where it is determined that the joining state of the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 is not appropriate. In FIG. 9B, the resin (resin tip) cannot be seen at all from the confirmation window 58 because the tip of the resin has not reached the range visible from the confirmation window 58. As described above, when the resin cannot be confirmed from the confirmation window 58, the resin injected from the injection path 55 </ b> I is not dispersed in the entire gap 55, and the first flow path 51 and the second flow path are not detected. It is considered that a phenomenon that the path 52 is connected to the outside (flow path leak) occurs. Further, as described above, a predetermined amount of resin is injected into the gap 55, but a predetermined amount of resin is injected due to variations in the pressure, flow velocity, temperature, resin amount, etc. during injection. It may not be. Even when the amount of injected resin is less than a predetermined amount, it is considered that the resin cannot be confirmed from the confirmation window 58.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 9C, the resin tip passes through a range visible from the confirmation window 58, and the resin tip cannot be confirmed from the confirmation window 58. As described above, when the resin can be confirmed from the confirmation window 58 but the tip portion of the resin cannot be confirmed, the resin is injected from the injection path 55I at a relatively high flow rate, and the upper half portion. When the 41 and the lower half 42 are melted or deformed, the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52 and the gap 55 communicate with each other, and the first flow path 51 and the second flow path It is considered that a phenomenon that the resin flows into the path 52 to create a short path flow path (flow path clogging) occurs.

  As described above, once the resin injected into the loop portion 55L and the cone portion 55C is solidified, unless the portion in the cone portion 55C is deformed or the connecting portion between the cone portion 55C and the loop portion 55L is broken. Thus, the loop portion 55L does not separate from the respective half portions 41 and 42. This means that the two halves 41 and 42 are mechanically firmly and stably joined to each other via the loop portion 55L, and it is possible to surely prevent peeling that is not intended.

  Further, since the gap 55 has the loop portion 55L surrounding the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52, the loop section 55L serves as a seal for preventing ink leakage. As a result, the joint surface 36 is sealed so as to surround the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 52, so that the ink from the ink supply source flows into the flow path inside the joint member 31. Even in this case, the ink can be prevented from leaking from the joint surface 36. As a result, it is possible to obtain the inkjet head 63 that reliably prevents ink leakage.

  In addition, after the resin is injected from the injection path 55I with the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 sandwiched between the molds 60, the state of the resin flowing into the gap 55 from the confirmation window 58 of the upper half 41 Can be grasped by, for example, visual observation. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm whether the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 are joined properly. As a result, in order to confirm whether the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 are joined or not, that is, when a flow path is formed inside the upper half 41 and the lower half 42, the flow is In order to confirm the presence or absence of a channel leak or a blockage in the channel, it is not necessary to perform a complicated inspection. As a result, the time required for manufacturing the inkjet head 63 is shortened, and the cost can be reduced.

  Various resins can be injected into the gap 55, but from the viewpoint of preventing easy deformation of the resin in the conical portion 55C, it is desirable to exhibit sufficient rigidity and mechanical strength after solidification. In addition, the resin that is injected into the gap 55 melts the portion forming the gap 55 of the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 (the recess) in relation to the resin. It is desirable to define the material of the halves 41 and 42. This is because the resin to be injected and the surface of the gap 55 are melted together, whereby the joining of both the halves 41 and 42 can be further strengthened. Further, as a result, the stress at the joint can be dispersed, so stress concentration at the root of the cone 55C can be avoided, and breakage at the root of the cone 55C can be avoided. Bonding can be further strengthened. In particular, since the loop portion 55L is integrated with the surface of the gap 55, the sealing performance is further improved and ink leakage can be prevented more reliably.

  Or when the said half parts 41 and 42 use a thermoplastic resin as a raw material, if the temperature of the resin inject | poured into the space | gap 55 is set to the temperature which the said half parts 41 and 42 can fuse | melt, the same effect can be acquired. it can. However, if the temperature is too high, the upper half 41 and the entire lower half 42 may be deformed. Therefore, an appropriate temperature is set in consideration of the above situation.

  As for the resin injected into the gap 55, if the viscosity is too low at the time of injection, the first flow inside the gap is formed through a minute gap formed between the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 on the bonding surface 36. Since the resin flows out into the path 51 and the second flow path 52 and the ink flow may be hindered, it is preferable to adjust the viscosity of the resin at the time of injection in consideration of such circumstances.

  Preferably, the resin injected into the gap 55 is the same as the resin that is the material of the halves 41 and 42. When the same material is used in this way, the surface of the gap 55 and the resin are integrated with each other in a familiar manner, so that the joining of both halves 41 and 42 can be further strengthened. Further, stress concentration on the root portion of the conical portion 55C can be avoided as described above. Furthermore, in particular, when the loop portion 55L is integrated with the surface of the gap 55, the sealing performance is further improved, and ink leakage can be prevented more reliably.

  The shape of the gap 55 is a shape having a conical portion 55C, but this portion is not limited to a conical shape, and any shape such as a pyramid shape, a mushroom shape, or a wedge shape can be adopted. In short, it is only necessary that the cross-sectional area increases as the distance from the joint surface 36 in the direction intersecting the joint surface 36 increases. Further, when the upper half 41 and the lower half 42 are regarded as a mold for pouring resin into the gap 55, if the gap 55 has a portion corresponding to a so-called undercut portion, the bonding is performed. The effect that can be strengthened can be exhibited. However, as in the conical portion 55C of the present embodiment, when the cross-sectional area continuously increases as the distance from the joint surface increases, air can be easily introduced in the step of injecting the resin into the gap 55 (the third step). This is preferable in that the injection resin can be smoothly poured and filled into the conical portion 55C while escaping.

  The number and arrangement of the conical portions 55C are not limited to those shown in the present embodiment. However, when the conical portion 55C is formed at least one in both the upper half 41 and the lower half 42, the two halves 41 and 42 are more firmly joined to each other than when only one is formed. Can do.

  The shape of the loop portion 55L of the gap 55 is not limited to a track shape, and any shape such as a circle, an ellipse, or a quadrangle can be employed. Further, it is only necessary to surround the first channel 51 and the second channel 52, and the shape is not necessarily limited to a closed shape, and may be an open shape (for example, “C” shape). However, from the viewpoint of ensuring prevention of the above-described ink leakage, it is preferable to form a closed loop with no break as in the present embodiment.

  The shape of the confirmation window 58 formed in the upper half 41 is not limited to a substantially rectangular shape, and any shape such as a circle or an ellipse can be adopted. Further, the number of confirmation windows 58 formed in the upper half 41 may be one or plural. Further, the confirmation window 58 is not necessarily formed so that the resin flow path flowing out from the gap 55 communicates with the external space, and may be formed so as to communicate the gap 55 with the external space. Further, the confirmation window 58 may be formed in the lower half 442.

  In the present embodiment, four ink supply passages 4 are formed in a single joint member 31, and one gap 55 is formed corresponding to one ink supply passage 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and four joint members 31 may be arranged corresponding to the four head units 6, and one ink supply passage 4 may be formed for each joint member 31. In this case, each of the four joint members 31 has an upper half 41 and a lower half 42, and both halves 41 and 42 are joined by injecting resin into the above-described gap 55. Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the joined body is applied to the joint member 31 of the ink jet head has been described. However, the joined body of the present invention is not limited to this, regardless of whether a flow path is formed therein, or Regardless of whether it is in the inkjet printing field, this is applied to a general configuration for bonding a member and another member (for example, a configuration in which a metal and a metal are bonded or a metal and a resin are bonded). can do.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing an overall configuration of a color inkjet printer using a joint member as one embodiment of the present invention. Sectional drawing of an inkjet head. III-III sectional view taken on the line in FIG. The disassembled perspective view of a head unit. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a chain line in FIG. 3. The disassembled assembly perspective view of a coupling member. The perspective view which shows in detail the shape of the space | gap formed inside when the upper and lower half part of a coupling member is faced. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the state of the upper-lower half part at the time of resin injection | pouring. The figure which shows how the resin can be seen from the confirmation window.

Explanation of symbols

31 Joint members (joints)
36 Joining surface 41 Upper half (first member)
42 Lower half (second member)
51 1st flow path 52 2nd flow path 55 Cavity 55C Conical part (area | region where cross-sectional area becomes large as it leaves | separates from a joint surface in the direction which cross | intersects a joint surface)
58 Confirmation window (hole)

Claims (11)

The first channel and the second channel communicate with each other with the first member having the first channel formed therein and the second member having the second channel formed therein. In the joined body for injecting resin into the gap formed in the joint surface between the first member and the second member to join the first member and the second member,
The gap is formed so as to surround the first flow path and the second flow path in the vicinity of the joint surface ,
The second member is disposed on the joint surface so as to be in contact with the inner periphery of the gap and surround the first flow channel and the second flow channel as viewed from the direction intersecting the joint surface. A convex wall is formed,
The bonded body is characterized in that the gap has a region whose cross-sectional area increases as the distance from the bonded surface increases in a direction intersecting the bonded surface . The joined body according to claim 1 ,
Said 2nd flow path consists of a larger number of flow paths than the number of said 1st flow paths, The joined body characterized by the above-mentioned. In the joined body according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The void is
An annular portion surrounding the first flow path and the second flow path in the vicinity of the joint surface;
Two extending portions that communicate with the annular portion and extend toward the outside of the annular portion, each having two extending portions, one on the resin inlet side and the other on the resin outlet side. As well as
The first member is formed with a hole for communicating any one of the extending portion on the outlet side and the flow path of the resin flowing out from the extending portion on the outlet side with the external space. Joined body. In the joined body according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The first member and the second member are made of resin. The joined body according to claim 4 ,
The first member and the second member are made of a material in which a part forming the gap is melted by the resin injected into the gap. The joined body according to claim 5 ,
The first member and the second member are made of the same material as the resin injected into the gap. A first step of forming a first member in which a first flow path is formed by injecting resin between the first and second dies;
A second step of forming a second member that injects a resin between the second male and female molds to form a second flow path that communicates with the first flow path inside;
The first member and the second member face each other, and a resin is injected into a gap formed so as to surround the first flow path and the second flow path in the vicinity of the joint surface, And a third step of joining the first member and the second member ,
In the second step, in the state where the first member and the second member face each other on the joint surface of the second member, the inside of the gap is viewed from the direction intersecting the joint surface. Forming a convex wall portion arranged in contact with the circumference and surrounding the first flow path and the second flow path;
In the first step and the second step, the gap is separated from the joint surface in a direction intersecting the joint surface in a state where the first member and the second member face each other. According to the method, the first member and the second member are formed so as to have a region in which the cross-sectional area becomes large . In the manufacturing method of the joined object according to claim 7 ,
The first step includes a step of forming a hole for communicating any one of the gap and the resin flow path flowing out of the gap with an external space with respect to the first member;
The method further comprises a fourth step of confirming a flow state of the resin in either the gap or the resin flow path flowing out of the gap from the hole formed in the first member. A method for manufacturing a joined body. In the manufacturing method of the joined object according to claim 7 ,
The void is
An annular portion surrounding the first flow path and the second flow path in the vicinity of the joint surface;
Two extending portions that communicate with the annular portion and extend toward the outside of the annular portion, each having two extending portions, one on the resin inlet side and the other on the resin outlet side. As well as
In the first step, a hole is formed in the first member so that either the extended portion on the outlet side or the resin flow channel flowing out from the extended portion on the outlet side communicates with the external space. Including the step of
Confirming the state of the resin flowing in either the outlet-side extension part or the resin-flow path flowing out of the outlet-side extension part from the hole formed in the first member The manufacturing method of the conjugate | zygote further provided with the process. A head unit having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink to the printing surface, and an ink supply port communicating with the nozzles;
A coupling member formed inside an ink supply passage that forms at least a part of an ink flow path from an ink supply source to the ink supply port, and
The joint member, the ink-jet head, characterized in that it is constituted by assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In the inkjet head according to claim 10 ,
The head unit has a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of ink supply ports corresponding to the nozzle rows,
The joint member is constituted by the joined body according to claim 2 ,
The first member located on the ink supply source side includes the first flow path,
The inkjet head, wherein the second member located on the head unit side has a plurality of the second flow paths corresponding to the plurality of ink supply ports.

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