Manifold and method for manufacturing manifold

Abstract

The invention relates to a manifold. Provided is a manifold in which a reduction in weld strength can be suppressed even if the precision of a joining surface of members constituting a housing is reduced. The manifold has a housing (MH) having a first housing (10) in which a first opening (S1) is formed, and a second housing (20) in which a second opening (S2) is formed, the first housing (10) and the second housing (20) being integrated by welding the respective joining surfaces (SW) of the first opening (S1) and the second opening (S2) to each other, and having a fluid space (LS) formed therein. A rib (R) protruding outward along a surface parallel to the joining surface (SW) is formed on at least one of the outer peripheral side of the opening edge of the first opening (S1) and the outer peripheral side of the opening edge of the second opening (S2) in the housing (MH).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a manifold and a manufacturing method of a manifold. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Patent Literature 1, as an integrated coolant bottle assembly including a reservoir for storing or flowing of a coolant medium, a structure in which a first portion and a second portion are joined is shown.

[0003] In this Patent Literature 1, as a specific structure, and as a joining, bonding, abutting of a reservoir interface that joins the first portion of the reservoir and the second portion of the reservoir, for example, a welding interface, an adhesive interface, a thermoforming interface, a hot plate welding interface, a heat welding interface, a sonic welding interface, an ultrasonic welding interface, and / or a technique that joins the two portions of the reservoir to each other are described.

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-520261

[0005] For example, a manifold for controlling the flow of a coolant in a vehicle can assume a structure in which a housing in which the flow of a fluid can be performed is formed with an input port that supplies a fluid from the outside, and an output port that sends out the fluid, and is provided with a valve portion that switches a flow path, and a pump portion that makes the fluid flow after a pressure is applied to the fluid.

[0006] In addition, a technique in which two members that form a housing are joined by a heat staking technique formed of a thermoplastic resin is also considered in this manifold.

[0007] However, in the case where two members for forming a housing are manufactured by mold forming, at least one of the two members can be slightly deformed at times. In the case where the two members that are not in an appropriate shape due to such deformation are staked, there is a possibility that joining in a state where the two members are appropriately in close contact (in other words, sufficient staking area cannot be ensured) cannot be performed, and the staking strength between the joining surfaces is reduced.

[0008] In this way, a housing in which the staking strength between the joining surfaces is reduced is concerned to cause the generation of cracks at the time of use. SUMMARY

[0009] Based on such a reason, a manifold and a manufacturing method of a manifold in which the reduction in staking strength can be suppressed even if the precision of the joining surface of the member of the housing is reduced are sought.

[0010] The manifold of the present application is characterized in that the manifold has: a housing having a first housing formed with a first opening portion and a second housing formed with a second opening portion, the first housing and the second housing being integrated by fusion of the joint surfaces of the first opening portion and the second opening portion to each other and having a fluid space formed inside, at least one of the outer periphery side of the opening edge of the first opening portion and the outer periphery side of the opening edge of the second opening portion in the housing being formed with a rib portion projecting toward the outside along a surface parallel to the joint surfaces.

[0011] According to the present structure, even if one of the first housing and the second housing is in a deformed state and the first opening portion and the second opening portion are in a condition not properly in close contact, pressure can be applied to the rib portion in the direction in which the first opening portion and the second opening portion are crimped when fusion bonding is performed by heat. By thus applying pressure, fusion bonding in a state in which the first opening portion and the second opening portion are properly in close contact can be achieved, and the fusion bonding area can be sufficiently ensured. Therefore, even if the precision of the joint surfaces of the components constituting the housing decreases, a manifold in which the decrease in the fusion bonding strength is suppressed can be constituted.

[0012] The manufacturing method of the manifold of the present application is characterized in that it is a manufacturing method of the above-described manifold, and has: a heating step of heating the joint surface of the first opening portion in the first housing and the joint surface of the second opening portion in the second housing to a fusion temperature; and a crimping step of crimping the joint surface of the first opening portion and the joint surface of the second opening portion after the heating step, in which step, force is applied to the rib portion in a direction orthogonal to the joint surfaces.

[0013] According to the present structure, in the heating step, the joint surface of the first opening portion and the joint surface of the second opening portion are raised to a fusion temperature. In the subsequent crimping step, the joint surface of the first opening portion and the joint surface of the second opening portion are crimped, and force is applied to the rib portion in a direction orthogonal to the joint surfaces in conjunction with the crimping. Therefore, in the present structure, crimping in a state in which the joint surfaces are in sufficient contact with each other can be performed. That is, even if at least one of the first housing and the second housing is deformed and the joint surface of the first opening portion and the joint surface of the second opening portion are not properly in close contact, crimping in a state in which the joint surfaces are in contact with each other can be performed by applying pressure to the rib portion. Therefore, even if the precision of the joint surfaces of the components constituting the housing decreases, a manufacturing method of a manifold in which the decrease in the fusion bonding strength is suppressed can be constituted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a manifold.

[0015] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view showing the flow path switching valve of the manifold.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper and lower outer shells in the fused state.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the upper and lower outer shells before fusion bonding.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional view of the upper and lower shells in their separated state.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing the first and second openings in the heating step.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the first and second openings in the welding process.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0022] 10: Upper housing (first housing), 20: Lower housing (second housing), 34: Restricting component, 35: Burr, LS: Flow chamber (fluid space), M: Manifold, MH: Housing, R: Rib, R1: First rib, R2: Second rib, S1: First opening, S2: Second opening, SW: Joint surface, I: Heating step, II: Pressing step. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the manifold and the method of manufacturing the manifold of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As described below, the manifold is a component in an electric vehicle that controls the flow of fluids that exchange heat with batteries, etc., but it is not limited to the embodiments described below, and various modifications can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0024] [Basic Structure]

[0025] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a manifold M is formed by a plurality of cylindrical ports 1, a pair of flow path switching valves 2, and a pair of pumps 3 in the outer casing MH. The manifold M supplies fluid Lc to the flow path chamber LS (an example of a fluid space) formed in the outer casing MH by the drive of the pumps 3, and controls the flow of fluid Lc by the flow path switching valves 2.

[0026] Manifold M is installed in electric vehicles that operate on electricity (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "electric vehicles"). Manifold M enables the circulation of fluid Lc between the battery, inverter, driving motor (not shown), and other cooled components (not shown) installed in the electric vehicle, and heat dissipation units (not shown) such as radiators and coolers.

[0027] The driving motor is the propulsion source that enables an electric vehicle to move by supplying electricity. The inverter converts the direct current from the battery into three-phase alternating current and supplies it to the driving motor. The battery is configured as a rechargeable battery and supplies power to the inverter and other components as needed.

[0028] Electric vehicles include hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), battery electric vehicles (BEV), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).

[0029] The manifold M uses a long-life coolant (LLC) or other cooling fluid as the fluid Lc. The fluid Lc is not limited to long-life coolants (LLC) or other cooling fluids; it can also be insulating oils such as paraffin-based oils, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), or other refrigerants.

[0030] [Manifold]

[0031] Although the outer casing MH constituting the manifold M can be used in any orientation, in this embodiment, it is used in a specific orientation. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The posture shown is set in an electric vehicle. In this embodiment, the vertical relationship of the manifold M, the positional relationship of each part, etc., are explained based on this posture.

[0032] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the outer shell MH integrates an upper outer shell 10 (an example of a first outer shell) made of thermoplastic resin and a lower outer shell 20 (an example of a second outer shell) made of the same thermoplastic resin material as the upper outer shell 10 using a hot-melt bonding technique, thereby forming a flow path chamber LS (fluid space) inside.

[0033] The upper outer shell 10 (first outer shell) and the lower outer shell 20 (second outer shell) are molded articles made of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin. In addition, the fiber used for reinforcement is not limited to glass fiber, but can also be a high-strength fiber such as carbon fiber.

[0034] [Manifold: Upper outer casing]

[0035] like Figures 1-5As shown, the upper case 10 before welding has an upper wall portion 11 of an upper portion, a first outer wall portion 12 of an outer peripheral upper longitudinal wall, and a plurality of first inner wall portions 13 that divide the space inside the case, and forms a first opening portion SI that is open to the lower side. The upper case 10 has a pair of cylindrical portions 14 that enter the inside of the case from the upper wall portion 11, and a bottom plate portion 15 that is integrally formed at the bottom of each of the cylindrical portions 14.

[0036] As shown, Figure 2 The cylindrical portion 14 is formed with a plurality of openings through which the fluid Lc passes in the outer periphery, and a flow path chamber LS (fluid space) communicates with the outside of the openings. The bottom plate portion 15 is formed with a bearing hole 15a at the central position, and a first annular wall 15b centered on the longitudinal axis core X is formed projecting downward at the outer peripheral portion of the lower surface, and a second annular wall 15c centered on the longitudinal axis core X is formed inside thereof.

[0037] As shown, Figures 1-5 The upper case 10 has a plurality of cylindrical ports 1 that project outward from the first outer wall portion 12. The upper case 10 is provided with the pump 3 in an embedded state at each of the open portions of the flange portions 4 at both ends in the long direction in a plan view. The pump 3 unitizes a motor portion 3a of an electric type and an impeller portion 3b, and is joined and fixed to the flange portions 4.

[0038] As shown, Figure 1 , Figure 2 The flow path switching valve 2 has a valve body 16 that is housed in the cylindrical portion 14, and a valve drive portion 17 that transmits a rotational drive force to the upper end of an operation shaft 16a of the valve body 16. The valve body 16 has the operation shaft 16a that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis core X, and a wall portion 16b that opens and closes the flow path. The wall portion 16b controls the flow of the fluid Lc of the opening of the cylindrical portion 14 by rotation of the valve body 16 centered on the longitudinal axis core X.

[0039] The flow path switching valve 2 is supported so as to be rotatable centered on the longitudinal axis core X by embedding the lower end of the operation shaft 16a in the bearing hole 15a of the bottom plate portion 15. In addition, the valve drive portion 17 is joined to the upper end of the operation shaft 16a of the valve body 16. The valve drive portion 17 sets the amount of rotation of the valve body 16 by a control signal, so it is configured as an electromagnetic drive type that combines a brushless DC motor and a speed reduction mechanism, and is joined to the upper surface of the upper wall portion 11.

[0040] The plurality of cylindrical ports 1 communicate with corresponding portions of the plurality of flow path chambers LS in the housing. The pump 3 supplies the fluid Lc supplied from the cylindrical port 1 to the flow path chamber LS in a pressurized state. According to this structure, the manifold M controls the flow of the fluid Lc with respect to the opening of the cylindrical portion 14 by the wall portion 16b, and sends the fluid Lc flowing to the flow path chamber LS to any one of the plurality of cylindrical ports 1, by setting the rotational attitude of the valve body 16 using the driving force of the valve driving portion 17 in a state where the pump 3 is driven.

[0041] In contrast to this, the fluid Lc whose temperature has risen after being cooled is returned to the cylindrical port 1 set on the suction side after being cooled by a radiator, a cooler, or the like.

[0042] [Manifold: Lower housing]

[0043] As shown in Figure 4 , Figure 5 , the lower housing 20 before welding has a bottom wall portion 21 of a bottom portion, a second outer wall portion 22 of an outer peripheral upper longitudinal wall, and a plurality of second inner wall portions 23 that divide the space inside the housing, and is formed with a second opening portion S2 that is open to the upper side. The lower housing 20 has a first annular portion 24 integrally formed on the upper surface side of the bottom wall portion 21, and a second annular portion 25.

[0044] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 6 , Figure 7 , the wall thickness of the joint surface SW of the lower end of the first outer wall portion 12 in the first opening portion S1 (first wall thickness T1) and the wall thickness of the joint surface SW of the lower end of the second inner wall portion 23 in the second opening portion S2 (second wall thickness T2) are different in thickness, but in Figure 3 , Figure 4 , since the cross-sectional shape is conceptually shown, the respective wall thicknesses are equally depicted.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4 , in a plan view of a state where the upper housing 10 is superimposed on the lower housing 20, the second outer wall portion 22 is superimposed on the first outer wall portion 12, and the plurality of second inner wall portions 23 are disposed at positions superimposed on corresponding portions of the plurality of first inner wall portions 13. In addition, the first annular portion 24 is superimposed on the first annular wall 15b, and the second annular portion 25 is disposed at a position superimposed on the second annular wall 15c.

[0046] [Manifold: First opening portion / second opening portion]

[0047] As shown in Figures 4-6As shown, the upper case 10 is formed with a first opening portion S1 which is open downward. The lower end surface of the first outer wall portion 12, the lower end surface of the first inner wall portion 13, the lower end surface of the first annular wall 15b, and the lower end surface of the second annular wall 15c of the first opening portion S1 are exposed. They are disposed on the same plane as the single first imaginary plane PI.

[0048] The lower case 20 is formed with a second opening portion S2 which is open upward. The upper end surface of the second outer wall portion 22, the upper end surface of the second inner wall portion 23, the upper end surface of the first annular portion 24, and the upper end surface of the second annular portion 25 of the second opening portion S2 are exposed. They are disposed on the same plane as the single second imaginary plane P2.

[0049] [Case in joined state]

[0050] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the case MH is a configuration in which the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 are integrated by heat welding of the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2. In particular, the portion which is joined by heat welding of the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 is sometimes referred to as a welding surface W. Figure 2 Figure 3 In the following description, the surface before welding in the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 is sometimes referred to as a joining surface SW.

[0051] In this way, the outer wall portion of the case MH which is integrated by heat welding is integrated by heat welding of the lower end of the first outer wall portion 12 and the upper end of the second outer wall portion 22. In addition, the case MH is formed with a plurality of flow path chambers LS in a partitioned state by heat welding of the joining surface SW of the lower end of the first inner wall portion 13 and the joining surface SW of the upper end of the second inner wall portion 23.

[0052] Furthermore, the lower end (joining surface SW) of the first annular wall 15b and the upper end (joining surface SW) of the first annular portion 24 are heat welded and integrated, and the lower end (joining surface SW) of the second annular wall 15c and the upper end (joining surface SW) of the second annular portion 25 are heat welded and integrated.

[0053] In this way, by forming the case MH, the manifold M is configured to be capable of performing supply and discharge of the fluid Lc. That is, first, it is partially explained that the plurality of cylindrical ports 1 communicate with the plurality of flow path chambers LS, and by setting the rotational attitude of the valve body 16 of the flow path switching valve 2 by driving of the valve driving portion 17 in a state in which the drive pump 3 is driven, the fluid Lc which is sucked from the cylindrical port 1 on the input side among the plurality of cylindrical ports 1 is sent to the discharge side among the plurality of cylindrical ports 1.

[0054] [Rib portion]

[0055] In this way, by forming the case MH, the manifold M is configured to be capable of performing supply and discharge of the fluid Lc. That is, first, it is partially explained that the plurality of cylindrical ports 1 communicate with the plurality of flow path chambers LS, and by setting the rotational attitude of the valve body 16 of the flow path switching valve 2 by driving of the valve driving portion 17 in a state in which the drive pump 3 is driven, the fluid Lc which is sucked from the cylindrical port 1 on the input side among the plurality of cylindrical ports 1 is sent to the discharge side among the plurality of cylindrical ports 1.

[0056] ​The upper case 10 and the lower case 20 are sometimes deformed after being separated from, for example, a molding die. Thus, due to the deformation, the respective ones of the joint surfaces SW of the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 are sometimes not properly in close contact in a state in which the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 are overlapped before the welding, and a gap is formed.

[0057] The case MH causes the respective ones of the joint surfaces SW of the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 to be in close contact even if at least one of the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 is deformed by forming the rib portion R, achieves reliable welding that ensures a sufficient welding area, and is able to suppress a decrease in the welding strength.

[0058] As shown in Figures 3-5 The upper case 10 is formed with a plurality of first rib portions R1 (one example of the rib portion R) along the outside of the opening edge of the first opening portion S1. In addition, the lower case 20 is formed with a plurality of second rib portions R2 (one example of the rib portion R) along the outside of the opening edge of the second opening portion S2.

[0059] In a plan view of the state in which the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 are overlapped, the plurality of first rib portions R1 and the plurality of second rib portions R2 are disposed at overlapping positions. That is, the first rib portion R1 and the second rib portion R2 oppose each other in a direction orthogonal to the joint surface SW of each of the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2.

[0060] The first rib portion R1 and the second rib portion R2 act a pressure in a direction in which the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 are in close contact with each other when thermally welding the joint surface SW of each of the first opening portion S1 of the upper case 10 and the second opening portion S2 of the lower case 20. The procedure of the thermal welding will be described in the "Method of manufacturing a manifold" described later.

[0061] As shown in Figures 4-6 The first rib portion R1 is formed so as to protrude toward the outside from the outer peripheral side of the opening edge of the first opening portion S1. Specifically, the first rib portion R1 protrudes by a first protruding amount E1 from the outer surface of the first outer wall portion 12 with a first rib portion thickness F1.

[0062] The first rib portion R1 forms a first pressure surface R1p on the upper side and a first offset surface R1f on the lower side so as to be parallel to the joint surface SW of the first opening portion S1 (also parallel to the first imaginary plane P1). In addition, as shown in Figure 7 The first rib portion R1 sets a distance to the first offset surface R1f from the welding surface W of the case MH as a first offset amount D1.

[0063] As shown in Figures 4-6 The second rib portion R2 is formed so as to protrude toward the outside from the outer peripheral side of the opening edge of the second opening portion S2. Specifically, the second rib portion R2 protrudes by a second protruding amount E2 from the outer surface of the second outer wall portion 22 with a second rib portion thickness F2.

[0064] The second rib portion R2 forms the lower second pressure surface R2p and the upper second offset surface R2f to be parallel with the joint surface SW of the second opening portion S2 (also parallel with the second imaginary plane P2). Also, as shown in Figure 7 The second rib portion R2 sets the distance from the faying surface W of the outer shell MH to the second offset surface R2f as the second offset amount D2.

[0065] The lower end position of the first outer wall portion 12 of the upper outer shell 10 is displaced upward with the faying, and the upper end position of the second outer wall portion 22 of the lower outer shell 20 is displaced downward with the faying.

[0066] Therefore, the distance from the lower end position (joint surface SW) of the first outer wall portion 12 of the upper outer shell 10 before the faying to the first offset surface Rlf becomes a value slightly longer than the first offset amount Dl. The same applies to the distance from the upper end position (joint surface SW) of the second outer wall portion 22 of the lower outer shell 20 before the faying to the second offset surface R2f, which becomes a value slightly longer than the second offset amount D2.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6 The outer shell MH sets the second wall thickness T2 to be a value larger than the first wall thickness Tl (Tl < T2 relationship) in a case where the thickness of the joint surface SW (lower end position) of the first opening portion Sl in the first outer wall portion 12 is set as the first wall thickness Tl, and the thickness of the joint surface SW (upper end position) of the second opening portion S2 in the second outer wall portion 22 is set as the second wall thickness T2.

[0068] In this regard, the joint surface SW of the first opening portion Sl in the first outer wall portion 12 and the joint surface SW of the second opening portion S2 in the second outer wall portion 22 are fayed in a positional relationship in which the central positions in the respective wall thickness directions coincide (a relationship in which the central positions in the wall thickness directions coincide with each other).

[0069] In a case where the faying is performed, the values of the first protrusion amount El and the second protrusion amount E2 are also set in a manner in which the positions of the protruding ends of the first rib portion Rl and the protruding ends of the second rib portion R2 coincide in a plan view. That is, as shown in Figure 6 The positional relationship is set in a manner in which the protruding ends of the first rib portion Rl and the protruding ends of the second rib portion R2 are located at positions in contact with the vertical line V.

[0070] 〔Method of manufacturing manifold〕

[0071] In Figure 6 The position in which the joint surface SW of the lower end of the first outer wall portion 12 and the joint surface SW of the upper end of the second outer wall portion 22 oppose each other in the first opening portion Sl and the second opening portion S2 is shown as an example in the above.

[0072] In the manufacturing method of the manifold M, the first opening S1 of the upper outer casing 10 (first outer casing) and the second opening S2 of the lower outer casing 20 (second outer casing) are separated in the vertical direction, and the arrangement is such that the first opening S1 of the upper outer casing 10 (first outer casing) and the second opening S2 of the lower outer casing 20 (second outer casing) are opposite each other.

[0073] In addition, in the manufacturing method of the manifold M, a plate-shaped heater 31 is arranged between the first opening S1 of the upper housing 10 and the second opening S2 of the lower housing 20, which are arranged in a separated state, a heating step (I) is performed to heat the mating surfaces SW of the first opening S1 and the second opening S2 to the melting temperature, and a pressing step (II) is performed after the heating step (I) to press the mating surfaces SW of the first opening S1 and the second opening S2 together.

[0074] Furthermore, in the upper outer casing 10, the mating surface SW of the first opening S1 includes the lower end of the first outer wall portion 12, the lower end of the first inner wall portion 13, the lower end of the first annular wall 15b, and the lower end of the second annular wall 15c. Additionally, in the lower outer casing 20, the mating surface SW of the second opening S2 includes the upper end of the second outer wall portion 22, the upper end of the second inner wall portion 23, the upper end of the first annular portion 24, and the upper end of the second annular portion 25.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, in the heating step (I), the heater 31 is positioned between the first imaginary plane P1, which exists at the joint surface SW of the first opening S1, and the second imaginary plane P2, which exists at the joint surface SW of the second opening S2, in a positional relationship of parallelness.

[0076] In the heating step (I), infrared rays irradiated from the heater 31 raise the mating surface SW of the first opening S1 and the mating surface SW of the second opening S2 to the melting temperature. In this heating step (I), a plate-shaped heater 31 is used, which irradiates infrared rays from its upper and lower surfaces.

[0077] In this way, when heating, the distance between the upper surface of the heater 31 and the first opening S1 is maintained at a set value, and the distance between the lower surface of the heater 31 and the second opening S2 is maintained at a set value, infrared rays are irradiated until the parts exposed in the first opening S1 and the parts exposed in the second opening S2 reach the melting temperature.

[0078] In the crimping step (II), after the heating in the heating step (I) is completed, remove the heater 31, as follows: Figure 7 As shown, a process is performed to press the mating surface SW of the first opening S1 and the mating surface SW of the second opening S2 together.

[0079] In this press-bonding step (II), as shown in Figure 7 the upper housing 10 is supported in a state of contacting with the area of the outer surface of the first outer wall portion 12 from the upper wall portion 11, and the lower housing 20 is supported in a state of contacting with the area of the outer surface of the second outer wall portion 22 from the lower side of the bottom wall portion 21, by the upper holder 32 and the lower holder 33.

[0080] In addition, the upper holder 32 and the lower holder 33 can also be used in a state of supporting each of the upper housing 10 and the lower housing 20 in the stage of the heating step (I).

[0081] The upper holder 32 is integrally formed with a first abutting portion 32a which abuts against the first pressure surface Rlp of the first rib portion Rl. Similarly, the lower holder 33 is integrally formed with a second abutting portion 33a which abuts against the second pressure surface R2p of the second rib portion R2.

[0082] In addition, in the press-bonding step (II), a restriction member 34 is used at the position where the protruding end of the first rib portion Rl abuts against the protruding end of the second rib portion R2. It is rational that the restriction member 34 is supported in the structure of one of the upper holder 32 and the lower holder 33. In addition, the restriction member 34 can also be configured to be placed in the position shown in Figure 7 by being provided with a dedicated actuator, a guide mechanism, and the like.

[0083] In the press-bonding step (II), an operation of relatively approaching the upper housing 10 supported by the upper holder 32 and the lower housing 20 supported by the lower holder 33 is performed. By this operation, the fusion of the joint surfaces SW of the first opening portion Sl and the joint surfaces SW of the second opening portion S2 is achieved.

[0084] In particular, in the press-bonding step (II), in a state where one of the lower holder 33 and the upper holder 32 is fixed, the other of the lower holder 33 and the upper holder 32 is moved in the direction of the pressure action Q, and an operation form in which the joint surfaces SW of the first opening portion Sl of the upper housing 10 and the joint surfaces SW of the second opening portion S2 of the lower housing 20 are press-bonded is rational.

[0085] In this press-bonding, the first abutting portion 32a of the upper holder 32 abuts against the first pressure surface Rlp of the first rib portion Rl formed on the outside of the opening edge of the first opening portion Sl of the upper housing 10, and exerts a pressure in the downward direction. Similarly, in the press-bonding, the second abutting portion 33a of the lower holder 33 abuts against the second pressure surface R2p of the second rib portion R2 formed on the outside of the opening edge of the second opening portion S2 of the lower housing 20, and exerts a pressure in the upward direction.

[0086] Thus, at least one of the upper housing 10 and the lower housing 20 is deformed, and even if the bonding surfaces SW of the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 are not properly in close contact before the welding, proper welding can be achieved by correcting the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 to a proper positional relationship and applying pressure, and sufficient welding area can be ensured, and reduction in welding strength can be suppressed.

[0087] In the welding in the press-contact step (II), the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 are bonded in a state in which the resins of the bonding surfaces SW are mixed, by the bonding surfaces SW of the first outer wall portion 12 and the bonding surfaces SW of the second outer wall portion 22 being in strong contact. In addition, at the time of the welding, as shown in FIG. 6, a burr 35 is produced because a part of the resins of the bonding surfaces SW of the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 flows out to the outside from the welded portion (welding surface W). Figure 7

[0088] The burr 35 is thus produced, but the protruding amount is limited because the burr 35 formed on the outside of the housing MH comes into contact with the restriction member 34.

[0089] In the press-contact step (II), by maintaining the press-contact state for a set time and moving the upper holder 32 upward after the heat dissipation, in a state in which the bonding surface SW of the first opening portion S1 and the bonding surface SW of the second opening portion S2 are press-contacted, the housing MH in which the upper housing 10 and the lower housing 20 are integrated by the welding in the welding surface W can be taken out.

[0090] 〔Effects of Embodiment〕

[0091] Thus, the first rib portion R1 is formed along the first opening portion S1 of the upper housing 10, and the second rib portion R2 is formed along the second opening portion S2 of the lower housing 20, and the first rib portion R1 and the second rib portion R2 are opposed in a direction orthogonal to the bonding surface SW. With the above-described rib portions R, pressure is applied to the upper housing 10 along the pressure application direction Q at the time of the welding, and pressure is applied to the first pressure surface R1p of the first rib portion R1. In addition, at the time of the welding, pressure is applied to the second pressure surface R2p of the second rib portion R2 of the lower housing 20 in a direction opposite to the pressure application direction Q.

[0092] ​Thus, even if at least one of the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 is deformed, the joining surfaces SW of the first opening portion S1 and the joining surfaces SW of the second opening portion S2 can be corrected to an appropriate positional relationship by the force of the first pressure surface R1p of the first rib portion R1 acting from the first abutment portion 32a and the force of the second pressure surface R2p of the second rib portion R2 acting from the second abutment portion 33a, and the state of the lower end of the first outer wall portion 12 and the upper end of the second outer wall portion 22 being in close contact can be achieved, a sufficient fusion area can be ensured, and a decrease in fusion strength can be suppressed.

[0093] In addition, since the first rib portion R1 and the second rib portion R2 are formed in a positional relationship that is parallel to each other, even in a case where correction of setting the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 in an appropriate positional relationship is required, high-precision correction can be achieved.

[0094] In addition, the first rib portion R1 of the upper case 10 before fusion is separated from the lower end of the first outer wall portion 12 by a first offset amount D1 in the upward direction, and the second rib portion R2 of the lower case 20 before fusion is separated from the upper end of the second outer wall portion 22 by a second offset amount D2 in the downward direction.

[0095] In this way, the rib portion R is offset to a side separated from the fusion surface W, so at the time of fusion, the force can be concentrated on the first wall thickness T1 of the first outer wall portion 12 of the first opening portion S1 and the second wall thickness T2 of the second outer wall portion 22 of the second opening portion S2 to perform reliable joining.

[0096] In addition, the first rib portion R1 and the second rib portion R2 are disposed at positions offset from the fusion surface W, so for example, even in a case where the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 are heated for thermal fusion, the phenomenon of the first rib portion R1 and the second rib portion R2 softening due to heat can be suppressed, and a decrease in strength can not occur.

[0097] In addition, in the method of manufacturing the manifold, a heating step (I) of heating the joining surfaces SW of the first opening portion S1 of the upper case 10 (first case) and the joining surfaces SW of the second opening portion S2 of the lower case 20 (second case) to a fusion temperature is performed; and a pressure bonding step (II) of bringing the joining surfaces SW of the first opening portion S1 and the joining surfaces SW of the second opening portion S2 into contact in a pressurized state after the heating step (I), in which the rib portion R is subjected to a force in a pressure bonding direction.

[0098] In the manufacturing method of the manifold, in the press-bonding step (II), by applying a force in a direction in which the first rib portion Rl and the second rib portion R2 approach (a press-bonding direction), even if at least one of the upper housing 10 and the lower housing 20 is deformed, the first opening portion S l and the second opening portion S2 can be corrected to an appropriate positional relationship, and the press-bonding is improved, thereby achieving a stable fusion, a sufficient fusion area can be ensured, and a decrease in fusion strength can be suppressed.

[0099] In addition, in the manufacturing method of the manifold, in the press-bonding step (II), by press-bonding the joint surface SW of the first outer wall portion 12 and the joint surface SW of the second outer wall portion 22, a portion of the resin of the end surface flows out to the outside from the fusion surface W, and thus even if the burr 35 is produced, the limiting member 34 can suppress the protruding amount of the burr 35, and for example, a process of removing the burr 35 can be omitted.

[0100] 〔Other Embodiments〕

[0101] The present application can be configured as follows in addition to the above-described embodiments (the same numbers and reference characters are attached to the same functions as those of the embodiments).

[0102] (a) The rib portion R can be formed only in one of the upper housing 10 and the lower housing 20. In addition, the rib portion R can be formed around at least one of the upper housing 10 and the lower housing 20.

[0103] In addition, even in the structure in which the rib portion R is formed only in one of the upper housing 10 and the lower housing 20, by applying a force to the rib portion R at the time of fusion, a stable fusion in which the first opening portion S l and the second opening portion S2 are in close contact can be achieved, a fusion area can be ensured, and a decrease in fusion strength can be suppressed.

[0104] (b) In the structure in which the first rib portion Rl is formed in the upper housing 10 and the second rib portion R2 is formed in the lower housing 20, the first rib portion Rl and the second rib portion R2 are not necessarily arranged in a positional relationship in which they overlap in a plan view, but can be arranged in a position in which they do not overlap in the plan view. That is, the first rib portion Rl and the second rib portion R2 can be arranged in positions which do not face each other in a direction orthogonal to the joint surface SW.

[0105] (c) The structure is configured to apply a set pressure to the first rib portion Rl and the second rib portion R2 at a set timing by separating the first abutting portion 32a abutting against the upper surface of the first rib portion Rl from the upper support 32 and separating the second abutting portion 33a abutting against the lower surface of the second rib portion R2 from the lower support 33.

[0106] The structure of the other embodiment (c) can be configured, for example, to apply a pressure different from the pressure at the time of pressure bonding to the first pressure surface Rlp of the first rib portion Rl and the second pressure surface R2p of the second rib portion R2 at the time of applying pressure between the upper holder 32 and the lower holder 33 at the time of heat caulking.

[0107] In addition, the different pressures are applied to the first rib portion Rl and the second rib portion R2, and therefore, the first abutting portion 32a can be supported in a force-applied state by a spring or the like in a manner protruding downward with respect to the upper holder 32, and the second abutting portion 33a can be supported in a force-applied state by a spring or the like in a manner protruding upward with respect to the lower holder 33.

[0108] In addition, the structure can continue to apply the pressure to the first pressure surface Rlp of the first rib portion Rl and the second pressure surface R2p of the second rib portion R2 for a set time after the pressure applied to the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 is released.

[0109] The other embodiment (c) is an embodiment in which the manifold is formed with the rib portion R only in one of the upper case 10 and the lower case 20. Therefore, even if the manifold is formed with the rib portion R only in one of the cases, the abutting configuration capable of switching to the state of abutting against the rib portion R and the state of separating from the rib portion R is provided.

[0110] (d) The first wall thickness Tl of the lower end of the first outer wall portion 12 can be made larger than the second wall thickness T2 of the upper end of the second outer wall portion 22, or the first wall thickness Tl and the second wall thickness T2 can be made equal.

[0111] In addition, the structure disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including the other embodiments, the same hereinafter) can be applied in combination with the structure disclosed in the other embodiments as long as there is no contradiction, and the embodiments disclosed in the present specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the purpose of the present application.

[0112] In the above-described embodiments, the following structures can be conceived.

[0113] (1) A manifold M having a housing MH that has a first housing (upper housing 10) formed with a first opening portion S1 and a second housing (lower housing 20) formed with a second opening portion S2, the first housing (upper housing 10) and the second housing (lower housing 20) being integrated by fusion of joint surfaces SW of the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 to each other and having a fluid space (flow path chamber LS) formed inside, at least one of the outer periphery side of an opening edge of the first opening portion S1 and the outer periphery side of an opening edge of the second opening portion S2 in the housing MH being formed with a rib portion R that protrudes toward the outside along a surface parallel to the joint surface SW.

[0114] Even if one of the first housing (upper housing 10) and the second housing (lower housing 20) is in a deformed state and the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 are in a condition where they do not properly abut, for example, it is possible to apply pressure in a press-bonding direction along the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 to the rib portion R when bonding by heat fusion. By thus applying pressure, fusion in a state where the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 properly abut can be achieved, and the fusion area can be sufficiently ensured. Therefore, reduction in precision of the joint surface SW of the components (the first housing and the second housing) that constitute the housing is reduced, and a manifold in which reduction in fusion strength is suppressed can be achieved.

[0115] (2) In the manifold M of (1), it is preferable that the rib portion R have a first rib portion R1 that protrudes toward the outside from the outer periphery side of the opening edge of the first opening portion S1 and a second rib portion R2 that protrudes toward the outside from the outer periphery side of the opening edge of the second opening portion S2.

[0116] Accordingly, when fusing the first opening portion S1 of the first housing (upper housing 10) and the second opening portion S2 of the second housing (lower housing 20), reliable bonding can be performed by bringing the abutment member into abutment with both the first rib portion R1 and the second rib portion R2 and applying force in a direction orthogonal to the joint surface SW (press-bonding direction) to apply force in a direction in which the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 abut at a position where they are close to each other.

[0117] (3) In the manifold M of (2), it is preferable that the first rib portion R1 and the second rib portion R2 be opposed in a direction orthogonal to the joint surface SW.

[0118] The first rib portion R1 and the second rib portion R2 are opposed in a direction orthogonal to the joint surface SW, so by applying pressure to the first rib portion R1 and the second rib portion R2, it is possible to concentrate force on the joint surface SW of the first opening portion S1 and the joint surface SW of the second opening portion S2 to perform reliable bonding.

[0119] (4) A method of manufacturing a manifold, comprising: a heating step (I) of heating a joining surface SW of a first opening portion S1 in a first housing (upper housing 10) and a joining surface SW of a second opening portion S2 in a second housing (lower housing 20) to a melting temperature; and a press bonding step (II) of, after the heating step (I), press bonding the joining surface SW of the first opening portion S1 and the joining surface SW of the second opening portion S2, in which, in the press bonding step (II), a force is applied to the rib portion R in a direction orthogonal to the joining surface.

[0120] Accordingly, after the heating step (I) of heating the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 to the melting temperature, in the press bonding step (II) of bringing them into contact in a pressurized state, the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 are brought into close contact by applying a force to the rib portion R in the press bonding direction, and stable fusion is achieved.

[0121] (5) In the method of manufacturing a manifold of (4), in the press bonding step (II), it is preferable that a restriction member 34 capable of contacting a burr 35 that leaks from a fusion portion of the first opening portion S1 and the second opening portion S2 outside the housing MH of the fusion portion be disposed in abutment with a protruding end of the rib portion R.

[0122] Accordingly, in the press bonding step (II), by strongly contacting the lower end surface of the first outer wall portion 12 and the upper end surface of the second outer wall portion 22, even if a burr 35 is produced due to a portion of the resin of the end surface flowing out from the joining portion to the outside, the protruding amount of the burr 35 can be suppressed by contacting the restriction member 34.

[0123] [Possibility of Utilization in Industry]

[0124] The present application can be used for a manifold and a method of manufacturing a manifold.

Claims

1. A manifold characterized by, Having: a housing having a first housing formed with a first opening portion, and a second housing formed with a second opening portion, the first housing and the second housing being integrated by fusing the joint surfaces of the first opening portion and the second opening portion to each other and forming a fluid space inside, at least one of the outer periphery side of the opening edge of the first opening portion and the outer periphery side of the opening edge of the second opening portion in the housing is formed with a rib portion protruding outward along a surface parallel to the joint surface.

2. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein as the rib portion, a first rib portion protruding outward from the outer periphery side of the opening edge of the first opening portion, and a second rib portion protruding outward from the outer periphery side of the opening edge of the second opening portion are provided.

3. The manifold according to claim 2, wherein the first rib portion and the second rib portion are opposed in a direction orthogonal to the joint surface.

4. A method of manufacturing a manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by having the steps of: a heating step of heating the joint surface of the first opening portion in the first housing, and the joint surface of the second opening portion in the second housing to a fusion temperature; and a pressure bonding step of pressure bonding the joint surface of the first opening portion and the joint surface of the second opening portion after the heating step, in the pressure bonding step, a force is applied to the rib portion in a direction orthogonal to the joint surface.

5. The method of manufacturing a manifold according to claim 4, wherein in the pressure bonding step, a restriction member capable of contacting burrs leaked from a fusion portion of the first opening portion and the second opening portion on the outside of the housing is disposed in abutment with the protruding end of the rib portion.

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