Resin member

Abstract

To provide a resin member in which a metal part can be easily removed.SOLUTION: A set plate 10 (resin member) comprises: a plate portion 11 extending in a planar shape, an insert portion 14 which is part of the plate portion 11 and to which a connector pin 13 is integrally joined; and a first hook portion (protrusion 16) and a second hook portion (protrusion 16) provided to sandwich the insert portion 14 so that a torque for twisting the insert portion 14 off the plate portion 11 can be applied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a resin member, and more particularly to a resin member to which a metal member is joined by insert molding, adhesive bonding, or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] There are many resin members to which metal members are joined by insert molding, adhesive bonding, or the like. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2018-112172 discloses a fuel tank for use in a vehicle such as an automobile. The opening at the top of the fuel tank is closed by a resin set plate. The set plate has a connector portion equipped with a metal terminal that is electrically connected to a fuel pump disposed inside the fuel tank. The metal terminal is integrally joined to the connector portion by insert molding. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-112172 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When recycling resin components with integrally bonded metals, such as those described above, it is necessary to remove the metal portions. To achieve this, conventional methods involve crushing the entire resin component into small pieces, and then sorting and removing the metal using magnetic force or human eyes and hands. However, it is difficult and time-consuming to reliably separate and remove metal and metal-containing resin pieces from the crushed components. Therefore, the inefficiency of this method has been a problem. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a resin component from which the metal portions can be easily removed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the resin member has a plate portion extending in a planar shape, an insert portion that is part of the plate portion and to which a metal member is integrally joined, and a first hook portion and a second hook portion that are arranged on either side of the insert portion so that a torque can be applied to twist the insert portion off the plate portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel supply device equipped with a set plate according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the set plate of FIG. 2 taken along line III-III. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a set plate according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the set plate of FIG. 4 taken along line VV. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a set plate according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the set plate of FIG. 6 taken along line VII-VII. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a set plate according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the set plate taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] First Embodiment Various embodiments will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 9. Terms used in the following description that indicate directions such as front, back, up, down, left, and right refer to the directions shown in each figure. Note that the directions shown in the figures are determined for the convenience of explanation and do not specify the arrangement direction.

[0008] <Fuel supply device> As one embodiment, a resin set plate 10 provided on a fuel tank 2 of a vehicle is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 1, a fuel supply device 1 that supplies fuel to an engine of a vehicle has a fuel pump 3 attached to the set plate 10.

[0009] <Set plate> The set plate 10 is a generally planar member. The set plate 10 is attached to the fuel tank 2 so as to cover the opening 2a in the top surface of the fuel tank 2 while holding the fuel pump 3. This positions the fuel pump 3 inside the fuel tank 2. The fuel pump 3 pumps up the fuel stored in the fuel tank 2 through a fuel filter 4. The fuel is then supplied to the engine through a fuel passage 5 that passes through the set plate 10. In this sense, the set plate 10 constitutes a part of the fuel supply device 1.

[0010] The set plate 10 also has a connector portion 12 for sending electric signals and power to the fuel pump 3. The connector portion 12 is provided with connector pins 13, which will be described later. The set plate 10 of this embodiment has a configuration that will be described in detail below, and by twisting the connector portion 12 off the set plate 10, the connector pins 13 can be easily removed.

[0011] 2 and 3, the set plate 10 is a resin member injection-molded into a substantially circular plate shape. The set plate 10 has a planar plate portion 11 and the above-mentioned connector portion 12. The connector portion 12 has a plurality of connector pins 13 and insert portions 14 with which each connector pin 13 is integrally formed.

[0012] <Metal terminal> As shown in FIG. 3, each connector pin 13 is integrally assembled to the insert portion 14 of the plate portion 11 by insert molding. Each connector pin 13 is a long, slender member that penetrates the plate portion 11 in the vertical direction (thickness direction). The insert portion 14 has a thickness greater than that of the surrounding plate portion 11. This allows the insert portion 14 to hold each connector pin 13 in a stable state. Both ends of each connector pin 13 protrude vertically from the insert portion 14. The lower end of each connector pin 13 is connected to the fuel pump 3 (see FIG. 1) via electrical wiring. The upper end of each connector pin 13 is connected to the vehicle battery or control device via electrical wiring. In this way, each connector pin 13 forms a connection portion that electrically connects electronic devices provided inside and outside the fuel tank 2.

[0013] <Protrusion> The connector portion 12 may have at least one cylindrical portion 15 protruding from the periphery of the insert portion 14. For example, the connector portion 12 has an upper cylindrical portion 15a protruding upward from the upper surface 11a of the plate portion 11 and a lower cylindrical portion 15b protruding downward from the lower surface 11b of the plate portion 11. Each cylindrical portion 15 has an open tip. Each cylindrical portion 15 has, for example, a substantially trapezoidal cross section. Each cylindrical portion 15 forms a socket that guides the insertion of a plug for electrical wiring connected to each connector pin 13. The cylindrical portion 15 also surrounds and protects the connector pins 13 protruding from the insert portion 14. The protruding cylindrical portion 15 and the thick insert portion 14 give the connector portion 12 greater rigidity and strength than the plate portion 11 surrounding the connector portion 12.

[0014] <Hooking part> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the set plate 10 has four protrusions 16 formed on the upper surface 11a of the plate portion 11 at four locations on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the insert portion 14. Each protrusion 16 protrudes upward from the upper surface 11a of the plate portion 11. Each protrusion 16 can also be formed integrally with the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 15. Each protrusion 16 has, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Each protrusion 16 has a hooking surface 16a that intersects with the axial direction of the upper cylindrical portion 15a. When an operator simultaneously applies a force along the axis to the hooking surfaces 16a of two or more protrusions 16, a torque (torsional moment) that twists the connector portion 12 is applied. In this way, each protrusion 16 forms a hooking portion.

[0015] <Weakened parts> As shown in FIG. 3 , the set plate 10 has a plurality of recesses 17 formed on the lower surface 11b of the plate portion 11 so as to open downward. Each recess 17 is formed directly below each protrusion 16. Each recess 17 is formed so as to extend vertically from the plate portion 11 to each protrusion 16. Each recess 17 is formed so as not to penetrate each protrusion 16. Each recess 17 partially reduces the strength of the plate portion 11 immediately outside the connector portion 12.

[0016] <Removal of connector part> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the convex portions 16 and the concave portions 17 make it easy to twist the connector portion 12 off the set plate 10. In one method, for example, an operator applies force F to the hooking surfaces 16a of the left and right convex portions 16 using a general-purpose or dedicated tool and turns them. This applies a counterclockwise torque centered on the insert portion 14 to the connector portion 12. This torque causes stress to concentrate at the base of each convex portion 16 rising from the plate portion 11 (stress concentration portion 18). Then, cracks form diagonally downward from each stress concentration portion 18 toward the concave portion 17, causing the plate portion 11 to fracture (fracture portion 19). In this way, the connection between the left and right convex portions 16 and the plate portion 11 fractures. Further application of torque fractures the base of the upper cylindrical portion 15a rising from the plate portion 11 and the base of the front and rear convex portions 16 rising from the plate portion 11, respectively. In this way, the plate portion 11 immediately outside the connector portion 12 is broken.

[0017] As described above, the connector portion 12 has higher rigidity and strength than the surrounding plate portion 11, so it is more likely to maintain its shape even when subjected to the torque, and is less likely to break or fracture. This makes it possible to actively fracture only the portion of the plate portion 11 immediately outside the connector portion 12. As a result, the connector portion 12 can be twisted off from the plate portion 11. When recycling the resin of the set plate 10, the connector pins 13 can be easily removed from the set plate 10 in this manner.

[0018] To summarize the above, the resin member (set plate 10) has a plate portion 11 extending in a planar shape, an insert portion 14 that is a part of the plate portion 11 and has a metal member (connector pin 13) integrally joined thereto, and a first hook portion (protrusion 16) and a second hook portion (protrusion 16) that are provided on either side of the insert portion 14 so that a torque can be applied to twist the insert portion 14 from the plate portion 11. The above configuration makes it easier to apply a torque to twist the insert portion 14. This allows the insert portion 14 to be twisted off from the plate portion 11. As a result, the metal member can be easily removed from the plate portion 11.

[0019] The plate portion 11 also has a concave weakened portion (recess 17) formed in such a way that the distance to the insert portion 14 is equal to or longer than the distance between the hook portion and the insert portion 14. The weakened portion partially reduces the strength of the plate portion 11. This makes it easier for the plate portion 11 to break when a torque is applied to twist the insert portion 14. This allows the metal member to be removed from the plate portion 11 more easily.

[0020] Furthermore, the weakened portion is formed so that the catch portion and the plate portion 11 are arranged to overlap in the in-plane direction. This configuration makes it easier to transmit torque applied to the catch portion to the weakened portion, thereby allowing the plate portion 11 to break appropriately.

[0021] In addition, the plate portion 11 has a protruding portion (cylindrical portion 15) that protrudes from the plate portion 11 so that the distance to the insert portion 14 is shorter than the distance between the fragile portion and the insert portion 14. With the above configuration, the protruding portion increases the strength of the insert portion 14, thereby preventing the insert portion 14 from breaking.

[0022] Second Embodiment Next, a set plate 20 according to a second embodiment will be described. The set plate 20 according to this embodiment differs from the set plate 10 according to the first embodiment in the structure of the fragile portion. Note that, other than the above, the features can be the same as those shown in the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals will be used and the description will be omitted.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the set plate 20 has a concave groove 21 extending along the upper surface 11a of the plate portion 11. The groove 21 is formed endlessly around the entire circumference of the cylindrical portion 15 in the axial direction. The groove 21 is formed adjacent to each of the protrusions 16. The groove 21 forms a weakened portion in the plate portion 11 where the strength is partially reduced. This allows the plate portion 11 around the connector portion 12 to break along the groove 21 when axial torque is applied to the connector portion 12. This makes it easier to twist the connector portion 12 off the plate portion 11.

[0024] In summary, the fragile portion has grooves 21 extending along the entire circumference of the plate portion 11 along the front surface (upper surface 11a) or rear surface (lower surface 11b). This reduces the strength of the plate portion 11 over a wider range in the axial direction compared to the first embodiment, which has only four localized recesses 17 as fragile portions. This makes the plate portion 11 more susceptible to breakage due to torque around the axis.

[0025] Third Embodiment Next, a set plate 30 according to a third embodiment will be described. The set plate 30 according to this embodiment has a different structure of the hook portion and the fragile portion compared to the set plate 10 according to the first embodiment. Note that, other than the above, the features can be the same as those shown in the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals will be used and the description will be omitted.

[0026] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the set plate 30 has a concave groove 31 extending along the upper surface 11a of the plate portion 11. The groove 31 extends in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 15. The groove 31 is formed discontinuously in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 15. The groove 31 is formed at four locations on the front, back, left, and right sides of the cylindrical portion 15. Each groove 31 forms a weak portion in the plate portion 11 where the strength is partially reduced. Each groove 31 has a bottom surface 31a and a wall surface 31b rising from the bottom surface 31a. The wall surface 31b has end surfaces 31c at both ends in the extension direction of the groove 31. The end surfaces 31c form catches to which torque is applied to twist the connector portion 12.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 6, in one pattern, an operator hooks a general-purpose or dedicated tool onto the end faces 31c of the left and right grooves 31 and turns it to apply force F to the end faces 31c. This applies a counterclockwise torque to the connector portion 12. This torque causes the plate portion 11 to break along the grooves 31. This allows the connector portion 12 to be easily twisted off from the set plate 30.

[0028] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a set plate 40 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The set plate 40 according to this embodiment differs from the set plate 30 according to the third embodiment in the structure of the grooves. Note that, other than the above, the features can be the same as those shown in the third embodiment, so the same reference numerals will be used and the description will be omitted.

[0029] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the set plate 40 has a recessed groove 41 extending along the upper surface 11a of the plate portion 11. The groove 41 extends endlessly around the entire circumference of the tubular portion 15 in the axial direction. The groove 41 forms a weakened portion of the plate portion 11 where the strength is partially reduced. The groove 41 has four bank portions 42 that rise in steps from various locations on the bottom surface 41a. The bank portions 42 are evenly spaced in the circumferential direction. Each bank portion 42 is formed to rise from the bottom surface 41a of the groove 41 to halfway up the height of the wall surface (for example, about halfway up). Each bank portion 42 has side surfaces 42a on both sides that rise from the bottom surface 41a of the groove 41. Each bank portion 42 forms a catch portion to which torque is applied to twist the connector portion 12.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 8 , in one pattern, an operator hooks a general-purpose or dedicated tool onto the side surfaces 42a of the bank portions 42 located on the left rear and right front sides, and turns the tool to apply force F. This applies a counterclockwise torque to the connector portion 12. This torque breaks the plate portion 11 along the grooves 41. This allows the connector portion 12 to be easily twisted off from the set plate 30.

[0031] In summary, the catch portions (end surface 31c, bank portion 42) are formed on the inner surface of the concave fragile portion (groove portion 31, groove portion 41). With the above configuration, it is possible to apply force directly to the inner surface of the concave fragile portion. This makes it easier to break the plate portion 11.

[0032] <Other embodiments> As another embodiment, the features described above can be applied not only to the set plate of the fuel tank but also to any resin member to which a metal member is integrally joined. The metal member is not limited to a connector pin and may have any shape, such as a thin plate. The resin member may have no fragile portion.

[0033] In the above-described embodiment, the insert portion is configured such that the metal member is insert-molded. However, in another embodiment, the metal member may be joined to the plate portion by any other method such as adhesion, welding, or pressure bonding.

[0034] The cylindrical portion may have a trapezoidal cross section, or may have a rectangular or cylindrical cross section. In another embodiment, a non-cylindrical protrusion may be provided instead of the cylindrical portion, and further, the cylindrical portion or protrusion may protrude from only a portion of the circumference of the insert portion, rather than the entire circumference. The resin member may have no protrusion.

[0035] In the above-described embodiment, the hook portions are exemplified as convex portions or groove portions (concave portions) formed on the plate portion, or bank portions protruding from the inner surface of the groove portion. In another embodiment, the hook portions may be convex portions and concave portions formed on the protrusion portion. Furthermore, the hook portions may be concave portions formed on the inner surface of the groove portion. The first hook portion and the second hook portion do not need to have the same shape. For example, one may be a convex portion and the other a concave portion. The number of hook portions is not limited to four, and may be two, three, or five or more. Furthermore, the hook portions do not need to be evenly spaced in the circumferential direction. The hook portions may be formed on the back surface side of the plate portion.

[0036] In another embodiment, the weakened portion may be formed on either the front or back surface of the plate portion, or on both surfaces. The weakened portion may be provided at a position spaced apart from the hook portion, without being adjacent to the hook portion.

[0037] Although various embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and various other modifications, substitutions, improvements, and the like are possible for those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1 Fuel supply device 2 fuel tanks 2a opening 3. Fuel pump 4 Fuel Filter 5 Fuel passage 10 Set plate (resin part) 11 Plate section 11a Top surface (front surface) 11b Bottom surface (back surface) 12 Connector part 13 Connector pin (metal part) 14 Insert section 15 Cylindrical part (protruding part) 15a Upper cylindrical part 15b Lower cylindrical part 16 Convex part (hook part) 16a hook surface 17 Concave part (weak part) 18 Stress concentration area 19 Breaking part 20 Set plate (resin part) 21 Groove (weak part) 30 Set plate (resin part) 31 Groove (weak part) 31a Bottom 31b Wall 31c End face (hook part) 40 Set plate (resin part) 41 Groove (weak part) 41a Bottom 42 Bank (hooking part) 42a Side

Claims

1. A resin member, a plate portion extending in a planar shape; an insert portion that is a part of the plate portion and to which a metal member is integrally joined; A resin member has a first hook portion and a second hook portion provided on either side of the insert portion so that a torque for twisting the insert portion off the plate portion can be applied.

2. The resin member according to claim 1, A resin member having a recessed weakened portion formed in the plate portion so that the distance to the insert portion is equal to or longer than the distance between the hook portion and the insert portion.

3. The resin member according to claim 2, The fragile portion is a resin member formed so that the catch portion and the plate portion are arranged to overlap each other in the in-plane direction.

4. The resin member according to claim 2 or 3, a resin member having a protruding portion protruding from the plate portion so that the distance to the insert portion is shorter than the distance between the fragile portion and the insert portion;

5. The resin member according to claim 2 or 3, The fragile portion is a resin member having a groove portion that extends along the front or back surface of the plate portion around the entire periphery of the insert portion.

6. The resin member according to claim 2 or 3, The resin member has the catch portion formed on the inner surface of the concave weakened portion.

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