Connecting device

Abstract

To provide a bonding device capable of suppressing the adhesion of resin-based deposits to the surface of a workpiece. [Solution] The joining device 1 comprises a work heating unit capable of heating the workpieces to be joined together and movable relative to the workpieces, a forward biasing member, and a rear biasing member. The rear biasing member comprises a biasing unit, a support 220, and a rotating pressing body 230. The rotating pressing body 230 includes a pressing surface S1 that presses the workpieces W1 and W2, and a holding portion 232 formed on the outside of the pressing surface S1 in a direction parallel to the rotational axis AX of the rotating pressing body, which holds the attached material R.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bonding device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-178726 discloses a bonding device for dissimilar metals that bonds a first metal plate and a second metal plate made of different materials. This bonding device includes a processing table, a mounting table that can move relative to the processing progress direction, a laser irradiation unit, a first pressure contact roller, and a second pressure contact roller.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a laser bonding device as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-178726, for example, when bonding a workpiece made of resin and a workpiece made of metal, due to heat input to the workpiece by the laser, the workpiece made of resin may soften or melt, and there is a concern that an adhesion made of resin may adhere to the surface of the roller on the rear side in the moving direction of the laser irradiation unit. In this case, the adhesion detached from the surface of the roller may adhere to the surface of the workpiece.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a bonding device capable of suppressing the adhesion of an adhesion made of resin to the surface of a workpiece.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A joining apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a work heating unit capable of heating workpieces to be joined together and movable relative to the workpieces; a forward biasing member provided in front of the work heating unit in the direction of movement of the work heating unit relative to the workpieces and biasing the workpieces; and a rear biasing member provided behind the work heating unit in the direction of movement and biasing the workpieces, wherein the rear biasing member comprises: a biasing unit capable of applying a biasing force to the workpieces; a support connected to the biasing unit; and a rotating pressing body supported by the support so as to be rotatable relative to the support and pressing the workpieces, wherein the rotating pressing body includes: a pressing surface for pressing the workpieces; and a holding portion formed on the outside of the pressing surface in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the rotating pressing body and holding a deposit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a bonding apparatus that can suppress the adhesion of resin-based deposits to the surface of a workpiece. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a bonding device in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the joining device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rotating pressing body. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the holding part. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the holding part. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or equivalent components are given the same number.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a joining device in one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the joining device shown in Figure 1. The joining device 1 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for joining a workpiece W1 made of resin and a workpiece W2 made of metal. However, the objects to be joined by the joining device 1 are not particularly limited. Each workpiece W1, W2 is not limited to being flat, but may also be curved.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the joining device 1 can join workpieces W1 and W2 placed on a support base 10, for example. The joining device 1 can also join workpieces W1 and W2 while they are held by a three-dimensionally movable actuator (not shown). The joining device 1 may be a laser joining device or a resistance heating joining device. The following explanation will use a laser joining device as an example.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the joining device 1 comprises a workpiece heating section 100, a holding member 150, a rear biasing member 200R, and a front biasing member 200F.

[0013] The workpiece heating unit 100 is capable of heating the workpieces W1 and W2 that are joined together. In this embodiment, a laser irradiation unit (hereinafter referred to as "laser irradiation unit 100") is used as the workpiece heating unit 100. The laser irradiation unit 100 is capable of irradiating a laser L toward the workpieces W1 and W2. In this embodiment, the laser irradiation unit 100 irradiates the workpieces W1 and W2 with the laser L such that the irradiation direction of the laser L is perpendicular to the workpieces W1 and W2. However, the irradiation direction of the laser L does not have to be perpendicular to the workpieces W1 and W2.

[0014] The holding member 150 is connected to the laser irradiation unit 100. The holding member 150 has a holding body 151, a front mounting portion 152, and a rear mounting portion 153.

[0015] The holding unit body 151 surrounds the laser irradiation unit 100. The holding unit body 151 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape.

[0016] The front attachment portion 152 is provided at the front portion of the holding portion main body 151 in the moving direction of the laser irradiation portion 100. The front attachment portion 152 is a portion for attaching the front biasing member 200F.

[0017] The rear attachment portion 153 is provided at the rear portion of the holding portion main body 151 in the moving direction of the laser irradiation portion 100. The rear attachment portion 153 is a portion for attaching the rear biasing member 200R.

[0018] The front biasing member 200F is provided in front of the laser irradiation portion 100 in the moving direction of the laser irradiation portion 100 with respect to the workpieces W1, W2. Specifically, the front biasing member 200F is connected to the front attachment portion 152. The front biasing member 200F can apply a biasing force to the workpieces W1, W2.

[0019] The rear biasing member 200R is provided behind the laser irradiation portion 100 in the moving direction of the laser irradiation portion 100 with respect to the workpieces W1, W2. Specifically, the rear biasing member 200R is connected to the rear attachment portion 153. The rear biasing member 200R can apply a biasing force to the workpieces W1, W2.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the front biasing member 200F and the rear biasing member 200R have substantially the same structure. Specifically, the rear biasing member 200R has a configuration symmetric to the front biasing member 200F with respect to a plane that is orthogonal to the moving direction of the laser irradiation portion 100 and passes through the irradiation point P (see FIG. 1). Therefore, hereinafter, the front biasing member 200F will be described as an example.

[0021] The front biasing member 200F includes a biasing unit 210 (see FIG. 2), a support 220, and a rotary pressing body 230.

[0022] The biasing unit 210 of the front biasing member 200F is attached to the front mounting portion 152. The biasing unit 210 is adjustable in the biasing force applied to the workpieces W1 and W2. In this embodiment, the biasing unit 210 is composed of an air cylinder. However, the biasing unit 210 is not limited to an air cylinder. As shown in Figure 2, the biasing unit 210 has a cylinder 211, a piston 212, and a rod 213. The biasing unit 210 of the rear biasing member 200R is attached to the rear mounting portion 153.

[0023] The rod 213 extends from the piston 212 toward the support 220. The end of the rod 213 (the lower end in the orientation shown in Figure 2) is connected to the support 220.

[0024] Gas passages 214 (see Figure 1) are connected to each space within the cylinder 211 that is partitioned by the piston 212. Through these gas passages 214, gas (e.g., air) is supplied into the cylinder 211 and gas is discharged from the cylinder 211. The end of the gas passage 214 is connected to a pump or the like.

[0025] The support body 220 is connected to the end of the biasing unit 210. The support body 220 has a portion connected to the rod 213 and a support shaft 225 that supports the rotating pressing body 230.

[0026] The rotating press body 230 is supported on the support shaft 225 of the support body 220 so as to be rotatable relative to the support body 220. A bearing 226 is provided between the rotating press body 230 and the support shaft 225. The rotating press body 230 is rotatable around the rotational axis AX (see Figure 3). The rotational axis AX is the central axis of the support shaft 225. The rotating press body 230 presses the workpieces W1 and W2 while rotating against them. In this embodiment, a metal roller is used as the rotating press body 230.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the rotating pressing body 230 has a pressing surface S1 and a holding portion 232.

[0028] The pressing surface S1 is the surface that presses against the workpieces W1 and W2. The pressing surface S1 is formed in the central part of the rotating pressing body 230 in a direction parallel to the rotational axis AX of the rotating pressing body 230 (left-right direction in Figure 3).

[0029] The holding portion 232 holds the deposit R formed by the softening or melting of a part of the resin workpiece W1. The holding portion 232 is formed on the outside of the pressing surface S1 in a direction parallel to the rotational axis AX of the rotating pressing body 230. In this embodiment, the holding portions 232 are formed on both sides of the pressing surface S1 in a direction parallel to the rotational axis AX.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the holding portion 232 has a holding surface S2 and a connecting surface S3.

[0031] The holding surface S2 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing surface S1. The length of the holding surface S2 in the direction parallel to the rotational axis AX is preferably 10% to 30% of the length of the pressing surface S1 in the direction parallel to the rotational axis AX, and more preferably 15% to 20%.

[0032] The connecting surface S3 connects the pressing surface S1 and the holding surface S2. The connecting surface S3 may be perpendicular to the rotational axis AX. The length of the connecting surface S3 in the radial direction (vertical direction in Figure 3) of the rotating pressing body 230 may be the same as the length of the holding surface S2 in the direction parallel to the rotational axis AX.

[0033] In the joining apparatus 1 described above, when the laser L is irradiated onto the workpieces W1 and W2, the heat from the laser L may partially soften or melt the resin workpiece W1, and the resulting deposit R made of molten resin may adhere to the surface of the rotating press body 230 on the rear biasing member 200R.

[0034] In the bonding apparatus 1 of this embodiment, as shown by the arrow AR in Figure 3, the resin deposit R is held in the holding portion 232 of the rotating pressing body 230, thereby suppressing the deposit R from adhering to the pressing surface S1 and, consequently, from adhering to the surface of the workpiece W2. This suppresses the occurrence of bonding defects caused by uneven biasing force from the rear biasing member 200R.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the holding portion 232 may be composed of an inclined surface that decreases in diameter as it moves away from the pressing surface S1. Alternatively, the holding portion 232 may be formed in a shape that decreases in outer diameter as it moves away from the pressing surface S1 and is curved so as to be convex toward the rotational center axis AX.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the joining device 1 may further include a rear cleaning unit 300 for cleaning the rotating press body 230 on the rear biasing member 200R. The rear cleaning unit 300 removes deposits R held on the holding portion 232 of the rotating press body 230. The rear cleaning unit 300 is formed in a blade shape (flat plate shape). The rear cleaning unit 300 is made of metal or the like. The rear cleaning unit 300 is in contact with the holding portion 232, more specifically, with the holding surface S2. The rear cleaning unit 300 may also be in contact with the connecting surface S3.

[0037] The support body 220 includes a support portion 221 that supports the rear cleaning unit 300. The support portion 221 supports the rear cleaning unit 300 so that it contacts the upper end of the holding surface S2.

[0038] The joining device 1 may further include a front cleaning section (not shown) for cleaning the rotating pressing body 230 of the front biasing member 200F. In this case, the front cleaning section is formed in a shape symmetrical to the rear cleaning section 300.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0040] [Aspect 1] A workpiece heating unit capable of heating workpieces to be joined together and movable relative to the workpieces, A forward biasing member is provided in front of the workpiece heating unit in the direction of movement of the workpiece heating unit relative to the workpiece, and biases the workpiece. It comprises a rear biasing member provided behind the workpiece heating section in the aforementioned direction of movement, which biases the workpiece, The aforementioned rearward biasing member is A biasing unit capable of applying a biasing force to the workpiece, A support connected to the biasing unit, It includes a rotating pressing body that is supported on the support so as to be rotatable with respect to the support and presses the workpiece, The rotating pressing body is A pressing surface for pressing the workpiece, A joining device comprising: a holding portion formed on the outside of the pressing surface in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the rotating pressing body, which holds the attached material.

[0041] In this bonding device, the deposit, which consists of softened or molten resin, is held in the holding part of the rotating pressing body, thereby suppressing the adhesion of the deposit to the pressing surface and, consequently, the adhesion of the deposit to the surface of the workpiece.

[0042] [Aspect 2] The aforementioned retaining part is A retaining surface having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing surface, The joining device according to embodiment 1, further comprising a connecting surface that connects the pressing surface and the holding surface.

[0043] In this embodiment, since the adhering material comes into contact with the connecting surface, the adhering material held in the holding part is more reliably prevented from reaching the pressing surface.

[0044] [Aspect 3] The rear biasing member further includes a rear cleaning section for cleaning the rotating pressing body, The joining device according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the rear cleaning section removes deposits held in the holding section of the rotating pressing body.

[0045] In this joining device, the holding part of the rotating pressing body is removed in the rear cleaning section, thus suppressing joining defects and contamination of the workpiece surface.

[0046] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1 Joining device, 100 Workpiece heating section (laser irradiation section), 200F Forward biasing member, 200R Rear biasing member, 210 Biasing unit, 211 Cylinder, 212 Piston, 213 Rod, 214 Gas flow path, 220 Support body, 230 Rotating pressing body, 232 Holding section, 300 Rear cleaning section, L Laser, R Adhering material, S1 Pressing surface, S2 Holding surface, S3 Connecting surface, W1, W2 Workpiece.

Claims

1. A workpiece heating unit capable of heating workpieces to be joined together and movable relative to the workpieces, A forward biasing member is provided in front of the workpiece heating unit in the direction of movement of the workpiece heating unit relative to the workpiece, and biases the workpiece. It comprises a rear biasing member provided behind the workpiece heating section in the aforementioned direction of movement, which biases the workpiece, The aforementioned rearward biasing member is A biasing unit capable of applying a biasing force to the workpiece, A support connected to the biasing unit, It includes a rotating pressing body that is supported on the support so as to be rotatable with respect to the support and presses the workpiece, The rotating pressing body is A pressing surface for pressing the workpiece, A joining device comprising: a holding portion formed on the outside of the pressing surface in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the rotating pressing body, which holds the attached material.

2. The aforementioned retaining part is A retaining surface having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing surface, The joining device according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting surface that connects the pressing surface and the holding surface.

3. The rear biasing member further includes a rear cleaning section for cleaning the rotating pressing body, The rear cleaning section removes deposits held by the holding section of the rotating pressing body, as described in claim 1 or 2.

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