Connecting device

Abstract

To provide a bonding device capable of suppressing the occurrence of bonding defects. [Solution] The joining device 1 includes a work heating unit 100 capable of heating workpieces W1 and W2 to be joined together and movable relative to the workpieces, a rear pressurizing body 230R provided behind the work heating unit in the direction of movement of the work heating unit relative to the workpiece and pressurizing the workpiece, and a rear biasing unit 210R that biases the rear pressurizing body toward the workpiece. The dimensions of the rear pressurizing body 230R in the width direction are 0.5 to 2 times the dimensions in the width direction of the heating area heated by the work heating unit in a plane including the lower end of the rear pressurizing body.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-330972 discloses a bonding device including an irradiation head, a pressure roller, and a pressing roller.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When bonding a resin workpiece and a metal workpiece using the bonding device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-330972, from the viewpoint of increasing the bonding strength, grooves for molten resin to enter may be formed in the metal workpiece. In this case, if the resin does not sufficiently enter the grooves, bonding defects may occur.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a bonding device capable of suppressing the occurrence of bonding defects.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A joining apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a workpiece heating unit capable of heating workpieces to be joined together and movable relative to the workpieces; a rear pressurizing body provided behind the workpiece heating unit in the direction of movement of the workpiece heating unit relative to the workpieces and pressurizing the workpieces; and a rear biasing unit that biases the rear pressurizing body toward the workpieces, wherein the dimensions of the rear pressurizing body in the width direction perpendicular to both the direction of movement of the workpiece heating unit and the biasing direction by the rear biasing unit are 0.5 times or more and 2 times or less the dimensions in the width direction of the heating area heated by the workpiece heating unit in a plane including the lower end of the rear pressurizing body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a bonding apparatus that can suppress the occurrence of bonding defects. [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 taken along line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a plan view that schematically shows the dimensional relationship between the front pressurizer, rear pressurizer, laser, and groove in the width direction. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the rear pressurizer 230R. [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. A groove 20 (see Figure 3) for receiving molten resin is formed on the back surface of the workpiece W2. 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, a resistance heating joining device, or the like. 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 the workpieces W1 and W2 that are joined together with a laser L. The laser irradiation unit 100 can adjust the shape of the laser L on the surface of workpiece W2. In this embodiment, the laser irradiation unit 100 irradiates the workpieces W1 and W2 with the laser L so 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 part main body 151 surrounds the laser irradiation part 100. The holding part main body 151 is formed in a rectangular tube shape.

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

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

[0018] The front biasing member 200F is provided in front of the laser irradiation part 100 in the moving direction of the laser irradiation part 100 with respect to the workpieces W1, W2. Specifically, the front biasing member 200F is connected to the front mounting part 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 part 100 in the moving direction of the laser irradiation part 100 with respect to the workpieces W1, W2. Specifically, the rear biasing member 200R is connected to the rear mounting part 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 part 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 front biasing unit 210F (see FIG. 2), a support 220F, and a front pressing body 230F.

[0022] The forward biasing unit 210F is attached to the front mounting portion 152. The biasing force applied to the workpieces W1 and W2 by the forward biasing unit 210F is adjustable. In this embodiment, the forward biasing unit 210F is composed of an air cylinder. However, the forward biasing unit 210F is not limited to an air cylinder. The rear biasing unit 210R is attached to the rear mounting portion 153. The biasing force of the rear biasing unit 210R is preferably 0.5 times or more and 2 times or less the biasing force of the forward biasing unit 210F, and more preferably greater than 1 time and 2 times or less.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the forward biasing unit 210F includes a cylinder 211, a piston 212, and a rod 213.

[0024] Rod 213 extends from piston 212 toward support 220F. The end of rod 213 (the lower end in the orientation shown in Figure 2) is connected to support 220F.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The support 220F is connected to the end of the forward biasing unit 210F. The support 220F has a portion connected to the rod 213 and a support shaft 225 that supports the forward pressurizing body 230F.

[0027] The forward pressurizing body 230F pressurizes the workpieces W1 and W2. In this embodiment, a metal roller is used as the forward pressurizing body 230F. The forward pressurizing body 230F is supported on the support shaft 225 of the support body 220F so as to be rotatable relative to the support body 220F. A bearing 226 is provided between the forward pressurizing body 230F and the support shaft 225. The forward pressurizing body 230F is rotatable around the rotational axis AX (see Figure 3). The rotational axis AX is the central axis of the support shaft 225. The forward pressurizing body 230F presses the workpieces W1 and W2 while rotating against them.

[0028] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2. Figure 3 schematically shows the vicinity of the rear pressurizer 230R and the workpieces W1 and W2. Figure 4 is a plan view schematically showing the dimensional relationship in the width direction of the front pressurizer, rear pressurizer, laser, and groove. In Figure 4, the area of ​​the workpiece W2 in which the groove 20 is formed is indicated by a diagonal line.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the dimension DR of the rear pressurizing body 230R in the width direction is preferably set to 0.5 to 1.5 times the dimension d of the groove 20 in the width direction. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the dimension DR is about 1.2 times the dimension d. The width direction refers to the direction perpendicular to both the movement direction of the laser irradiation unit 100 and the biasing direction by the rear biasing unit 210R. The width direction is parallel to the rotation center axis AX. The dimension d of the groove 20 in the width direction may be set to about 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the dimension DL in the width direction of the laser L irradiated from the laser irradiation unit 100 in the plane including the lower end of the rear pressurizing body 230R is preferably set to 0.7 times or more and 1.3 times or less the dimension d of the groove 20 in the width direction. The plane including the lower end of the rear pressurizing body 230R coincides with the surface of the workpiece W2. That is, the dimension DL in the width direction of the laser L on the surface of the workpiece W2 is preferably set to 0.7 times or more and 1.3 times or less the dimension d of the groove 20 in the width direction. When the area heated is expanded by oscillating the laser L, such as wobbling or weaving, the dimension DL in the width direction of the laser L on the surface of the workpiece W2 refers to the wobbling width or weaving width.

[0031] The dimension DR of the rear pressurizing body 230R in the width direction is preferably 0.5 to 2 times the dimension DL in the width direction of the laser L irradiated from the laser irradiation unit 100 on the surface of the workpiece W2, and more preferably greater than 1 time and 1.5 times or less.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the dimension DF of the front pressurizing body 230F in the width direction is the same as the dimension DR of the rear pressurizing body 230R in the width direction. However, the dimension DF of the front pressurizing body 230F may be different from the dimension DR of the rear pressurizing body 230R. Preferably, the dimension DF of the front pressurizing body 230F is 1 to 3 times the dimension DR of the rear pressurizing body 230R, and more preferably 1.2 to 2 times.

[0033] For example, if the dimension DF of the front pressurizer 230F is set to twice the dimension DR of the rear pressurizer 230R, the biasing force provided by the front biasing unit 210F will be set to twice the biasing force provided by the rear biasing unit 210R. The biasing force provided by the front biasing unit 210F may also be set to 0.8 times or more and 3 times or less the biasing force provided by the rear biasing unit 210R.

[0034] The joining device 1 may further include a control unit that controls the biasing force by the forward biasing unit 210F and the biasing force by the rear biasing unit 210R based on the dimensions d of the groove 20 in the width direction, the dimensions DR of the rear pressurizing body 230R and the dimensions DF of the forward biasing unit 210F.

[0035] In the bonding apparatus 1 described above, when the laser L is irradiated onto the workpieces W1 and W2, a portion of the resin workpiece W1 softens or melts due to the heat of the laser L, and the molten resin enters into the groove 20 formed in the workpiece W2.

[0036] For example, if the dimension DR of the rear pressurizer 230R in the width direction is excessively large compared to the dimension d of the groove 20 in the width direction, the pressure will be distributed to areas of the workpieces W1 and W2 other than the area overlapping with the groove 20. As a result, appropriate pressure will not be applied to the area overlapping with the groove 20, which may lead to insufficient penetration of the molten resin into the groove 20. On the other hand, if the dimension DR of the rear pressurizer 230R in the width direction is too small compared to the dimension d of the groove 20 in the width direction, pressure will only be applied to a portion of the area of ​​the workpieces W1 and W2 that overlaps with the groove 20. As a result, insufficient penetration of the molten resin into the groove 20 may occur.

[0037] Furthermore, if the dimension DL of the laser L in the width direction on the surface of workpiece W2 is excessively large compared to the dimension d of the groove 20 in the width direction, the amount of molten resin in the groove 20 will be excessive, which may result in insufficient bonding strength or contamination of the surfaces of workpieces W1 and W2. On the other hand, if the dimension DL of the laser L in the width direction on the surface of workpiece W2 is too small compared to the dimension d of the groove 20 in the width direction, the amount of molten resin that enters the groove 20 will not be sufficient, which may result in insufficient bonding strength.

[0038] In contrast, in this bonding apparatus 1, the dimension DR of the rear pressurizing body 230R in the width direction is 0.5 to 2 times the dimension DL in the width direction of the plane including the lower end of the rear pressurizing body 230R of the laser L. Therefore, for example, by selecting a rear pressurizing body 230R in which the dimension DR of the rear pressurizing body 230R in the width direction is approximately the same as the dimension d of the groove 20 formed in the metal workpiece W2 in the width direction, the occurrence of bonding defects as described above can be suppressed.

[0039] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the front pressurizing body 230F and the rear pressurizing body 230R consist of a single roller. However, each pressurizing body 230F, 230R may be composed of multiple rollers divided in the width direction. For example, Figure 5 shows an example in which the rear pressurizing body 230R consists of a pair of rollers 231R divided into two in the width direction. In this case, the dimension DR of the rear pressurizing body 230R in the width direction is defined by the length between the outer surfaces of the rollers that are positioned furthest out in the width direction among the multiple rollers 231R.

[0040] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which a laser irradiation unit 100 is used as the workpiece heating unit 100, the workpiece heating unit 100 may be composed of a heating roller capable of heating the workpieces W1 and W2 while pressing them, or it may be composed of a hot air supply unit capable of supplying hot air to the workpieces W1 and W2. In this case, the dimension DL in the above embodiment means the dimension in the width direction of the heating area on the surface of the workpiece W2 that is heated by the workpiece heating unit 100. For example, when a heating roller is used as the workpiece heating unit 100, the dimension of the heating area in the width direction corresponds to the dimension of the heating roller in the width direction.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0042] [Aspect 1] A workpiece heating unit capable of heating workpieces to be joined together and movable relative to the workpieces, A rear pressurizing body is provided behind the workpiece heating unit in the direction of movement of the workpiece heating unit relative to the workpiece, and pressurizes the workpiece. The system comprises a rear biasing unit that biases the rear pressurizing body toward the workpiece, A joining device in which the dimensions of the rear pressurizing body in the width direction perpendicular to both the movement direction of the workpiece heating section and the biasing direction by the rear biasing unit are 0.5 times or more and 2 times or less the dimensions in the width direction of the heating area heated by the workpiece heating section in a plane including the lower end of the rear pressurizing body.

[0043] For example, if the dimensions of the rear pressurizer in the width direction are excessive compared to the dimensions of the groove in the width direction, the pressure will be distributed to areas of the workpiece other than those overlapping with the groove. As a result, appropriate pressure will not be applied to the overlapping area, which may lead to insufficient penetration of the molten resin into the groove. On the other hand, if the dimensions of the rear pressurizer in the width direction are insufficient compared to the dimensions of the groove in the width direction, pressure will only be applied to a portion of the workpiece that overlaps with the groove, which may result in insufficient penetration of the molten resin into the groove. Furthermore, if the dimensions of the heating area in the width direction on the surface of the workpiece are excessive compared to the dimensions of the groove in the width direction, the amount of molten resin in the groove will be excessive, which may result in insufficient bonding strength or contamination of the workpiece surface. On the other hand, if the dimensions of the heating area in the width direction on the surface of the workpiece are insufficient compared to the dimensions of the groove in the width direction, the amount of molten resin that penetrates the groove will not be sufficient, which may result in insufficient bonding strength.

[0044] In contrast, in this bonding apparatus, the dimensions of the rear pressurizing body in the width direction are 0.5 to 2 times the dimensions of the heating area in the width direction on the plane including the lower end of the rear pressurizing body. For example, by selecting a rear pressurizing body whose dimensions in the width direction are approximately the same as the dimensions in the width direction of a groove formed in a metal workpiece, the occurrence of bonding defects as described above can be suppressed.

[0045] [Aspect 2] The joining device according to embodiment 1, wherein the dimensions of the rear pressurizing body in the width direction are greater than 1 times the dimensions of the heating region in the width direction and 1.5 or less.

[0046] [Aspect 3] A forward pressurizing body is provided in front of the workpiece heating section in the aforementioned direction of movement and pressurizes the workpiece, The joining apparatus according to embodiment 1 or 2, further comprising a forward biasing unit that biases the forward pressurizing body toward the workpiece.

[0047] In this embodiment, the workpieces are biased by the forward biasing unit and the forward pressurizing body, which increases the adhesion between the workpieces before heating.

[0048] [Aspect 4] The joining device according to embodiment 3, wherein the dimensions of the front pressurizing body in the width direction are greater than or equal to the dimensions of the rear pressurizing body in the width direction.

[0049] [Aspect 5] The laser bonding apparatus according to embodiment 4, wherein the biasing force of the rear biasing unit is 0.5 times or more and 2 times or less the biasing force of the front biasing unit.

[0050] [Aspect 6] The workpiece heating unit comprises a laser irradiation unit capable of irradiating the workpiece with a laser, The bonding apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the dimension of the heating region in the width direction is the dimension in the width direction of the laser irradiated from the laser irradiation unit in the plane.

[0051] 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]

[0052] 1 Joining device, 20 groove, 100 workpiece heating section (laser irradiation section), 200F forward biasing member, 200R rear biasing member, 210F forward biasing unit, 210R rear biasing unit, 211 cylinder, 212 piston, 213 rod, 214 gas flow path, 220F support, 220R support, 230F forward pressurizing body, 230R rear pressurizing body, L laser, W1, W2 workpiece.

Claims

1. A workpiece heating unit capable of heating workpieces to be joined together and movable relative to the workpieces, A rear pressurizing body is provided behind the workpiece heating unit in the direction of movement of the workpiece heating unit relative to the workpiece, and pressurizes the workpiece. The system comprises a rear biasing unit that biases the rear pressurizing body toward the workpiece, A joining device in which the dimensions of the rear pressurizing body in the width direction perpendicular to both the movement direction of the workpiece heating section and the biasing direction by the rear biasing unit are 0.5 times or more and 2 times or less the dimensions in the width direction of the heating area heated by the workpiece heating section in a plane including the lower end of the rear pressurizing body.

2. The joining device according to claim 1, wherein the dimensions of the rear pressurizing body in the width direction are greater than 1 times the dimensions of the heating region in the width direction and 1.5 or less.

3. A forward pressurizing body is provided in front of the workpiece heating section in the aforementioned direction of movement and pressurizes the workpiece, The joining apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a forward biasing unit that biases the forward pressurizing body toward the workpiece.

4. The joining device according to claim 3, wherein the dimensions of the front pressurizing body in the width direction are greater than or equal to the dimensions of the rear pressurizing body in the width direction.

5. The bonding device according to claim 4, wherein the biasing force of the rear biasing unit is 0.5 times or more and 2 times or less the biasing force of the front biasing unit.

6. The workpiece heating unit comprises a laser irradiation unit capable of irradiating the workpiece with a laser, The bonding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dimensions of the heating region in the width direction are the dimensions in the width direction of the laser irradiated from the laser irradiation unit in the plane.

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