Molded articles and methods for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The objective is to provide a molded product and a method for manufacturing the same that can suppress adhesive leakage. [Solution] When joining a molded member (10) having outer peripheral portions (11, 12, 13 and 14) that extend in the longitudinal direction and surround an internal space (17, 18 and 19) that opens at the ends of the outer peripheral portions (11, 12, 13 and 14), to a lid body (51), the adhesive (55) is filled into a groove (52) formed on the abutment surface of the lid body (51) along the outer circumference of the lid body (51), the ends of the outer peripheral portions (11, 12, 13 and 14) are abutted against the abutment surface of the lid body (51), and the ends of the outer peripheral portions (11, 12, 13 and 14) are bonded to the abutment surface of the lid body (51) by the adhesive (55).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a molded article and a method for producing the same.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an end cap attached to a photoconductive drum used in an electrophotographic printer. The end cap includes a cylindrical portion, a disk-shaped portion, and an elasticity applying portion. The disk-shaped portion extends from one end of the cylindrical portion. A plurality of slots are cut out from the other end of the cylindrical portion toward the other end, thereby enabling the cylindrical portion to expand in the radial direction. The elasticity applying portion is disposed in the cavity of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is inserted into an opening at the end of the photoconductive drum, the elasticity applying portion applies an outward radial force to the cylindrical portion, and the cylindrical portion is pressed against the photoconductive drum on the outer side thereof.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an end cap attached to an end of a roof molding. The end cap includes a plate-shaped design portion and an insertion portion protruding from one surface of the design portion. The insertion portion is inserted into the end of the roof molding, and the insertion portion is bonded to the roof molding with an adhesive. During the bonding operation, the adhesive may leak from the inside of the roof molding and adhere to the surfaces of the roof molding and the design portion. In particular, the adhesive may leak from the boundary between the end face of the roof molding and the design portion. The leaked adhesive becomes a factor that impairs the aesthetic appearance of the finished product.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses an end cap joined to an end portion of a long curtain rail. The end cap includes a main body portion and a fitting portion. The main body portion serves as a stopper for a runner by abutting against the end of the curtain rail. The fitting portion penetrates into the end portion of the curtain rail and is bonded to the curtain rail with an adhesive. Even with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 3, there is a risk that the aesthetic appearance of the finished product may be impaired due to leakage of the adhesive.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-335007 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-148535 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-148535 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a molded article and a method for manufacturing the same that can suppress leakage of adhesive. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The symbols shown in parentheses below are referenced in Figures 1 to 3.

[0008] To solve the above problems, according to claim 1, a molded product (1) is provided comprising: a molded member (10) having outer peripheral portions (11, 12, 13 and 14) that surround internal spaces (17, 18 and 19) that open at the ends of the outer peripheral portions (11, 12, 13 and 14) extending in the longitudinal direction; a lid body (51) that abuts against the ends of the outer peripheral portions (11, 12, 13 and 14) and closes the opening of the internal spaces (17, 18 and 19); and an adhesive (55), wherein a groove (52) is formed on the abutting surface (53) of the lid body (51) along the outer circumference of the lid body (51), the adhesive (55) is filled into the groove (52), and the ends of the outer peripheral portions (11, 12, 13 and 14) are bonded to the abutting surface (53) of the lid body (51) by the adhesive (55).

[0009] According to claim 6, a method for manufacturing a molded product (1) is provided, in which, when joining a molded member (10) having outer peripheral portions (11, 12, 13 and 14) that extend in the longitudinal direction and an inner space (17, 18 and 19) that opens at the ends of the outer peripheral portions (11, 12, 13 and 14) and a lid body (51), an adhesive (55) is filled into a groove (52) formed in the abutment surface (53) of the lid body (51) along the outer circumference of the lid body (51), the ends of the outer peripheral portions (11, 12, 13 and 14) abut against the abutment surface (53) of the lid body (51), and the ends of the outer peripheral portions (11, 12, 13 and 14) are bonded to the abutment surface (53) of the lid body (51) by the adhesive (55).

[0010] According to claim 1 or 6 as described above, the groove (52) is formed in the abutment surface (53) of the lid body (51), and the adhesive (55) is filled into the groove (52), making it easier to ensure that the amount of adhesive (55) is not excessive but just right. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the adhesive (55) from overflowing from the groove (52). Even if the adhesive (55) overflows from the groove (52), the amount is small, and the overflowed adhesive (55) only seeps and spreads to the boundary between the edges of the outer periphery (11, 12, 13 and 14) and the abutment surface (53) of the lid body (51). Therefore, since the adhesive (55) does not leak out onto the outer periphery (11, 12, 13 and 14) of the molded member (10) and the surface of the lid body (51), the aesthetic appearance of the molded product (1) is not impaired, and the yield of the molded product (1) is high.

[0011] According to claim 2, the molded article (1) according to claim 1 is provided, wherein the outer circumference (51a) of the lid body (51) that frames the groove (52) is tapered.

[0012] According to claim 2 as described above, when pressure is applied to the abutment surface (53) of the lid body (51) from the edges of the outer circumference (11, 12, 13 and 14) during bonding, the outer circumference (51a) of the lid body (51) is slightly expanded due to its tapered shape, so that the adhesive (55) is less likely to overflow from the groove (52). Therefore, the aesthetic appearance of the molded product (1) is not impaired, and the yield of the molded product (1) is high.

[0013] According to claim 3, a molded article (1) according to claim 1 or 2 is provided, comprising a plurality of cylinders (67, 68 and 69) protruding in the longitudinal direction from the abutment surface (53) of the lid body (51) inside the groove (52), wherein the molded member (10) further has one or more partition walls (15 and 16) extending in the longitudinal direction into the internal space (17, 18 and 19), the internal space being divided by the partition walls (15 and 16) into a plurality of hollows (17, 18 and 19) opening at the ends of the outer peripheral portion (11, 12, 13 and 14), the cylinders (67, 68 and 69) being fitted into the openings of the hollows (17, 18 and 19), and notches (77, 78 and 79) being formed in the cylinders (67, 68 and 69).

[0014] According to claim 3 described above, since the notches (77, 78 and 79) are formed in the tube (67, 68 and 69) along its entire length, the end cap (50) is easy to remove from the mold during injection molding, and the shape and structure of the mold are simplified. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the end cap (50) can be reduced.

[0015] According to claim 4, a plurality of cutouts (57, 58 and 59) are formed in a groove-like manner on the abutment surface (53) of the lid body (51) inside each of the plurality of cylinders (67, 68 and 69), and the cutouts (57, 58 and 59) extend through the notches (77, 78 and 79) to the outer circumference of the lid body (51) and open outward from the outer circumference, as described in claim 3.

[0016] According to claim 4 as described above, water that has entered the inside of the hollow (17, 18 and 19) is drained through the drainage grooves (57, 58 and 59).

[0017] According to claim 5, a molded article (1) according to claim 3 is provided, wherein holes (67a, 68a and 69a) or a second notch are formed on the upper surface of the cylinder (67, 68 and 69).

[0018] According to claim 5 described above, even if a gap is formed between the cover main body (51) and the outer peripheral portion (11, 12, 13 and 14) and rainwater infiltrates into the gap, the rainwater flows through the holes (67a, 68a and 69a) into the inner sides of the cylinders (67, 68 and 69). Therefore, deterioration of the joint between the cover main body (51) and the outer peripheral portion (11, 12, 13 and 14) is prevented. Even if the adhesive (55) overflows from the groove (52) during bonding, the adhesive (55) spreads into the holes (67a, 68a and 69a). Therefore, the aesthetic appearance of the molded product (1) is not impaired, and the yield of the molded product (1) is high. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The groove formed on the abutting surface of the main body contributes to preventing leakage of the adhesive. Therefore, the finish of the molded product is good, and the yield of the molded product is high. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the molded product. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an end cap of the molded product. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an end cap of the molded product. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partial top view of the end cap. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The features and technical effects of the embodiments can be understood from the following detailed description and the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below. Since the drawings are provided for illustration only, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrations in the drawings.

[0022] <1. Outline of the Molded Product> Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of molded product 1. Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the end cap 50 of molded product 1. Figure 4 is a partial top view of the end cap 50.

[0023] The molded product 1 is a long strip-shaped product. The molded product 1 has a length in the front-to-back direction, a width in the left-to-right direction, and a thickness in the up-to-down direction, with the length of the molded product 1 being significantly greater than its width and thickness, and the width of the molded product 1 being greater than its thickness. Here, the front-to-back direction, the left-to-right direction, and the up-to-down direction are orthogonal to each other. The up-to-down direction does not necessarily mean the vertical direction. Hereafter, the front-to-back direction will also be called the length direction, the left-to-right direction will also be called the width direction, and the up-to-down direction will also be called the thickness direction. The length direction is the direction in which the molded member 10 is extruded by the extrusion molding machine.

[0024] The molded product 1 may be used, for example, as flooring material. A floor is constructed by laying multiple molded products 1 along a horizontal plane. The floor may be installed indoors or outdoors of a building. The floor may be, for example, a balcony, terrace, corridor, entrance hall, or entrance floor.

[0025] The molded product 1 may be used as a fence. A fence is formed by arranging multiple molded products 1 along a vertical plane. The molded product 1 may be used as a louver slat or shelf. The molded product 1 comprises a molded member 10, an end cap 50, and an adhesive 55.

[0026] <2. Molded components> The molded member 10 is an extruded material formed by extrusion molding using an extrusion molding machine. The main components of the molded member 10 are polyethylene resin (PE), polypropylene resin (PP), polybutylene terephthalate resin (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate resin (PET), polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC), polystyrene resin (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS), acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resin (AS), acrylic resin (PMMA), polyamide resin (PA), polyacetal resin (POM), and polyphenylene ether resin (PPE). The material is a thermoplastic resin such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene resin (UHMW-PE), polycarbonate resin (PC), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide resin (PI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), fluororesin, polyarylate resin (PAR), polysulfone resin (PSU), polyetheresulfone resin (PES), polyamide resin (PAI), polyetherimide resin (PEI), or thermoplastic polyurethane resin. The entire component of the molded member 10 may be a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin may be a foamed resin having a large number of microcavities. By adding cellulose-based fine powder such as wood powder to the thermoplastic resin, the molded member 10 may be a wood-like molded product having a texture similar to natural wood. Wood powder from waste materials may be used as the cellulose-based fine powder. The cellulose-based fine powder may be uniformly dispersed in the thermoplastic resin or heterogeneously dispersed in the thermoplastic resin. The molded member 10 may be colored by adding a coloring agent, pigment, or dye to the thermoplastic resin. The molded member 10 may have a single color if the coloring agent, pigment, or dye is uniformly dispersed in the matrix phase. The molded member 10 may have a pattern on its surface if the coloring agent, pigment, or dye is non-uniformly dispersed in the matrix phase and the coloring agent, pigment, or dye is exposed on the surface of the molded member 10. The pattern may be, for example, a striped pattern or a straight grain pattern. The matrix phase may be thermoplastic resin only, a mixture of thermoplastic resin and cellulose-based fine powder, a mixture of thermoplastic resin, cellulose-based fine powder and pigment, or a mixture of thermoplastic resin, cellulose-based fine powder and pigment. A coloring agent refers to a thermoplastic resin colored with a pigment or dye.Furthermore, the molded member 10 may be an extruded aluminum material instead of an extruded resin material.

[0027] The molded member 10 has the outer shape of a strip. The molded member 10 has a length in the front-to-back direction, a width in the left-to-right direction, and a thickness in the up-to-down direction, and has a rectangular outer shape along cross-sections parallel to the left-to-right and up-to-down directions.

[0028] The molded member 10 has an outer periphery extending in the longitudinal direction, and the outer periphery has left and right side plates 11, 12 and upper and lower webs 13, 14. The side plates 11, 12 are spaced apart in the width direction and are parallel to each other. The side plates 11, 12 are parallel to each other in the longitudinal and thickness directions. The webs 13, 14 are spaced apart in the thickness direction and are parallel to each other. The webs 13, 14 are parallel to each other in the longitudinal and width directions. The upper web 13 is provided between the upper ends of the side plates 11, 12, and the lower web 14 is provided between the lower ends of the side plates 11, 12. The molded member 10 has an internal space enclosed by the side plates 11, 12 and the webs 13, 14. The internal space extends from one end to the other of the molded member 10 in the longitudinal direction. The internal space opens at one end and the other end of the molded member 10.

[0029] The molded member 10 has two partition walls 15 and 16 on its inside, parallel to the length and thickness directions. The side plate 11, partition wall 15, partition wall 16, and side plate 12 are arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction. The partition walls 15 and 16 rise from the lower web 14 and extend up to the upper web 13. The partition walls 15 and 16 extend in the length direction from one end to the other of the outer periphery, and the internal space enclosed by the outer periphery is divided into three hollows 17 to 19 by these partition walls 15 and 16. The hollows 17 to 19 open at one end and the other end of the molded member 10. The partition walls 15 and 16 contribute to improving the strength of the molded member 10.

[0030] Alternatively, instead of two partition walls 15 and 16 being placed between the side plates 11 and 12, one partition wall may be placed between the side plates 11 and 12. In this case, the internal space enclosed by the outer perimeter consisting of the side plates 11 and 12 and the webs 13 and 14 is divided into two hollow spaces by one partition wall. Alternatively, instead of two partition walls 15 and 16 being placed between the side plates 11 and 12, three or more side walls may be placed between the side plates 11 and 12. In this case, the internal space is divided into a number of hollow spaces equal to the number of partition walls minus one.

[0031] The molded member 10 has left and right screw hole portions 20 and 22 formed on the inner surfaces of the side plates 11 and 12, respectively. The screw hole portions 20 and 22 protrude inward from the inner surfaces of the side plates 11 and 12, and extend longitudinally along the inner surfaces of the side plates 11 and 12, respectively. The screw hole portions 20 and 22 are cylindrical in shape. The screw hole portion 20 has a slit 21 cut out from the outer circumference to the inside, and the screw hole portion 22 has a slit 23 cut out from the outer circumference to the inside. The slits 21 and 23 extend longitudinally. The shape of the screw hole portions 20 and 22 in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal and width directions is C-shaped. However, the slits may not be formed in the screw hole portions 20 and 22, and the shape of the screw hole portions 20 and 22 in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal and width directions may be circular.

[0032] The screw holes 20 and 22 are positioned closer to one of the webs 14 than to the intermediate surface between the webs 13 and 14.

[0033] The molded member 10 is symmetrical with respect to the intermediate plane between the web 13 and the web 14. The molded member 10 is symmetrical with respect to the intermediate plane between the side plate 11 and the side plate 12.

[0034] <3. End caps and adhesive> The end cap 50 is an injection-molded material produced by an injection molding machine. Alternatively, the end cap 50 is a molded material produced by an additive manufacturing machine, also known as a 3D printer.

[0035] The description regarding the composition of the molded member 10 applies to the end cap 50. The composition of the end cap 50 and the composition of the molded member 10 may be the same or different. The color of the end cap 50 and the color of the molded member 10 may be the same or different. The pattern of the end cap 50 and the pattern of the molded member 10 may be the same or different. The surface texture of the end cap 50 and the surface texture of the molded member 10 may be the same or different. The surface of the end cap 50 may be a textured surface.

[0036] The end cap 50 may be made of metal formed by a press machine. The end cap 50 may also be made of metal formed by casting or forging.

[0037] The end cap 50 has a lid body 51 and fitting cylinders 67, 68, and 69.

[0038] The lid body 51 is an end plate provided in a plate shape. The shape of the outer circumference of the lid body 51 is the same as the shape of the outer circumference of the molded member 10. The lid body 51 abuts against the end 41 of the molded member 10, that is, the ends of the side plates 11, 12, the webs 13, 14 and the partition walls 15, 16. The openings of the hollows 17, 18, 19 are closed by the lid body 51.

[0039] A groove 52 is formed in the abutment surface 53 of the lid body 51 along the outer circumference of the lid body 51. Adhesive 55 is filled into the groove 52. The ends of the outer circumference of the molded member 10, that is, the ends of the side plates 11, 12 and the webs 13, 14, are joined to the abutment surface 53 of the lid body 51 by the adhesive 55. Three cutout grooves 57, 58, and 59 are formed in the abutment surface 53 of the lid body 51. These cutout grooves 57, 58, and 59 are spaced apart and arranged in the width direction. The cutout grooves 57, 58, and 59 extend to the outer circumference of the lid body 51, specifically to the lower end of the lid body 51. The cutout grooves 57, 58, and 59 open downward at the lower end of the lid body 51. The cutout grooves 57, 58, and 59 function as drainage paths. In other words, water that has entered the hollow parts 17, 18, and 19 is discharged to the outside of the molded member 10 through the drainage grooves 57, 58, and 59. As shown in Figure 4, the outer circumference 51a of the lid body 51 that borders the groove 52 may be tapered.

[0040] The fitting cylinders 67, 68, and 69 protrude longitudinally from the abutment surface 53 of the lid body 51 inside the groove 52. The fitting cylinders 67, 68, and 69 are arranged in the width direction with intervals between them.

[0041] The outer circumference of the fitting cylinder 68 is rectangular. The dimensions of the fitting cylinder 68 in the width direction are slightly larger than the dimensions of the hollow 18 in the width direction. A notch 78 is formed in the bottom plate of the fitting cylinder 68, and the inside and outside of the fitting cylinder 68 are connected by the notch 78. The notch 78 is formed in the bottom plate of the fitting cylinder 68 along its entire length, so that the fitting cylinder 68 can be easily deformed in the width direction. The cutout groove 58 extends from the inside of the fitting cylinder 68 through the notch 78 to the lower end of the lid body 51. A hole 68a is made in the top plate of the fitting cylinder 68. The hole 68a communicates from the inside to the outside of the fitting cylinder 68. The hole 68a is positioned closer to the lid body 51. Alternatively, a notch may be formed in the top plate of the fitting cylinder 68 instead of the hole 68a.

[0042] The fitting cylinder 68 is fitted into the opening of the hollow 18. Because a notch 78 is formed in the fitting cylinder 68, the fitting cylinder 68 is easily compressed and deformed slightly in the width direction when it is fitted into the opening of the hollow 18. The notch 78 facilitates the fitting cylinder 68 into the opening of the hollow 18. The compression deformation of the fitting cylinder 68 generates pressure from the fitting cylinder 68 onto the inner surface of the hollow 18, making it difficult for the fitting cylinder 68 to come out of the hollow 18. Multiple protrusions 98 are formed on the outer circumference of the fitting cylinder 68, specifically on the upper surface of the fitting cylinder 68. When the fitting cylinder 68 is fitted into the opening of the hollow 18, the protrusions 98 are compressed and deformed by the web 13, making it difficult for the fitting cylinder 68 to come out of the hollow 18.

[0043] The fitting cylinder 67 is formed to taper downwards, with the width of the lower part of the fitting cylinder 67 being narrower than the width of the upper part of the fitting cylinder 67. The maximum dimension of the fitting cylinder 67 in the width direction is slightly larger than the dimension of the hollow 18 in the width direction. A concave relief portion 87 is formed on the side of the lower part of the fitting cylinder 67, with a notch 77 formed in the bottom plate of the fitting cylinder 67, connecting the inside and outside of the fitting cylinder 67. The notch 77 is formed in the bottom plate of the fitting cylinder 67 along its entire length, allowing the fitting cylinder 67 to deform easily in the width direction. The cutout groove 57 extends from the inside of the fitting cylinder 67 through the notch 77 to the lower end of the lid body 51. A hole 67a is made in the top plate of the fitting cylinder 67. The hole 67a communicates from the inside to the outside of the fitting cylinder 67. The hole 67a is positioned closer to the lid body 51. Alternatively, a notch may be formed in the top plate of the fitting cylinder 67 instead of the hole 67a.

[0044] The fitting cylinder 67 is fitted into the opening of the hollow 17, and the end of the screw hole portion 20 is positioned inside the relief portion 87. A notch 77 is formed in the fitting cylinder 67, making it easy to fit the fitting cylinder 67 into the opening of the hollow 17. The fitting cylinder 67 is slightly compressed in the width direction, and this compression deformation generates pressure from the fitting cylinder 67 onto the inner surface of the hollow 17, making it difficult for the fitting cylinder 67 to come out of the hollow 17. Multiple protrusions 97 are formed on the outer circumference of the fitting cylinder 67, and the protrusions 97 are compressed and deformed by the web 13 or web 14, making it difficult for the fitting cylinder 67 to come out of the hollow 17.

[0045] The fitting cylinder 69 is tapered at the bottom, with the width of the lower part of the fitting cylinder 69 being narrower than the width of the upper part. The maximum dimension of the fitting cylinder 69 in the width direction is slightly larger than the dimension of the hollow 19 in the width direction. A concave relief portion 89 is formed on the side of the lower part of the fitting cylinder 69, facing inward. A notch 79 is formed in the bottom plate of the fitting cylinder 69, and the inside and outside of the fitting cylinder 69 are connected by the notch 79. The notch 79 is formed in the bottom plate of the fitting cylinder 69 along its entire length, allowing the fitting cylinder 69 to deform easily in the width direction. The cutout groove 59 extends from the inside of the fitting cylinder 69 through the notch 77 to the lower end of the lid body 51. A hole 69a is made in the top plate of the fitting cylinder 69. The hole 69a communicates from the inside to the outside of the fitting cylinder 69. The hole 69a is positioned closer to the lid body 51. Alternatively, a notch may be formed in the top plate of the fitting cylinder 69 instead of the hole 69a.

[0046] The fitting cylinder 69 is fitted into the opening of the hollow 19, and the end of the screw hole portion 22 is positioned inside the relief portion 89. A notch 79 is formed in the fitting cylinder 69, making it easy to fit the fitting cylinder 69 into the opening of the hollow 19. The fitting cylinder 69 is slightly compressed in the width direction, and this compression deformation generates pressure from the fitting cylinder 69 onto the inner surface of the hollow 19, making it difficult for the fitting cylinder 69 to come out of the hollow 19. Multiple protrusions 99 are formed on the outer circumference of the fitting cylinder 69, and the protrusions 99 are compressed and deformed by the web 13 or web 14, making it difficult for the fitting cylinder 69 to come out of the hollow 19. Furthermore, the protrusions 97, 98, and 99 do not necessarily have to be formed.

[0047] As described above, the end cap 50 is attached to one end of the molded member 10. An end cap similar to the end cap 50 may be attached to the other end of the molded member 10.

[0048] <4. Method for manufacturing molded products> The molded member 10 is formed using an extrusion molding machine.

[0049] The end cap 50 is molded using an injection molding machine. Since the notches 77, 78, and 79 are formed in the bottom plate of the fitting cylinders 67, 68, and 69 along their entire length, the end cap 50 can be easily removed from the mold, and the shape and structure of the mold are simplified. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the end cap 50 can be reduced. The same effect is obtained even if the protrusions 97, 98, and 99 are not formed. The end cap 50 may also be formed using an additive manufacturing machine. Alternatively, the end cap 50 may be formed by pressing, casting, or forging.

[0050] The uncured adhesive 55 is filled into the groove 52. The groove 52 prevents the amount of adhesive 55 from becoming excessive. The adhesive 55 filled into the groove 52 may protrude from the abutment surface 53. Because the groove 52 is formed, excessive protrusion of the adhesive 55 can be prevented, and the amount of protrusion of the adhesive 55 can be kept to an appropriate amount. Alternatively, the protruding adhesive 55 may be trimmed to make the surface of the adhesive 55 flush with the abutment surface 53. The adhesive 55 may be a non-shrinkable resin that does not shrink easily during curing.

[0051] The fitting cylinders 67, 68, and 69 of the end cap 50 are fitted into the hollow openings 17, 18, and 19 of the molded member 10, respectively. Because the fitting cylinders 67, 68, and 69 are easily compressed and deformed in the width direction by the notches 77, 78, and 79, the fitting cylinders 67, 68, and 69 can be fitted into the hollow openings 17, 18, and 19, respectively, with a low load.

[0052] Furthermore, the fitting cylinders 67, 68, and 69 are pushed into the hollow openings 17, 18, and 19 of the molded member 10, so that the ends of the side plates 11, 12, the webs 13, 14, and the partitions 15, 16 abut against the abutment surface 53 of the lid body 51. This causes the ends of the side plates 11, 12 and the webs 13, 14 to come into contact with the adhesive 55. When pressure is applied from the ends of the side plates 11, 12, the webs 13, 14, and the partitions 15, 16 to the abutment surface 53 of the lid body 51, the outer circumference 51a of the lid body 51 is slightly expanded due to its tapered shape, making it difficult for the adhesive 55 to overflow from the groove 52. A small amount of adhesive 55 may overflow from the groove 52, and the overflowed adhesive 55 may seep and spread at the boundary between the ends of the side plates 11, 12, the webs 13, 14, and the partitions 15, 16 and the abutment surface 53 of the lid body 51. Because the adhesive 55 is filled into the groove 52, the adhesive 55 does not overflow from the boundary between the edges of the side plates 11, 12, the webs 13, 14 and the partition walls 15, 16 and the abutment surface 53 of the lid body 51, resulting in a clean finish on the outer circumference of the molded member 10 and the lid body 51. This effect is particularly well achieved by the tapered shape of the outer circumference 51a of the lid body 51. Even if the adhesive 55 overflows from the groove 52, it seeps and spreads into the holes 67a, 68a and 69a.

[0053] Once the adhesive 55 hardens, the molded product 1 is complete. Alternatively, an end cap similar to the end cap 50 may be attached to the other end of the molded member 10.

[0054] <5. Summary> (1) The groove 52 is formed on the abutment surface of the lid body 51 of the end cap 50, and the adhesive 55 is filled into the groove 52, making it easier to use an appropriate amount of adhesive 55 without it becoming excessive. The groove 52 helps to prevent leakage of the adhesive 55. Even if the adhesive 55 overflows from the groove 52, the amount is small, and the overflowed adhesive 55 only seeps and spreads to the boundary between the edges of the side plates 11, 12 and the webs 13, 14 and the abutment surface of the lid body 51. Therefore, the adhesive 55 does not leak onto the surface of the side plates 11, 12 and the webs 13, 14 of the molded member 10 and the lid body 51 of the end cap 50. Consequently, the finished molded product 1 has a clean finish and a high yield of molded products 1.

[0055] (2) Since the notches 77, 78, and 79 are formed along the entire length of the cylinders 67, 68, and 69, the end caps 50 can be easily removed from the mold during injection molding, and the shape and structure of the mold are simplified. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the end caps 50 can be reduced.

[0056] (3) Because the fitting cylinders 67, 68, and 69 are easily deformed by the notches 77, 78, and 79, the fitting cylinders 67, 68, and 69 can be fitted into the openings of the hollow 17, 18, and 19 respectively with a low load.

[0057] (4) Since the drainage grooves 57, 58, and 59 open downward at the lower end of the lid body 51, water that has entered the inside of the hollows 17, 18, and 19 is discharged to the outside of the molded member 10 through the drainage grooves 57, 58, and 59.

[0058] (5) If the adhesive 55 filled in the groove 52 is raised above the abutment surface 53, the edges of the side plates 11, 12 and the webs 13, 14 will be in reliable contact with the adhesive 55 over a wide area, so that the end cap 50 is reliably joined to the molded member 10. In other words, the raised adhesive 55 contributes to preventing bonding defects.

[0059] (6) Because the groove 52 is formed on the abutment surface of the lid body 51 of the end cap 50, even if the adhesive 55 is filled into the groove 52 so that it rises above the abutment surface of the lid body 51, the amount of adhesive 55 is not excessive and is easily moderate. The adhesive 55 does not leak out onto the side plates 11, 12 and webs 13, 14 of the molded member 10 and the surface of the lid body 51 of the end cap 50. As a result, the molded product 1 has a clean finish and a high yield of molded products 1.

[0060] (7) When pressure is applied to the abutment surface 53 of the lid body 51 from the edges of the side plates 11, 12 and the webs 13, 14 during bonding, the outer circumference 51a of the lid body 51 is slightly expanded due to its tapered shape, so that the adhesive 55 is less likely to overflow from the groove 52. Therefore, the aesthetic appearance of the molded product 1 is not impaired and the yield of the molded product 1 is high.

[0061] (8) Even if the adhesive 55 overflows from the groove 52 during application, the adhesive 55 seeps and spreads into the holes 67a, 68a and 69a. Therefore, the aesthetic appearance of the molded product 1 is not impaired, and the yield of the molded product 1 is high.

[0062] (9) Even if a gap is formed between the lid body 51 and the side plates 11, 12 and the webs 13, 14, and rainwater seeps into that gap, the rainwater will flow through the holes 67a, 68a and 69a into the inside of the cylinders 67, 68 and 69. As a result, deterioration of the joint between the lid body 51 and the side plates 11, 12 and the webs 13, 14 is prevented.

[0063] (10) The molded member 10 and the end cap 50 may be formed by mixing cellulose-based fine powder, thermoplastic resin, and pigment, and then melting and molding this mixed material. The molded product 1 produced from such a molded member 10 and end cap 50 has a wood-like texture, and the surface pattern of the molded product 1 is a wood grain pattern that is very similar to wood grain. If the diameter of the cellulose-based fine powder is 1 to 100 μm, the cellulose-based fine powder does not form ciliary protrusions on the surface of the molded product 1, so the molded product 1 has waterproof and rot-resistant properties.

[0064] (11) The energy used from the production to the disposal of wood is less than the energy used from the production to the disposal of metal or concrete materials. Therefore, if wood flour is used as cellulosic fine powder, molded product 1 will contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society by promoting carbon neutrality, which will result in virtually zero carbon dioxide emissions, and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0065] (12) The embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention should be interpreted by the terms of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1 Molded product 10 Molded member 11,12 Side panels 13,14 Web 15,16 Bulkhead 17~19 hollow 50 End Caps 51 Lid body 51a outer circumference 52 Groove 53 Buttock surface 55 Adhesives 67-69 Fitting tube 67a, 68a, 69a Hole 77-79 Notches 57-59 Cutout grooves

Claims

1. A molded member having an outer periphery that surrounds an internal space that opens at the end of the outer periphery extending in the longitudinal direction, A lid body that abuts against the end of the outer periphery and closes the opening of the internal space, Adhesive and Equipped with, A groove is formed along the outer circumference of the lid body on the abutment surface of the lid body, the adhesive is filled into the groove, and the end of the outer circumference is bonded to the abutment surface of the lid body by the adhesive. Molded products.

2. The outer circumference of the lid body that borders the groove is tapered. The molded article according to claim 1.

3. The groove is provided with a plurality of cylinders that protrude in the longitudinal direction from the abutment surface of the lid body, The aforementioned molded member, One or more partition walls extending in the longitudinal direction on the inner side of the outer periphery It further possesses, The internal space is divided by the partition wall into a plurality of hollows that open at the ends of the outer periphery, The cylinder is fitted into the hollow opening, A notch is formed in the cylinder. A molded article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Multiple cutouts are formed in a groove-like manner on the abutting surface of the lid body on the inside of each of the multiple cylinders. The aforementioned cutout groove extends through the notch to the outer circumference of the lid body and opens outward from the outer circumference. The molded article according to claim 3.

5. A hole or a second notch is formed on the upper surface of the cylinder. The molded article according to claim 3.

6. When joining a molded member having an outer periphery that encloses an internal space opening at the end of the outer periphery extending in the longitudinal direction, to a lid body, The adhesive is filled into a groove formed on the abutment surface of the lid body along the outer circumference of the lid body, the abutment surface of the lid body is brought into contact with the end of the outer circumference, and bonded together with the adhesive. A method for manufacturing molded products.

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