Resin connector connection structure and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

To provide a resin connector coupling structure capable of securing a flexure elastic modulus of a resin connector while suppressing a bond strength of the resin connector and a resin tube from being varied.SOLUTION: A resin connector 10 comprises: a cylindrical connector main body 11 formed by containing a reinforcement filler in a base material resin for a main body; and a cylindrical connector end 12 formed of a base material resin for an end without containing a reinforcement filler or formed by containing the reinforcement filler in the base material resin for the end in a lower ratio than the connector main body 11, directly or indirectly bonded to the connector main body 11, and constituting a cylindrical end of the resin connector 10. A resin tube 20 is formed of a material having a higher laser beam absorbability than that of the connector end 12, is fitted to the connector end 12, is deposited to an inner peripheral surface or an outer peripheral surface of the connector end 12, and is not deposited to the connector main body 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a resin connector connection structure and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a method in which a tube is inserted into a cylindrical band made of plastic that is transparent to laser light, and the band and the tube are welded together by laser light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4503966 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In connecting a resin connector and a resin tube, it is considered to perform welding using a laser beam as described in Patent Document 1. Here, the resin connector has a first opening to which the resin tube is connected, and a second opening to which another member to be connected is connected. This type of connector is formed by including a filler such as a glass fiber filler in the base resin to increase the flexural modulus (strength against deformation).

[0005] However, the transmittance of the laser light changes depending on whether or not there is a filler.Furthermore, the transmittance of the laser light changes depending on the density of the filler.Therefore, when a laser light is irradiated to the welded portion between the resin connector and the resin tube, the heat energy generated at the welded portion varies due to the influence of the filler, and there is a risk of the joint strength varying depending on the position.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above background, and aims to provide a resin connector connection structure and a manufacturing method thereof that can ensure the flexural modulus of the resin connector while suppressing variation in the joint strength between the resin connector and the resin tube. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention First The aspect is a resin connector formed in a cylindrical shape, with connection target members being connected to both ends of the resin connector; a resin tube that constitutes one of the connection target members, is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is fitted to a first opening side of the resin connector; Equipped with The resin connector is a cylindrical connector main body formed by including a reinforcing filler in a base resin for the main body; a cylindrical connector end portion that is formed from a base resin for an end portion without containing the reinforcing filler, or that is formed by containing a lower proportion of the reinforcing filler in the base resin for the end portion than in the connector body portion, and is joined directly or indirectly to the connector body portion and constitutes an end portion on the first opening side of the resin connector; Equipped with The resin tube is made of a material having a higher laser light absorption rate than the connector end, is fitted to the connector end, is welded to an inner or outer peripheral surface of the connector end, and is welded to a position in the resin connector other than the axial position where the connector main body is located. Cage , In the resin connector, the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the connector end are exposed over the entire axial direction. It has a resin connector connection structure. A second aspect of the present invention is a resin connector formed in a cylindrical shape, with a connection target member being connected to each of both open ends; a resin tube that constitutes one of the connection target members, is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is fitted to a first opening side of the resin connector; Equipped with The resin connector is a cylindrical connector main body formed by including a reinforcing filler in a base resin for the main body; a cylindrical connector end portion that is formed from a base resin for an end portion without containing the reinforcing filler, or that is formed by containing a lower proportion of the reinforcing filler in the base resin for the end portion than in the connector body portion, and is joined directly or indirectly to the connector body portion and constitutes an end portion on the first opening side of the resin connector; Equipped with the resin tube is made of a material having a higher laser light absorption rate than the connector end, is fitted into the connector end, is welded to an inner or outer peripheral surface of the connector end, and is welded to a position in the resin connector other than an axial position where the connector main body is located, The resin connector further has a cylindrical low-strength intermediate portion directly joined to an inner circumferential surface of the connector body, the connector body constitutes an outer layer of an axially intermediate portion of the resin connector, The low-strength intermediate portion constitutes an inner layer of an axial intermediate portion of the resin connector, and is formed of an intermediate portion base resin without containing the reinforcing filler, or is formed by containing a lower proportion of the reinforcing filler in the intermediate portion base resin than in the connector body, the connector end portion is formed on one axial end side of the low-strength intermediate portion and is indirectly joined to the connector main body portion via the low-strength intermediate portion, The low strength intermediate portion and the connector end portion are integrally molded. It has a resin connector connection structure. A third aspect of the present invention is a resin connector formed in a cylindrical shape, with a connection target member being connected to each of both open ends; a resin tube that constitutes one of the connection target members, is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is fitted to a first opening side of the resin connector; a pipe that constitutes the other of the connection target members, that is formed in a cylindrical shape, and that is fitted to a second opening side of the resin connector; Equipped with The resin connector is a cylindrical connector main body formed by including a reinforcing filler in a base resin for the main body; a cylindrical connector end portion that is formed from a base resin for an end portion without containing the reinforcing filler, or that is formed by containing a lower proportion of the reinforcing filler in the base resin for the end portion than in the connector body portion, and is joined directly or indirectly to the connector body portion and constitutes an end portion on the first opening side of the resin connector; Equipped with the resin tube is made of a material having a higher laser light absorption rate than the connector end, is fitted into the connector end, is welded to an inner or outer peripheral surface of the connector end, and is welded to a position in the resin connector other than an axial position where the connector main body is located, The pipe includes a radially protruding annular flange, the resin connector includes a locking claw that is locked to the annular flange, The locking claw is elastically deformed to allow the resin connector to be fitted to the second opening side of the pipe, and is locked to the annular flange after the pipe is fitted. It has a resin connector connection structure.

[0008] The present invention fourth The embodiment of the present invention is as follows: A method for manufacturing the resin connector connection structure, The method for manufacturing a resin connector connection structure includes, with the resin tube fitted into the connector end, irradiating laser light radially from the connector end side to weld the radially opposing surfaces of the resin tube and the connector end. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the above-mentioned resin connector connection structure and its manufacturing method, the connector body of the resin connector contains a reinforcing filler and therefore has a high flexural modulus. The connector end of the resin connector constitutes a welded portion with the resin tube. The connector end does not contain a reinforcing filler or has a lower reinforcing filler content than the connector body. Therefore, the flexural modulus of the connector end is lower than that of the connector body.

[0010] However, the connector end is required to have high joint strength and small variation in joint strength due to welding with the resin tube, rather than bending elasticity. Here, the connector end does not contain a reinforcing filler, or the content of the reinforcing filler is lower than that of the connector body. Therefore, the connector end has a higher laser light transmittance than the connector body. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the variation in joint strength of the welded portion between the connector end and the resin tube caused by the irradiation of laser light, which is caused by the filler.

[0011] In other words, the resin connector separates the connector body and the connector end by function. The connector body functions as a portion that ensures the bending modulus, and the connector end functions as a portion that ensures the joint strength by welding with the resin tube. Therefore, the connection structure between the resin connector and the resin tube as a whole can ensure the bending modulus of the resin connector while suppressing the occurrence of variations in the joint strength between the resin connector and the resin tube. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is an axial cross-sectional view showing a resin connector connection structure of a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing method of the resin connector connection structure of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view showing a resin connector connection structure of a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view showing a resin connector connection structure of a third embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is an axial cross-sectional view showing a resin connector connection structure of a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] (1. First embodiment) (1-1. Configuration of Resin Connector Connection Structure 1) The configuration of the resin connector connection structure 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the resin connector connection structure 1 includes a resin connector 10, a resin tube 20 constituting one of the connection target members, and a pipe 30 constituting the other of the connection target members. The resin connector 10 functions as a member that mediates the connection between the resin tube 20 and the pipe 30. Furthermore, the resin connector 10, the resin tube 20, and the pipe 30 are each formed in a cylindrical shape to allow fluid to flow therethrough, and fluid is allowed to flow between the resin tube 20 and the pipe 30 via the resin connector 10.

[0014] The resin connector 10 is formed of resin in a cylindrical shape. However, the resin connector 10 is not limited to a straight cylindrical shape, and may be a curved cylindrical shape. A resin tube 20 and a pipe 30 are connected to both ends of the cylindrical shape of the resin connector 10 as connection target members. In this embodiment, the resin connector 10 and the resin tube 20 are joined by welding using laser light B (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 1). Meanwhile, the resin connector 10 and the pipe 30 are connected by engagement with a claw or the like. However, the connection between the resin connector 10 and the pipe 30 is not limited to engagement, and can be connected by any method.

[0015] The resin tube 20 is formed in a long cylindrical shape. The resin tube 20 is formed to be at least longer than the resin connector 10. The resin tube 20 is fitted into the first opening side (the right end side in FIG. 1) of the resin connector 10. In FIG. 1, the resin tube 20 is shown inserted into the inside of the first opening side of the resin connector 10, but may be attached to the outside of the first opening side of the resin connector 10.

[0016] The resin tube 20 is made of a material that has a high absorptivity of the laser beam B. That is, the resin tube 20 generates heat when irradiated with the laser beam B. For example, in the case where gasoline is to be passed through the resin tube 20, the resin tube 20 has a multi-layer structure taking into consideration gasoline resistance, fuel permeability resistance, weather resistance, and the like. The resin tube 20 may be formed into a straight cylindrical shape or a curved cylindrical shape.

[0017] The pipe 30 is formed into a cylindrical shape from metal or resin. The pipe 30 is fitted into the second opening side (the left end side in FIG. 1) of the resin connector 10. In this embodiment, the pipe 30 is inserted into the inside of the second opening side of the resin connector 10, but may be fitted into the outside of the second opening side of the resin connector 10. The pipe 30 also has an annular flange 31 that protrudes radially outward at a position spaced apart from the tip. The annular flange 31 of the pipe 30 is a portion that is engaged with the resin connector 10 in the axial direction of the second opening portion of the resin connector 10.

[0018] (1-2. Detailed configuration of the resin connector 10) The detailed configuration of the resin connector 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The resin connector 10 includes a connector body 11 and a connector end portion 12.

[0019] The connector body 11 is disposed at least in the middle part of the axial direction of the resin connector 10 (the central axial direction of the cylindrical resin connector 10). However, in this embodiment, the connector body 11 is disposed not only in the middle part of the axial direction of the resin connector 10 but also in the part constituting the second opening end. The connector body 11 corresponds to a portion having a high bending modulus. In particular, the connector body 11 has a high bending modulus in order to exert a sufficient locking force with the piping 30. Here, the resin tube 20 is not welded to the connector body 11. That is, the resin tube 20 is not welded to the axial position of the resin connector 10 where the connector body 11 is located.

[0020] The connector main body 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is engaged with the pipe 30. The connector main body 11 includes, for example, a locking claw 11a that is engaged with an annular flange 31 of the pipe 30. The locking claw 11a elastically deforms to allow the pipe 30 to be inserted, and is then locked to the annular flange 31 after the pipe 30 is inserted. In other words, the locking claw 11a functions as a member to prevent the pipe 30 from coming off.

[0021] The connector main body 11 also has, at the end opposite to the side where the piping 30 is inserted (the right end in FIG. 1), a joint surface 11b for direct joint with the connector end 12, and a positioning end surface 11c for positioning with respect to the resin tube 20 by abutting against the tip surface of the resin tube 20. In this embodiment, the positioning end surface 11c is located radially inside the joint surface 11b. In this embodiment, the joint surface 11b and the positioning end surface 11c are formed on the same plane, but they may be formed at different axial positions.

[0022] The connector body 11 is required to have strength against deformation in order to be engaged with the pipe 30. Therefore, the connector body 11 is formed by including a reinforcing filler in the base resin for the body.

[0023] The base resin for the main body may be, for example, polypropylene, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polybutylene naphthalate, polymethylpentene, polyethylene, polyacetal, fluororesin, etc. As the polypropylene, for example, one having a refractive index of 1.47 to 1.51 is used. Also, as the polyamide, for example, one having a refractive index of 1.51 to 1.55 is used.

[0024] The reinforcing filler may be glass fiber, carbon fiber, potassium titanate, glass beads, milled fiber, talc, etc. Here, since the connector main body 11 is not a site to which the laser light B for welding is irradiated, the reinforcing filler used in the connector main body 11 does not need to take into consideration the transmittance of the laser light B. Therefore, the reinforcing filler can be applied without considering the refractive index.

[0025] It is preferable that the resin connector connection structure 1 is provided with an annular seal member 40 such as an O-ring between the inner peripheral surface of the connector main body 11 and the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 30. The seal member 40 can ensure sealing between the connector main body 11 and the pipe 30.

[0026] The connector end 12 constitutes the portion on the first opening side of the resin connector 10, i.e., the end on the side where the resin tube 20 is inserted. The connector end 12 corresponds to the welding site with the resin tube 20. The connector end 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0027] In this embodiment, the connector end 12 has a joint surface 12a at its axial end that is directly joined to the joint surface 11b of the connector body 11. The connector end 12 is directly joined to the connector body 11 by, for example, two-color molding or friction welding. That is, the joint surface 12a of the connector end 12 is directly joined to the joint surface 11b of the connector body 11. However, the connector end 12 may be indirectly joined to the connector body 11 via a separate member. Also, the joint surface 12a of the connector end 12 is not limited to the axial end, and may be an outer peripheral surface or an inner peripheral surface.

[0028] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the connector end 12 are exposed over the entire circumference at least in a part of the axial direction. In particular, the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the connector end 12 are exposed at the first opening side of the resin connector 10. This means that the connector main body 11 is not present in the exposed part of the connector end 12.

[0029] The connector end 12 includes a guide portion 12b formed in a tapered shape on the inner peripheral surface of the open end of the connector end 12. The maximum inner diameter of the tapered shape of the guide portion 12b is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the tip portion of the resin tube 20 or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tip portion of the resin tube 20. The minimum inner diameter of the tapered shape of the guide portion 12b is smaller than the outer diameter of the tip portion of the resin tube 20. Therefore, when the resin tube 20 is inserted into the inside of the connector end 12, the guide portion 12b abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the resin tube 20. The guide portion 12b guides the contraction of the resin tube 20.

[0030] Furthermore, connector end 12 includes cylindrical inner peripheral surface portion 12c formed adjacent to guide portion 12b on the inner peripheral surface of connector end 12 and shaped like a cylindrical inner peripheral surface. Cylindrical inner peripheral surface portion 12c is formed over the entire range in the axial direction between tapered guide portion 12b and joining surface 12a that directly joins to connector body 11.

[0031] The inner diameter of the cylindrical inner peripheral surface portion 12c of the connector end portion 12 is equal to the minimum inner diameter of the guide portion 12b. In other words, the inner diameter of the cylindrical inner peripheral surface portion 12c is smaller than the outer diameter of the tip end portion of the resin tube 20. Therefore, the tip end portion of the resin tube 20 is inserted in a contracted state radially inside the cylindrical inner peripheral surface portion 12c. In other words, the cylindrical inner peripheral surface portion 12c is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the contracted resin tube 20.

[0032] The connector end 12 is required to have a sufficient joining strength with the resin tube 20. As described above, the connector end 12 and the resin tube 20 are joined by welding through irradiation with laser light B. Here, the resin tube 20 is made of a material that has a higher absorptivity of the laser light B than the connector end 12.

[0033] The higher the transmittance of the laser light B of the connector end 12, the better, and the smaller the variation in the transmittance of the laser light B, the better. The higher the transmittance of the laser light B, the easier it is to irradiate the welded portion with the laser light B. The smaller the variation in the transmittance of the laser light B, the smaller the variation in the joining strength due to welding. In particular, it is known that the filler has an effect on the variation in the transmittance of the laser light B. Therefore, the connector end 12 is formed by not including a reinforcing filler in the end base material resin, or by including a lower proportion of a reinforcing filler in the end base material resin than in the connector main body 11.

[0034] When the end portion does not contain a reinforcing filler, the end portion base material resin may be a resin material that transmits the laser light B. When the end portion does not contain a reinforcing filler, the end portion is naturally not affected by the reinforcing filler, and therefore there is no variation in the transmittance of the laser light B caused by the reinforcing filler. In this case, the end portion base material resin may be, for example, polypropylene, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polybutylene naphthalate, polymethylpentene, polyethylene, polyacetal, or fluororesin.

[0035] From the viewpoint of the joining strength between the connector body 11 and the connector end 12, it is preferable that the base resin for the body of the connector body 11 and the base resin for the end of the connector end 12 are made of the same type of polymer. However, even if the polymers are different, they can be mechanically or chemically joined if they have similar melting points or have a functional group (e.g., maleic anhydride).

[0036] When the connector end 12 contains a reinforcing filler, it is required to not impede the transmission of the laser light B and not to significantly affect the variation in the transmittance of the laser light B. First, it is effective to make the content ratio of the reinforcing filler extremely low. Second, it is also possible to make the refractive index of the base resin for the end close to that of the reinforcing filler. For example, it is preferable that the difference in refractive index is within 0.02. However, even if a reinforcing filler with a similar refractive index is used, it is preferable that the content ratio of the reinforcing filler is low.

[0037] When a reinforcing filler is contained, the base resin for the end portion is made of polypropylene, polyamide, etc. For polypropylene, for example, one having a refractive index of 1.47 to 1.51 is used. For polyamide, for example, one having a refractive index of 1.51 to 1.55 is used.

[0038] A glass fiber filler is used as a reinforcing filler having a refractive index close to that of the base resin for the end portion. The refractive index of the glass fiber filler is, for example, 1.4 to 1.7. Examples of glass fibers that are the material of the glass filler include D glass (low dielectric constant glass), NE glass (acid-resistant alkali glass), A glass (alkali glass), S glass (high strength and high elasticity glass), and alkali-resistant glass.

[0039] The connector end 12 and the resin tube 20 are welded by a laser beam B. In this embodiment, the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 12c of the connector end 12 and the outer peripheral surface of the tip of the resin tube 20 are welded. In detail, the welded portion between the connector end 12 and the resin tube 20 is formed in a closed ring shape over the entire circumference. For example, the welded portion may be formed in multiple locations in the axial direction, or may be formed in one location in the axial direction. In order to ensure the joining strength by welding, it is preferable to ensure that the width of the welded portion is equal to or greater than a specified width. Note that the welded portion formed in multiple locations means that the welded portions are in the shape of multiple discontinuous rings.

[0040] The welded portion is located at a position separated from the boundary portion between the connector body 11 and the connector end 12. In other words, the connector body 11 is not included in the welded portion. In other words, the resin tube 20 is welded to a position in the resin connector 10 other than the axial position where the connector body 11 is located. In further other words, the resin tube 20 is welded to the portion exposed on the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the connector end 12. Furthermore, the resin tube 20 is welded to the cylindrical inner peripheral surface portion 12c of the connector end 12, but is not welded to the guide portion 12b.

[0041] (1-3. Manufacturing method of resin connector connection structure 1) Next, a manufacturing method of the resin connector connection structure 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. First, as shown in Fig. 2, a resin connector 10 is manufactured (S1). In this embodiment, the connector body 11 and the connector end 12 are integrally formed by two-color molding. In this manner, the connector body 11 and the connector end 12 are directly joined together.

[0042] Next, the tip of the resin tube 20 is inserted from the opening (first opening) on ​​the connector end 12 side of the resin connector 10 (S2). Due to the relationship between the maximum and minimum inner diameters of the guide portion 12b of the connector end 12 and the outer diameter of the tip of the resin tube 20, the outer peripheral edge of the tip of the resin tube 20 abuts against the guide portion 12b.

[0043] When the resin tube 20 is inserted into the connector end 12, the tip of the resin tube 20 is contracted while the outer peripheral edge of the tip of the resin tube 20 abuts against the guide portion 12b. In the contracted state, the tip of the resin tube 20 is in close contact with the cylindrical inner peripheral surface portion 12c of the connector end 12. The resin tube 20 is inserted until the tip of the resin tube 20 abuts against the positioning end surface 11c of the connector main body 11.

[0044] Next, in the range where the resin tube 20 is fitted (inserted in this embodiment) into the connector end 12, laser light B is irradiated radially from the connector end 12 side, i.e., from the radial outside, to weld the radially opposing surfaces of the connector end 12 and the resin tube 20 (S3).

[0045] The connector end 12 is formed of a material that transmits the laser light B, and the resin tube 20 is formed of a material that absorbs the laser light B. Furthermore, at S2, the cylindrical inner peripheral surface portion 12c of the connector end 12 and the outer peripheral surface of the tip of the resin tube 20 are in close contact with each other. The axial portion of the connector end 12 that is in close contact with the resin tube 20 corresponds to the portion of the connector end 12 that is exposed to the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface.

[0046] In this state, the laser light B is irradiated from the radial outside of the connector end 12. That is, the laser light B is irradiated to the portion of the connector end 12 exposed to the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the resin connector 10. In other words, the portion irradiated with the laser light B is a portion of the resin connector 10 that is composed only of the connector end 12 over the entire radial width. Then, most of the laser light B passes through the connector end 12, and heat is generated at the opposing surface (contact surface) between the connector end 12 and the resin tube 20, and the connector end 12 and the resin tube 20 are welded together. In particular, the laser light B is irradiated so that the welded portions between the connector end 12 and the resin tube 20 are formed at multiple locations in the axial direction and are formed in a closed ring shape over the entire circumference.

[0047] For example, a ring-shaped welded portion having the irradiation width of the laser light B may be formed at a plurality of axial locations by irradiating each of the plurality of axial locations with the laser light B. Alternatively, a ring-shaped welded portion having an axial length longer than the irradiation width of the laser light B may be formed by irradiating the laser light B in a spiral shape so that a portion of the irradiation range of the laser light B overlaps. Alternatively, when the irradiation width of the laser light B is equal to or greater than a prescribed width for ensuring the joining strength, a ring-shaped welded portion having the irradiation width of the laser light B may be formed at a single axial location by irradiating the laser light B only at a single axial location.

[0048] Next, the pipe 30 is inserted into the connector body 11 (S4). In this manner, the resin connector connection structure 1 is manufactured.

[0049] (1-4. Effects) According to the resin connector connection structure 1, the connector body 11 of the resin connector 10 contains a reinforcing filler and therefore has a high flexural modulus. The connector end 12 of the resin connector 10 constitutes a welded portion with the resin tube 20. The connector end 12 does not contain a reinforcing filler or has a lower reinforcing filler content than the connector body 11. Therefore, the flexural modulus of the connector end 12 is lower than that of the connector body 11.

[0050] However, the connector end 12 is required to have high joint strength by welding with the resin tube 20 and small variation in the joint strength rather than the bending elastic modulus. Here, the connector end 12 does not contain a reinforcing filler or has a lower reinforcing filler content than the connector body 11. Therefore, the connector end 12 has a higher transmittance of the laser light B than the connector body 11. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress variation in the joint strength of the welded portion between the connector end 12 and the resin tube 20 caused by irradiation with the laser light B due to the reinforcing filler.

[0051] That is, the resin connector 10 separates the connector body 11 and the connector end 12 by function. The connector body 11 functions as a portion that ensures the bending modulus, and the connector end 12 functions as a portion that ensures the joint strength by welding with the resin tube 20. Therefore, the connection structure between the resin connector 10 and the resin tube 20 as a whole can ensure the bending modulus of the resin connector 10 while suppressing the occurrence of variations in the joint strength between the resin connector 10 and the resin tube 20.

[0052] In particular, by preventing the connector end 12 from containing a reinforcing filler, it is possible to further suppress the variation in the joining strength at the welded portion. If the connector end 12 contains a reinforcing filler, it is preferable that the content ratio of the reinforcing filler is low and the refractive index of the end base resin and the reinforcing filler are close to each other.

[0053] In addition, the resin tube 20 is inserted radially inside the connector end 12, and the outer peripheral surface of the resin tube 20 is welded to the inner peripheral surface of the connector end 12. With this configuration, the laser light B can be irradiated from the radial outside, making the installation and irradiation of the laser light B easy. In particular, the resin tube 20 is preferably inserted in a contracted state radially inside the connector end 12. This increases the adhesion between the resin tube 20 and the connector end 12, making it easy to weld using the laser light B and suppressing variations in joint strength.

[0054] In addition, the welding portion is the cylindrical inner peripheral surface portion 12c of the connector end portion 12, not the tapered guide portion 12b. If the tapered guide portion 12b were used as the welding portion, the radial thickness of the connector end portion 12 would vary in the axial direction, and the thermal energy generated by the irradiation of the laser light B would likely vary depending on the position. However, by using the cylindrical inner peripheral surface portion 12c as the welding portion, the variation in the joining strength can be suppressed.

[0055] Furthermore, the welded portion is located at a position separated from the boundary portion between the connector body 11 and the connector end portion 12. This makes it possible to prevent the laser light B from being affected by the reinforcing filler contained in the connector body, thereby making it possible to suppress variation in the joining strength.

[0056] The welded portion is formed in a closed ring shape around the entire circumference, so that the welded portion exhibits a sealing function between the connector end portion 12 and the resin tube 20. It is also preferable that the welded portion is formed at a plurality of locations in the axial direction, so that a high sealing function can be exhibited while maintaining a high joining strength.

[0057] 2. Second Embodiment A resin connector connection structure 2 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The resin connector connection structure 2 of this embodiment differs from the resin connector connection structure 1 of the first embodiment in a connector main body 51 and a connector end portion 52. However, in the resin connector connection structure 2, the same components as those of the resin connector connection structure 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0058] The connector body 51 includes a cylindrical body jaw 51b extending toward the connector end 52. The body jaw 51b protrudes in the axial direction from a radially outer portion of the axial end face. The axial end face of the body jaw 51b, the inner peripheral surface of the body jaw 51b, and a surface 51c at the base of the body jaw 51b, the surface having the axial direction as a normal, form a joint surface for directly joining with the connector end 52. That is, the joint surface is formed in a stepped shape. The connector body 51 includes a positioning end surface 51d having a normal in the axial direction on the radial inner side of the body jaw 51b. In this embodiment, the surface 51c and the positioning end surface 51d are located on the same plane.

[0059] The connector end 52 has a cylindrical end jaw 52a extending toward the connector body 51. The end jaw 52a protrudes in the axial direction from a radially inner portion of the axial end face. The axial end face of the end jaw 52a, the outer peripheral surface of the end jaw 52a, and a surface 52b at the base of the end jaw 52a, the surface having the axial direction as a normal, form a joint surface for directly joining with the connector body 51. In other words, the joint surface is formed in a stepped shape.

[0060] According to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the area of ​​the joint surface between the connector main body 51 and the connector end portion 52. Therefore, it is possible to increase the joint strength between the connector main body 51 and the connector end portion 52.

[0061] Here, the welded portion is a portion of the connector end 52 closer to the opening end side of the connector end 52 (the first opening side of the resin connector 10) than the end jaw portion 52a. In other words, the portion irradiated with the laser light B is a portion of the resin connector 10 that is constituted only by the connector end 52 over the entire radial width.

[0062] 3. Third Embodiment A resin connector connection structure 3 of a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The resin connector connection structure 3 includes a resin connector 60, a first resin tube 70, and a second resin tube 80. The resin connector 60 includes a connector main body 61, a first connector end 62 located on the first opening side of the resin connector 60 (right side in Fig. 4), and a second connector end 63 located on the second opening side of the resin connector 60 (left side in Fig. 4).

[0063] The connector body 61 requires, for example, a bending modulus for fixing to a mating member. The first connector end 62 is directly joined to one axial end (the right end in FIG. 4) of the connector body 61. The second connector end 63 is directly joined to the other axial end (the left end in FIG. 4) of the connector body 61. In this way, the connector body 61, the first connector end 62, and the second connector end 63 are integrally formed. The first connector end 62 is joined to the first resin tube 70 by welding using laser light B. The second connector end 63 is joined to the second resin tube 80 by welding using laser light B.

[0064] Here, the relationship between the first connector end 62 and the first resin tube 70, and the relationship between the second connector end 63 and the second resin tube 80 are substantially the same as the relationship between the connector end 12 and the resin tube 20 in the first embodiment. In Fig. 4, the reference numerals of the respective parts in the first embodiment are used.

[0065] (4. Fourth embodiment) A resin connector connecting structure 4 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the following description, in the resin connector connecting structure 4, the same components as those of the resin connector connecting structure 3 of the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0066] The resin connector connection structure 4 includes a resin connector 90, a first resin tube 70, and a second resin tube 80. The resin connector 90 includes a connector main body 91, a low-strength intermediate portion 92, a first connector end portion 93 located on the first opening side of the resin connector 90 (right side in FIG. 5), and a second connector end portion 94 located on the second opening side of the resin connector 90 (left side in FIG. 5).

[0067] The connector body 91 is formed in a cylindrical shape and constitutes an outer layer of the axially middle portion of the resin connector 90. The connector body 91 requires, for example, a bending modulus for fixing to a mating member. Therefore, the connector body 91 is formed by including a reinforcing filler in the base resin for the body.

[0068] The low-strength intermediate portion 92 is formed in a cylindrical shape and constitutes an inner layer of the axially intermediate portion of the resin connector 90. The low-strength intermediate portion 92 is directly joined to the inner peripheral surface of the connector main body 91. The low-strength intermediate portion 92 has a positioning end face 92a having a normal line on the first opening side (right side in FIG. 5) and a positioning end face 92b having a normal line on the second opening side (left side in FIG. 5). The positioning end face 92a abuts against the tip face of the first resin tube 70 to determine positioning with respect to the first resin tube 70. The positioning end face 92b abuts against the tip face of the second resin tube 80 to determine positioning with respect to the second resin tube 80.

[0069] The low-strength intermediate portion 92 does not require a high bending elastic modulus like the connector main body 91, and it is sufficient if the shapes of the positioning end faces 92a, 92b are secured. Therefore, the low-strength intermediate portion 92 is formed by not including a reinforcing filler in the base resin, or by including a lower proportion of a reinforcing filler in the base resin than the connector main body 91.

[0070] The first connector end 93 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is integrally formed on one axial end (the right end in FIG. 5 ) side of the low-strength intermediate portion 92. In this embodiment, for example, the first connector end 93 may be integrally molded with the low-strength intermediate portion 92 by injection molding or the like. However, the first connector end 93 may be molded from a material different from that of the low-strength intermediate portion 92 and joined thereto.

[0071] Here, the first connector end 93 is configured similarly to the first connector end 62 in the third embodiment. Therefore, the first connector end 93 is joined to the first resin tube 70 by welding using the laser light B.

[0072] The second connector end 94 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is integrally formed on the other axial end (the left end in FIG. 5) side of the low-strength intermediate portion 92. In this embodiment, for example, the second connector end 94 may be integrally molded with the low-strength intermediate portion 92 by injection molding or the like. However, the second connector end 94 may be molded from a material different from that of the low-strength intermediate portion 92 and joined thereto.

[0073] Here, the second connector end 94 is configured similarly to the second connector end 63 in the third embodiment. Therefore, the second connector end 94 is joined to the second resin tube 80 by welding using the laser light B.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first connector end 93 is disposed contiguous to the low-strength intermediate portion 92, and is connected to the connector main body 91 via the low-strength intermediate portion 92. In other words, the first connector end 93 is directly joined only to the low-strength intermediate portion 92, and is not directly joined to the connector main body 91. Therefore, the first connector end 93 is indirectly joined to the connector main body 91 via the low-strength intermediate portion 92. The first connector end 93 may be directly joined to both the connector main body 91 and the low-strength intermediate portion 92, or may be directly joined only to the connector main body 91.

[0075] Similarly, in this embodiment, the second connector end 94 is disposed contiguous with the low-strength intermediate portion 92, and is connected to the connector main body 91 via the low-strength intermediate portion 92. In other words, the second connector end 94 is directly joined only to the low-strength intermediate portion 92, and is not directly joined to the connector main body 91. Therefore, the second connector end 94 is indirectly joined to the connector main body 91 via the low-strength intermediate portion 92. The second connector end 94 may be directly joined to both the connector main body 91 and the low-strength intermediate portion 92, or may be directly joined only to the connector main body 91.

[0076] This embodiment also provides the same effects as the third embodiment. In addition, the volume of the connector body 91 can be reduced, resulting in low costs. Furthermore, when the low-strength intermediate portion 92, the first connector end 93, and the second connector end 94 are integrally molded by injection molding or the like, the area of ​​the joint surface between the integrally molded body and the connector body 91 can be increased. Therefore, the joint strength between the connector body 91 and the integrally molded body, i.e., the joint strength between the connector body 91 and the connector end portions 93 and 94, can be increased.

[0077] (5. Other) In the first embodiment, the connector end 12 and the resin tube 20 are welded by irradiating the laser light B from the radially outer side with the resin tube 20 inserted inside the connector end 12. Alternatively, the connector end 12 and the resin tube 20 may be welded by irradiating the laser light B from the radially inner side, i.e., from the connector end 12 side in the radial direction with the resin tube 20 fitted on the outside of the connector end 12.

[0078] In the first embodiment, the connector main body 11 is configured to include a claw that engages with the piping 30. Alternatively, the following may be configured: A plurality of annular protrusions that protrude radially are formed in the axial direction on the outer circumferential surface of the connector main body 11. The piping 30 may be expanded and fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the connector main body 11, and engaged with the plurality of annular protrusions in the axial direction.

[0079] In the fourth embodiment, the resin connector 90 is configured to include the low-strength intermediate portion 92. In the first and second embodiments, a member equivalent to the low-strength intermediate portion 92 may also be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1,2,3 Resin connector connection structure 10,60,90 Resin connector 11,51,61,91 Connector body 12, 52, 62, 63, 93, 94 Connector end 20, 70, 80 Resin tube (connection target part) 30 Piping (connection target parts) B Laser light

Claims

1. a resin connector formed in a cylindrical shape, with a connection target member being connected to each of both open ends; a resin tube that constitutes one of the connection target members, is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is fitted to a first opening side of the resin connector; Equipped with The resin connector is a cylindrical connector main body formed by including a reinforcing filler in a base resin for the main body; a cylindrical connector end portion that is formed from a base resin for an end portion without containing the reinforcing filler, or that is formed by containing a lower proportion of the reinforcing filler in the base resin for the end portion than in the connector body portion, and is joined directly or indirectly to the connector body portion and constitutes an end portion on the first opening side of the resin connector; Equipped with the resin tube is made of a material having a higher laser light absorption rate than the connector end, is fitted into the connector end, is welded to an inner or outer peripheral surface of the connector end, and is welded to a position in the resin connector other than an axial position where the connector main body is located, In the resin connector, the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the connector end are exposed over the entire axial direction. Resin connector connection structure.

2. a resin connector formed in a cylindrical shape, with a connection target member being connected to each of both open ends; a resin tube that constitutes one of the connection target members, is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is fitted to a first opening side of the resin connector; Equipped with The resin connector is a cylindrical connector main body formed by including a reinforcing filler in a base resin for the main body; a cylindrical connector end portion that is formed from a base resin for an end portion without containing the reinforcing filler, or that is formed by containing a lower proportion of the reinforcing filler in the base resin for the end portion than in the connector body portion, and is joined directly or indirectly to the connector body portion and constitutes an end portion on the first opening side of the resin connector; Equipped with the resin tube is made of a material having a higher laser light absorption rate than the connector end, is fitted into the connector end, is welded to an inner or outer peripheral surface of the connector end, and is welded to a position in the resin connector other than an axial position where the connector main body is located, The resin connector further has a cylindrical low-strength intermediate portion directly joined to an inner circumferential surface of the connector body, the connector body constitutes an outer layer of an axially intermediate portion of the resin connector, The low-strength intermediate portion constitutes an inner layer of an axial intermediate portion of the resin connector, and is formed of an intermediate portion base resin without containing the reinforcing filler, or is formed by containing a lower proportion of the reinforcing filler in the intermediate portion base resin than in the connector body, the connector end portion is formed on one axial end side of the low-strength intermediate portion and is indirectly joined to the connector main body portion via the low-strength intermediate portion, The low strength intermediate portion and the connector end portion are integrally molded. Resin connector connection structure.

3. A second resin tube is provided which constitutes the other of the connection target members, is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is fitted into the second opening side of the resin connector; The resin connector further includes a cylindrical second connector end portion that is formed from a base resin for a second end portion without containing the reinforcing filler, or is formed by containing a lower proportion of the reinforcing filler in the base resin for the second end portion than in the connector body, and that constitutes an end portion of the resin connector on the second opening side, the second connector end portion is formed on the other axial end side of the low-strength intermediate portion and is indirectly joined to the connector body portion via the low-strength intermediate portion, the second resin tube is formed of a material having a higher laser light absorption rate than the second connector end, fitted into the second connector end, welded to an inner or outer peripheral surface of the second connector end, and welded to a position in the resin connector other than an axial position where the connector main body is located, the low strength intermediate portion, the connector end portion, and the second connector end portion are integrally molded; The resin connector connection structure according to claim 2.

4. a resin connector formed in a cylindrical shape, with a connection target member being connected to each of both open ends; a resin tube that constitutes one of the connection target members, is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is fitted to a first opening side of the resin connector; a pipe that constitutes the other of the connection target members, that is formed in a cylindrical shape, and that is fitted to a second opening side of the resin connector; Equipped with The resin connector is a cylindrical connector main body formed by including a reinforcing filler in a base resin for the main body; a cylindrical connector end portion that is formed from a base resin for an end portion without containing the reinforcing filler, or that is formed by containing a lower proportion of the reinforcing filler in the base resin for the end portion than in the connector body portion, and is joined directly or indirectly to the connector body portion and constitutes an end portion on the first opening side of the resin connector; Equipped with the resin tube is made of a material having a higher laser light absorption rate than the connector end, is fitted into the connector end, is welded to an inner or outer peripheral surface of the connector end, and is welded to a position in the resin connector other than an axial position where the connector main body is located, The pipe includes a radially protruding annular flange, the resin connector includes a locking claw that is locked to the annular flange, The locking claw is elastically deformed to allow the resin connector to be fitted to the second opening side of the pipe, and is locked to the annular flange after the pipe is fitted. Resin connector connection structure.

5. A resin connector connection structure described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein in the resin connector, the outer and inner surfaces of the connector end are exposed throughout the entire axial direction.

6. The connector body includes a cylindrical body jaw portion extending toward the connector end portion, 5. The resin connector connection structure according to claim 4, wherein the connector end portion includes a cylindrical end jaw portion extending toward the connector body portion and joined to the body jaw portion in a radially opposed relationship.

7. The resin connector connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connector end does not contain the reinforcing filler.

8. The resin connector connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the resin tube is inserted radially inside the connector end, and the outer peripheral surface is welded to the inner peripheral surface of the connector end.

9. 9. The resin connector connection structure according to claim 8, wherein the resin tube is inserted in a radially inner state of the connector end.

10. The connector end includes: a guide portion formed in a tapered shape on an inner peripheral surface of an opening end of the connector end portion, the guide portion guiding the contraction of the resin tube; a cylindrical inner peripheral surface portion formed adjacent to the guide portion on the inner peripheral surface of the connector end portion and having a cylindrical inner peripheral surface shape; Equipped with 10. The resin connector connection structure according to claim 9, wherein the resin tube is welded to the cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the connector end, and is not welded to the guide portion.

11. The resin connector connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the welded portion between the resin tube and the connector end portion is located at a position spaced apart from the boundary portion between the connector main body portion and the connector end portion.

12. 12. The resin connector connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the welded portion between the resin tube and the connector end portion is formed into a closed ring shape around the entire circumference.

13. The resin connector connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the base resin for the main body and the base resin for the end portions are the same type of polymer.

14. A method for manufacturing the resin connector connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A manufacturing method for a resin connector connection structure, in which the resin tube is fitted into the connector end, and laser light is irradiated radially from the connector end side to weld the radially opposing surfaces of the resin tube and the connector end.

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