JP5840264B2

JP5840264B2 - Fuel tank thermal welding equipment

Info

Publication number: JP5840264B2
Application number: JP2014150383A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 昌訓西村; 鈴木　英司; 英司鈴木
Original assignee: 株式会社ミヤデン
Priority date: 2014-07-24
Filing date: 2014-07-24
Publication date: 2016-01-06
Anticipated expiration: 2030-09-06
Also published as: JP2014205365A

Description

本発明は、燃料タンクの樹脂製の給油口に、給油ホースを接続するための樹脂製のジョイント部材を熱により溶着させる燃料タンクの熱溶着装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a fuel tank thermal welding apparatus for welding a resin joint member for connecting a fuel hose to a resin fuel filler port of a fuel tank by heat.

従来、例えば燃料タンクとジョイント部材を熱溶着する場合、図７に示す装置が採用されている。すなわち、燃料タンク１の円形の給油口３の周囲に外側に突出したフランジ部３ａを設け、このフランジ部３ａ上に、燃料タンク１と同種の樹脂製のリング形状のジョイント部材２を載置し、このジョイント部材２上に内部にニクロム線１００ａが内蔵された平板状の電熱ヒータ１００を載置する。 Conventionally, for example, when a fuel tank and a joint member are thermally welded, an apparatus shown in FIG. 7 is employed. That is, a flange portion 3a protruding outward is provided around the circular fuel filler port 3 of the fuel tank 1, and a resin ring-shaped joint member 2 of the same type as the fuel tank 1 is placed on the flange portion 3a. The flat electric heater 100 having the nichrome wire 100a built therein is placed on the joint member 2.

そして、この電熱ヒータ１００のニクロム線１００ａに電源１０１から所定の電圧を供給して発熱させて、フランジ部３ａとジョイント部材２の溶着部４を加熱溶融させつつ、加圧装置１０２で電熱ヒータ１００をジョイント部材２に押圧することにより、燃料タンク１のフランジ部３ａとジョイント部材２が熱溶着されるようになっている。なお、樹脂部材の熱溶着に関する特許文献としては、例えば特許文献１が知られている。 Then, a predetermined voltage is supplied from the power source 101 to the nichrome wire 100a of the electric heater 100 to generate heat, and the electric heater 100 is heated by the pressurizer 102 while the flange portion 3a and the welded portion 4 of the joint member 2 are heated and melted. Is pressed against the joint member 2 so that the flange portion 3a of the fuel tank 1 and the joint member 2 are thermally welded. For example, Patent Document 1 is known as a patent document relating to thermal welding of resin members.

特開２０１０−１７３１６８号公報JP 2010-173168 A

しかしながら、このような熱溶着装置にあっては、電熱ヒータ１００をジョイント部材２に直接接触させた状態で、ジョイント部材２を介して燃料タンク１のフランジ部３ａを加熱するため、ジョイント部材２とフランジ部３ａの溶着部４のきめ細かな熱管理が困難で、良好な加熱（溶着）状態が得られ難く、両部材２、３ａに所定の溶着強度を安定して得ることが難しい。また、加熱手段として電熱ヒータ１００が使用されるため、加熱効率面でも劣り、所定の加熱温度を得るためには、高電力が必要になる等、省エネの面でも好ましくない。 However, in such a heat welding apparatus, in order to heat the flange portion 3a of the fuel tank 1 via the joint member 2 with the electric heater 100 in direct contact with the joint member 2, the joint member 2 and Fine heat management of the welded portion 4 of the flange portion 3a is difficult, it is difficult to obtain a good heating (welding) state, and it is difficult to stably obtain a predetermined welding strength on both the members 2 and 3a. Further, since the electric heater 100 is used as a heating means, the heating efficiency is inferior, and high power is required to obtain a predetermined heating temperature, which is not preferable in terms of energy saving.

本発明は、このような事情に鑑みてなされたもので、その目的は、誘導加熱ヒータの効果的な使用により、燃料タンクとジョイント部材の溶着部を効率的かつ均一に加熱できて、所定の溶着強度を安定して得ることができると共に、省エネの面でも優れた燃料タンクの熱溶着装置を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to efficiently and uniformly heat the welded portion of the fuel tank and the joint member by the effective use of the induction heater. An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel tank thermal welding apparatus that can stably obtain a welding strength and is excellent in terms of energy saving.

かかる目的を達成すべく、本発明のうち請求項１に記載の発明は、樹脂部材からなる燃料タンクの給油口の周囲にリング状に突出形成されたフランジ部と、樹脂部材からなり平面視リング形状に形成されて前記フランジ部上に載置されるジョイント部材と、を熱により溶着させる燃料タンクの熱溶着装置であって、前記フランジ部の上面中央部に載置されると共に平面視でリング形状の薄板で形成されその幅が前記フランジ部及び前記ジョイント部材の幅より小さく形成された磁性体からなる誘導加熱ヒータと、該誘導加熱ヒータ上に配置される前記ジョイント部材を押圧する押圧装置と、前記誘導加熱ヒータの外周側にその内周面が前記誘導加熱ヒータの外周面に対して所定の空間を介して配置された平面視円形の加熱コイルと、該加熱コイルに高周波電流を供給可能なトランジスタインバータと、前記誘導加熱ヒータの表面温度を検出可能な放射温度計と、これらを制御する制御装置と、を備え、前記制御装置は、前記押圧装置を作動させて前記ジョイント部材を前記フランジ部に所定圧で押圧した状態で、前記放射温度計の検出温度に基づき前記トランジスタインバータを制御して前記加熱コイルにトランジスタインバータから所定の高周波電流を供給して前記誘導加熱ヒータを誘導加熱し、その輻射熱で前記フランジ部とジョイント部材の溶着部を加熱して熱溶着すると共に前記誘導加熱ヒータを前記溶着部に内蔵させることを特徴とする。
In order to achieve such an object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is a ring in plan view comprising a flange portion that is formed in a ring shape around a fuel filler opening of a fuel tank made of a resin member, and a resin member. A fuel tank heat welding device for welding a joint member formed in a shape and placed on the flange portion by heat, and is mounted on the center portion of the upper surface of the flange portion and in a plan view. An induction heater made of a magnetic material formed of a thin plate having a width smaller than that of the flange portion and the joint member , and a pressing device for pressing the joint member disposed on the induction heater. , a circular shape in plan view of the heating coils arranged through a predetermined space the inner peripheral surface thereof on the outer peripheral side with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the induction heater of the induction heater, heating co Comprising a transistor inverter capable of supplying a high-frequency current to Le, a radiation thermometer capable of detecting the surface temperature of the induction heater, and a control unit for controlling these, wherein the control device actuates the pressing device In a state where the joint member is pressed against the flange portion with a predetermined pressure, the transistor inverter is controlled based on the temperature detected by the radiation thermometer, and a predetermined high-frequency current is supplied from the transistor inverter to the heating coil. The heating heater is induction-heated, and the welded portion of the flange portion and the joint member is heated and radiated by the radiant heat, and the induction heater is incorporated in the welded portion.

また、請求項２に記載の発明は、前記誘導加熱ヒータが、その円周方向に所定間隔で板厚方向に開口した孔を有することを特徴とする。
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the induction heater has holes opened in the plate thickness direction at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction .

本発明の請求項１、２に記載の発明によれば、溶着部の一方の外面側に誘導加熱ヒータを配置し、この誘導加熱ヒータを加熱コイルにより誘導加熱してその輻射熱で溶着部を加熱するため、瞬時に所定温度まで誘導加熱される誘導加熱ヒータの輻射熱を利用して、給油口とジョイント部材の溶着部を効率的かつ均一に加熱できて、所定の溶着強度を安定して得ることができると共に、誘導加熱の利用で省エネの面でも優れた熱溶着装置を得ることができる。
According to the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention, to place the induction heater on one outer surface of the welded portion, the welded portion in the radiant heat by induction heating the induction heater by the heating coil heat Therefore, by utilizing the radiant heat of an induction heater that is instantaneously heated to a predetermined temperature, the welded portion of the filler opening and the joint member can be efficiently and uniformly heated, and a predetermined welding strength can be stably obtained. In addition, it is possible to obtain a heat welding apparatus that is superior in terms of energy saving by using induction heating.

また、熱溶着後に誘導加熱ヒータが溶着部に内蔵された状態となるため、該ヒータ自体で溶着部の剛性を高めることができて、溶着部の機械的強度がアップする等、溶着強度をより一層高めることができる。 In addition, since the induction heater is built in the welded part after heat welding, the heater itself can increase the rigidity of the welded part, and the mechanical strength of the welded part can be increased. It can be further enhanced.

本発明に係わる熱溶着装置の基本概念を示す概略構成図The schematic block diagram which shows the basic concept of the heat welding apparatus concerning this invention 同その溶着状態の断面図Sectional view of the welded state 同溶着方法の一例を示す工程図Process diagram showing an example of the welding method 同その参考例を示す概略構成図Schematic configuration diagram showing the reference example 本発明に係わる熱溶着装置の一実施形態を示す概略構成図The schematic block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the heat welding apparatus concerning this invention. 同その溶着状態の断面図Sectional view of the welded state 従来の熱溶着装置を示す概略構成図Schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional heat welding device

以下、本発明を実施するための最良の形態を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。
図１〜図３は、本発明に係わる熱溶着装置の基本概念を示している。図１に示すように、一方の樹脂部材としての例えば燃料タンク１には、円形の給油口３が設けられており、この給油口３の周囲には、リング状に外側（図において上方）に突出したフランジ部３ａが一体成形されている。 The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 to 3 show the basic concept of a heat welding apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, a fuel tank 1 serving as one resin member is provided with a circular fueling port 3, and around the fueling port 3, a ring-shaped outer side (upward in the drawing) is provided. The protruding flange portion 3a is integrally formed.

この給油口３に溶着される他方の樹脂部材としての例えば図示しない給油管が接続されるジョイント部材２は、円板状でその中心位置に例えば給油口３より大きな孔２ａが形成されることで平面視リング状に形成されている。なお、燃料タンク１とジョイント部材２の材質は、熱により互いに溶着可能な適宜の材質が使用され、また、図示したジョイント部材２の形態も一例であって、給油口３にジョイントされるホースコネクタ形状等の適宜形状のものが使用される。 The joint member 2 connected to, for example, an oil supply pipe (not shown) as the other resin member welded to the oil supply port 3 is disc-shaped and has a hole 2a larger than the oil supply port 3, for example, at the center position thereof. It is formed in a ring shape in plan view. The fuel tank 1 and the joint member 2 are made of an appropriate material that can be welded to each other by heat. The illustrated shape of the joint member 2 is also an example, and is a hose connector that is jointed to the fuel filler port 3. The thing of appropriate shapes, such as a shape, is used.

そして、両樹脂部材である燃料タンク１のフランジ部３ａとジョイント部材２とを熱溶着する熱溶着装置１０は、ジョイント部材２の上方に所定の間隙ｈを有して配置された誘導加熱ヒータ１１と、この誘導加熱ヒータ１１の外周側に所定の空間ｔを介して配置された加熱コイル１２と、この加熱コイル１２に接続されたトランジスタインバータ１３と、このトランジスタインバータ１３を制御する制御装置１４等を備えている。また、誘導加熱ヒータ１１の反ジョイント部材２側の表面には、接触式のサーミスタ等からなる温度センサ１５が固定され、この温度センサ１５は前記制御装置１４に接続されている。 The heat welding apparatus 10 for heat welding the flange portion 3a of the fuel tank 1 and the joint member 2 which are both resin members is an induction heater 11 disposed above the joint member 2 with a predetermined gap h. A heating coil 12 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the induction heater 11 via a predetermined space t, a transistor inverter 13 connected to the heating coil 12, a control device 14 for controlling the transistor inverter 13, and the like It has. A temperature sensor 15 made of a contact thermistor or the like is fixed to the surface of the induction heater 11 on the side opposite to the joint member 2, and this temperature sensor 15 is connected to the control device 14.

さらに、誘導加熱ヒータ１１は、中心位置に孔１１ａが設けられて平面視リング状に形成され、間隙調整装置１６に支持されている。この間隙調整装置１６が制御装置１４の制御信号により作動することで誘導加熱ヒータ１１が上下動して、ジョイント部材２との前記間隙ｈが所定に調整されるようになっている。なお、前記加熱コイル１２は、銅の丸パイプを所定回数巻回することにより、平面視略円形（もしくは馬蹄形）に形成されて、その内周面が誘導加熱ヒータ１１の外周面に対して所定の空間ｔを有するように設定されている。 Further, the induction heater 11 is formed in a ring shape in plan view with a hole 11 a provided at the center position, and is supported by the gap adjusting device 16. When the gap adjusting device 16 is operated by a control signal from the control device 14, the induction heater 11 is moved up and down, and the gap h with the joint member 2 is adjusted to a predetermined value. The heating coil 12 is formed in a substantially circular shape (or horseshoe shape) in plan view by winding a copper round pipe a predetermined number of times, and its inner peripheral surface is predetermined with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the induction heater 11. It is set to have a space t.

この加熱コイル１２がケーブルで接続される前記トランジスタインバータ１３は、トランジスタ、ＭＯＳＦＥＴ、ＩＧＢＴ等の半導体スイッチング素子を、例えばフルブリッジ接続したインバータ回路を有し、その入力側が前記制御装置１４に接続され、その出力側が前記加熱コイル１２に接続されている。 The transistor inverter 13 to which the heating coil 12 is connected by a cable has an inverter circuit in which semiconductor switching elements such as transistors, MOSFETs, IGBTs, and the like are connected in a full bridge, for example, and the input side thereof is connected to the control device 14, The output side is connected to the heating coil 12.

また、前記制御装置１４は、図示しないＣＰＵ、ＲＯＭ、ＲＡＭ等からなる制御部とＩ／Ｏ及び入力装置等を有し、前記温度センサ１５で検出された温度に基づいて、トランジスタインバータ１３の出力を調整して、加熱コイル１２に所定の高周波電流を供給したり、入力装置で入力された数値等に基づいて、前記間隙調整装置１６を作動させるようになっている。なお、図示はしないが、燃料タンク１は、適宜形態のタンク支持部材に位置決め状態で例えば上下動可能に支持されると共に、ジョイント部材２は、適宜のセット機構によりその孔２ａが燃料タンク１の給油口３と上下方向で一致した状態で支持（セット）されるようになっている。 The control device 14 includes a control unit (not shown) including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, an I / O, an input device, and the like. Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 15, the output of the transistor inverter 13 is output. Is adjusted to supply a predetermined high-frequency current to the heating coil 12, or the gap adjusting device 16 is operated based on a numerical value or the like input by the input device. Although not shown in the figure, the fuel tank 1 is supported by a tank support member of an appropriate form so as to be movable up and down, for example, and the joint member 2 has a hole 2a of the fuel tank 1 by an appropriate setting mechanism. The fuel filler 3 is supported (set) in a state in which it coincides with the vertical direction.

次に、前記熱溶着装置１０による熱溶着方法の一例を、図３の工程図に基づいて説明する。先ず、燃料タンク１（樹脂部材Ｗ１という）をタンク支持部材にセット（Ｋ０１）すると共に、この燃料タンク１のフランジ部３ａ上にジョイント部材２（樹脂部材Ｗ２という）を載置してセット（Ｋ０２）する。これらの樹脂部材Ｗ１、Ｗ２のセットは、手動で行っても良いし、自動的に行うこともできる。一対の樹脂部材Ｗ１、Ｗ２をセットしたら、制御装置１４の制御信号により、間隙調整装置１６を作動させて待避位置にある誘導加熱ヒータ１１を下降させて所定位置にセットすると共に、加熱コイル１２を所定位置にセット（Ｋ０３）する。これにより、誘導加熱ヒータ１１とジョイント部材２との間隙ｈが所定に設定されることになる。 Next, an example of the heat welding method by the heat welding apparatus 10 will be described based on the process diagram of FIG. First, the fuel tank 1 (referred to as the resin member W1) is set (K01) on the tank support member, and the joint member 2 (referred to as the resin member W2) is placed on the flange portion 3a of the fuel tank 1 and set (K02). ) The setting of these resin members W1 and W2 may be performed manually or automatically. When the pair of resin members W1 and W2 are set, the gap adjusting device 16 is actuated by the control signal of the control device 14 to lower the induction heater 11 in the retracted position and set it to a predetermined position, and the heating coil 12 is Set to a predetermined position (K03). Thereby, the gap h between the induction heater 11 and the joint member 2 is set to a predetermined value.

誘導加熱ヒータ１１や加熱コイル１２が所定位置にセットされたら、制御装置１４の制御信号によりトランジスタインバータ１３が作動（Ｋ０４）して、加熱コイル１２に所定の高周波電流が供給される。加熱コイル１２に高周波電流が供給されると、加熱コイル１２の内側に配置されている誘導加熱ヒータ１１の表面に渦電流が誘起されて、該誘導加熱ヒータ１１が誘導加熱され、その表面温度が温度センサ１５で検出される。 When the induction heater 11 or the heating coil 12 is set at a predetermined position, the transistor inverter 13 is actuated (K04) by a control signal from the control device 14, and a predetermined high-frequency current is supplied to the heating coil 12. When a high-frequency current is supplied to the heating coil 12, an eddy current is induced on the surface of the induction heater 11 disposed inside the heating coil 12, the induction heater 11 is induction-heated, and the surface temperature thereof is increased. It is detected by the temperature sensor 15.

そして、誘導加熱により誘導加熱ヒータ１１の表面温度が、溶着すべき樹脂の材質等に応じて予め設定した所定温度になったか否かが制御装置１４で判断（Ｋ０５）される。この判断Ｋ０５で「ＮＯ」の場合は、トランジスタインバータ１３の出力を持続したり調整する等の制御（Ｋ０７）をして、工程Ｋ０５に戻る。また、判断Ｋ０５で「ＹＥＳ」の場合は、トランジスタインバータ１３の作動を停止（Ｋ０６）し、誘導加熱ヒータ１１等を待避位置に戻して、熱溶着された溶着品Ｗをアンセット（Ｋ０８）する。 Then, the control device 14 determines whether the surface temperature of the induction heater 11 has reached a predetermined temperature set in advance according to the material of the resin to be welded or the like by induction heating (K05). In the case of “NO” in this determination K05, control (K07) such as maintaining or adjusting the output of the transistor inverter 13 is performed, and the process returns to Step K05. If “YES” in the determination K05, the operation of the transistor inverter 13 is stopped (K06), the induction heater 11 and the like are returned to the retracted position, and the thermally welded product W is unset (K08). .

これにより、図２に示すように、燃料タンク１の給油口３にジョイント部材２が熱溶着された溶着品Ｗが得られ、このとき、燃料タンク１のフランジ部３ａの上面（接触面）の一部とジョイント部材２の下面（接触面）の一部が溶融して溶着部４となって互いに熱溶着される。つまり、誘導加熱ヒータ１１をジョイント部材２に対して所定の間隙ｈを維持しつつ、加熱コイル１２で誘導加熱ヒータ１１を瞬時に誘導加熱することにより、誘導加熱ヒータ１１の輻射熱によって、接触（積層）状態のフランジ部３ａとジョイント部材２が加熱溶融されて溶着部４で熱溶着されることになる。 As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, a welded product W is obtained in which the joint member 2 is thermally welded to the fuel filler port 3 of the fuel tank 1. At this time, the upper surface (contact surface) of the flange portion 3 a of the fuel tank 1 is obtained. A part and a part of the lower surface (contact surface) of the joint member 2 are melted to form a welded portion 4 and thermally welded to each other. That is, the induction heating heater 11 is instantaneously induction-heated by the heating coil 12 while maintaining the predetermined gap h with respect to the joint member 2, thereby making contact (lamination) by the radiant heat of the induction heating heater 11. ) And the joint member 2 are heated and melted and are heat-welded at the welded portion 4.

このように、前記熱溶着装置１０によれば、ジョイント部材２の溶着部４の一方の外面４ａである上面側に誘導加熱ヒータ１１を配置し、この誘導加熱ヒータ１１を加熱コイル１２への通電で誘導加熱すると共に、制御装置１４により、温度センサ１５で検出される誘導加熱ヒータ１１の表面温度（検出温度）に基づいて加熱コイル１２に供給される高周波電流を制御するため、瞬時に所定温度まで誘導加熱される誘導加熱ヒータ１１の輻射熱を利用して、燃料タンク１とジョイント部材２の溶着部４を効率的かつ均一に加熱できて、当該溶着部４に所定の溶着強度を安定して得ることができる。 As described above, according to the thermal welding apparatus 10, the induction heater 11 is arranged on the upper surface side that is one outer surface 4 a of the welded portion 4 of the joint member 2, and the induction heater 11 is energized to the heating coil 12. In addition, the control device 14 controls the high-frequency current supplied to the heating coil 12 based on the surface temperature (detected temperature) of the induction heater 11 detected by the temperature sensor 15. By using the radiant heat of the induction heater 11 that is induction-heated to the welded portion 4, the welded portion 4 of the fuel tank 1 and the joint member 2 can be heated efficiently and uniformly, and a predetermined weld strength can be stably applied to the welded portion 4. Can be obtained.

特に、誘導加熱ヒータ１１がジョイント部材２の溶着部４の外面４ａに対して所定の間隙ｈを有して配置されているため、誘導加熱ヒータ１１の輻射熱を両部材の溶着部４に効果的に輻射できて、溶着部４に安定した溶着状態を容易に得ることができる。また、誘導加熱ヒータ１１とジョイント部材２の外面４ａとの間の間隙ｈが間隙調整装置１６によって調整可能であるため、両部材の溶着部４の形態等に応じて間隙ｈを調整できて、燃料タンク１のフランジ部３ａとジョイント部材２との溶着部４に最適な溶着状態を安定して得ることができる。 In particular, since the induction heater 11 is disposed with a predetermined gap h with respect to the outer surface 4a of the welded portion 4 of the joint member 2, the radiant heat of the induction heater 11 is effectively applied to the welded portion 4 of both members. It is possible to easily obtain a stable welded state on the welded portion 4. Further, since the gap h between the induction heater 11 and the outer surface 4a of the joint member 2 can be adjusted by the gap adjusting device 16, the gap h can be adjusted according to the form of the welded portion 4 of both members, An optimum welding state can be stably obtained for the welded portion 4 between the flange portion 3 a of the fuel tank 1 and the joint member 2.

また、燃料タンク１とジョイント部材２の溶融時に、誘導加熱ヒータ１１を加熱コイル１２で誘導加熱してその輻射熱で溶着部４を加熱するため、従来の電熱ヒータ１００による加熱に比較して、低電力で加熱することができ、省エネの面も優れた熱溶着装置１０を得ることができる。また、誘導加熱ヒータ１１の中心位置に孔１１ａが設けられて、その全体形状がリング状に形成されているため、円形の給油口３やリング状のジョイント部材２の形状に的確に対応できて、燃料タンク１の円形のフランジ部３ａとリング状のジョイント部材２の溶着部４を効率的に加熱して熱溶着させることができる。 In addition, when the fuel tank 1 and the joint member 2 are melted, the induction heater 11 is induction-heated by the heating coil 12 and the welded portion 4 is heated by the radiant heat, which is lower than the heating by the conventional electric heater 100. The heat welding apparatus 10 can be obtained which can be heated with electric power and is excellent in energy saving. Moreover, since the hole 11a is provided in the center position of the induction heater 11, and the whole shape is formed in the ring shape, it can respond to the shape of the circular oil filler 3 or the ring-shaped joint member 2 accurately. The circular flange portion 3a of the fuel tank 1 and the welded portion 4 of the ring-shaped joint member 2 can be efficiently heated and thermally welded.

図４は、前記基本概念の参考例を示している。以下、前記基本概念と同一部位には、同一符号を付して説明する。図４に示す熱溶着装置１０の特徴は、誘導加熱ヒータ１１の下面（ジョイント部材２側の面）をジョイント部材２に面接触させると共に、誘導加熱ヒータ１１を加圧装置１７により下方に押圧可能に構成した点にある。この誘導加熱ヒータ１１は、その下面にガラス繊維等の絶縁材からなる所定厚の絶縁層１８が設けられており、誘導加熱ヒータ１１自体が直接ジョイント部材２の表面に接触しないように設定されている。 FIG. 4 shows a reference example of the basic concept. Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the basic concept will be described with the same reference numerals. The heat welding apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 4 is characterized in that the lower surface (the surface on the joint member 2 side) of the induction heater 11 is brought into surface contact with the joint member 2 and the induction heater 11 can be pressed downward by the pressure device 17. It is in the point configured in The induction heater 11 is provided with an insulating layer 18 having a predetermined thickness made of an insulating material such as glass fiber on the lower surface thereof, and is set so that the induction heater 11 itself does not directly contact the surface of the joint member 2. Yes.

また、前記加圧装置１７は、制御装置１４の制御信号により、誘導加熱ヒータ１１を下降させることにより、該ヒータ１１の下面（絶縁層１８）でジョイント部材２をフランジ部３ａに所定圧で押圧するようになっている。この熱溶着装置１０においても、誘導加熱ヒータ１１の輻射熱により、接触状態にある燃料タンク１のフランジ部３ａとジョイント部材２とを熱溶着させることができて、前記基本概念と同様の作用効果を得ることができる。 The pressurizing device 17 lowers the induction heater 11 in accordance with a control signal from the control device 14, thereby pressing the joint member 2 against the flange portion 3 a with a predetermined pressure on the lower surface (insulating layer 18) of the heater 11. It is supposed to be. Also in this heat welding apparatus 10, the flange portion 3a of the fuel tank 1 in contact with the joint member 2 can be heat welded by the radiant heat of the induction heater 11, and the same effect as the basic concept can be obtained. Can be obtained.

また、この例の場合は、加圧装置１７によって誘導加熱ヒータ１１の絶縁層１８を介してジョイント部材２がフランジ部３ａに所定圧で押圧されるため、溶着時のジョイント部材２とフランジ部３ａの位置ズレ等が抑制されて、溶着状態をより安定化させることができ、溶着強度の一層のアップを図ることが可能となる。なお、この例の絶縁層１８は、誘導加熱ヒータ１１の下面のみならず、外周面の全面に設けることも勿論可能である。 In the case of this example, since the joint member 2 is pressed against the flange portion 3a by the pressurizing device 17 through the insulating layer 18 of the induction heater 11, the joint member 2 and the flange portion 3a at the time of welding are pressed. Therefore, it is possible to further stabilize the welding state and further increase the welding strength. Of course, the insulating layer 18 of this example can be provided not only on the lower surface of the induction heater 11 but also on the entire outer peripheral surface.

図５は、本発明に係わる熱溶着装置１０の一実施形態を示している。本発明の熱溶着装置１０は、燃料タンク１のフランジ部３ａとジョイント部材２間に誘導加熱ヒータ１１を介装させ、この誘導加熱ヒータ１１を溶着部４に内蔵するようにしている。すなわち、この場合の誘導加熱ヒータ１１は、平面視でリング状に形成された薄板の鋼板等で形成され、この誘導加熱ヒータ１１を燃料タンク１のフランジ部３ａ上に載置し、さらにこの誘導加熱ヒータ１１上にジョイント部材２を載置してセットする。この状態で、加熱コイル１２に高周波電流を供給して、誘導加熱ヒータ１１を所定温度まで誘導加熱し、この誘導加熱ヒータ１の表面温度を非接触式の放射温度計１９（温度センサ）で検出しつつ、誘導加熱ヒータ１１の輻射熱で該ヒータ１１の上下面に接触状態とされているフランジ部３ａとジョイント部材２の一部を熱溶着させる。 FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the thermal welding apparatus 10 according to the present invention. In the heat welding apparatus 10 of the present invention, an induction heater 11 is interposed between the flange portion 3 a of the fuel tank 1 and the joint member 2, and the induction heater 11 is built in the weld portion 4. In other words, the induction heater 11 in this case is formed of a thin steel plate or the like formed in a ring shape in plan view, and this induction heater 11 is placed on the flange portion 3a of the fuel tank 1 and further this induction. The joint member 2 is placed on the heater 11 and set. In this state, a high-frequency current is supplied to the heating coil 12 to induction-heat the induction heater 11 to a predetermined temperature, and the surface temperature of the induction heater 1 is detected by a non-contact type radiation thermometer 19 (temperature sensor). However, the flange part 3a and the joint member 2 which are in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the heater 11 are thermally welded by the radiant heat of the induction heater 11.

これにより、図６に示すように、フランジ部３ａとジョイント部材２の溶着部４に誘導加熱ヒータ１１が内蔵された状態で両部材３ａ、２が熱溶着される。この例においても、誘導加熱ヒータ１１の誘導加熱による輻射熱を利用してフランジ部３ａとジョイント部材２を熱溶着することができて、上記実施形態と同様の作用効果を得ることができる。 Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, both members 3a and 2 are heat-welded in a state where the induction heater 11 is built in the welded portion 4 of the flange portion 3a and the joint member 2. Also in this example, the flange part 3a and the joint member 2 can be thermally welded using the radiant heat by the induction heating of the induction heater 11, and the same effect as the said embodiment can be acquired.

また、この熱溶着装置１０によれば、熱溶着後に誘導加熱ヒータ１１が溶着部４に内蔵された状態となるため、該ヒータ１１自体で溶着部４の剛性を高めることができて、溶着部４の機械的強度がアップする等、溶着強度をより一層高めることができる。この例の場合、誘導加熱ヒータ１１の円周方向に所定間隔で板厚方向に開口する孔（図示せず）を設けるようにすれば、この孔内に溶融した樹脂が進入した状態となり、溶着部４の溶着強度がより一層高まることになる。 Further, according to the heat welding apparatus 10, since the induction heater 11 is built in the welded portion 4 after the heat welding, the rigidity of the welded portion 4 can be increased by the heater 11 itself. The welding strength can be further increased, for example, the mechanical strength of 4 is increased. In the case of this example, if holes (not shown) that open in the plate thickness direction at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the induction heater 11 are provided, the molten resin enters the hole, and welding is performed. The welding strength of the part 4 is further increased.

なお、前記基本概念や実施形態等における、誘導加熱ヒータ１１の形状は一例であって、その全体形状や厚さ、孔１１ａの有無や形状等、熱溶着すべき樹脂部材の形態等に応じて適宜形状の誘導加熱ヒータを使用することができる。 In addition, the shape of the induction heater 11 in the basic concept, the embodiment, or the like is an example, depending on the overall shape and thickness, the presence or absence of the hole 11a, the shape of the resin member to be thermally welded, and the like. A suitably shaped induction heater can be used.

本発明は、燃料タンクとジョイント部材の熱溶着に限らず、樹脂製の燃料タンクに熱溶着すべき全ての樹脂部材に利用できる。 The present invention is not limited to heat welding of a fuel tank and a joint member, but can be used for all resin members to be heat-welded to a resin fuel tank.

１・・・燃料タンク、２・・・ジョイント部材、２ａ・・・孔、３・・・給油口、３ａ・・・フランジ部、４・・・溶着部、４ａ・・・外面、１０・・・熱溶着装置、１１・・・誘導加熱ヒータ、１２・・・加熱コイル、１３・・・トランジスタインバータ、１４・・・制御装置、１５・・・温度センサ、１６・・・間隙調整装置、１７・・・加圧装置、１８・・・絶縁層、１９・・・放射温度計、Ｗ１、Ｗ２・・・樹脂部材、Ｗ・・・溶着品、ｈ・・・間隙、ｔ・・・空間。 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Fuel tank, 2 ... Joint member, 2a ... Hole, 3 ... Filling port, 3a ... Flange part, 4 ... Welding part, 4a ... Outer surface, 10 ... Heat welding device, 11 ... induction heater, 12 ... heating coil, 13 ... transistor inverter, 14 ... control device, 15 ... temperature sensor, 16 ... gap adjusting device, 17 ...... Pressure device, 18 ... insulating layer, 19 ... radiation thermometer, W1, W2 ... resin member, W ... welded product, h ... gap, t ... space.

Claims

A flange portion formed in a ring shape around a fuel filler port of a fuel tank made of a resin member, and a joint member made of a resin member and formed in a ring shape in plan view and placed on the flange portion are heated. A fuel tank thermal welding device for welding by
An induction heater which is mounted on the center of the upper surface of the flange portion and is formed of a thin magnetic plate formed in a ring shape in plan view and whose width is smaller than the width of the flange portion and the joint member ; A pressing device that presses the joint member disposed on the induction heater, and an inner peripheral surface thereof is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the induction heater via a predetermined space with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the induction heater . A heating coil having a circular shape in plan view, a transistor inverter capable of supplying a high-frequency current to the heating coil, a radiation thermometer capable of detecting the surface temperature of the induction heater, and a control device for controlling these,
The control device controls the transistor inverter based on the temperature detected by the radiation thermometer in a state where the pressing device is operated to press the joint member against the flange portion with a predetermined pressure, and the transistor inverter is connected to the heating coil. The induction heater is induction-heated by supplying a predetermined high-frequency current from the radiant heat, and the flange portion and the welded portion of the joint member are heated and thermally welded by the radiant heat, and the induction heater is incorporated in the welded portion. A fuel tank thermal welding apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The fuel tank thermal welding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the induction heater has holes opened in a thickness direction at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction thereof. 3.