U.S. patent application number 11/126373 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-15 for bonding method for a plurality of components, bonding method for container and lid member, and ultrasonic welding apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Tsuchihashi, Kazuo.
Application Number | 20050199682 11/126373 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33467796 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050199682 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tsuchihashi, Kazuo |
September 15, 2005 |
Bonding method for a plurality of components, bonding method for
container and lid member, and ultrasonic welding apparatus
Abstract
According to a bonding method of heat-welding a plurality of
components in a predetermined lengthwise direction by vibration of
an ultrasonic vibrator, the plurality of components are fixed such
that their bonding positions are aligned, the ultrasonic vibrator
is oscillated, and the plurality of components and ultrasonic
vibrator are moved relative to each other in the lengthwise
direction, thus performing heat welding.
Inventors: |
Tsuchihashi, Kazuo;
(Ibaraki, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112
US
|
Assignee: |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
33467796 |
Appl. No.: |
11/126373 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11126373 |
May 11, 2005 |
|
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10817801 |
Apr 6, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
228/110.1 ;
228/1.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 66/71 20130101;
B29C 66/836 20130101; B29C 66/8221 20130101; B29C 66/8362 20130101;
B29C 66/545 20130101; B29C 66/652 20130101; B29K 2025/00 20130101;
B29C 65/08 20130101; B29C 66/542 20130101; B23K 20/10 20130101;
B29C 66/1312 20130101; B29C 66/73921 20130101; B29C 66/71 20130101;
B29C 66/65 20130101; B29C 66/73115 20130101; B29C 65/7841 20130101;
B23K 37/0443 20130101; B29C 66/8242 20130101; B29L 2031/712
20130101; B29K 2025/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
228/110.1 ;
228/001.1 |
International
Class: |
B23K 001/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 9, 2003 |
JP |
2003-105218 |
Claims
1. A bonding method for a plurality of components, of heat-welding
the plurality of components in a predetermined lengthwise direction
by vibration of an ultrasonic vibrator, wherein the plurality of
components are fixed such that bonding positions thereof are
aligned, said ultrasonic vibrator is oscillated, and the plurality
of components and said ultrasonic vibrator are moved relative to
each other in the lengthwise direction, thus performing heat
welding.
2-4. (canceled)
5. A bonding method for a container and lid member, of closing an
opening of the container with the lid member, wherein the lid
member is placed over the opening of the container, an ultrasonic
vibrator is brought into contact with the lid member and is
oscillated in order to bond a periphery of the opening, and the
container or said ultrasonic vibrator is moved relative to the
periphery of the opening, thus performing heat welding.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. A bonding method for a container and lid member, of closing an
opening of the container with the lid member, wherein when the lid
member is to be placed over the opening of the container, said
ultrasonic vibrator is to be brought into contact with the lid
member and is to be oscillated in order to bond a periphery of the
opening, and the container or said ultrasonic vibrator is to be
moved relative to the periphery of the opening when performing heat
welding, a relative moving speed in the vicinity of a bonding end
position of the opening is decreased.
9-11. (canceled)
12. An ultrasonic welding method of ultrasonic-welding a plurality
of components over a predetermined length, wherein when the
components softened by heating are to be welded to an opposite side
by pressing the plurality of components within a range of the
length, pressing at a contact position of an ultrasonic vibrator is
avoided, and a welding portion is pressed after the ultrasonic
vibrator moves.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a bonding method for a
plurality of components.
[0002] The present invention also relates to a method of bonding
the lid member of a container to the container.
[0003] The present invention also relates to a technique for
bonding by heating caused by vibration and oscillation of an
ultrasonic vibrator.
[0004] The present invention also relates to an ultrasonic welding
apparatus which heat-welds a plurality of components, e.g., a
container and lid member, by using ultrasonic vibration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] As a bonding method and apparatus which weld a plurality of
components to each other by heating them utilizing ultrasonic
vibration and oscillation, for example, one disclosed in, e.g.,
Japanese Patent Publication (KOKOKU) No. 62-26991 for opposition is
known.
[0006] Japanese Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 62-46618 discloses
use of sound wave connection in a method of forming a lip sealing
surface around a thermoformed plastic container.
[0007] Japanese Patent Publication (KOKOKU) No. No. 2-43631 for
opposition discloses a technique for ultrasonic connection of
parallel webs.
[0008] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,989,370 and 3,976,240 describe ultrasonic
welding apparatuses.
[0009] Japanese Patent Publication (KOKOKU) No. 6-43099 for
opposition discloses a technique which utilizes ultrasonic
vibration as a plastic container manufacturing method.
[0010] When a plurality of components are to be welded and bonded
to each other by dielectric heating in accordance with ultrasonic
oscillation, an ultrasonic vibrator for a portion to be bonded must
be machined to match the shape of the bonding place.
[0011] When the area of the bonding portion is large or the bonding
portion is long, the machining shape of the ultrasonic vibrator
becomes complicated. When the bonding target is changed, a new
ultrasonic vibrator must be prepared.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
bonding method that can cope with a change in the shape, size, or
formation of a container when the opening of the container is to be
closed with a lid member.
[0013] According to the present invention, the above problems are
solved by proposing a bonding method for a plurality of components,
of heat-welding the plurality of components in a predetermined
lengthwise direction by vibration of an ultrasonic vibrator,
characterized in that the plurality of components are fixed such
that bonding positions thereof are aligned, the ultrasonic vibrator
is oscillated, and the plurality of components and the ultrasonic
vibrator are moved relative to each other in the lengthwise
direction, thus performing heat welding.
[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a bonding
method for a plurality of components is proposed, characterized in
that the plurality of components are fixed in the lengthwise
direction with a plurality of fixing members, and as the ultrasonic
vibrator moves, the fixing members are retreated from the bonding
positions.
[0015] Another aspect is proposed, characterized in that the fixing
members retreated from the bonding positions are returned, and fix
a portion which is heat-welded by the ultrasonic vibrator.
[0016] According to the present invention, a bonding method for a
plurality of components, of heat-welding a plurality of components
in a predetermined lengthwise direction by vibration of an
ultrasonic vibrator is proposed, characterized in that the
components are fixed in the predetermined longitudinal direction
with a plurality of fixing members that fix the components, the
ultrasonic vibrator is operated to move from a welding start
position in the predetermined lengthwise direction, and as the
ultrasonic vibrator moves, the fixing members are retreated from
fixing positions.
[0017] A bonding method for a container and lid member, of closing
an opening of the container with the lid member is proposed,
characterized in that the lid member is placed over the opening of
the container, an ultrasonic vibrator is brought into contact with
the lid member and is oscillated in order to bond a periphery of
the opening, and the container or the ultrasonic vibrator is moved
relative to the periphery of the opening, thus performing heat
welding.
[0018] A bonding method for a container and lid member is proposed,
characterized in that the lid member placed over the container is
fixed at prospective bonding positions with a plurality of fixing
members, and the fixing members are retreated from the prospective
bonding positions in accordance with movement of the ultrasonic
vibrator.
[0019] A bonding method for a container and lid member is proposed,
characterized in that the fixing members retreated from the
prospective bonding positions are returned to the prospective
bonding positions after heat welding by means of ultrasonic
vibration.
[0020] A bonding method for a container and lid member, of closing
an opening of the container with the lid member is proposed,
characterized in that when the lid member is to be placed over,the
opening of the container, the ultrasonic vibrator is to be brought
into contact with the lid member and is to be oscillated in order
to bond a periphery of the opening, and the container or the
ultrasonic vibrator is to be moved relative to the periphery of the
opening when performing heat welding, a relative moving speed in
the vicinity of a bonding end position of the opening is
decreased.
[0021] According to still another element of the present invention,
an ultrasonic welding apparatus for heat-welding a plurality of
components by oscillation of an ultrasonic vibrator is proposed,
characterized by comprising a plurality of fixing means for fixing
the plurality of components at prospective welding positions, and
means for retreating the fixing means from the prospective welding
positions during movement of the ultrasonic vibrator to the
prospective welding positions.
[0022] An ultrasonic welding apparatus is proposed, characterized
by comprising means for returning the fixing means to fixing
positions after heat welding at the prospective welding
positions.
[0023] According to an aspect of the present invention, an
ultrasonic welding apparatus is characterized by comprising control
means for decreasing a moving speed of the ultrasonic vibrator
before a prospective welding end position when the prospective
welding positions form a closed loop.
[0024] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters
designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures
thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a view for explaining a container and lid member
to which the present invention is applied;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the arrangement of an
ultrasonic welding apparatus;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the arrangement of the
ultrasonic welding apparatus;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a view for explaining operation;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a view for explaining operation;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a view for explaining operation;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a view for explaining another embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the embodiment in FIG.
7;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the embodiment in FIG. 7;
and
[0035] FIG. 10 is a view for explaining still another
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
[0036] FIGS. 1 to 6 are views for explaining the first preferred
embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a container main body 1 for storing a
to-be-stored object, and a lid member 2.
[0038] The container main body 1 is made of a high-impact strength
polystyrene resin (HIPS) having a melting point of 80.degree. C. to
90.degree. C.
[0039] The lid member 2 is made of a high-impact strength
polystyrene resin having a melting point of 80.degree. C. to
90.degree. C.
[0040] The container main body 1 has a storing portion 1A and
opening 1B. A brim 1C to which the lid member 2 is to be bonded is
formed around the opening 1B.
[0041] The lid member 2 has a lid 2A which is to be placed over the
opening 1B of the container main body 1 in order to close the
opening 1B, and a brim 2B which overlaps the brim 1C of the
container main body 1.
[0042] The brim 2B of the lid member 2 has a width of 5.0 mm and a
thickness of 1.5 mm.
[0043] The brim 1C of the container main body 1 has a width of 5.0
mm and a thickness of 1.5 mm. The long-side portion of the brim 2B
of the lid member 2 is 220-mm long, and its short-side portion is
60-mm long.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a view showing the arrangement of an ultrasonic
welding apparatus according to the present invention.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 2, reference numeral 4 denotes an
ultrasonic welding means; and 6, 8, 10, and 12, holding means for
holding the container main body 1 and lid member 2.
[0046] The ultrasonic welding means 4 includes a vibrator 4a for
ultrasonic oscillation, a vibration generating means 4b for
oscillating the vibrator 4a by ultrasonic vibration, a control
means 4c for controlling the vibration generating means 4b, and the
like.
[0047] The vibrator 4a is made of a titanium alloy, and has a
length of 60 mm and a contact portion area of 36 mm.sup.2.
[0048] The ultrasonic welding means 4 moves the vibrator 4a with a
moving means 14 along a closed-loop moving locus as indicated by a
broken line shown in FIG. 2.
[0049] The moving means 14 is formed by attaching the ultrasonic
welding means 4 to a moving member 14A, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0050] The moving member 14A is attached to a guide roller 14D in a
Y-axis direction, and the Y-axis guide roller 14D is attached to a
guide roller 14C in a Z-axis direction.
[0051] The Z-axis guide roller 14C is attached to a slide guide 14B
in an X-axis direction.
[0052] The lid member 2 is placed over the opening 1B of the
container main body 1. The brim 1C of the container main body 1 and
the brim 2B of the lid member 2 are overlaid on each other. Then,
the resultant work is placed on a work holding means 18 on a fixing
base 16 shown in FIG. 3.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 2, the holding means 18 presses and holds
the container main body 1 on which the lid member 2 is placed. The
work holding means 18 presses the brim 2B, on one of the four
surfaces of the lid member 2, with a press member.
[0054] The arrangement of the holding means 6 will be described
with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0055] Reference numeral 6A denotes an attaching base for the
holding means 6 and is fixed on the fixing base 16.
[0056] Reference numerals 6B1 and 6B2 denote two air cylinders
arranged on the attaching base 6A. Link means 6C1 and 6C2 are
attached to pistons 6b1 and 6b2 of the air cylinders 6B1 and 6B2,
respectively.
[0057] The link means 6C1 and 6C2 are supported by holding members
6P1 and 6P2, and are connected to arm members 6E1 and 6E2,
respectively. Press members 6F1 and 6F2 are attached to the distal
ends of the arm members 6E1 and 6E2, respectively.
[0058] After the lid member 2 is placed over the container 1 shown
in FIG. 1 and the resultant work is placed on the holding member 18
which holds the work (the container 1 and lid member 2) shown in
FIG. 3, the press members 6F1 and 6F2 press and hold a side 2B1 of
the brim 2B of the lid member 2 shown in FIG. 1 at two
portions.
[0059] In the holding means 8, three air cylinders 8B1, 8B2, and
8B3 are arranged on a fixing base 8A. The holding means 8 has three
link means 8C1, 8C2, and 8C3, three arm members 8E1, 8E2, and 8E3,
and three press members 8F1, 8F2, and 8F3 (not shown). The
arrangement of the holding means 8 is identical to that of the
holding means 6.
[0060] The holding means 8 presses and holds one side 2B2 in the
longitudinal direction of the brim 2B of the lid member 2 with the
three press members.
[0061] The holding means 10 and 12 have arrangements identical to
that of the holding means 6, and press and hold sides 2B3 and 2B4,
respectively, of the brim 2B of the lid member 2.
[0062] The operations of the air cylinders of the holding means 6,
8, 10, and 12 are controlled by control means.
[0063] The press force of the press members acting on the lid
member 2 is 5.0 kgf/cm.sup.2.
[0064] (Explanation on Ultrasonic Welding Operation)
[0065] The operation of ultrasonic welding according to this
embodiment will be explained.
[0066] A to-be-stored object X such as a liquid, powder, or solid
is stored in the container main body 1. The lid member 2 is placed
over the container main body 1. The brim 1C of the container and
the brim 2B of the lid member 2 are overlaid on each other to close
the lid. The resultant work is placed on the work holding member 18
of the welding apparatus.
[0067] Since the pistons of the air cylinders of the holding means
6 are located along the direction of an arrow A shown in FIG. 3,
the respective press members are positioned at retreat positions by
the link mechanism, so that the work can be set on the work holding
member 18.
[0068] The container main body 1 with the closed lid member 2 is
set on the work holding member 18. The air cylinders of the holding
means are actuated by the control means. When the link means
actuate, the respective press members hold the brims 2B and 1C of
the lid member 2 and lid member 2 in a pressed state.
[0069] The broken line from a start point .circle-solid. to an end
point .tangle-solidup. indicates the welding locus of ultrasonic
welding.
[0070] When the work (lid member 2 and container main body 1) is
set on the work holding member 18 and the respective air cylinders
actuate the press members to hold the brims 2B and 1C of the lid
member 2 and container main body 1 being overlaid on each other,
preparation for welding operation is completed.
[0071] The ultrasonic welding means 4 is moved by the moving means
14 to the .circle-solid. position as the welding start position
(see FIG. 4).
[0072] Accordingly, a press member 12F2 at the center of the three
press members of the holding means 12 is retreated from the press
position by the operation of the air cylinder.
[0073] When the press member 12F2 is retreated, the vibrator 4a can
be moved downward onto the brim 2B of the lid 2A at the
.circle-solid. position and be pressed against it (see FIG. 5).
[0074] The control means of the ultrasonic welding apparatus is
actuated to cause the vibrator 4a to generate vibration with a
frequency of 48 kHz. Upon transmission of the vibration, that
portion of the lid member 2 which is in contact with the vibrator
4a generates heat to increase its temperature. Press members 12F1
and 12F2 on the two sides adjacent to the retreated press member
12F2 press the brims 2B and 1C of the lid member 2 and container
main body 1, thus welding the brims 2b and 1C.
[0075] When the vibration of the vibrator 4a with the above
frequency is transmitted, that portion of the lid member 2 which is
in press contact against the vibrator 4a reaches as high as
80.degree. C. to 300.degree. C., and are melted.
[0076] Interlocked with the oscillation of the vibrator 4a, the
press member 12F3 adjacent to the central press member 12F2 of the
holding means 12 is released, and is retreated from the press
position.
[0077] Interlocked with the retreat of the press member 12F3, the
vibrator 4a moves as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 along the welding
moving locus shown in FIG. 2, and the welding operation of the
brims 2B and 1C of the lid member 2 and container main body 1 is
performed along the line of the moving locus indicated by the
broken line.
[0078] Interlocked with the movement from the position of the
vibrator 4a shown in FIG. 5 to the position of the vibrator 4a
shown in FIG. 6, the press member 12F2 retreated in FIG. 5 returns
to the initial press position.
[0079] Upon this operation, when the welding operation of the brims
2B and 1C of the long sides of the lid member 2 and container main
body 1 welded at the position of FIG. 5 reaches the end position,
the transfer angle of the ultrasonic welding means 4 is changed by
the moving means 14. The ultrasonic welding means 4 thus moves to
the short-side portions of the brims. Retreat and return of the
press members are repeated, as described with reference to FIGS. 4,
5, and 6, so that the brims 2B and 1C of the lid member 2 and
container main body 1 are sequentially welded.
[0080] In this example, the size of the long-side portion was set
to 220 mm, and the moving speed of the vibrator 4a was set to 120
mm/sec.
[0081] The welding operation shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 is
performed along the two long-side portions and two short-side
portions of the lid member 2 from the start position indicated by
the * point to the end position indicated by the A point shown in
FIG. 2 throughout the brims by one turn, so that the lid member 2
can be welded to the container main body 1.
[0082] As described above, a bonding method for a plurality of
components, of heat-welding the plurality of components such as a
lid member and container main body in a predetermined lengthwise
direction by vibration of an ultrasonic vibrator can be proposed,
characterized in that the plurality of components are fixed such
that bonding positions thereof are aligned, the ultrasonic vibrator
is oscillated, and the plurality of components and the ultrasonic
vibrator are moved relative to each other in the lengthwise
direction, thus performing heat welding.
[0083] As described in the above embodiment, a bonding method for a
plurality of components can be performed, characterized in that the
plurality of components such as the lid member and container main
body are fixed in the lengthwise direction with a plurality of
fixing members, and as the ultrasonic vibrator moves, the fixing
members are retreated from the bonding positions.
[0084] A bonding method for a plurality of components could be
performed, characterized in that the fixing members retreated from
the bonding positions are returned, and fix a portion which is
heat-welded by the ultrasonic vibrator.
[0085] In the above embodiment, a bonding method for a plurality of
components, of heat-welding the plurality of components such as a
lid member and container main body in a predetermined lengthwise
direction by vibration of an ultrasonic vibrator could be proposed,
characterized in that the components are fixed in the predetermined
longitudinal direction with a plurality of fixing members that fix
the components, the ultrasonic vibrator is operated to move from a
welding start position in the predetermined lengthwise direction,
and as the ultrasonic vibrator moves, the fixing members are
retreated from fixing positions.
[0086] A bonding method for a container and lid member, of closing
an opening of the container with the lid member can be proposed,
characterized in that the lid member is placed over the opening of
the container, an ultrasonic vibrator is brought into contact with
the lid member and is oscillated in order to bond the periphery of
the opening, and the container or the ultrasonic vibrator is moved
relative to the periphery of the opening, thus performing heat
welding.
[0087] The above embodiment can perform a bonding method for a
container and lid member, characterized in that the lid member
placed over the container is fixed at prospective bonding positions
with a plurality of fixing members, and the fixing members are
retreated from the prospective bonding positions in accordance with
movement of the ultrasonic vibrator.
[0088] The above embodiment can perform a bonding method for a
container and lid member, characterized in that the fixing members
retreated from the prospective bonding positions are returned to
the prospective bonding positions after heat welding by means of
ultrasonic vibration.
Second Embodiment
[0089] FIGS. 7 to 9 are views for explaining the second embodiment
of the present invention.
[0090] According to this embodiment, a plurality of to-be-bonded
members 20 and 22 are overlaid on each other and are subjected to
ultrasonic welding.
[0091] This embodiment shows a case in which other examples of the
press members of the holding means 6, 8, 10, and 12 shown in the
first embodiment are used.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 7, reference numeral 24 denotes a work
holding means of this embodiment; 24A and 24B, Y-shaped arm members
attached to an attaching member 4E of an ultrasonic welding means 4
identical to that shown in FIG. 2.
[0093] The lower ends of the arm members 24A and 24B form L-shaped
angles 24a and 24b.
[0094] Work press rollers 24c and 24d are attached to the angles
24a and 24b, respectively.
[0095] An ultrasonic vibrator 4a moves vertically between the
angles 24a and 24b.
[0096] In FIG. 8, the works 20 and 22 are placed on a work holding
base (not shown). The work holding means 24 is moved downward, to
hold the work in a held state while pressing it with the work press
rollers 24c and 24d.
[0097] When the ultrasonic vibrator 4a is oscillated, the vibrated
portion of the work 22 generates heat to increase its temperature,
so that the vibrated portion of the work 22 is melted.
[0098] Since the work 22 is pressed by the work press rollers 24c
and 24d at its positions before and after the molten portion, the
members 20 and 22 are bonded to each other.
[0099] At the position of FIG. 8, as oscillation, melting, and
bonding progress, both the vibrator 4a and work holding means 24
are moved by a moving means 14 in a direction shown in FIGS. 8 and
9.
[0100] When the vibrator 4a is oscillated and moved continuously,
the works 20 and 22 are welded and bonded to each other
continuously along with the movement of the vibrator 4a and work
press rollers 24c and 24d.
Third Embodiment
[0101] FIG. 10 is a view showing the third embodiment of the
present invention.
[0102] Assume that, as shown in FIG. 10, a lid member 2 is to be
placed over a container opening 1B, and that respective brims 1C
and 2B are to be bonded, while being held by pressure with holding
means, from a molten state caused by ultrasonic oscillation of an
ultrasonic vibrator via holding operation of the holding means. In
the above embodiment, ultrasonic welding and bonding progress from
a welding start position P1 along the moving locus of the vibrator.
In the vicinity of the end point position, of that portion of the
work where the brim of the container and the brim of the lid member
are overlaid, the length of the portion which is vibrated by the
vibrator decreases gradually.
[0103] More specifically, as the work is bonded at the welding
start point P1, the vibration is limited there. The rear portion of
the work to where the vibrator moves backward is also bonded, and
accordingly vibration is also limited there.
[0104] Hence, as the vibrator approaches the end point position,
the area where vibration is generated becomes narrow.
[0105] Then, sometimes heat generation, temperature increase, and
welding operation caused by oscillation cannot occur
sufficiently.
[0106] This embodiment shows an example in which this problem is
solved. The moving speed of the vibrator is decreased from a
position before a welding end point P2, so that the temperature
rises sufficiently, thus ensuring welding.
[0107] More specifically, this embodiment is achieved by a bonding
method for a container and lid member, of closing an opening of the
container with the lid member, characterized in that when the lid
member is to be placed over the opening of the container, the
ultrasonic vibrator is to be brought into contact with the lid
member and is to be oscillated in order to bond the periphery of
the opening, and the container or the ultrasonic vibrator is to be
moved relative to the periphery of the opening when performing heat
welding, a relative moving speed in the vicinity of the bonding end
position of the opening is decreased.
[0108] In this embodiment, the thicknesses of the ribs of the
container and lid member were set to 1.5 mm, their widths were set
to 5.0 mm, and the moving speed from the welding start position was
set to 120 mm/sec. The moving speed was decreased at a position 2.0
cm before the end point position P2 down to a speed of 60.0
mm/sec.
[0109] As described above, according to the above embodiment, a
bonding method that is not influenced by the shape of a
to-be-bonded component can be obtained by a bonding method for a
plurality of components, of heat-welding the plurality of
components in a predetermined lengthwise direction by vibration of
an ultrasonic vibrator, characterized in that the plurality of
components are fixed such that bonding positions thereof are
aligned, the ultrasonic vibrator is oscillated, and the plurality
of components and the ultrasonic vibrator are moved relative to
each other in the lengthwise direction, thus performing heat
welding.
[0110] According to the above embodiment, bonding could be
performed reliably with a bonding method for a plurality of
components, characterized in that the plurality of components are
fixed in the lengthwise direction with a plurality of fixing
members, and as the ultrasonic vibrator moves, the fixing members
are retreated from the bonding positions.
[0111] The bonding accuracy could be improved by a bonding method
for a plurality of components, characterized in that the fixing
members retreated from the bonding positions are returned, and fix
a portion which is heat-welded by the ultrasonic vibrator.
[0112] A bonding method for a plurality of components, of
heat-welding the plurality of components in a predetermined
lengthwise direction by vibration of an ultrasonic vibrator could
be obtained, characterized in that the components are fixed in the
predetermined longitudinal direction with a plurality of fixing
members that fix the components, the ultrasonic vibrator is
operated to move from a welding start position in the predetermined
lengthwise direction, and as the ultrasonic vibrator moves, the
fixing members are retreated from fixing positions.
[0113] Also, the air tightness of the container can be ensured by a
bonding method for a container and lid member, of closing an
opening of the container with the lid member, characterized in that
the lid member is placed over the opening of the container, an
ultrasonic vibrator is brought into contact with the lid member and
is oscillated in order to bond the periphery of the opening, and
the container or the ultrasonic vibrator is moved relative to the
periphery of the opening, thus performing heat welding.
[0114] The bonding accuracy of the container could be obtained by a
bonding method for a container and lid member, characterized in
that the fixing members retreated from the prospective bonding
positions are returned to the prospective bonding positions after
heat welding by means of ultrasonic vibration.
[0115] Any influence of the shape of the container could be
eliminated by a bonding method for a container and lid member, of
closing an opening of the container with the lid member,
characterized in that when the lid member is to be placed over the
opening of the container, the ultrasonic vibrator is to be brought
into contact with the lid member and is to be oscillated in order
to bond the periphery of the opening, and the container or the
ultrasonic vibrator is to be moved relative to the periphery of the
opening when performing heat welding, a relative moving speed in
the vicinity of the bonding end position of the opening is
decreased.
[0116] According to the above embodiment, any influence of the
shape of the to-be-welded and bonded portion could be eliminated by
an ultrasonic welding apparatus for heat-welding a plurality of
components by oscillation of an ultrasonic vibrator, characterized
by comprising a plurality of fixing means for fixing the plurality
of components at prospective welding positions, and means for
retreating the fixing means from the prospective welding positions
during movement of the ultrasonic vibrator to the prospective
welding positions.
[0117] As many apparently widely different embodiments of the
present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not
limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in
the appended claims.
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