초록 ▼

A process and an energy director are provided for thermoplastically welding a rigid thermoplastic, such as acrylic, and a flexible thermoplastic, such a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) doped with plasticizers. The rigid piece includes an energy director where the joint is to be located. The energy director

A process and an energy director are provided for thermoplastically welding a rigid thermoplastic, such as acrylic, and a flexible thermoplastic, such a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) doped with plasticizers. The rigid piece includes an energy director where the joint is to be located. The energy director includes first and second ridges running the length of the joint and a groove running between the first and second ridges. The energy director is placed against one side of the flexible piece, and an energy horn against the other side opposite the energy director. The two pieces are then welded together using standard thermoplastic welding technology. The shape of the energy director promotes the melting and flow of both pieces as they are being welded together.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A process for joining first and second pieces together, the second piece having first and second sides, the process comprising:providing on the first piece an energy director comprising first and second ridges running substantially parallel to each other, and a groove run

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A process for joining first and second pieces together, the second piece having first and second sides, the process comprising:providing on the first piece an energy director comprising first and second ridges running substantially parallel to each other, and a groove running between the first and second ridges, wherein the first ridge has a first side adjacent the groove and a second side opposite the groove, wherein the first ridge's first side is steeper than the first ridge's second side;placing the energy director against the first side of the second piece;placing an energy horn against the second side of the second piece opposite the energy director; andapplying energy to the horn so as to thermoplastically weld the two pieces together.