Intake system and method for producing the same

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an intake system of an internal combustion engine (hereinafter, the internal combustion engine being referred to as an “engine”) and, more particularly to an intake system in which a functional part is fixed to a tubular portion such as an intake pipe, a resonator for reducing noise generated by intake air flowing through an intake passageway and an intake member for supplying intake air to the engine, and a method for producing the system.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Conventionally, an intake pipe of an intake system that is formed into a tubular shape is formed by joining a plurality of half hollow members which are divided at a plane extending along, for example, a central axis. In the case of the intake system, a functional part such as an airflow meter is placed in the intake pipe. The functional part is attached to the tubular portion with a fastening member such as a tapping screw or bolt. The fastening member is, however, gradually loosened as the tubular portion vibrates due to vibrations of the engine to which the intake system is attached. To cope with this, according to a technique disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-257612, the loosening of two taping screws attributed to such vibrations is prevented by causing a straight line connecting the two taping screws to deviate from a central axis of an O ring.

[0005] However, not only the airflow meter but also a plurality of functional parts such as other sensors and actuators are placed on a tubular member such as the intake pipe. Due to this, as the number of functional parts increases, the number of fastening members for fixing the functional parts increases. As a result, there is caused a problem that the increase in number of components, and in the number of processes for installing fastening members, is called for. In addition, it is difficult to prevent the loosening of the functional parts attached by the fastening members over a long period of time.

[0006] In addition, conventionally, a resonator is disposed on the intake system for reducing the noise generated by intake air flowing through the intake passageway. The resonator is constructed by covering an opening in an intake duct forming the intake passageway with a casing having a predetermined volume, whereby the intake passageway is partially enlarged so as to reduce the noise generated by the flow of intake air.

[0007] In a resonator disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-4612, an intake duct is divided into two parts. One of the divided ducts has a resonator main body portion whose volume is enlarged in order to form a resonator. Then, the two divided intake ducts are connected together through fit, whereby a resonator is formed outside the intake duct.

[0008] In the case of the resonator disclosed in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-4612, however, the resonator main body portion is formed in one of the divided intake ducts. Due to this, the intake duct and the resonator main body portion must be designed so as to match a space formed in the periphery of the engine. Namely, an intake system becomes a component dedicated to the engine used, and it is difficult to design the intake duct and the resonator main body portion separately. As a result, the degree of freedom is decreased in designing the intake system involving a change in, for example, position of the resonator relative to the intake duct.

[0009] On the other hand, it is conceivable that a separate casing is placed on the intake duct so as to form a resonator. However, in a case where a separate casing is placed on the intake duct, the casing is not supported directly by the intake duct but is fixed to the intake duct while being supported by a chassis constituting an engine compartment. This is because there is no extra space at a portion in the engine compartment where an resonator must be formed. In addition, separate members such as bands and fixtures are needed to fix the intake duct and the casing. This calls for an increase in the number of processes for assembling, and in the number of components, and a larger space is also needed to install the intake system.

[0010] Furthermore, conventionally, there has been known, as an intake member for supplying intake air to the engine, an intake member which is produced by joining a plurality of resin molded bodies. The intake member such as an intake manifold whose configuration becomes complex due to its function to distribute and supply intake air to the engine can easily be fabricated by forming respective parts thereof of resin molded bodies and thereafter joining together the respective resin molded bodies so formed.

[0011] An intake manifold is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-339224 which is formed by holding an intermediate resin molded body between two outer resin molded bodies and combining and joining them together. There are known methods for fabricating such an intake manifold including a method in which an intermediate resin molded body is held between two outer resin molded bodies and these resin molded bodies are vibration welded so as to be joined all together, or a method in which an intermediate resin molded body is joined to one of outer resin molded bodies and, thereafter, the other outer resin molded body is joined to the intermediate resin molded body which has already been jointed to the one outer resin molded body.

[0012] Of the aforesaid two methods, according to the former method, in the event that an interface between the outer resin molded body and the intermediate resin molded body is situated in the interior of the intake manifold, as the transmission of welding vibration to the vicinity of the interface becomes insufficient, it is not possible to secure sufficient airtightness and joining strength. In addition, according to the latter method, as the joining of the resin molded bodies is carried out in two separate steps, problems of low productivity and high production costs occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A first object of the invention is to provide an intake system which can decrease the number of components and the number of processes for assembling and which can prevent the loosening of a functional part, and a method for producing the same system.

[0014] A second object of the invention is to provide an intake system which can provide a high degree of freedom in design and which can decrease the number of processes for assembling and the number of components, as well as a space for installing the intake system.

[0015] A third object of the invention is to provide a method for producing an intake member which can secure airtightness and joining strength at an interface between a plurality of resin molded bodies that are joined together.

[0016] In addition, a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing an intake member with high productivity and with a low production cost.

[0017] According to an intake system of a first aspect of the invention, a lock-shaped portion holds an arm portion of a functional part between a trunk portion and a first head portion thereof. The functional part is attached to a tubular portion by being held in the lock-shaped portion. The lock-shaped portion is formed from a secondary molding resin which is packed into a joint between a plurality of primary molded members. Due to this, the primary molded parts are welded together by the secondary molding resin so packed, and the functional part is attached to the tubular portion formed of the primary molded member. Namely, the welding of the primary molded members and attachment of the functional part can be implemented simultaneously by the packing of the secondary molding resin, whereby the functional part is attached to the tubular portion without using a fastening member such as a tapping screw. Consequently, the number of processes for assembling and the number of components can be reduced, and the loosening of the functional part can be prevented.

[0018] In an intake system of the invention, the lock-shaped portion has a first neck portion and a second neck portion which extend from the trunk portion. Due to this, assuming that an angle formed by the first neck portion and the second neck portion is generally, for example, 180°, the tubular portions and the arm portion of the functional part are held between a first head portion and a second head portion. Consequently, the functional part can be attached strongly to the tubular portion.

[0019] In the intake system of the invention, the primary molded member has a first hole portion which provides a communication between the packing portion and an external portion. Originally, in a case where a secondary molding resin is packed into a joint between primary molded members in order to weld the primary molded members together, the secondary molding resin is packed into a closed packing portion which is formed by the primary molded members. However, even when the secondary molding resin is packed into the packing portion formed by the primary molded members, a hole is formed in the primary molded member in such a manner as to communicate with the outside so as to allow air present within the packing portion to be discharged. Then, part of the secondary molding resin so packed is caused to overflow therefrom to the outside together with the air present in the packing portion. Then, in the intake system of the invention, a first hole portion which provides a communication between the packing portion and an external portion and a second hole portion which penetrates the arm portion of the functional part are connected with each other. Then, a first head portion is formed on a side of the arm portion which is opposite to a side thereof which faces the trunk portion by allowing part of the secondary molding resin packed into the packing portion to overflow to the outside together with the air in the packing portion by way of the first hole portion and the second hole portion. Consequently, the welding of the primary molded members and attachment of the functional part to the tubular portion can be implemented simultaneously to thereby reduce the number of processes for assembling.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, a casing is divided into two or more piece portions. The two or more divided piece portions hold an intake duct therebetween so as to form a resonator between the piece portions and the intake duct so held. Due to this, irrespective of, for example, the shape and position of the intake duct, the resonator can easily be formed by holding the intake duct between the divided piece portions. In addition, the intake duct and the casing are bonded together by a joint. Due to this, the casing is supported directly by the intake duct, and this obviates the necessity of a separate member for fixing the casing to the intake duct. Consequently, a high degree of freedom in design can be provided and the numbers in processes for assembling, the number of components, and the space needed for installation, can be reduced.

[0021] In the invention, the respective piece portions, and the intake duct and the casing are welded together by joints formed from a secondary molding resin. Due to this, easy and strong bonding and sealing can be attained between the respective piece portions, as well as between the intake duct and the casing.

[0022] In the invention, the casing covers an opening which penetrates a circumferential wall of the intake duct. A space is formed between the casing and the intake duct by covering the opening by the casing, and an intake passageway is expanded. Consequently, noise generated by intake air flowing through the intake passageway can be reduced by the resonator so formed.

[0023] In the invention, the intake duct has a positioning means for positioning an attachment position to attach the casing to the intake duct. Due to this, the attachment position to attach the casing to the intake duct can easily be positioned.

[0024] In the invention, the positioning means is a groove portion which continuously extends in a circumferential direction. Due to this, for example, by attaching the casing to the groove portion, the attachment position to attach the casing to the intake duct can easily be positioned. In addition, the groove portion is formed at the same time as the formation of the intake duct from a resin. Consequently, there is no risk of calling for an increase in processes for fabricating the resonator.

[0025] In the invention, the positioning means is a protruding portion which protrudes radially outwardly from the intake duct. Due to this, for example, by bringing the casing into abutment with the protruding portion, the attaching position to attach the casing to the intake duct can easily be positioned. In addition, the protruding portion is formed at the same time as the intake duct is formed from a resin. Consequently, there is no risk of calling for an increase in processes for fabricating the resonator.

[0026] In the invention, the intake duct and the casing form a space into which the resin is packed, whereby the resin forming the joint is packed into the space.

[0027] In the invention, the casing covers the intake duct circumferentially. Due to this, a volume for forming a resonator can be secured outside the intake duct.

[0028] In the invention, the casing has two piece portions which are separated by a plane containing a central axis of the intake duct. By separating the casing by the plane containing the central axis of the intake duct, the two piece portions are divided into a configuration which holds the intake duct from the outside in a radial direction. Due to this, the size of each piece portion is reduced. Consequently, even in the event that there is insufficient space around the intake duct, the casing can easily be attached to the intake duct.

[0029] In the invention, the casing has three or more piece portions which are divided by two or more planes containing the central axis of the casing. By separating the casing by the radial planes containing the central axis of the intake duct, the two piece portions are divided into a configuration which holds the intake duct from the outside in the radial direction. In addition, by increasing the number of divided piece portions, the size of each piece portion is reduced. Due to this, even in the event that there is insufficient space around the intake duct, the casing can easily be attached to the intake duct.

[0030] In the invention, the casing is formed into a cylindrical shape, whereby a cylindrical resonator is formed around the intake duct.

[0031] In the invention, the casing has two semi-cylindrical piece portions which are separated by a plane containing the central axis of the intake duct. By separating the casing by the plane containing the central axis of the intake duct, the two piece portions are divided into a configuration which holds the intake duct from the outside in the radial direction. Due to this, even in the event that there is insufficient space around the intake duct, the casing can easily be attached to the intake duct.

[0032] In the invention, the casing has three or more fan-shaped cylindrical piece portions divided by two or more planes containing the central axis of the intake duct. By separating the casing duct by the radial planes containing the central axis of the intake duct, the two piece portions are divided into a configuration which holds the intake duct from the outside in the radial direction. In addition, by increasing the number of divided piece portions, the size of each piece portion is made smaller. Due to this, even in the event that there is insufficient space around the intake duct, the casing can easily be attached to the intake duct.

[0033] In the invention, as a certain piece portion and another piece portion which is situated adjacent to the certain piece portion are connected to each other by a hinge portion, the hinge portion can be freely bent. Consequently, even in the event that the casing has a plurality of piece portions, the plurality of piece portions can be treated as an integral casing, and the increase in number of components can be suppressed.

[0034] In the invention, the piece portions and the hinge portion of the casing are integrally molded from a resin of the same material. Due to this, the plurality of piece portions are connected to each other by the hinge portion. Consequently, the plurality of piece portions can be treated as an integral casing, thereby making it possible to prevent an increase in number of components.

[0035] In the invention, the joint has a first joint which bonds and seals the intake duct and the casing together at axial end portions of the casing. Consequently, the leakage of intake air from between the intake duct and the casing at the axial end portions of the casing can be prevented.

[0036] In the invention, the first joint continuously extends circumferentially of the intake duct. Consequently, the leakage of intake air from between the intake duct and the casing can be prevented.

[0037] In the invention, the joint has a second joint which bonds and seals the respective piece portions. Consequently, the leakage of intake air from portions, where the respective piece portions are brought into contact, can be prevented.

[0038] In the invention, the first joint and the second joint communicate with each other. Due to this, by packing the resin forming the joint to either the first joint or the second joint, the resin can be distributed to the entirety of the joint.

[0039] In the invention, the casing has an injection port which communicates with the joints and from which the resin can be injected. Due to this, by injecting the resin from the injection port, the resin so injected can be distributed to the first joint and the second joint of the joint. Consequently, the joint can be formed assuredly and simply.

[0040] According to a method for producing an intake system of a third aspect of the invention, a functional part is joined to a tubular portion by a secondary molding resin which is packed into a joint of primary molded parts. Due to this, the functional part is attached to the tubular portion without using a fastening member such as a tapping screw. Furthermore, the functional part is joined to the tubular portion at the same time as the primary molded parts are welded together. Consequently, the number of processes for assembling the number of and components, can be reduced.

[0041] In the method for producing an intake system according to the invention, the functional part is joined to the tubular portion by the secondary molding resin which is caused to overflow from the joint to the outside of the tubular portion. Originally, in a case where a secondary molding resin is packed to a joint between the primary molded members so as to weld together the primary molded members, the secondary molding resin is packed into a closed packing portion formed by the primary molded members. However, even in a case where the secondary molding resin is packed into the packing portion formed by the primary molded members, a hole is formed in the primary molded member which communicates with an external portion so as to allow air present in the packing portion to be released to the outside. Then, part of the secondary molding resin is caused to overflow to the outside together with the air present in the packing portion. Then, in the method for producing an intake system according to the invention, the tubular portion and the functional part are joined together with the secondary molding resin which is caused to overflow to the outside of the tubular portion. Consequently, the welding the primary molded members and attachment of the functional part to the tubular portion are implemented simultaneously, thereby making it possible to decrease the number of processes for assembling.

[0042] In the method for producing an intake system according to the invention, a fixture is brought into abutment with a side of the functional part which is opposite to a side thereof which faces the tubular portion, thereby making it possible to easily form a lock-shaped portion on the side of the functional part which is opposite to the side thereof which faces the tubular portion.

[0043] According to a method for producing an intake member of a fourth aspect of the invention, in a secondary molding process, an intermediate resin molded body is held between two outer resin molded bodies, and a molten resin is injected substantially simultaneously into a first interface, which is an interface between one of the outer resin molded bodies and the intermediate resin molded body, and a second interface, which is an interface between the other outer resin molded body, and the intermediate resin molded body, so as to weld together the two outer resin molded bodies and the intermediate resin molded body. According to this method, irrespective of the positions of the first interface and the second interface in the intake member, the respective resin molded bodies can be positioned relatively and be welded assuredly, to be joined together, by injecting the molten resin into the interfaces. Consequently, the airtightness and joining strength can be secured at the first and second interfaces which can be located at any position. In addition, in a case where the intermediate resin molded body such as a thin portion is held between the two outer resin molded bodies, as the intermediate resin molded body is made to be easily molten again by causing the molten resin to be injected substantially simultaneously into the first and second interfaces situated on both sides of the thin portion, the resin that has been molten again and the injected molten resin mix with each other sufficiently. Thus, a high joining strength can be obtained both at the first and second interfaces when the resins so mixed set. Furthermore, as the two outer resin molded bodies and the intermediate resin molded body can be joined all together, an improvement in productivity and reduction in production costs can be obtained.

[0044] In the method of the invention, in the secondary molding process, a resin flow path is formed on the first interface and the second interface by holding the intermediate resin molded body between the two outer resin molded bodies, and the molten resin is injected into the resin flow paths so formed. As, by forming the resin flow paths, the two outer resin molded bodies and the intermediate resin molded body can be positioned relatively and the molten resin is allowed to be injected uniformly to the first and second interfaces, the airtightness and joining strength at the first and second interfaces can be improved.

[0045] In the method of the invention, in the secondary molding process, a communication flow path for providing a communication between the resin flow path on the first interface and the resin flow path on the second flow path is formed by a hole which penetrates the intermediate resin molded body. According to this construction, as the amount of the intermediate resin molded body, which is molten again by the heat of the molten resin that flows into the communication flow path from the respective resin flow paths on the first and second interfaces, is increased, the mixing of the resin that has been molten again with the injected molten resin is promoted, whereby the joining strength is improved further. In addition to this, as the molten resins in the respective resin flow paths are connected to each other by way of the molten resin in the communication flow path, after the molten resin in the communication flow path has set, the two outer resin molded bodies are strongly coupled together by way of the resin so set.

[0046] In the method of the invention, in a positioning process occurring prior to the injection of the molten resin in the secondary molding process, the intermediate resin molded body is positioned relative to the two outer resin molded bodies by a fixture whereby, as the respective resin molded bodies can be welded together with the intermediate resin molded body being positioned relative to the two outer resin molded bodies with high accuracy, the intermediate resin molded body can be disposed at a predetermined position on the intake member with accuracy.

[0047] In the method of the invention, an intake member can be produced which has a plurality of bearings for supporting a rotational shaft of a valve member adapted to open and close an intake passageway at a plurality of locations in an axial direction. In this method, in the positioning process, a plurality of intermediate resin molded bodies, which function as a plurality of bearings, are held on the same axis by a fixture, whereby the degree at which the plurality of intermediate resin molded bodies, and hence the plurality of bearings, are arranged coaxially can be secured.

[0048] In general, an intake manifold has a complex shape due to its function to distribute and supply intake air to an engine.

[0049] In the method of the invention, an intake manifold is produced as an intake member by the method according to the fourth aspect of the invention. In this method, respective portions of an intake manifold are formed of separate individual resin molded bodies, and the respective resin molded bodies so formed are joined together by the method according to the fourth aspect of the invention, whereby the intake manifold can be produced with ease while enjoying the aforesaid advantage.

[0050] As the intake member of the invention is produced by the method according to the fourth aspect of the invention, a high productivity and a low production cost can be realized in producing the intake member and, after the production, the airtightness and joining strength at joining interfaces of the plurality of resin molded bodies can be secured.

[0051] The present invention may be more fully understood from the description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth below, together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] In the drawings;

[0053]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I in FIG. 2,

[0054]
FIG. 2 is an exemplary view of an intake system according to a first embodiment of the invention as seen in a direction indicated by an arrow II in FIG. 1,

[0055]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an intake pipe and a functional part of the intake system according to the first embodiment,

[0056]
FIG. 4 a cross-sectional view showing the intake pipe and the functional part which constitute the intake system according to the first embodiment of the invention, and a fixture,

[0057]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a secondary molding resin is packed with the fixture being attached to the intake pipe and the functional part in the intake system according to the first embodiment of the invention,

[0058]
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an intake system according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0059]
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification to the intake system according to the second embodiment of the invention,

[0060]
FIG. 8 is an exemplary view corresponding to FIG. 1, which illustrates an intake system according to a third embodiment of the invention,

[0061]
FIG. 9 is an exemplary view corresponding to FIG. 1, which illustrates a modification to the intake system according to the third embodiment of the invention,

[0062]
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an intake system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention,

[0063]
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an intake system according to a fifth embodiment of the invention,

[0064]
FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing the intake system according to the fifth embodiment of the invention,

[0065]
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the construction of the intake system according to the fifth embodiment of the invention,

[0066]
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 12,

[0067]
FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion indicated by reference character XV in FIG. 14, which illustrates a state in which the secondary molding resin has not yet been packed into a space,

[0068]
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVI-XVI in FIG. 12, which illustrates a state in which the secondary molding resin has not yet been packed into the space,

[0069]
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the same position as that in FIG. 16, which illustrates a state in which the secondary molding resin has been packed into the space and a joint is formed,

[0070]
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the same position as that in FIG. 15, which illustrates a state in which the secondary molding resin has been packed into the space and a joint is formed,

[0071]
FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view showing a casing of an intake system according to a sixth embodiment of the invention,

[0072]
FIGS. 20A, 20B are cross-sectional views corresponding to FIG. 15, which shows an intake system according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, in which FIG. 20A shows a state in which a secondary molding resin has not yet been packed into a space, and FIG. 20B shows a state in which the secondary molding resin has been packed into the space to thereby form a joint,

[0073]
FIGS. 21A, 21B are cross-sectional views corresponding to FIG. 15, which shows an intake system according to an eighth embodiment of the invention, in which FIG. 21A shows a state in which a secondary molding resin has not yet been packed into a space, and FIG. 21B shows a state in which the secondary molding resin has been packed into the space to thereby form a joint,

[0074]
FIGS. 22A, 22B are cross-sectional views corresponding to FIG. 15, which shows an intake system according to a ninth embodiment of the invention, in which FIG. 22A shows a state in which a secondary molding resin has not yet been packed into a space, and FIG. 22B shows a state in which the secondary molding resin has been packed into the space to thereby form a joint,

[0075]
FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing a casing of an intake system according to a tenth embodiment of the invention,

[0076]
FIGS. 24A, 24B are cross-sectional views explaining a method for producing an intake manifold according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention, which correspond to FIGS. 27, 26, respectively,

[0077]
FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the intake manifold according to the eleventh embodiment of the invention,

[0078]
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXVI-XXVI in FIG. 25,

[0079]
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXVII-XXVII in FIG. 26,

[0080]
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXVIII-XXVIII in FIG. 26,

[0081]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a method for producing the intake manifold according to the eleventh embodiment and an intake manifold according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention,

[0082]
FIG. 30 is a perspective view explaining the method for producing the intake manifold according to the eleventh embodiment,

[0083]
FIGS. 31A, 31B are cross-sectional views explaining the method for producing the intake manifold according to the eleventh embodiment of the invention, which correspond to FIGS. 27, 26, respectively,

[0084]
FIGS. 32A, 32B are cross-sectional views showing a modification to the intake manifold according to the eleventh embodiment, which correspond to FIGS. 27, 26, respectively,

[0085]
FIGS. 33A, 33B are cross-sectional views showing a method for producing the modification to the intake manifold according to the eleventh embodiment, which correspond to FIGS. 32A, 32B, respectively,

[0086]
FIG. 34 is a perspective view explaining the method for producing the modification to the intake manifold according to the eleventh embodiment,

[0087]
FIGS. 35A, 35B are cross-sectional views explaining the method for producing the modification to the intake manifold according to the eleventh embodiment, which correspond to FIGS. 32A, 32B, respectively,

[0088]
FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing an intake manifold according to the twelfth embodiment,

[0089]
FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view showing the intake manifold according to the twelfth embodiment,

[0090]
FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXVIII-XXXVIII in FIG. 37,

[0091]
FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXIX-XXXIX in FIG. 37,

[0092]
FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view explaining the method for producing the intake manifold according to the twelfth embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 39,

[0093]
FIGS. 41A, 41B are cross-sectional views explaining the method for producing the intake manifold according to the twelfth embodiment, which correspond to FIGS. 38, 37, respectively,

[0094]
FIG. 42 is a perspective view explaining the method for producing the intake manifold according to the twelfth embodiment, and

[0095]
FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view explaining the method for producing the intake manifold according to the twelfth embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 37.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0096] A plurality of embodiments showing a mode for carrying out the invention will be described below based on the accompanying drawings.

[0097] (First Embodiment)

[0098] A first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. An intake system 1 includes an intake pipe as a tubular portion and a functional part 20. Sensors such as an airflow meter or actuators such as a throttle device are applicable as the functional part.

[0099] An intake pipe (an intake duct) 10 is made up of a half-hollow member 30 and a half-hollow member 40 which are primary molded members. The half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 are formed from a first molding resin, respectively. For example, a polyamide resin is used as the first molding resin. The half-hollow member 30 and half-hollow member 40 are joined together to thereby be formed into a cylindrical shape. The half-hollow member 30 and half-hollow member 40 are formed into substantially semi-cylindrical shapes which result when the cylindrical intake pipe 10 is cut along a central axis thereof. The half-hollow member 30 and half-hollow member 40 have an edge portion 31 and an edge portion 41, respectively, which protrude radially outwardly and extend along the central axis of the intake pipe 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The half-hollow member 30 and half-hollow member 40 are formed into the integral intake pipe 10 by being joined together at the edge portion 31 and the edge portion 41. An intake passageway 11 through which intake air flows is formed inside the intake pipe 10 which are made up of the half-hollow member 30 and half-hollow member 40 which are made so integral.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 3, the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 form a packing portion 51. The packing portion 51 is formed in the edge portions 31, 41 along the central axis of the intake pipe 10, as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, a first hole portion 32 which penetrates the edge portion 31 of the half-hollow member 30 is made to communicate with the packing portion 51. The first hole portion 32 is formed in such a manner as to extend radially outwardly of the packing portion 51. The first hole portion 32 provides a communication between the packing portion 51 and the outside of the edge portion 31.

[0101] The functional part 20 has a main body 21 and an arm portion 22. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the arm portion 22 extends from the main body 21 toward the central axis of the intake pipe 10. The functional part 20 has a second hole portion 23 which penetrates the arm portion 22 in a thickness direction. The inside diameter of the second hole portion 23 is substantially the same as the inside diameter of the first hole portion 32 formed in the edge portion 31 of the half-hollow member 30. The arm portion 22 of the functional part 20 is superimposed on the edge portion 31 of the half-hollow member 30 in such a manner that the second hole portion 23 and the first hole portion 32 are connected to each other.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 1, the half-hollow member 30, the half-hollow member 40 and the functional part 20 are locked together by a lock-shaped portion 60. The lock-shaped portion 60 is formed integrally by a secondary molding resin which welds together the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40. The lock-shaped portion 60 has a trunk portion 61, a first neck portion 62 and a first head portion 63. The trunk portion 61 is formed within the packing portion 51 which is formed in the central axis direction of the intake pipe 10 by the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40. The first neck portion 62 is formed within the first hole portion 32 formed in the edge portion 31 of the half-hollow member 30 and the second hole portion 23 formed in the arm portion of the functional part 20. The first neck portion 62 is formed when the secondary molding resin, which is packed into the packing portion 51, overflows by way of the first hole portion 32 and the second hole portion 23, and extends radially outwardly of the packing portion 51. The first head portion 63 connects to an end portion of the first neck portion 62 which is situated opposite to an end portion thereof which faces the trunk portion. The outside diameter of the first head portion 63 is formed larger than the outside diameter of the first neck portion 62, that is, the inside diameters of the first hole portion 32 and the second hole portion 23, whereby the lock-shaped portion 60 is formed into a rivet-like shape in which the edge portion 31 of the half-hollow member 30 and the arm portion 22 of the functional part 20 are held between the trunk portion 61 and the first head portion 63.

[0103] Next, a method for producing the intake system 10 will be described.

[0104] The half-hollow member 30 and half-hollow member 40 are primarily molded from the first molding resin. As shown in FIG. 4, the half-hollow member 30 and half-hollow member 40 are formed into substantially semi-cylindrical shapes which are divided along the central axis of the intake pipe (intake duct) 10. In the half-hollow member 30 and half-hollow member 40 which are so primarily molded, a raised portion 33 formed at the edge portion 31 is fitted in a recessed portion 42 formed in the edge portion 41 which corresponds to the raised portion 33, whereby the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 are temporarily fixed to each other while being positioned relative to each other. The functional part 20 is placed on the edge portion 31 of the half-hollow member 30 which is temporarily fixed. The functional part 20 is placed in such a manner that the second hole portion 23 formed in the arm portion 22 overlaps the first hole portion 32 formed in the edge portion 31 of the half-hollow member 30.

[0105] When the functional part 20 is so placed, the arm portion 22 of the functional part 20, the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 are put between a fixture 71 and a fixture 72, whereby the half-hollow member 30, the half-hollow member 40 and the functional part 20 are held by the fixture 71 and the fixture 72. A recessed portion 73 is formed in an end portion of the fixture 71 which faces the half-hollow member 30. The recessed portion 73 corresponds to the shape of the first head portion 63 of the lock-shaped portion 60.

[0106] When the half-hollow member 30, the half-hollow member 40 and the functional part 20 are held by the fixture 71 and the fixture 72, a secondary molding resin is packed. The secondary molding resin is formed from a polyamide resin as in the case with the first molding resin. The secondary molding resin is packed into the packing portion 51 along the central axis of the intake pipe 10 in a molten state or a state in which the resin has a fluidity. Inner walls of the edge portion 31 and the edge portion 41 which form the packing portion 51 are molten when the secondary molding resin is packed into the packing portion 51. For example, by using as the secondary molding resin a resin having a melting point which is higher than that of the first molding resin, the inner walls of the edge portion 31 and the edge portion 41 which form the packing portion 51 are molten easily. The inner walls of the edge portion 31 and the edge portion 41 which are so molten mix with the secondary molding resin at a contact portion, and the inner walls are welded together as the secondary molding resin is cooled.

[0107] As air exists in the packing portion 51, the air inside the packing portion 51 must be discharged in packing the secondary molding resin into the packing portion 51. Namely, part of the secondary molding resin needs to be caused to overflow to the outside of the packing portion 51 together with the air. In the case of the first embodiment, the air present in the packing portion 51 is discharged to the fixture 71 side by way of the first hole portion 32 communicating with the packing portion 51 and the second hole portion 23. Due to this, part of the secondary molding resin packed into the packing portion 51 overflows, as shown in FIG. 5, and flows as far as the recessed portion 73 in the fixture 71 by way of the first hole portion 32 and the second hole portion 23. The air discharged from the packing portion 51 is discharged to the outside by way of, for example, a boundary between the arm portion 22 and the fixture 71 or a venting means such as a hole formed in the fixture 71.

[0108] When the packing of the secondary molding resin has been completed, the secondary molding resin is allowed to set. By allowing the secondary molding resin to set, the inner walls of the edge portion 31 and the edge portion 41 which are molten and the trunk portion 61 of the lock-shaped portion 60, which is formed from the secondary molding resin, are welded together, whereby the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 are joined together. In addition, when the secondary molding resin sets, a lock-shaped portion 60 is formed which has a configuration corresponding to the packing portion 51, the first hole portion 32, the second hole portion 23 and the recessed portion 73. The trunk portion 61 of the lock-shaped portion 60 welds together the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40, whereby the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 are joined together. The first neck portion 62 welds with the inner wall of the edge portion 31 which forms the first hole portion 32. Note that in the event that the arm portion 22 of the functional part 20 is formed from a resin having a melting point which is lower than that of the secondary molding resin, the first neck portion 62 welds with an inner wall of the arm portion 22 which forms the second hole portion 23. The secondary resin molding overflowing as far as the recessed portion 73 in the fixture 71 by way of the first hole portion 32 and the second hole portion 23 forms the first head portion 63 of the lock-shaped portion 60, whereby the arm portion 22 of the functional part 20 is put between the trunk portion 61 and the first head portion 63 of the lock-shaped portion 60 together with the edge portion 31 of the half-hollow member 30.

[0109] Thus, in the first embodiment that has been described heretofore, in joining together the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 which make up the intake pipe 10, the secondary molding resin that is to be packed into the packing portion 51 is allowed to overflow by way of not only the first hole portion 32 in the half-hollow member 30 but also the second hole portion 23 in the functional part 20, whereby not only the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 are welded together by the secondary molding resin but also the functional part 20 is fixed to the intake pipe 10 by the lock-shaped portion 60 which is formed from the secondary molding resin. Originally, in a case where a primary molded member such as the intake pipe 10 is welded by a secondary molding resin, a hole is needed for allowing the secondary molding resin to overflow. In addition, a plurality of functional parts 20 must be provided on the intake pipe 10. Then, in this first embodiment, the second hole portion 23 of the functional part 20 is connected to the first hole portion 32 adapted for allowing the secondary molding resin to overflow from the packing portion 51, and the first head portion 63 having the outside diameter which is larger than the inside diameter of the second hole portion 23 is formed on the side of the second hole portion 23 which is opposite to the side thereof which faces the first hole portion 32, whereby the functional part 20 is attached to the intake pipe 10 at the same time that the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 are joined together. Due to this, the formation of the intake pipe 10 and the attachment of the functional part 20 do not have to be implemented in different processes. Consequently, the number of processes can be decreased.

[0110] In the first embodiment, as the functional part 20 is attached to the intake pipe 10 by the lock-shaped portion 60 formed by the secondary molding resin, a fastening member such as a tapping screw or a bolt is not required. The lock-shaped portion 60 is welded to the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 at the trunk portion 61 and to the half-hollow member 30 at the first neck portion 62. Namely, the functional part 20 is attached to the intake pipe 10 by virtue of a welding force acting between the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 and the lock-shaped portion 60. Due to this, being different from a case where a fastening member such as a tapping screw or a bolt is used, the occurrence of loosening of such a fastening member, by the vibration of the intake pipe 10, is prevented. In addition, as the functional part 20 is attached to the intake pipe 10 by the lock-shaped portion 60, even if the number of functional parts 20 to be attached is increased, hole portions corresponding to the first hole portion 32 and the second hole portion 23 only have to be formed. Due to this, being different from the case where the fastening member is used, even if the number of functional parts 20 is increased, there is no case where the number of components is increased.

[0111] In the first embodiment, the lock-shaped portion 60 is formed such that the outside diameter of the first neck portion 62 is smaller than the outside diameters of the trunk portion 61 and the first head portion 63. By decreasing the outside diameter of the first neck portion 62, a contact area between the trunk portion 61 and the inner walls of the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 is enlarged. Due to this, a welding area between the trunk portion 61 and the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 is enlarged. Consequently, the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 can be joined together strongly. In addition, by making the outside diameter of the first neck portion 62 smaller than the outside diameter of the first head portion 63, the dislocation of the functional part 20 is prevented at the first head portion 63. Consequently, the functional part 20 can be attached to the intake pipe 10 strongly.

[0112] (Second Embodiment)

[0113] An intake system according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 6. Note that like reference numerals are given to substantially like constituent locations described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0114] In the case of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a lock-shaped portion 80 has a second neck portion 84 and a second head portion 85 in addition to a first neck portion 82 extending from a trunk portion 81 and a first head portion 83. Namely, the lock-shaped portion 80 has the second neck portion 84 and the second head portion 85 which are formed from the trunk portion 81 in a different direction from a direction in which the first neck portion 82 and the first head portion 83 are formed. In the second embodiment, the first neck portion 82 and the second neck portion 84 generally form an angle of 180° therebetween. In addition, a third hole portion 43 corresponding to the second neck portion 84 is formed in a half-hollow member 40.

[0115] A secondary molding resin that is packed into a packing portion 51 overflows from the packing portion 51 to not only a first neck portion 82 side but also a second neck portion 84 side, whereby not only the half-hollow member 30 and the half-hollow member 40 are joined together by the secondary molding resin in the packing portion 51 but also the half-hollow member 30, the half-hollow member 40 and a functional part 20 are held by the first head portion 83 and the second head portion 85 of the lock-shaped portion 80.

[0116] In the second embodiment, the half-hollow member 30, the half-hollow member 40 and the functional part 20 can be fixed together more strongly by forming the second neck portion 84 in the different direction from the direction in which the first neck portion 82 is formed.

[0117] In the second embodiment, while an example where the lock-shaped portion 80 is formed such that the first neck portion 82 and the second neck portion 84 forms generally the angle of 180° therebetween is shown, the lock-shaped portion 80 may be formed such that the first neck portion 82 and the second neck portion 84 forms generally an angle of 90° therebetween, as shown in FIG. 7. Note that the first neck portion 82 and the second neck portion 84 may be formed at any angle other than 90° and 180°, whereby the second neck portion 84 can be formed at an appropriate position in consideration of the shapes and positions of an intake pipe 10 and the functional part 20.

[0118] In addition, in the second embodiment, the second neck portion 84 is formed on an extension of the first neck portion 82. However, the first neck portion 82 may be formed in such a manner as to deviate from the second neck portion 84 in a centrally axial direction of the intake pipe (the intake duct) 10.

[0119] Third Embodiment

[0120] An intake system according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 8. Note that like reference numerals are given to substantially like constituent locations described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0121] In the case of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a first head portion 93 of a lock-shaped portion 90 is formed in such a manner as to extend in a direction of central axis of an intake pipe (an intake duct) 10. A first neck portion 92 extends in a direction along the central axis of the induction pipe 10 according to the shape of the first head portion 93. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of first neck portions 94 may be formed in the direction of central axis of the intake pipe 10 so that a trunk portion 91 and the first head portion 93 are connected to each other at a plurality of positions.

[0122] In the third embodiment, as the first head portion 93 of the lock-shaped portion 90 is expanded, a functional part 20 can be fixed to the intake pipe 10 more strongly.

[0123] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0124] An intake system according to a fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. 10. Note that like reference numeral are given to substantially like constituent locations described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] In the case of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, an arm portion 22 of a functional part 20 has an expanded hole portion 24 in addition to a second hole portion 23. The second hole portion 23 is formed as far as an intermediate position along the length of a thickness direction of the arm portion 22, and the expanded hole portion 24 is connected to an end portion of the second hole portion 23 at an end of the second hole portion 23 which is opposite to an end thereof which faces a first hole portion. Namely, the hole portions formed in the arm portion 22 are stepped, whereby a first neck portion 62 of a lock-shaped portion 60 is formed at a position corresponding to the first hole portion 32 in a half-hollow member 30 and the second hole portion 23 in a functional part 20, and a first head portion 63 of the lock-shaped portion 60 is formed at a position corresponding to the expanded hole portion 24.

[0126] In the fourth embodiment, the first head portion 63 of the lock-shaped portion 60 is embedded in the arm portion 22 of the functional part 20 and hence does not protrude to the outside of the arm portion 22. In addition, a contact area between an inner wall of the arm portion 22 and a secondary molding resin that is packed into the expanded hole portion 24, is expanded. Due to this, in a case where the arm portion 22 is formed from a resin which can be welded to the secondary molding resin, a welding area is expanded. Consequently, the arm portion 22 and the lock-shaped portion 60 can be welded together assuredly and strongly.

[0127] In the embodiments that have been described heretofore, while the examples are described where the invention is applied to the intake systems in which the functional part is disposed on one side of the intake pipe (the intake duct), the invention can also be applied to an intake system in which a functional part is disposed on both sides of an intake pipe or a functional part is disposed on a side of an edge portion which is opposite to a side thereof which faces an intake passageway. In addition, the embodiments that have been described individually may be combined in any way for application.

[0128] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0129] An intake system according to a fifth embodiment is shown in FIG. 11. An intake system 1 includes an intake duct (an intake pipe) 10 and a casing 20 which cooperates with the intake duct 10 to form a resonator. The intake duct 10 is formed into a cylindrical shape which forms an intake passageway 11. As an example, the intake duct 10 connects to an air cleaner, not shown, at one end portion thereof and to a throttle, not shown, at the other end portion. Intake air that has passed through the air cleaner flows to the throttle by way of the intake passageway 11. A flow rate of intake air is adjusted at the throttle. The intake air whose flow rate has been so adjusted is then supplied to each cylinder of an engine by way of an intake manifold, not shown.

[0130] The intake duct 10 is formed into a cylindrical shape and from resin. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the intake duct 10 has a cylindrical circumferential wall and a generally circular opening 12. The opening 12 extends through the circumferential wall of the intake duct 10 so as to provide a communication between the intake passageway 11 and the outside of the intake duct 10.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 11, the casing 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape and made from resin and is provided radially outwardly of the intake duct 10. The casing 20 is attached at a position where the casing 20 covers the opening 12 in the intake duct 10, whereby a resonator is formed between the intake duct 10 and the casing 20. As shown in FIG. 13, the casing 20 is divided into two by a plane containing a central axis of the intake duct 10, whereby the casing 20 has two piece portions such as a piece portion 30 and a piece portion 50 which are formed into substantially the same shape. As the casing is formed into the cylindrical shape, the two piece portions 30 and 50 are each formed into a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0132] As shown in 11, by joining together the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, the cylindrical casing 20 is formed which has in a central portion thereof a hole portion 21 which penetrates therethrough in an axial direction thereof. By joining together the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 in such a manner as to hold therebetween the intake duct 10 from the outside in the radial direction of the intake duct 10 as shown in FIG. 13, a state is realized in which the intake duct 10 is passed through the hole portion 21 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 13, the piece portion 30 has, at an end portion on a side thereof which faces the piece portion 50, a flange portion 31 which protrudes outwardly along the end portion. Similarly, the piece portion 50 has, at an end portion on a side thereof which faces the piece portion 30, a flange portion 51 which protrudes outwardly along the end portion. Thus, when the casing 20 including the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 is attached to the intake duct 10, the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, and the piece portion 30 or the piece portion 50 and the intake duct 10 are brought into contact with each other at the flange portions 31, 51, respectively.

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a recessed groove 32 which is set back in the thickness direction is formed in the flange portion 31 of the piece portion 30. The recessed groove 32 is formed along the flange portion 31 as shown in FIG. 12. Similarly, a recessed groove 52 is formed in the flange portion 51 of the piece portion 50. The recessed grooves 32, 52 which are formed in the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, respectively, are formed in such a manner as to extend circumferentially to the intake duct 10 at both axial end portions of the casing 20 and to extend along the shapes of the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 16.

[0135] By forming the recessed grooves 32, 52 in the flange portions 31, 51, respectively, when the casing 20 is attached to the intake duct 10, a space portion 22 is formed between the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 and between the piece portion 30 or the piece portion 50 and the intake duct 10 as shown in FIG. 16. The space portion 22 includes a first space portion 221, which is formed in such a manner as to extend continuously in the circumferential direction of the intake duct 10, and a second space portion 222 which is formed in such a manner as to extend along the contours of the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 as in the case with the recessed grooves 32, 52. As shown in FIG. 12, the first space portion 221 and the second space portion 222 communicate with each other at four intersecting portions 223. Consequently, the first space portion 221 and the second space portion 222 forms the single communicating space portion 22.

[0136] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a secondary molding resin is packed into the space portion 22 which is formed between the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 and between the piece portion 30 or the piece portion 50 and the intake duct 10, whereby a joint 23 is formed. The joint 23 is formed from the secondary molding resin which is formed from a resin made from the same material as that of the casing 20 constituted by the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, and that of the intake duct 10. The intake duct 10 and the casing 20 which form the space portion 22 are molten when the secondary molding resin in a molten state is packed into the space portion 22 so as to be welded to the secondary molding resin which forms the joint 23. As a result, the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, and the piece portion 30 or the piece portion 50 and the intake duct 10 are joined together by the joint 23.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 11, an injection port 24 communicating with the space portion 22 is formed in the casing 20. The injection port 24 is formed in the piece portion 30 or the piece portion 50 at a single or a plurality of positions. In the case of this embodiment, the injection port 24 is formed in the piece portion 30 at a single position, whereby, when a resin is injected into the injection port 24, the resin so injected is then packed into the first space portion 221 and the second space portion 222.

[0138] In the case of the fifth embodiment, as a resin packed from the injection port 24, a resin having the same material as the resin forming the intake duct 10 and the casing 20 is used. The resin is heated to a state in which the resin is molten as the secondary molding resin or to a temperature which is equal to or higher than a melting point thereof and is then injected from the injection port 24 in a state in which it is having the fluidity. Thus, the resin injected from the injection port 24 is then packed into the space portion 22 while melting wall surfaces of the intake duct 10 and the casing 20 which form the space portion 22. The molten wall surfaces of the intake duct 10 and the casing 20 are welded with the secondary molding resin so as to make a complex joint. Then, when the secondary molding resin is cooled and sets, the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, and the piece portion 30 or the piece portion 50 and intake duct 10 are joined together strongly via the secondary molding resin at the joint 23 strongly. In addition, the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, and the piece portion 30 or the piece portion 50 and intake duct 10 are tightly sealed by the joint 23. The secondary molding resin packed into the first space portion 221 forms a first joint 231 which extends continuously in the circumferential direction of the intake duct 10. In addition, the secondary molding resin packed into the second space portion 222 forms a second joint 232 along the contours of the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 11, as the casing 20 is divided into the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, the intake duct 10 is put between the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 from the outside in the radial direction to be attached in place. The piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 are made smaller in size by dividing the casing 20. Due to this, even in the event that there is no extra space around the intake duct 10, the casing 20 including the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 which are divided separately can be attached to the intake duct 10 easily. In addition, even in the event that the intake duct 10 is formed into a winding shape, the casing 20 can be attached to a desired position on the intake duct 10 by putting the intake duct 10 in the casing 20 so divided. The piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 are attached to the intake duct 10 and are then temporarily fixed thereto, and the secondary molding resin is then packed into the space portion 22 from the injection port 24, whereby the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, and the piece portion 30 or the piece portion 50 and the intake duct 10 are welded together.

[0140] In the fifth embodiment, the casing 20 is divided into the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50. The casing 20 is attached to the intake duct 10 by putting the intake duct 10 between the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 which are so divided. Due to this, the casing 20 can easily be attached to the intake duct 10 despite the configuration of the intake duct 10 and the configuration and size of the space formed around the periphery of the intake duct 10. Consequently, the degree of freedom in designing the intake system 1 can be increased.

[0141] In addition, in the fifth embodiment, the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 which constitute the casing 20, and the piece portion 30 or the piece portion 50 and the intake duct 10 are welded together by the secondary molding resin at the joint 23. Due to this, the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, and the piece portion 30 or the piece portion 50 and the intake duct 10 are sealed assuredly by the joint 23, whereby no other member for fixing the casing 20 to the intake duct 10 is required. Consequently, the number of components and a space required for placing the casing 20 can be reduced.

[0142] In the fifth embodiment, the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, and the piece portion 30 or the piece portion 50 and the intake duct 10 are assuredly sealed by the joint 23 and are strongly fixed together by the joint 23. Due to this, the leakage of intake air from between the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 and between the piece portion 30 or the piece portion 50 and the intake duct 10 is prevented. Consequently, noise generated by the flowing intake air can be reduced.

[0143] In the fifth embodiment, the attachment of the casing 20 to the intake duct 10 is completed according to a procedure in which the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 are attached to the intake duct 10, and then the secondary molding resin is packed into the joint 23. Consequently, the number of processes for assembling can be reduced.

[0144] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0145] A casing for an intake system according to a sixth embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 19. Note that like reference numerals are given to substantially like constituent locations to those described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0146] In the case of the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, a piece portion 30 and a piece portion 50 which constitute a casing 20 are connected to each other by a hinge portion 25. The hinge portion 25 is formed from a resin having the same material as that of the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50. As the hinge portion 25 is formed thinner than the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, the hinge portion 25 is flexible and can be bent or folded freely. In the case of this embodiment, when the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 are folded from the hinge portion 25, an end portion 30a of the piece portion 30, which is opposite to an end portion thereof which faces the hinge portion 25, and an end portion 50a of the piece portion 50, which is opposite to an end portion thereof which faces the hinge portion 25, are made to face each other, whereby the cylindrical casing 20 is formed. Namely, while the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 are being folded from the hinge portion 25, an intake duct 10 is put between the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, whereby the casing 20 is attached to the intake duct 10 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0147] In the sixth embodiment, the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 are formed integrally by the hinge portion 25. Due to this, even if the casing 20 is divided into the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50, an increase in number of components is not called for. In addition, when assembling the casing 20, the dislocation of one of the piece portions from the other piece portion is prevented, the assembling of the casing 20 can be facilitated.

[0148] (Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Embodiments)

[0149] Intake systems according to seventh, eighth and ninth embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 20B, 21B and 22B, respectively. Note that like reference numerals are given to substantially like constituent locations to those described in the fifth embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0150] In the case of the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20A, a protruding portion which protrudes radially outwardly is formed on an intake duct 10. The protruding portion 13 is formed continuously or discontinuously in a circumferential direction of the intake duct 10. The height of the protruding portion 13, that is, an amount by which the protruding portion 13 protrudes from the intake duct 10 is set smaller than the depth of a recessed groove 32 formed in the piece portion 30 or a recessed groove 52 formed in the piece portion 50. Due to this, a predetermined space portion 22 is formed between the protruding portion 13 on the intake duct 10 and the recessed groove 32 in the piece portion 30 or the recessed groove 52 in the piece portion 50. A secondary molding resin injected from an injection port 24 is packed into the space portion 22 formed between the protruding portion 13 and the recessed groove 32 or the recessed groove 52, whereby as shown in FIG. 20B, a joint 23 is formed between the intake duct 10 and the piece portion 30 constituting the casing 20.

[0151] In the case of the seventh embodiment, by forming the protruding portion 13 on the intake duct 10, the recessed groove 32 in the piece portion 30 or the recessed groove 52 in the piece portion 50 is fitted on the protruding portion 13. Due to this, the attachment position of the casing 20 constituted by the piece portion 30 and the piece portion 50 is positioned by the protruding portion 13. In other words, the protruding portion 13 constitutes a positioning means for positioning the casing 20 to the intake duct 10. Consequently, the casing 20 can easily be positioned at a predetermined position on the intake duct 10. In addition, the protruding portion 13 is formed integrally with the intake duct 10 from a resin having the same material as that from which the intake duct 10 is formed. Due to this, the protruding portion 13 can be molded at the same time as the intake duct 10 is formed. Consequently, there exists no case where an increase in number of processes is called for.

[0152] In the case of the eighth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21A, the configuration of a joint portion between a piece portion 30 and an intake duct 10 is different from that of the fifth embodiment. A groove portion 14 which sets back radially inwardly is formed in the intake duct 10. The groove portion 14 is formed in such a manner as to extend continuously in a circumferential direction of the intake duct 10.

[0153] On the other hand, a projection 33 is formed on a piece portion 30 which projects from a flange portion 31 radially inwardly of the intake duct 10. The projection 33 is formed continuously or discontinuously in a circumferential direction of the piece portion 30. According to the construction, the projection 33 projecting from the piece portion 30 is inserted into the groove portion 14 in the induction duct 10. The projection 33 is set smaller than the groove portion 14. Due to this, a predetermined space portion 26 is formed between the projection 33 and the groove portion 14. A secondary molding resin injected from an injection port 24 is packed into the space portion 26 formed between the projection 33 and the groove portion 14, whereby, as shown in FIG. 21B, a joint 27 is formed between the intake duct 10 and the piece portion 30 constituting a casing 20. Note that a piece portion 50 can be configured similarly to the piece portion 30.

[0154] In the case of the eighth embodiment, by forming the groove portion 14 in the intake duct 10 and the projection 33 on the piece portion 30, the projection 33 is fitted in the groove portion 14. Due to this, the attachment position of the piece portion 30 is positioned by the projection 33. Namely, the groove 14 constitutes a positioning means for positioning the casing 20 to the intake duct 10. Consequently, the casing 20 can easily be attached to a predetermined position on the intake duct 10. In addition, the groove portion 14 is formed integrally with the intake duct 10 from a resin having the same material from which the intake duct 10 is formed. Due to this, the groove portion 14 can be molded at the same time as the formation of the intake duct 10. Consequently, there exists no case where an increase in number of processes is called for.

[0155] In the case of the ninth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22A, the configuration of a joint portion between a piece portion 30 and an intake duct 10 is different from that of the fifth embodiment. A protruding portion 15 rising radially outwardly is formed on the intake duct 10. The protruding portion 15 is formed continuously in a circumferential direction of the intake duct 10. The protruding portion 15 has a main body portion 151 rising from the intake duct 10 and a head portion 152 extending from an end portion of the main body portion 151 which is opposite to an end portion thereof which faces an intake passageway in substantially parallel with a central axis of the intake duct 10.

[0156] On the other hand, a recessed groove 34 which is set back in part of a flange portion 31 is formed in the piece portion 30. The recessed groove 34 is formed continuously or discontinuously in a circumferential direction of the piece portion 30. The flange portion 31 can be brought into abutment with the head portion 152 of the protruding portion 15 at an axial end portion of the piece portion 30. Due to this, a predetermined space portion 28 is formed between the protruding portion 15 and the flange portion 31 by bringing the head portion 152 of the protruding portion 15 into abutment with the flange portion 31 of the piece portion 30. The space portion 28 is formed circumferentially of the intake duct 10. Due to this, a secondary molding resin injected from an injection port 24 is packed into the space portion 28 formed between the protruding portion 15 and the flange portion 31, whereby, as shown in FIG. 22B, a joint 29 is formed between the intake duct 10 and the piece portion 30 constituting a casing 20. Note that a piece portion 50 can be configured similarly to the piece portion 30 described above.

[0157] In the case of the ninth embodiment, by forming the protruding portion 15 on the intake duct 10 and the recessed groove 32 in the flange portion 31 of the piece portion 30, the protruding portion 15 and the flange portion 31 are brought into abutment with each other. Due to this, the attachment position of the piece portion 30 is positioned by the abutment between the protruding portion 15 and the flange portion 31. In other words, the protruding portion 15 constitutes a positioning means for positioning the casing 20 to the intake duct 10. Consequently, the casing can easily be attached to a predetermined position on the intake duct 10.

[0158] (Tenth Embodiment)

[0159] A casing for an intake system according to a tenth embodiment is shown in FIG. 23.

[0160] In the tenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, a casing 60 is divided into three piece portions 61, 62, 63. The casing 60 is divided by three planes which extend radially from a central axis of an intake duct 10 at intervals of 1200. Due to this, the casing 60 has the piece portion 61, the piece portion 62 and the piece portion 63. The piece portion 61, the piece portion 62 and the piece portion 63 are generally formed into the same shape. In a case where the casing is formed into a cylindrical shape, the piece portion 61, the piece portion 62 and the piece portion 63 are each formed into a fan-like shape. In addition, the piece portion 62 is connected to the adjacent piece portion 61 and the piece portion 63 by hinge portions 64.

[0161] In the tenth embodiment, by increasing the number of divisions in the casing 60, the size of the respective piece portions 61, 62, 63 is decreased. Consequently, even in the event that there is no extra space around the periphery of the intake duct 10, the casing 60 can easily be attached to the intake duct 10. In addition, the piece portion 61, the piece portion 62 and the piece portion 63 are connected integrally to each other by the hinge portions 64. Consequently, even if the number of divisions in the casing 60 is increased, there is no risk that an increase in number of components is called for. In addition, the handling of the casing 60 is facilitated.

[0162] Note that while, in the tenth embodiment, an example is described where the casing 60 is divided into the three piece portions 61, 62, 63 by the three planes, the casing 60 may be divided into five or more piece portions by three or more planes such as by dividing the casing 60 into four piece portions by two planes which intersect with each other at right angles.

[0163] Thus, while, in the embodiments that have been described heretofore, the casing is described as being formed into the cylindrical shape, the shape of the casing is not limited to the cylindrical shape. For example, the casing may be molded into a rectangular parallelepiped, and each piece portion may be molded into a box-like shape which is opened at one end portion.

[0164] In addition, while, in the above embodiments, the casing and the intake duct are described as being joined together by packing the secondary molding resin into the space portion, an adhesive having a fluidity may be packed into the space portion to thereby join together the casing and the intake duct with the adhesive.

[0165] (Eleventh Embodiment)

[0166] An intake manifold (hereinafter, simply referred to as a manifold) as an intake member according to an eleventh embodiment is shown in FIGS. 25 to 28. A manifold 1 is installed on an engine of a vehicle. The manifold 1 is adapted to distribute and supply, to a plurality of cylinders of the engine, intake air which is adjusted with respect to flow rate by a throttle valve and is then sent out from a throttle body.

[0167] The manifold 1 has a surge tank portion 2 and a distributing portion 5. The surge tank portion 2 forms an inlet port 3 and an intake passageway 4. The inlet port 3 is connected to a downstream side of the throttle body so as to allow intake air sent out from the throttle body to flow into the intake passageway 4. The distributing portion 5 forms a plurality of branch passageways 6 and a plurality of intake air outlet ports 7. The plurality of branch passageways 6 extend in parallel with each other as curved lines, and the intake air outlet port 7 is provided at an extended end portion at a downstream end of each branch passageway 6. The plurality of intake air outlet ports 7 are connected to any of the plurality of cylinders of the engine. The distributing portion 5 is adapted to distribute and supply, to the respective branch passageways 6, intake air that has flowed into the intake passageway 4 of the surge tank portion 2.

[0168] The manifold 1 is fabricated by joining together a plurality of resin molded bodies (hereinafter, simply referred to as molded bodies) 10, 20, 30.

[0169] The first molded body 10 constitutes an outer wall portion of the surge tank portion 2, and the second molded body 20 constitutes an outer wall portion of the distributing portion 5. The first molded body 10 and the second molded body 20 have flange portions 12, 22 which extend in a loop-like fashion along outer circumferential edge portions thereof, respectively. The third molded body 30 constitutes an inner wall portion which is common to the surge tank portion 2 and the distributing portion 5 and has a thin flange 32 formed along an outer circumferential edge portion thereof. The flange 32 extends along the outer circumferential edge portion of the third molded body 30 in a substantially U-shaped fashion except for a portion which constitutes upstream end portions of the branch passageways 6. The third molded body 30 and the second molded body 20 have a plurality of partitions 34, 24 which partition the respective branch passageways 6 in a direction in which they extend.

[0170] The first molded body 10 and the second molded body 20 are joined together at portions 12a, 22a of the respective flanges 12, 22 which form upstream end portions of the respective branch passageways 6. The third molded body 30 is joined to the first molded body 10 and the second molded body 20 in such a manner that the flange 32 is held between portions 12b, 22b of the respective flanges 12, 22 except for the portions 12a, 22a. The third molded body 30 and the second molded body 20 are joined together at end portions of the respective partitions 34, 24. In this embodiment, the first molded body 10 and the second molded body 20 constitute outer resin molded bodies and the third molded body 30 constitutes an intermediate resin molded body.

[0171] Next, a method for producing the manifold 1 will be described according to a flowchart shown in FIG. 29.

[0172] In step S11, as shown in FIGS. 30, 31A, 31B, the respective molded bodies 10, 20, 30 which constitute the predetermined locations of the manifold 1 are formed through resin molding. As to a resin for forming the respective molded bodies 10, 20, 30, the molded bodies 10, 20, 30 are formed from the same resin or resins which are different from one another.

[0173] Flow path grooves 16, 26 are formed in the flanges 12, 22 of the first and second molded bodies 10, 20, respectively, on planes which constitute joining interfaces with the other flanges 12, 22, 32 in the manifold 1. Here, the flow path groove 16 is formed into a loop shape which extends in a direction in which the flange 12 extends, and the flow path groove 26 is formed generally into a U-shape which extends in a direction in which the flange 22 extends except for a portion 22c of the flange 22 which forms the intake air outlets 7. Flow path grooves 28, 38 are formed in the partitions 24, 34 of the second and third molded portions 20, 30, respectively, on planes which constitute joining interfaces with the other partitions 24, 34 in the manifold 1. Here, the flow path grooves 28, 38 are formed into curved shapes which extend along an end edge portions of the corresponding partitions 24, 34 in a direction in which the respective branch passageways 6 extend, and one end portion of the flow path groove 28 is formed in such a manner as to connect to the flow path groove 26.

[0174] In step S12, as shown in FIG. 24A, the respective molded bodies 10, 20, 30 are positioned by means of a mold 50 as a fixture.

[0175] To be specific, the respective molded bodies 10, 20, 30 are disposed in a cavity 52 in the mold 50. As this occurs, the flange 32 is put between the portion 12b of the flange 12 and the portion 22b of the flange 22, the portion 12a of the flange 12 and the portion 22a of the flange 22 are overlapped on each other, and furthermore, the partitions 24 and the partitions 34 are overlapped on each other, whereby the opening of the flow path groove 16 is closed by the flange 32 at the interface between the flange 12 and the flange 32 and, thereby, a resin flow path 40 is formed by inner surfaces of the groove 16. The flow path groove 26 is closed by the flange 32 at the interface between the flange 22 and the flange 32 to thereby form a resin flow path 42 by inner surfaces of the flow path groove 26. The flow path groove 16 faces the flow path groove 26 directly at the interface between the flange 12 and the flange 22, and a resin flow path 44 is formed by the inner surfaces of the grooves 16, 26. The flow path grooves 28 and the flow path grooves 38 face each other directly at the interface between the partitions 24 and the partitions 34 to thereby form resin flow paths 46 by inner surfaces of the grooves 28, 38. Thus, the respective resin flow paths 40, 42, 44, 46 are made to communicate with each other.

[0176] In this embodiment, this step S12 corresponds to the positioning process.

[0177] In step S13, the respective molded bodies 10, 20, 30 are joined together through welding.

[0178] To be specific, as shown in FIG. 24A, a molten resin is injected into the resin flow path 44 from an injection nozzle 60 of an injector, whereby the molten resin is injected uniformly over the entire area of each of the resin flow paths 40, 42, 44, 46. As this occurs, the molten resin flows into the resin flow path 40 and the resin flow path 42 substantially simultaneously. The inner surfaces of the flow path grooves 16, 26, 28, 38 which forms the resin flow paths 40, 42, 44, 46, respectively are molten again by virtue of heat from the molten resin so as to mix with the molten resin. A mixture of the resin that has been so molten again and the molten resin is cooled and sets after the elapse of predetermined period of time. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, the portion 12b of the flange 12 and the flange 32, the portion 22b of the flange 22 and the flange 32, the portion 12a of the flange 12 and the portion 22a of the flange 22 and the partitions 24 and the partitions 34 are jointed together, respectively, whereby the manifold 1 is completed. As to the molten resin injected into the respective resin flow paths 40, 42, 44, 46, the same resin as that used for forming the molded bodies 10, 20, 30 may be used, or a different resin may be used.

[0179] In this embodiment, the aforesaid step S12 and step S13 correspond to the secondary molding process.

[0180] According to the production method according to the eleventh embodiment that has been described heretofore, as the molten resin is uniformly distributed to the entire area of each of the resin flow paths 40, 42 which pass through the interfaces between the respective flanges 12, 22, 32 at the locations where the flange 32 is held between the flanges 12, 22, the respective flanges 12, 22, 32 are welded together assuredly. At the same time as this occurs, as the molten resin is also uniformly distributed to the entire area of each of the resin flow paths 40, 42 at the locations where the flange 12 and the flange 22 are directly joined together and the locations where the partitions 24 and the partitions 34 are joined together, the welding at those joining locations is ensured. Consequently, the airtightness and joining strength are secured at all the joining interfaces between the molded bodies 10, 20, 30.

[0181] In addition, according to the production method of the eleventh embodiment, as the molten resin is injected substantially at the same time into the resin flow paths 40, 42 on the both sides of the thin flange 32, the heat conduction amount from the molten resin is increased and hence the thin flange 32 becomes easy to be fused again. Consequently, the molten resin so injected can mix with resin molted from the flange 32 sufficiently, whereby a high joining strength can be realized when the resins set which have mixed with each other at the respective interfaces between the flange 12 and the flange 22 and the flange 32.

[0182] Furthermore, according to the production method of the eleventh embodiment, since the welding of the three molded bodies 10, 20, 30 can be implemented at one time instead of being divided into a plurality of steps, the improvement in productivity and reduction in production costs can be attempted.

[0183] Moreover, according to the production method of the eleventh embodiment, the respective molded bodies 10, 20, 30 can be positioned at a high accuracy by the mold 50 for welding. Consequently, the molded body 30 can be disposed at the predetermined position with accuracy which would otherwise be easy to be diverged from the predetermined position due to being interposed between the flanges 12, 22 of the two molded bodies 10, 20.

[0184] (Modification)

[0185] A manifold is shown in FIGS. 32A, 32B which is a modification to the manifold according to the eleventh embodiment. Like reference numerals are given to substantially like constituent locations of the manifold described in the eleventh embodiment above.

[0186] In a method for producing a manifold 70 according to the modification, firstly, in step S11, as shown in FIGS. 33A, 33B, 34, a plurality of flow path holes 72 are formed in a flange 32 of a third molded body 30 through resin molding. The flow path holes 72 formed in this step penetrate the flange 32 in a thickness direction and are arranged at substantially regular intervals in a direction in which the flange 32 extends.

[0187] Next, in step S12, when respective molded bodies 10, 20, 30 are set in a cavity 51 in a mold 50, the respective flow path holes 72 are made to open towards a flow path groove 16 at an interface between a flange 12 of the first molded body 10 and the flange 32, and the respective flow path holes 72 are made to open towards a flow path groove 26 at an interface between a flange 22 of the second molded body 20 and the flange 32, as shown in FIG. 35A, whereby communicating flow paths 74 which communicate with resin flow paths 40, 42 on both sides of the flange 32 are formed by inner surfaces of the respective flow path holes 72.

[0188] Next, in step S13, as shown in FIG. 35A, when a molten resin is injected toward a resin flow path 44 from an injection nozzle 60, the molten resin injected into the resin flow paths 40, 42 then flows into the respective communicating flow paths 74 from both end openings of the respective flow path holes 72. As the amount of the flange 32 that is molten again by heat from the molten resin that has flowed into the plurality of communicating flow paths 74 is increased, the mixing between the molten resin so injected and the resin molten from the flange is promoted, whereby a further improvement in joining strength is attempted. In addition to this, the molten resin in the resin flow paths 40, 42 is allowed to link with the molten resin in the communicating flow paths 74 at a plurality of locations on the flange 32. Due to this, the flanges 12, 22 set in such a manner as to draw each other by virtue of a contraction resulting as the molten resin in the communicating flow paths 74 is cooled. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 32A, 32B, the flanges 12, 22 are linked with each other strongly by way of the resin 76 which has set in the communicating flow paths 74.

[0189] (Twelfth Embodiment)

[0190] A manifold according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 36 to 39. Like reference numerals are given to substantially like constituent locations of the manifold described in the eleventh embodiment.

[0191] In a manifold 100 according to the twelfth embodiment, a surge tank portion 2 is branched into a plurality of short-circuit passageways 102 by a plurality of partitions 101 at a downstream end of an intake passageway 4. The respective short-circuit passageways 102 connect to an intermediate portion of any of branch passageways 6 at an end thereof which is opposite to an end which faces the intake passageway 4 (that is, at a downstream end). The length of a path from an inlet port 3 to the intermediate portion of the branch passageway 6 by way of the short-circuit passageway 102 is shorter than the length of any of paths reaching to the branch passageway 6 without passing through the short-circuit passageway 102. A valve member 104 is individually disposed in each short-circuit passageway 102. Each valve member 104 has an integral cylindrical sleeve 105. The sleeve 105 is rotationally supported at both end portions thereof by an internal hole of a bearing 108 embedded in each partition 101. A common shaft 106 is fixedly fitted in the sleeve 105 of each valve member 104, and all the valve members 104 can rotate through the same angle in association with the rotation of the shaft 106. The shaft 106 can be rotated by a driving circuit, not shown, and each valve member 104 opens or closes each short-circuit passageway 102 according to the rotational angle of the shaft 106. As shown in FIG. 39, when each valve member 104 opens each short-circuit passageway 102, intake air that has flowed into the inlet port 3 is distributed to the plurality of short-circuit passageways 102 having a smaller flow path resistance and then flows into the respective branch passageways 6. The sleeve 105 and the shaft 106 correspond to the rotational shaft.

[0192] The manifold 100 is fabricated when a first molded body 110, a second molded body 120, a third molded body 130, a fourth molded body 140 and a plurality of fifth molded bodies 150 are joined together.

[0193] The first molded body 110 constitutes an outer wall portion of the surge tank portion 2 and part of an outer wall portion which forms downstream-side areas of the respective branch passageways 6 at a distributing portion 5. The first molded body 110 has a flange 111 which extends along an outer edge portion of the surge tank portion 2 in a U-shaped fashion and a thin flange 112 which extends along an outer edge portion of the distributing portion 5 in a loop-like fashion. End portions of the flange 111, in a direction in which it extends, link with two circumferential locations of the flange 112 in the vicinity of an intermediate portion of the respective branch passageways 6 to which the respective short-circuit passageways 102 connect. The second molded body 120 constitutes an outer wall portion which forms upstream-side areas of the respective branch passageways 6 at the distributing portion 5. The second molded body 120 has a flange 122 which extends along the outer edge portion in the loop-like fashion and a plurality of partitions 123 which partition the upstream-side areas of the respective branch passageways 6. The third molded portion 130 constitutes an inner wall portion which forms the upstream-side areas of the respective branch passageways 6 at the distributing portion 5 and which is common to the surge tank portion 2 and respective partitions 101 of the surge tank 2. The third molded body 130 has a flange 132 which extends along the outer circumferential edge portion in the loop-like fashion. The fourth molded body 140 constitutes the remaining portion of the outer wall portion which constitutes the downstream-side areas of the respective branch passageways 6 at the distributing portion 5 and has a flange 142 which extends along the outer edge portion in the loop-like fashion. The plurality of fifth molded bodies 150 constitute any of the bearings 108 in the surge tank portion 2.

[0194] The first molded body 110 and the second molded body 120 are jointed together at a portion 111a of the flange 11 which is near the upstream-side end portions of the respective branch passageways 6 and at a portion 122a of the flange 122 which forms the upstream-side end portion of the respective branch passageways 6. The second molded body 120 and the third molded body 130 are joined together at a portion 122b of the flange 22 which excludes the portion 122a and a portion 132a of the flange 132 which forms the upstream-side areas of the respective branch passageways 6. Furthermore, the second molded body 120 and the third molded body 130 are joined together at edge portions of ends of the respective partitions 123 and at a wall portion 131 which form upstream end portions of the respective branch passageways 6. The first molded body 110 and the third molded body 130 are joined together at a portion 111b of the flange 111 which excludes the portion 111a and a portion 112a of the flange 112 which forms intermediate portions of the respective branch passageways 6, and a portion 132b of the flange 132 which excludes the portion 132a. Furthermore, the first molded body 110 and the third molded body 130 are joined together at a wall portion 113 which forms the respective short-circuit passageways 102 inside the flange 111 and edge portions of end portions of the respective partition 101. The first molded body 110 and the fourth molded body 140 are joined together at the flange 112 and the flange 142.

[0195] As shown in FIGS. 36, 39, in the joining mode that has been described above, the flange 112 of the first molded body 110 is held between the flange 132 of the third molded body 130 and the flange 142 of the fourth molded body 140. In this embodiment, the third molded body 130 and the fourth molded body 140 can be considered to constitute the outer resin molded bodies and the first molded body 110 can be considered to constitute the intermediate molded body. In addition, in the aforesaid joining mode, the third molded body 130 is held between the flange 112 of the first molded body 110 and the flange 122 of the second molded body 120. In this embodiment, the first molded body 110 and the second molded body 120 can be considered to constitute the outer resin molded bodies and the third molded body can be considered to constitute the intermediate molded body.

[0196] The fifth molded bodies 150 are provided and are accommodated in recessed portions 133 which are made to open to end portions of the partitions 101 which correspond thereto. As shown in FIG. 39, the respective fifth molded bodies 150 are held at outer circumferential edge portions by the recessed portions 133 and the wall portion 113 of the first molded body 110. In this embodiment, the first molded body 110 and the third molded body 130 can be considered to constitute the outer resin molded bodies and the respective fifth molded bodies can be considered to constitute the intermediate resin molded body.

[0197] Next, a method for producing the manifold 100 will be described according to the flow chart shown in FIG. 29.

[0198] In step S11, as shown in FIG. 40, the respective molded bodies 110, 120, 130140, 150 which constitute the predetermined locations of the manifold 100 are formed through resin molding. As to the resin from which the respective molded bodies 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 are formed, all the molded bodies are formed from the same resin, similarly to the eleventh embodiment, or different resins may be used.

[0199] A flow path groove 116 is formed in the flanges 111, 112 of the first molded body 110 at a plane which constitutes the joining interface between the flanges 122, 132 in the manifold 100 through resin molding in step S11. Here, the flow path groove 116 is formed into a loop-like shape which extends along the flange 111 in a direction in which the flange 111 extends and which links both end portions thereof in the direction in which the flange 111 extends at the portion 112a of the flange 112. Flow path grooves 117, 147 are formed in the flanges 112, 142 of the first and fourth molded bodies 110, 140, respectively, at a plane which constitutes the joining interface between the other flanges 112, 142 in the manifold 100. Here, the flow path grooves 117, 147 are formed into a loop-like shape which extends in a direction in which the corresponding flanges 112, 142 extend. A flow path groove 126 is formed in the flange 122 of the second molded body 120 at a plane which constitutes the joining interface between the flanges 111, 132 in the manifold 100. Here, the flow path groove 126 is formed into a loop-like shape which extends in a direction in which the flange 122 extends.

[0200] In addition, a flow path groove 136 is formed in the flange 132 of the third molded body 130 at a plane which constitutes the joining interface between the flanges 111, 112, 122 in the manifold 100 through resin molding in step S11. Here, the flow path groove 136 is formed into a loop-like shape which extends in a direction in which the flange 132 extends. Flow path grooves 135, 125 are formed in the wall portion 131 of the third molded body 130 and in the partitions 123 of the second molded body 120, respectively, at planes which constitute the joining interfaces in the manifold 100. Here, the flow path grooves 135, 125 are formed in such a manner as to extend in an L-shaped fashion and to connect to the flow path grooves 136, 126 at one end portions thereof, respectively. Flow path grooves 137, 157 are formed in the partitions 101 of the third molded body 130 and the fifth molded bodies 150, respectively, at a plane which constitutes the joining interface with the wall portion 113. Here, one end portion of the flow path groove 137 is formed in such a manner as to connect to the flow path groove 136, and the flow path grooves 137, 157 in the partitions 101 and the fifth molded bodies 150 which correspond to each other are formed in such a manner as to connect to each other in a later step S12 (refer to FIG. 43). Furthermore, a flow path groove 138 is formed in the recessed portions 133 in the partitions 101 at a plane which constitutes the joining interface with the corresponding fifth molded bodies 150 in the manifold 100. Here, the flow path groove 138 is formed in such a manner as to extend along an inner surface of the recessed portion 133 in an U-shaped fashion and to connect to the flow path groove 137 at both end portions thereof.

[0201] In step S12, as shown in FIGS. 41A, 41B, the respective molded bodies 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 are positioned by a mold 170 as a fixture and a positioning shaft 180.

[0202] To be specific, the respective molded bodies 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 are disposed in a cavity 172 in the mold 170. As this occurs, for example, firstly, as shown in FIG. 42, the both end portions of the sleeve 105 of each valve member 104 are inserted into the internal holes of the fifth molded bodies 150, and the respective fifth molded bodies 150 are fitted in the corresponding recessed portions 133. Next, as shown in FIG. 43, the positioning shaft 180 is inserted from the outside of the third molded body 130 so as to be fitted in the sleeves 105 of all the valve members 104. Following this, as shown in FIGS. 41A, 41B, in the cavity 172, the flanges 111, 112 and the flange 132 are made to overlap each other, the wall portion 113 and the edge portions of the ends of each partition 101 are made to overlap each other, and each fifth molded body 150 is held by the wall portion 113 and the recessed portion 133 of each partition 101. In conjunction with this, the flanges 111, 132 and the flange 122 are made to overlap each other, the edge portions of the ends of each partition 123 and the wall portion 131 are made to overlap each other, and the flange 112 and the flange 142 are made to overlap each other.

[0203] The flow path groove 116 faces directly the flow path grooves 126, 136 at the interface between the flange 111 and the flanges 122, 132 and the interface between the flange 112 and the flange 132 as a result of the positioning in step S12, and a resin flow path 160 is formed by inner surfaces of the grooves 116, 126, 136. The flow path groove 126 faces directly the flow path groove 136 at the interface between the flange 122 and the flange 132, and a resin flow path 162 is formed by inner surfaces of the grooves 126, 136. The flow path groove 125 faces directly the flow path groove 135 at the interface between the edge portions of the ends of each partition 123 and the wall portion 131, a resin flow path 163 is formed by inner surfaces of the grooves 125, 135. The openings of the flow path grooves 137, 157 are closed by the wall portion 113 at the interface between the edge portions of the ends of each partition 101 and each fifth molded body 150 and the wall portion 113, and a resin flow path 164 is formed by inner surfaces of the grooves 137, 157. The opening of the flow path groove 138 is closed by the outer circumferential edge portion of the fifth molded body at the interface between each recessed portion 133 and the fifth molded body 150, and a resin flow path 166 is formed by inner surfaces of the flow path groove 138. Thus, the respective resin flow paths 160, 162, 164, 166 are made to communicate with one another. The flow path groove 117 faces directly the flow path groove 147 at the interface between the flange 112 and the flange 142, and a resin flow path 168 is formed by inner surfaces of the grooves 117, 147. This resin flow path 168 does not communicate with the resin flow paths 160, 162, 163, 164 and 166.

[0204] In this embodiment, the step S12 corresponds to the positioning process.

[0205] Next, in step S13, as shown in FIG. 41A, the respective molded bodies 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 are joined together by welding. To be specific, a molten resin is injected from injection nozzles 190, 192 of injectors substantially simultaneously towards the resin flow paths 160, 162, respectively, whereby the molten resin is injected uniformly over the entire areas of the respective resin flow paths 160162, 163, 164, 166. As this occurs, the molten resin flows substantially simultaneously into the resin flow path 164 and the resin flow path 166. In addition, the molten resin is injected from the injection nozzle 194 of the injector towards the resin flow path 168 at substantially the same time that the molten resin is injected towards the resin flow paths 160, 162, and the molten resin is injected uniformly over the entire area of the resin flow path 168. The flow path groove inner walls that form the respective resin flow paths 160, 162, 163, 164, 166, 168 are molten again by virtue of heat from the molten resin so as to mix with the molten resin, and thereafter, the mixture of the fused inner walls and the molten resin are cooled so as to set. As a result, the flange 111 and the flanges 122, 132, the flange 112 and the flange 132, the flange 122 and the flange 132, the respective partitions 123 and the wall portion 131, the respective partitions 101 and the respective fifth molded bodies 150 and the wall portion 113, the respective recessed portions 133 and the fifth molded bodies 150, and the flange 112 and the flange 142 are joined together, respectively, whereby the manifold 100 is completed. Note that as to the molten resin that is injected into the respective resin flow paths 160, 162, 163, 164, 166, 168, as in the case with the first embodiment, the respective resin flow paths 160, 162, 163, 164, 166, 168 may be formed from the same resin as that used for forming the molded bodies 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, or a different resin may be used.

[0206] In this embodiment, the aforesaid step S12 and step S13 correspond to the secondary molding process.

[0207] Thus, according to the production method of the twelfth embodiment, the molten resin can be supplied to the entire areas of the resin flow paths 160, 162, 163, 164, 166, 168. Due to this, the welding of the molded bodies is ensured at the interface at any joint location such as a location where the flange 112 is put between the flanges 132, 142, a location where the third molded body 130 is put between the flanges 112, 122, and a location where each fifth molded body 150 is put between the wall portion 113 and each recessed portion 133. Consequently, the airtightness and joining strength are secured at all the joining interfaces between the molded bodies 110, 120, 130, 140, 150.

[0208] In addition, according to the production method of the twelfth embodiment, the molten resin is injected substantially simultaneously into the resin flow paths 160, 168 which are situated on both side of the flange 112 whereby, as the thin flange 112 is subjected to heat from the molten resin to thereby be easily molten again, the resin so molten again and the molten resin so injected mix with each other sufficiently. Consequently, a high joining strength is realized when the mixture of the resins sets.

[0209] Furthermore, according to the production method of the twelfth embodiment, as the welding of the plurality of molded bodies 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 can be realized at one time without dividing the process into a plurality of steps, the improvement in productivity and reduction in production costs can be attempted. Note that, for example, the welding at the respective locations such as where the flange 112 is held between the flanges 232, 142, where the third molded body 130 is held between the flanges 112, 122 and where each fifth molded body 150 is held between the wall portion 113 and each fifth molded body 150 may be implemented separately in divided steps.

[0210] Moreover, according to the production method of the twelfth embodiment, the respective molded bodies 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 can be positioned highly accurately by the mold 170 and the positioning shaft 180 for welding those molded bodies together. In particular, the five fifth molded bodies 150 which constitutes the bearings 108 in the manifold 100 are positioned with accuracy by inserting the positioning shaft 180 via the sleeves 105 of the valve members 104 into the internal holes of the respective fifth molded bodies 150. Due to this, the degree at which the internal holes in the respective fifth molded bodies 150 and hence the internal holes in the respective bearings 108 are arranged coaxially can be secured with high accuracy. Note that, while two or more fifth molded bodies may be provided, as in the case with the embodiment, as, in the event that three or more fifth molded bodies are provided, it is extremely difficult to secure the degree of coaxial arrangement, the positioning using the positioning shaft 180 becomes effective.

[0211] Incidentally, while, in the embodiments that have been described heretofore, the invention has been described as being applied to the manifolds 1, 70, 100 as the intake member, the invention can be applied to various types of intake members such as an intake pipe for supplying intake air to the engine.

[0212] While the invention has been described by reference to the specific embodiments for purposes of illustration, it should be apparent that numerous modifications could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the basic concept and scope of the invention.

Number	Date	Country
2003-34526	Feb 2003	JP
2003-42564	Feb 2003	JP
2003-77439	Mar 2003	JP

Intake system and method for producing the same

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CPC

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Abstract

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Priority Claims (3)